John Doe is the best television show I have ever seen. The main character is representative of many of the qualities that I value most in humans. He is reason incarnate, and can use his mind to resolve almost any situation. In addition, John is unwilling to let his life be determined by chance or other people. He proactively tries to determine who and what he is, and will not allow himself to be manipulated. Finally, John uses his abilities to help others, but doesn't sacrifice his life or goals in the process.
As for the plot, I admire the writers for having the nerve to kill off one of the main characters and making it completely impossible for her to ever come back. I like all of the supporting characters, and enjoy watching their relationships with John develop.
That's not to say that it doesn't have any faults. You'd think his talents would give him at least some benefit in the situations where he ends up in combat. However, he usually just sort of hangs around while someone else does all the action.
Also, sometimes the plots can get convoluted to the point of silliness. There was one episode where the main character took control of a hang glider to chase down a suspect. As smart as John is, I think he could have come up with more reliable and less silly method of pursuit. 
I didn't like the last episode either. The psychic crap they introduced was really bad. There's not much point to John Doe deducing his way through a complex problem if he can just psychically come to a solution. Hopefully, they'll move away from this if there is a second season. I don't mind if the villians can do it, but giving the main character this ability completely ruins the whole point of the show. The identity of the main villian suprised me a little, but I think it would have been better if it was Rachel. What ever happened to her anyway? |
