Limitless Episode 1 Review: Genius Has Its Limits (Series Premiere)

I saw the movie "Limitless" back in 2011. Bradley Cooper stars as Eddie Morra-- a guy who discovers the drug NZT-48 and gets a supercharged brain. The TV series has Brian Finch as it's lead character. Eddie (still played by Bradley) is somehow involved though.

Brian (Jake McDorman) is a lovable slacker. His family supports him but he's never quite lived up to his potential. That is until he starts taking NZT. The drug allows him to remember everything he's ever seen or heard in his life. He then discovers the cause of his father's illness and does all sorts of other mental gymnastics. Brian needs more of the drug or he has serious withdrawal symptoms. Enter Senator Eddie Morra. Eddie gives him another drug to counteract the effects of NZT. What exactly does he want in exchange?

The government gets wind of NZT (and the deaths caused by it). Eli (Brian's friend) is among those killed. FBI agent Rebecca Harris (yes that's Jennifer Carpenter from "Dexter" playing another cop-type-person) is on the case. This story also ties in with her deceased. He took NZT as well. How convenient.

Brian eventually agrees to work with the FBI. He'll use his mental powers to solve crimes each week. So it looks like we've gone from a mystery to a police procedural.

Grade: 3 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). The pilot was OK but, to be honest, there's not much to keep me coming back. I also have an issue with the basic premise of the story. Even if I could recall everything I've ever seen or heard, how would that help me? Unless I was a Jeopardy and made lots of money. The powers that I'm interested in are the ability to predict the future, read other people's minds and telepathically project. Come back and see me when Brian can do that stuff.

CBS just renewed the show for a full 22 episodes so they have faith in "Limitless". Given my busy schedule though, I'm going to pass on this one.