Is ‘Jupiter’s Legacy’ worth Watching? A Complete Review

Jupiter’s Legacy made its long-awaited debut on Netflix last week, and it’s safe to say superhero fans didn’t lose time to check it out. 

Been in the works since 2018, the eight-episode show is based on Mark Millar’s comic book series of the same name and follows a family of superheroes as they try to coexist in the modern world.

But is the newly released show worth the watch or just another brick in the superhero genre wall? Let’s take a look.

Considering the timing of its release, faced with some remarkable competition as well, Jupiter’s Legacy could be cut some slack for not hitting the mark.

But, it’s not a complete waste as many aspects of it have received praise from critics who commended it for its casting and action sequences.

1. Quick Review

The trailer that released in April seemed to promise a full family drama fest as the younger generation of superheroes is shown in conflict with their parents and living up to their “ideals.” Shifting between the era long gone by and the present timeline, the series could have been an exploratory extravaganza. 

But its slow-paced narration and unbalanced shift in timelines fail to pack a dynamic cinematic punch. The fight sequences do provide something to look forward to but set against the backdrop of monotonous family drama; their appearances are far and few in between.

2. Is It worth Watching?

Marvel and DC remain at the top of the superhero game, and they probably will hold their positions for the foreseeable future, given the franchises have already established a major stronghold in contemporary cinema and television. 

Netflix first acquired Millarworld in 2017, and Jupiter’s Legacy is the first product to come out of the upcoming franchise. However, it’s not set to the best of starts. 

But if you’re a fan of the comics and are willing to invest in the franchise’s future (despite its rough beginning), Jupiter’s Legacy could be worth your time. At least to pan out the many wrongs that can be rectified in next seasons, which as of now remain unconfirmed. 

However, the good news is that there’s more to come from Millarworld, so there’s no reason to lose hope just yet.

3. Plot

Jupiter’s Legacy builds on the first generation of superheroes who received their powers in the 1930s and established The Union. Although after almost a century of serving as humanity’s protectors, their outdated ideals are met with resistance from the same people they deign to defend.

This leads to their superpower-imbued children entering the picture and taking their place. But with problems of their own, they struggle to live up to their parents’ ideals while battling their personal wars.

I. Cast and Characters

Featuring an ensemble cast, Jupiter’s Legacy brings together many of Hollywood’s famous faces along with some newcomers. 

Among them is Josh Duhamel, who plays Sheldon Sampson, patriarch of the Sampson family and leader of The Union. A Superman-like figure, Sheldon follows the same moral code as the former, with Duhamel doing an excellent portrayal of the divisive character.

Joining him are Leslie Bibb and Ben Daniels, who play Grace Sampson and Walter Sampson, respectively. They offer supporting roles to Duhamel’s Sheldon and are equally fantastic.

The younger cast’s performances are average enough to pull through and include Elena Kampouris, Gracie Dzienny, Tenika Davis, newbies Andrew Horton, and Ian Quinlan.

4. Final Thoughts & Grade

Jupiter’s Legacy is a tale of great characters, with each possessing unique powers of their own. But in its attempt to divert from generic superhero movie tropes, it ends up going back to them. 

Despite the ambitious story the series preaches to offer, its concept deliverance lacks character development and narration, leaving many questions unanswered. Lying beneath its attractive surface is a story with unexplored potential and poorly planned plot points that bring down the show.

Although the casting and costumes are well executed to emulate their comic origins, the clash between the pros and cons ends with the series falling somewhere along the average line.

But with several aspects of the story yet to be introduced, here’s hoping Season 2 does better than its predecessor.

5. About Jupiter’s Legacy

Jupiter’s Legacy is an American superhero television series created by Steven S. DeKnight. It is based on the comic books of the same name by Mark Millar and Frank Quitely.

The series features an ensemble cast including Josh Duhamel, Leslie Bibb, Ben Daniels, Elena Kampouris, Matt Lanter, Andrew Horton, and Mike Wade.

Jupiter’s Legacy follows the story of the world’s first superheroes who received their powers in the 1930s. After nearly a century of keeping humankind safe, the first generation of superheroes must look to their children to continue the legacy. But tensions rise as the young superheroes, hungry to prove their worth, struggle to live up to their parents’ legendary public reputations — and exacting personal standards.