I thought this podcast was hysterical. The characters really are assholes. God I love them. It's nice to remember that some people just don't respond well to them. Even then.

I think your point of view is pretty valid. And the show absolutely the wrong for you both. The characters are morally grey, self-involved, and have alot of social disorders. If you like those things, it can be a breath of fresh air in a world where everything is so bland and politically correct. You expected to see a show about superheroes...and this really isn't that. All their powers are curses that reflect some aspect of their personality. Since that point isn't spelled out many people never pick it up. If you're a passive, inattentive viewer then the subtext that makes the series great is completely lost on you.

Even though Orc (Kelly) responds with violence, she is very insecure about what people think about her. So she gets telepathy. Now she gets to know what every thinks about her all the time. She also one of the sweetest and most empathic of characters. You can tell that through her actions and how she reacts to people

Captain Awkward (Simon) always feels alienated and ignored. So now when he feels ignored or he becomes invisible in truth. He isn't intangible. That was shown in 1x03 when he stole Sally's glasses. He just can't be seen or heard. That's how he feels all the time and he can't control it at the point in the series you've seen. Right now he tends to go invisible when people aren't looking. What I like about Simon is that though you can identify with him, he does have a very off putting personality. You completely understand why people are creeped out by him. Though he didn't try to burn someone alive. He is an arsonist with stalker tendencies, but he's not a cold blooded killer. Though he does give off that vibe...ALOT.

Tits (Alisha) is person that uses her looks and sexuality as her shield and weapon against the world. She deeply craves attention. It deeply tied into her self-worth. The storm locked her inside her armor and turned her sword against her. All their powers are curses in some way, but she gets one of the worst on the show. Though I think she is the perfect personality to not be corrupted by her power. Once she really notices the larger implications, she no longer uses it. It opens her up to creating deeper relationships with the men in her life. Getting Superrape actually helps her become a better person. That's a character arch that most shows wouldn't have the balls to do.

The Black Guy (Curtis) is upset that he was made an example of for an offense that most people would have gotten a slap on a wrist for. So now any time he feels intense regret he can rewind time. Curtis is one of the most noble member of the group. He is bitter and self-involved, but also very loyal and heroic. He's the straight man of the group, that helps highlight the other's more offensive personalities.

Hehe..Shaya LaBoof (Nathan) IS a The most self entitled weaselly little asshole. I do think he has a mental disorder, something so wrong with that boy. He's a social psychopath with limited empathy for others. He lives in the moment, says anything to anyone and to anyone because he really can't get embarrassed by anything that anyone says to him. And he thinks everyone is like that. I think his mom is a saint for putting up with him for as long as she did. Immortality suits his personality on so many levels. He doesn't back down or stop. So of course if someone kills him, he'll just come back for more.

Misfits is a character driven show about a bunch of personalities that would never hang out with each other under normal situations. The flaws of it's characters, and the growth of their friendships, is what makes it interesting and endearing to many people. They're not painted in a way where they are universally likable. The antagonists are just as screwed up and sympathetic as the protagonists. For that reason someone has loved and hated every person in this series. Nothing is painted black and white. When you access each character's dialogue, actions, and reactions: you get three dimensional characters that have more personality in one episode that most shows give their characters in ten.
Alot of people just aren't built to pay that much attention to characters. Especially with most television always spelling out every little detail to make sure their audience can keep up. Misfits doesn't do that...at all. The more you retain and think about, the better it becomes. There is no filler, because something is always building on something, or expanding on your understanding of the characters and their growth.

Other notes:

The storm is just the McGuffin. The event that gives people their powers. It's no more strange than a radioactive/genetically altered spider, gamma radiation, comic rays, or a solar powered alien.

Tony''s, the first probation worker's, power was connected to his anger issues. The storm pushed that trait to homicide.

Ruth's , the young/old lady's, photo album wasn't her with her fiancee. It was her with various men until she ended up old and alone. Her character was all about loneliness and misspent youth. She helped Nathan stop getting in the way of his mom's happiness and was the first example that the storm wasn't confined to hitting people around the community center.

Jody's, the bald girl's, power was connected to how she felt about herself when she went bald. So anytime she feels angry, she makes other people go bald and feel like her. It' a great crap power.

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I think Misfits succeed far more than it fails. It's a dark comedy adventure with very twisted characters and some of the most subtle character work I've ever seen in a series. What they do with their characters, especially Simon, defies expectations and assumptions. They end up sending Captain Awkward on one of the most complex and thought provoking superhero journeys I've ever seen. Since you'll probably never watch the show again here are two spoiler filled tributes to the bad and good inherent in the paradox that is his life with his first and only friends. I hope you'll check them out and do me the same courtesy I showed you by listening to both your thoughts. I listened to your hate, and could identify with some of it. I hope I can show you some of my love, so you can do the same:

Simon - Running up that Hill

Misfits - Let's Start a Riot