Review: ABC’s 'Forever' Makes a Splash

September 20, 2014

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Serena Hohenstein ’17 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer

Ioan Gruffudd in the series premiere of Forever. Photo Credit: Giovanni Rufino/ABC. — Ioan Gruffudd in the series premiere of *Forever*. Photo Credit: Giovanni Rufino/ABC.

ABC’s new crime drama, Forever is much more touching than viewers of the promos might think.
The suave Ioan Gruffudd portrays the un-dying Medical Examiner Henry Morgan who has been incapable of dying since he was first “killed” over 200 years ago. He also does not age. Although he cannot actually die, he feels every part of his death. At the point where he should die, Morgan reemerges naked in a body of water. During his many years of dying and coming back to life, Morgan has used it to his advantage to study how people die, what they feel, and what symptoms are of various injuries or poisonings. Although his curse has allowed him to be one of the most brilliant ME’s in the world, he’s suffered extreme loss, for every person he’s ever loved has died while he has continued to live.
Through the pilot the audience meets Morgan’s confident, Abe (Judd Hirsch), his assistant Lucas Wan played by the hilarious Joel David Moore, and an NYPD detective, Jo Martinez (Alana De La Garza). We also get a glimpse of the team the Detective works with – actors Lorraine Toussaint and Donnie Keshawarz.

Ioan Gruffudd and Joel David Moore in the series premiere of Forever. Photo Credit: Giovanni Rufino/ABC. — Ioan Gruffudd and Joel David Moore in the series premiere of *Forever*. Photo Credit: Giovanni Rufino/ABC.

Much of the pilot is geared toward giving the audience background information about Henry Morgan, which is interesting but not necessarily thrilling. It is interesting however to find out what has been the best and most influential part of his 200 plus year life.
The vibe Forever gives off for most of the pilot is somewhat dark and creepy (Morgan “dies” multiple times in the 45 minutes) – Not necessarily something viewers would be inclined to watch for episodes on end. But just when you’re ready to give up on it and say it’s simply not your cup of tea, Forever plays a heart wrenchingly beautiful card. I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say this: In the last few minutes the writers do a spectacular job with making it clear that this show isn’t going to be all about death. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Henry Morgan will learn to appreciate the specialness of life rather than focus on what all is bad with the world. And this is a truly wonderful theme to highlight on a show in today’s society.
You can see the first episode NOW online or watch it at 10/9c on Monday 9/22. And make sure to watch it’s second episode at it’s regular day and time, Tuesday 9/23 at 10/9c.