Review: Misfits 2.7 (Christmas Special)

"Jesus" uses a bought power to walk on water.

"I'm Jesus Christ, and I've been reborn."
"Nice he came back for Christmas..." 

After a few duds, Misfits returns to form with an episode that shakes up the formula considerably while also standing on its own merits, here specifically making an excellent parody of the Church. Unlike previous episodes with a satirical spin, the japery ran with the actual plot and (unlike the attack on video games in 2.4) actually relevant.
     Indeed, this week's tight plot tied together many different strands to great effect, most of them dependant upon the other. It helped that the main plot managed to touch all of the group at once, as well as adding specifics for each character. A main issue with Wednesday's episode was this sheer lack of plot.

Potestas est Pecunia

     We join the group three months later - their community service over, leaving them having to work basic jobs just to get by. A super with the power to carry other powers appears and starts exchanging them for money, a sort of "dealer". The whole gang (minus Simon) all go and sell their abilities, while Simon is persuaded by Alisha. Meanwhile, a disgruntled priest makes a pact with the dealer - give him powers to make people revere him, and pay him back with the money extracted from his followers. One follower, a converted mugger, tries to rob the gang at the Pub (where Alisha and Curtis work) and kills Nikki. They try to get their powers back but don't have the money.

"I'm going to kill Jesus"

     We must presume that the plot developments in 2.6 happened despite the time reverse, as Simon is trying to become Superhoodie and is in a relationship with Alisha. When "Jesus" uses her own power against her, Simon finds out and makes possibly the best quote Misfits has ever given us. (See Image). Other relationship developments include Nathan and Marnie, a pregnant girl who he falls in love with. He becomes attatched to her and the baby and it becomes a really heartwarming moment at the end where the baby is born and they all sing "Little Donkey". Jesus was killed in spectacular fashion (by his own petard) and the gang were able to use the money he collected by buy back some powers (although we don't know what powers they got back.)
     I'm glad that Misfits had an extra episode this year, a sort of redemption after the dud of 2.6. It was, excuse the term, a real present to have a fun formula mixup with strong writing and a brilliant turn back to the Arc that made 2.3-6 so interesting. The barefaced parody of the Church (e.g. "Jesus" forgiving the mugger of his sins with a few rushed words) really sharpens the series' comedy to a euphoric extent. Wonderful.

Thanks.