Kevin (Probably) Saves the World

"Kevin (Probably) Saves the World" is an American high-concept, comedy-drama television series that aired on ABC for one season from 2017 to 2018. The show is an imaginative fusion of comedy, drama, mystery, and supernatural elements that focus on subject matters of faith, destiny, love, and the inherent desire for purpose and connection. This heartwarming and inspirational series provides viewers with a healthy dose of laughs, surprises, and emotional connectivity through its well-strung narrative broached with skillful storytelling, strong characterization, and superb performances.

The series revolves around the life of Kevin Finn (Jason Ritter), a self-serving man who's nursing his wounds from one mistake to the next, leading a life devoid of purpose and meaning. When he hits rock bottom, Kevin moves back to his hometown in Texas to stay with his widowed twin sister Amy Cabrera (JoAnna Garcia Swisher) and her teenage daughter, Reese (Chloe East). However, his return home is far from ordinary.

On a stormy night, a celestial meteor lands near Kevin, encoding him with a divine mission. He is visited by a celestial guide, Yvette (Kimberly Hebert Gregory), who informs him that he's one of the 36 righteous souls chosen to protect humanity, except all the others have disappeared, leaving him the last one. The world's fate now in the hands of one individual who is struggling with his own life might seem like a comedy premise, but the show handles it beautifully, mixing heartfelt moments with comedic relief. Now tasked with an improbable mission, the devil-may-care Kevin needs to find and anoint a new generation of righteous and, hopefully, save the world.

A unique aspect of Kevin's mission is that it cannot be fulfilled until he learns to embrace compassion and selflessness. His tasks involve "helping others" which starts in his own backyard; with his family. Given Kevin's initial narcissistic personality, this becomes a Herculean task, and the series brilliantly portrays his journey from a selfish person, unwillingly caught up in a divine intervention, to a man slowly filling with empathy and love for others.

The cast ensemble is truly the heart of the show. Jason Ritter expertly portrays Kevin: a man who's flawed yet lovable. He brilliantly conveys Kevin's gradual transformation, making the character relatable and roots-worthy. JoAnna Garcia Swisher as Amy provides the much-needed grounding to Ritter's often off-the-wall Kevin. The maternal relationship Amy shares with her daughter Reese will touch audiences' hearts while her loving yet tensed relationship with her brother makes for some endearing moments. Kimberly Hebert Gregory as Yvette, the divine warrior with a tough-love approach towards Kevin, adds an interesting dynamic to the storyline. Her character does not only represent divine influence but becomes essential in teaching Kevin about humanity.

The visual effects used in the series, particularly to portray celestial phenomena or divine interventions, are crafted subtly and effectively, enhancing the storytelling instead of overpowering it. Despite its less than ordinary theme, the show maintains a palpable sense of realism through its depiction of everyday life, emotional struggles, and complex relationships.

Throughout its run, "Kevin (Probably) Saves the World" remains consistent in its themes of optimism, hope, and transformation, prompting viewers to self-reflect, and perhaps even re-evaluate their own priorities and actions. In spite of dealing with the grand agenda of saving the world, the series focuses on small acts of kindness, understanding, sacrifice, and love, spotlighting the importance of every individual’s role in making the world a better place.

"Kevin (Probably) Saves the World" is far more than a mere comedy-drama. With its genre-hopping narrative, the show offers a fantastical take on human life and purpose. It is a testament to the power of kindness, working through a flawed character to inspire hope and goodness. Although the series was short-lived, it has undoubtedly left a strong, poignant impression on its viewers.