Despite the eye-grabbing, music video inspired opening montage, Episode 2 of the new series of Misfits does venture into rather meaningful character-based storytelling.

The character here being Curtis (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett), whose new “super power” is the ability to change sex. Wanting to get back into running, using his female alter ego is the only way to do so (he’s still banned for being caught with drugs, if you recall – and even if you don’t there’s a reminder or two).

This, of course, leads to other problems – notably unwanted male attention, which becomes the focus for the story. Melissa, the “girl Curtis”, gains the gaze of almost every man she meets, with most wanting to take it further. But, as Curtis has eyes for fellow female runner Emma (newcomer/model Hannah Britland), he’s not interested.

Also, he’s not gay. Though, as a woman, he is. It makes for an interesting dynamic, especially during a revealing conversation with his former squeeze Alisha about their sexploits. Nathan discovers that he is not the lover he thinks he is.

Kehinde Fadipe, who plays Melissa, does a tremendous job in portraying the faux female, and does so strongly. Stewart-Jarrett also shows he has still much to offer, opening his character up for discussion in much the same way that “his” episode in the first series did.

As you would expect, the rest of the crew take a back seat though there are some hilarious moments between Simon (Iwan Rheon) and Curtis (particularly their beautifully realised psychiatrist session) whist Alisha (Antonia Thomas) and Kelly (Lauren Socha) go on the trail of the man in charge of all the powers, Seth, furthering a new sub plot in the process.

Amidst the laughs there is some pretty unpleasnt imagery, including a couple of nasty rapey moments, and some damn erotic scenes (featuring Melissa and Emma) not to mention a couple of oral sex gags lifted from both Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Misfits is certainly back on form after a rather pedestrian and uninspiring opener. Life has been breathed back into the characters and their dimensions are explored once more with style and thought.

Airs at 10pm on Sunday 6th November 2011 on E4.

> Buy the Series 1-2 boxset on Amazon.

> Order the Series 3 DVD on Amazon.

What do you think of Series 3 so far? Let us know below…