Forever- The Complete Series DVD Review
“Forever” never picks a lane.
2014’s “Forever” is a fantasy/crime/drama/medical drama that lasted for a single 22 episode season. The story revolved around a New York medical examiner named Dr. Henry Morgan. He isn’t an ordinary Doctor though as he’s actually an immortal man born in 1779. Technically, he can die, but he always returns alive and naked in a body of water. For obvious reasons, Henry keeps his immortality a secret. The only one who knows the truth is his adopted son Abe. When Henry isn’t trying to figure out his own immortality, he spends his days working with NYPD Detective Jo Martinez to solve murders or find killers. Other key plotlines in the series involve flashbacks to Henry’s past (which includes everything from Jack The Ripper to his first wife Nora), the disappearance of Henry’s second wife Abigail, another immortal (Adam), Abe’s family, and Jo grappling with her past.
Created by Matthew Miller, the short-lived “Forever” feels very much like a network series of its time. In addition to bearing a resemblance to “Highlander,” the series feels like a mixture of other series at the time like “Castle,” “Lost,” “Sherlock,” and “Bones.” It’s a very reactionary show, but more than that, it has an identity crisis. It wants to be 3 shows in one as a fantasy about an immortal, a medical procedural, and a police procedural. The procedural elements bury the most involving aspect of the show which is the immortality angle. The show is at its best when it’s flashing back to the past, exploring the mysteries, or dealing with the other immortal Adam.
“Forever” certainly feels like it would have benefited from being a streaming era mini-series instead of ultimately coming across as an all too safe network series that had hints of potential. Even in the 22 episodes, the show was starting to drag out the mysteries. Had the series go on, that problem likely would have grown leaving viewers frustrated.
The cast certainly elevates the series. The reason “Forever” developed a passionate fanbase is no doubt due to star Ioan Gruffudd of “Fantastic 4” fame. He’s always been an underrated actor who never quite got the attention he deserved. His talent as a charismatic actor shines through here in the lead role as Henry. The always reliable Judd Hirsch classes up the show and Joel David Moore is the perfect comedic relief as Lucas (Henry’s medical assistant). Alana de la Garza of “Law and Order” franchise fame is perfectly cast and it’s always nice to see Burn Gorman (Adam).
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.78:1. How does it look? The glossy TV series gets a quality standard definition transfer. It should be noted that a Blu-ray release is coming Oct. 27, 2026 if you would rather hold out for that.
Audio Track: Dolby Digital 5.1. How does it sound? The 5.1 track does the job.
Extras include deleted scenes from 13 episodes.
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