A Case for Forever

I have a few new favorite shows this TV season but one of my favorites is Forever (Tuesday on ABC). Starring Ioan Gruffudd (Fantastic 4) as a man who, basically, lives forever. Like the Highlander (TV show/movies) this affords the stories to be told through current action and flashbacks as a man out of time who has to reconcile such a long and difficult existence. In present day New York City, Gruffudd plays Dr. Henry Morgan, an NYPD coroner who appears to have a keen sense of what kills everyone that lies on the morgue tables. Henry has been a medical doctor in previous “lifetimes” and uses his lifetime of knowledge to solve crimes with his, crime fighting, partner Detective Jo Martinez played by Alana De La Garza (Law & Order). The cast is completed with other steady working actors that bring their strong acting to the show like Judd Hirsch, Joel David Moore (Bones), Lorraine Toussaint (Orange is the New Black) and Donnie Keshawarz (Damages). The premise seems formulated at best but the ensemble of actors created and the clever flashbacks make Forever a worthwhile viewing pursuit.

Gruffudd carries the show and is well flanked by Hirsch who plays Henry’s adopted son, Abraham. They have an amazing chemistry that even though the age difference has the appearance of the opposite relationship, it is clear to see Abraham’s love and protection of the man that raised him. Abraham was found by Henry and his, then wife, at the liberation of a Nazi Concentration Camp. Henry and his wife raised Abraham as their own with no secrets being kept about Henry’s past. There are many flashbacks to many aspects of Henry’s life including the late 1800s, 1920s, WWII, 1950s, Vietnam, etc. as well as a poignant episode of Henry’s wife, in the 1970s, appearing to be old enough to be his mother. The flashbacks are cleverly done and not overdone or predictable. Sometimes the present day “who done it” is easy to figure out but that’s not why I watch the show. I enjoy Henry.

Gruffudd is one of those actors that should have a show of his own and this is the perfect vehicle. He is best known for his bursting through our TVs as Horatio Hornblower in the BBC mini-series of the same name and even though he has steadily worked he is not a big star. I think the problem is that he works too well in every part he takes on. Gruffudd owns any character he plays no matter how small. His small role in Titanic is as memorable as his portrayal as Mr. Fantastic in the Fantastic 4 franchise. One could say he is a chameleon but I would rather call it – acting. His portrayal of Lancelot in King Arthur is so seamless that I completely forgot he was in it. I suppose that doesn’t seem like a compliment but it is. His passion in the role hijacked the Clive Owen vehicle and is the best part of the movie. I believe a good actor makes you believe the part he or she is playing but a great actor makes you believe he isn’t acting at all. Gruffudd is that actor.

I don’t know if Forever has been renewed but there unanswered questions about Henry Morgan that need to be addressed. I need them to be addressed and need to see more of Gruffudd do what he does so well.