We would suspect that the main talking point after the return of one of the finest UK dramas in recent years is not the episode itself, but the absence of Nathan and his subsequent replacement, Rudy.

Played by Joseph Gilgun (This Is England), this “young” offender is the latest addition to Misfits after actor Robert Sheehan’s departure in an online story which saw Nathan banged up in Vegas (not really the end befitting of such a hugely influential character).

Writer Howard Overman has gone for the safe option of replicating the Irish one’s main characteristics: sex-obsessed, arrogant and annoying as fuck. Sadly, his anal sex-loving mantra is worryingly thin and bafflingly puerile. The roguish charm of Sheehan is definitely apparent here.

His super-power – the ability to spout another version of himself, not unlike a Gremlin (or Mogwai, for pedants) – has promise, though the themes of memory, jealousy and insecurity are lost beneath his arse-centric demeanour.

Of course, it’s not all about Rudy. The gang all have new powers too. And the word “underwhelmed” doesn’t quite cover it. Only Kelly’s “I’m a fucking rocket scientist” raises any interest and hopefully hints at a future storyline involving rockets (not, really). We hope that the rubbishness of being able to see through someone else’s eyes, or change sex, is addressed and somehow made useful in future episodes.

The gang is also different now; they seem to have moved on. Their life of “freedom” has subdued their collective nature and personality (perhaps overshadowed by Rudy’s gregarious nature). When we witness them back in their orange jumpsuits at the end, a slight sigh of relief is breathed – they’re back where they belong.

Enemy of the week comes in the form of Tanya (played by Katie Moore) who, like Rudy, has trouble coming to terms with her emotions and is able to stop time briefly; enabling her to enact some awful revenge (usually some kind of stabbing). Her power was much more impressive than anyone else’s and it’s a great shame that she was killed off; she could’ve become an intriguing foe.

We have absolutely no doubt that Overman can produce the goods and, even after this pedestrian (by normal televisual standards) and disappointing opener, that he has a vision in mind with a grander story to tell, with “cool mysterious power guy” Seth and his back-story coming to the fore.

Aired at 10pm on Sunday 30th October 2011 on E4.

> Buy the Series 1-2 boxset on Amazon.

> Order the Series 3 DVD on Amazon.

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