The easiest way to think of “Alphas” (Syfy, 10 tonight) is like a poor-man’s “X-Men” mixed with a dash of  ABC’s cancelled “No Ordinary Family.”  Sadly, “Alphas” doesn’t have the engaging start “No Ordinary Family” did; you’ll probably lose interest with this first episode.

The “Alphas” opens with Cameron Hicks (Warren Christie), a good-looking guy who works in a supermarket. We learn later that he’s a former army sniper and phenom baseball pitcher. He suddenly starts getting messages to shoot someone, and when he does, it’s pretty clear he’s under the influence of someone or something.

Next we meet Dr. Lee Rosen (David Strathairn), a neurologist and psychiatrist and the  Dr. Xavier; apparently we’re supposed to think he’s eccentric because of his affinity for herbal remedies and skimpy swim trunks.