What would you want for a Martian Manhunter tv series?

[Spider-Kurt!]

While I'm sure he'll eventually show up on the big screen, who and what would you like to see on a weekly MM series?

 

[DrCosmic]

Hmmm... I wouldn't choose MM myself, but if I had to:

1) A PoC as the lead
2) A noir tone
3) More MIB-styled alien procedural cases
4) Some man that he's hunting as his overarching personal arc
5) Some creative shapeshifting uses/plots/stunts
6) Use of his rarely discussed powers, like 9 senses and such
7) Starfire as a supporting kid sidekick type

 

[Spider-Kurt!]

DrCosmic, I agree with everything you suggested and slightly off subject, I agree that a Cyborg show has potential.

Back to subject, I could see either his brother (who's name escapes me) or a White Martian being used for suggestion number 4. Given the alien theme I'd say Ms Martian is more likely than Starfire but I could see her or even both still at number 7.

 

[hopeless]

A brief flashback on his origin eventually explaining his detective identity on Earth perhaps revealing the person he resembles was killed during a governmental mission to capture or kill him and the cop got in the way because he was trying to do the right thing and Jonn tries to repay the debt he feels he owes to his deceased predecessor.

Have that cop have an estranged family as in he was single but he does have a brother who he lost contact with and he comes into contact and tries to help out since he's still learning about living as a human and they realise there's something wrong but have no idea whats really going on.

That governmental agency is a recurring enemy like say Argus or Deo except its very hostile to aliens and Jonn finds himself thwarting their efforts as well as defending humanity from true threats all the while a certain Ms Waller is closing in on the surprising newcomer who seems to be more than he appears...

Maybe have him relating to the people living in the same apartment block as him except make it more urban and not overly wealthy so he could easily be living down the street from those watching.

Throw in some flashbacks from his past when he tries to relate to his new experiences when he's home and alone or perhaps trying to understand his new case.

Then there's explaining why he works alone... any ideas?

 

[Spider-Kurt!]

Good stuff hopeless. While most DC characters that appear on this show I would imagine would be of alien nature, I could see other characters that might not fit the best on Arrow or the Flash showing up. I could see Vic Savage/the Question as a reoccurring character trying to uncover whatever secret John Jones is hiding.

 

[KRYPTON INC.]

First off a show that would start in the 1950's with MM stuck on Earth, observing and experiencing American culture as it was at the time. Maybe a short episode run, like at best 10 episodes but with great production values. We'd see "John Jones" as his primary ID (white, hard boiled Detective), working as a cop and then a P.I. At some point he uncovers a White Martian conspiracy and thus the over arching plot of the series is laid out. The actor that plays "alien" J'onn is the real star though, as the John Jones part should be a totally different actor. He's a perfect shapeshifter. Why moon the audience with him turning into a human form that resembles him as an alien. This could lead to great guest stars as he transforms perfectly to look like anyone and different actors could cameo as J'onn in disguise. I would say J'onn should be more bemused and non-judgmental of human behavior, though he has strong opinions on things like murder, racism and sexism being a creature to which surface appearance is unimportant and what is in someone's soul being all that matters. At the end of the first season "John Jones" must be sacrificed for the greater good. The next season would be a flash forward to the 1960's.

Each season would use that format more or less. J'onn in his primary disguise would be played by different actors all while trying to unravel the White Martian conspiracy until we reached the present more or less. The many actors playing the part of J'onn transformed could lend an anthology feel to the series, allowing for all kinds of stores to be told while still keeping the sci fi superhero stuff as the driving force. It also allows for variety of actors to be showcased, male/female/black/white/asian ect. Though J'onn's actor who plays him in alien mode would be the heart of things as he would be the thread that links things all the way back to episode one.

 

[Spider-Kurt!]

That sounds awesome Krypton! Smart and unique approach. I could see Vandal Savage worked in there somehow too. Maybe crossing paths various times over the decades.

 

[Boy Scout]

First off a show that would start in the 1950's with MM stuck on Earth, observing and experiencing American culture as it was at the time. Maybe a short episode run, like at best 10 episodes but with great production values. We'd see "John Jones" as his primary ID (white, hard boiled Detective), working as a cop and then a P.I. At some point he uncovers a White Martian conspiracy and thus the over arching plot of the series is laid out. The actor that plays "alien" J'onn is the real star though, as the John Jones part should be a totally different actor. He's a perfect shapeshifter. Why moon the audience with him turning into a human form that resembles him as an alien. This could lead to great guest stars as he transforms perfectly to look like anyone and different actors could cameo as J'onn in disguise. I would say J'onn should be more bemused and non-judgmental of human behavior, though he has strong opinions on things like murder, racism and sexism being a creature to which surface appearance is unimportant and what is in someone's soul being all that matters. At the end of the first season "John Jones" must be sacrificed for the greater good. The next season would be a flash forward to the 1960's.

Each season would use that format more or less. J'onn in his primary disguise would be played by different actors all while trying to unravel the White Martian conspiracy until we reached the present more or less. The many actors playing the part of J'onn transformed could lend an anthology feel to the series, allowing for all kinds of stores to be told while still keeping the sci fi superhero stuff as the driving force. It also allows for variety of actors to be showcased, male/female/black/white/asian ect. Though J'onn's actor who plays him in alien mode would be the heart of things as he would be the thread that links things all the way back to episode one.