Watch M.A.N.T.I.S.

M.A.N.T.I.S. is a science fiction television series that aired on NBC from 1994 to 1995. The series follows the story of Dr. Miles Hawkins, portrayed by Carl Lumbly, a brilliant scientist who becomes a superhero after an accident in his lab leaves him paralyzed. With the help of his former lab assistant, John Stonebrake, played by Roger Rees, and a young computer genius, Taylor Savage, portrayed by Chris Gartin, Dr. Hawkins creates a high-tech exoskeleton and becomes the M.A.N.T.I.S. - the Metahuman Apparatus for Neuro-Transmitter Interception and Sensory System.

The show is set in a near-future version of Port Columbia, a fictional city in California, and focuses on how Dr. Hawkins uses his powers to fight crime and injustice in his community. The character of Dr. Hawkins is an African-American, which is unusual for a lead character in a science fiction show at that time. M.A.N.T.I.S. was groundbreaking in featuring an African-American superhero in a prime-time TV series, and it paved the way for other shows with diverse casts and characters.

The show deals with various social issues, such as poverty, racism, and environmentalism, and each episode sees Dr. Hawkins taking on a new villain while also trying to make a difference in the world. Some of the villains he faces include corrupt businessmen, drug dealers, and even a rogue artificial intelligence. M.A.N.T.I.S. also explores the personal struggles of Dr. Hawkins, who must balance his superhero persona with his scientific work and his personal life.

Another unique aspect of M.A.N.T.I.S. is its use of technology. The series features advanced gadgets and futuristic designs, such as the M.A.N.T.I.S. exoskeleton, which allows Dr. Hawkins to walk and gives him superhuman strength and agility. The show also introduces other high-tech gadgets, such as flying cars, robotic surveillance devices, and holographic displays. The show presents a hopeful vision of the future, where technology is used for the betterment of humanity.

The acting in M.A.N.T.I.S. is solid, with Carl Lumbly giving a nuanced performance as the intelligent and driven Dr. Miles Hawkins. Roger Rees provides excellent support as the loyal and dependable John Stonebrake, while Chris Gartin brings a youthful energy to the role of Taylor Savage. The chemistry between the three leads is one of the show's strengths, with each character bringing their unique perspective and skills to the table.

The show received positive reviews for its groundbreaking representation and its use of technology in storytelling. However, M.A.N.T.I.S. struggled with low ratings and was canceled after one season, leaving several storylines unfinished. Despite its short run, the show has earned a cult following and has been praised for its representation and its progressive themes.

Overall, M.A.N.T.I.S. is a science fiction show that combines action, drama, and social commentary in a unique and thought-provoking way. The show's diverse cast and its use of technology make it stand out, and its groundbreaking representation has had a lasting impact on television. Despite its short run, M.A.N.T.I.S. is a show that is worth watching for its compelling characters, its interesting storylines, and its hopeful vision of the future.

M.A.N.T.I.S. is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between January 24, 1994 and on NBC