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Kyle XY

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

In a patch of woodland on the edge of suburbia, a young man appears naked and covered in goo, with no memory of existing before that moment. Though his body is that of a fully formed 16-year-old boy, he has the innocence of a newborn. However, this is not just a case of simple amnesia: it soon becomes apparent that our protagonist, Kyle (Matt Dalles), is a savant the likes of which has never been seen.

From the first episode, Kyle XY feels a little familiar. The human-like outsider is a common figure in science-fiction, while the cast of good-looking teens is reminiscent of Smallville. But while this drama's storylines have been done before, they haven't been overdone, and audiences should give the genre another crack.

The series leans heavily on wonder at Kyle's fabulous feats. Just as we once loved seeing Superman leap tall buildings in a single bound, it's fun to watch Kyle astound those around him with his complex language skills and amusing mimicry. How long the show can lean on viewers' desire to be amazed is another question, but there are hints of a dark conspiracy which will perhaps encourage them to return.

Kyle XY airs on FOX8 on Thursday, August 28, at 7:30pm.

Shelley Tustin, August 2008

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