Stream It or Skip It: ‘Supacell’ on Netflix – A Fresh Take on Superpowered Black Londoners

Has there ever been a show about a group of people with superpowers where the group is all Black? Probably not; shows like “Black Lightning” and movies like “Black Panther” focused more on individual superheroes rather than a team. Enter “Supacell,” a groundbreaking series created by British hip-hop star Rapman. This show brings together an all-Black superhero team in a compelling and dramatic narrative.

Supacell Season 1: Stream It or Skip It?

Opening Shot: A woman in a hospital gown runs frantically down a dimly lit corridor, chased by guards. Her eyes turn yellow, and she blasts a door off its hinges with a burst of energy. Despite her efforts, she is shot dead by the guards, her body dragged past other prisoners as a grim warning.

“Supacell” follows the lives of five Black South Londoners who unexpectedly develop superpowers. The series kicks off with Michael Lasaki (Tosin Cole), a delivery driver with big dreams. He and his girlfriend Dionne (Adelayo Adedayo) have saved diligently to buy a condo, and Michael plans to propose a new blue BMW as a surprise. His plans, however, are disrupted when he discovers he can teleport and time travel.

The other characters include

Andre (Eric Kofi-Abrefa): A single father with super strength, struggling to get his life together while dealing with a criminal past.

Tayo aka Tazer (Josh Tedeku): A gang member who can turn invisible, living with his grandmother and haunted by his past.

Sabrina (Nadine Mills): A nurse with telekinesis, dealing with personal betrayal and protecting her sister from dangerous men.

Rodney (Calvin Demba): A small-time drug dealer with super speed, caught off guard by his new ability.

Each character’s journey intersects with Michael’s, creating a web of interconnected stories.

What Shows Will It Remind You Of?

“Supacell” feels like a more dramatic version of “The Boys,” or an all-Black version of “Heroes,” with its focus on ordinary people grappling with extraordinary powers.

Created and written by Rapman (Andrew Onwubolu), “Supacell” starts by slowly building the backstories of its main characters. This deliberate pacing allows viewers to understand the individual struggles and societal challenges each character faces, particularly within the Black community in South London.

Michael’s story takes center stage, weaving through the lives of the other heroes. His encounters with Sabrina’s sister, Rodney, and Tazer set the stage for future alliances. Each of the first five episodes focuses on a different character, exploring how they come to terms with their powers and the impact on their lives.

The show also introduces a shadowy organization led by Ray (Eddie Marsan), aiming to capture these superpowered individuals. This adds an existential threat that looms over the characters, intensifying the stakes as they navigate their new realities.

Stream It or Skip It?

Stream It. “Supacell Season 1” offers a refreshing and engaging take on the superhero genre, blending action, drama, and social commentary. Rapman’s unique vision and the strong performances from the cast make it a must-watch. As the characters discover their powers and confront the threats against them, viewers are in for a thrilling and heartfelt journey.