THE POWER COUPLE Proves Fighting For Your Marriage Is the Real Super Power
By Movieguide® Contributor
Marriage is simultaneously and potentially: the closest we will come to another human being; the most rewarding relationship we will ever have with another person; and the most work-intensive relationship we will ever have – even if you are a superhero!
THE POWER COUPLE: SEASON 1, streaming on Pure Flix, provides us all these perspectives and more as we witness a realistic yet comedic look at the marriage of Vince and Gaby Powers, two trainees with superpowers, close to earning final certification as an official superhero couple. Vince and Gaby are played by real-life couple Carlos and Alexa PenaVega.
The series starts with the third of our facets of marriage, the work-intensive aspect, as the opening scene of Episode 1 takes place in a marriage counselor’s office; Vince and Gaby are looking for help. In fact, they have been compelled to seek help through an ultimatum; the Commissioner of the good guys’ superhero organization has declared that they either get counseling and begin solving their differences, or they fail basic training. The ensuing six miniseries episodes of about 10 minutes each give us entertaining laughs and valuable relationship tips.
Opposites attract, and Vince and Gaby are yet another example: Vince’s superpower is throwing layers of ice out his hands; Gaby, on her hands, throws flames of fire. Other contrasts of their personalities and opinions tend to create disagreements, and so a second stage to their relationship develops, namely opposites attack. Vince and Gaby’s verbal arguments are thoroughly convincing as they escalate, and they make the viewer both wince and smile: wincing at recognizing our own such verbal duels in the past; smiling at how foolishly funny it can really look from the outside looking in, and how well the lines are written to express frustrations, yet never cross any inappropriate lines. That the actors are actually married in real life may effectively stoke the vivid realism of THE POWER COUPLE.
Opposites attack. And if they are going to make a go of it, opposites contract, or covenant; they have to come to some points of agreement on how to proceed constructively. That is where Esther the therapist comes in as she asks them to agree (contract) to participate in certain activities that will hopefully improve the Powers’ communication and relational skills.
The predominant worldview of THE POWER COUPLE: SEASON 1 is solidly Christian, shown particularly through Esther, not only by explicitly specifying in Episode 1 that she is a Christian counselor, but through her use of Christian resources in her work with Vince and Gaby. At the close of the couple’s first session, her homework is to have them put into practice advice of the Apostle Paul found in the Bible at Philippians 2:4. In a future session, Esther will teach them about the classic work by author Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages. Not only is her office adorned with Christian sayings and symbols, but she will mention the Lord at times, like, in the last session, when the Powers tell her that they have decided to fight for their marriage, upon which Esther joyfully exclaims, “Praise Jesus!”
As recognized in a Christian worldview, there are forces of evil at work, and THE POWER COUPLE: SEASON 1 has a shape-shifting character known as “White Collar” lurking in every episode, initially taking on the appearance of other people, and looking to break up super couple marriages by subtly turning the husbands and wives against each other. White Collar even goes after Esther, no doubt with the aim of making her efforts to help couples ineffective.
Consistent with the rest of the Christian values of THE POWER COUPLE: SEASON 1, the scripts contain no foul language, no nudity, and no drug or alcohol use. Though there is no sexual content depicted or implied, there is an innocent scene in Episode 6 of Vince and Gaby in bed, under the covers, attempting to decide on what movie to stream on their tablet. The only item that might be considered violent is Gaby’s flame throwing superpower, causing small conflagrations when she misfires … pun intended!
Additionally, in Episode 2, tender stomachs might find a bout of Gaby’s morning sickness in the bushes a little too contagious, though nothing gross is visible. Yes, Gaby is pregnant during the series, and the actress who played her did not have to fake it, as she was in her last months before her due date during filming.
With a mission to break-up super couple marriages, White Collar uses simple and subtle techniques. Couples do fight verbally, and one couple in the final episode even talks divorce. Viewers of any age may find such authentically played disagreements hard to watch, especially if they have experienced such in their home life; nothing gets out of hand, though.
Production values, such as camera work, lighting, use of color, etc., are all well done, whether indoors or out. The only complaint to be made might be some script or editing inconsistencies: for example, the instant and unexplained disappearance of damage resulting from Gaby’s flame-throwing power in early episodes, as if it never happened; or a seemingly errant scene in a later episode that never is resolved or mentioned again in which Esther’s cat cannot be found.
THE POWER COUPLE: SEASON 1 is a welcome combination of a serious topic handled with good natured fun and quality advice. Add the length of each episode together and it lands right at one hour, so binge for 60 minutes at one sitting for a smile on your face and some thoughtful marriage info. Then go back and watch each episode on its own to catch more detail, laugh some more, and meditate on the individual messaging.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
