One thing can definitely be said of this series: it is easy on the eyes. The pilot episode, directed by former X-Files and Roswell executive producer David Nutter, is visually stunning. In one sequence we see Max standing atop Seattle's famous Space Needle, as a dystopic future panorama expands below and around her. Taking its visual cues from The Matrix (but then what science fiction series doesn't, these days?) Dark Angel features slick action sequences and stylish heroes with impossibly fast moves. Alba herself is sexy and nimble, but unfortunately she can't get by on looks alone.

The main problem is that Alba doesn't breath any life into the character of Max. She's too cool, too perfect. Her range of delivery extends from flat to monotone. It doesn't help that she's given dialogue that's supposed to sound like hip future-speak (try counting the number of times she uses the word whack) but that just comes off awkward. Some of Max's lines are wince-inducing, such as this little gem: "I would have come sooner, but I didn't."

In an ironic programming twist, Dark Angel is scheduled to air opposite the WB's Angel. At first glance, the two shows have a lot in common. Both eponymous characters are loners with a dark secret, who use their superhuman abilities to fight evil. But that is where the similarities end. While Angel never takes itself or its characters too seriously, Dark Angel is weighted down with earnestness. It needs to find a lighter tone in future episodes to avoid becoming a casualty of its own self-importance.