Black Scorpion

This week's smartest sci-fi pick is Black Scorpion. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. 32 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Joan Severance anchors it with a performance that grounds the bigger ideas in something human. Put it on tonight and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Black Scorpion earns its spot. What makes Black Scorpion work is that the ideas never crowd out the people having them. Darcy is a cop who is also a supehero named Black Scorpion at night who kicks and beats evildoers to a pulp. She soon catches wind of an asthmatic mad scientist who plans on tainting the city's air supply with a toxin. Only Darcy in her superhero garb can stop him with the assistance of a petty thief named Argyle. Joan Severance and Bruce Abbott lead a cast that never lets the concept overwhelm the characters. It hit screens in 1995. The rules of Black Scorpion's world are consistent enough that the big swings never feel like cheating. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

For late-night viewing or a proper weekend binge, Black Scorpion fits the bill. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Joan Severance anchors it with a performance that makes the more abstract moments feel personal. If you have been burned by ambitious sci-fi before, this is the exception.

Black Scorpion was released in 1995, directed by Jonathan Winfrey. The full 92-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.