There’s nothing I love more than a new pilot. A fresh premise, a world of possibilities, it’s an exciting prospect and a joy to review. Thankfully I don’t have to wait until the fall season for a new batch of shows as we’ve arrived to the time of year when the networks trot out their midseason replacements with the hope that something sticks. Last year the most noteworthy midseason debut was Scandal, a show that has quite capably cemented itself as one of my favorites on the air. This year we got Deception (which was nothing special), followed by Kevin Williamson’s newest offering: The Following.
Williamson is a creative powerhouse. His baby, The Vampire Diaries, had an atrocious pilot, but soon morphed into a thrilling production packed with a dozen more twists than your average TV show. Suffice to say, The Following arrived with skyrocketing expectations, and after watching the pilot, I’m undeniably intrigued but not too sure what to make of it.
The premise is appropriately twisted: a literature professor-turned-serial killer escapes from prison, as the agent who originally caught him is brought back into the fold to hunt him down. I wasn’t too horrified by the pilot’s gore (I do watch The Walking Dead after all), but I’ll admit that the premiere had an immensely creepy vibe that suited it well. Top that off with an Edgar Allan Poe fascination and a couple of jump scares, and the show crafts a very eerie atmosphere in 40 minutes. In true Williamson fashion, my jaw dropped towards the end when Maggie Grace’s fate was revealed. I was sure Grace would be one of the show’s regulars so I was definitely taken aback by this brutal development.
My main issue with the show is that I can’t really see how it’ll work long-term. If Williamson intends to have Bacon’s Hardy simply chase a different cult lackey of Carrol’s every episode, then I’m out. I detest serial killer procedurals, and there’s no way I’d stick with the show if that’s the case. However, if Williamson intends to focus on long term story arcs as the cat and mouse game between Hardy and Carrol intensifies, then this might be a very cool ambitious little show.
As for the cast, Bacon is serviceable (in a cliche role) but it’s Purefoy who’s exceptional. He really makes you believe in the power of his charisma and the possibility that he could have established such a devout following. I was also impressed by Natalie Zea as Carroll’s ex-wife Claire. She’s a gorgeous likeable actress whom I’ve never seen before, and who obviously has layered and complicated relationships with both men. Bacon’s female partner however (her name eludes me) is extremely annoying so let’s hope she’s written out of the show sooner rather than later. If she suffers a horrifying fate, it wouldn’t be the worst thing.
Conclusion
I have to give the show another episode or two just to see what direction they’ll take, but as a pilot, this was a sufficiently unsettling and well-executed thriller. Not bad at all.
Nad Rating
B
“If Williamson intends to have Bacon's Hardy simply chase a different cult lackey of Carrol's every episode, then I'm out.”
Me too, Nadim.
I am also puzzled of one thing –
Hardy goes after a serial killer without any weapon?????
Duh! :O
And no back-up!
Another duh!
That's way too stupid!
I truly hope this show gets better in the next.. okey, two eps.
Otherwise, i'm out.
The actor playing FBI Agent Jennifer Mason, the one you don't like is Jeananne Goossen.
Hahaha.
You've never seen Natalie Zea before? Don't tell me you don't watch Justified?!?!?!?! *shock*
I was also sufficiently impressed and intrigued by this pilot to continue watching the show… but am also wary they might go the “disciple of the week” route, in which case it sounds like a bloodier version of Alcatraz and wasted potential.
And yeah, James Purefoy is a stellar actor! Have you seen him in Rome? ;o)
Yes that FBI agent was SO annoying! What a walking cliche!
Nope never seen Justified. It's great isn't it? I must give it a shot.
And yes Purefoy I remember was excellent in Rome. I saw the first season of that show and then somehow forgot about it 😛
You definitely must! And you should watch the second season of Rome, Purefoy is even better in it!
I was also sure Maggie Grace would be a regular. It was a nice mislead. Poor thing seems typecast as a red shirt at this point.
I’m late to this party but, as a New Yorker, that’s fashionable. Anyway, I watched the first season over the weekend and was happy with it. The tension was appropriate and the direction was nicely paced. James Purefoy was superbly creepy. Kevin Bacon was, to use your perfect adjective, serviceable. The writing, with its interwoven Poe references, maintains a sophisticated level of credibility. However, I must agree with the many comments made here: for an FBI agent, Ryan Hardy is kinda stoopid. (Can you say, “Call for back-up”? I knew you could!) In fact, most of the good guys make supremely dumb mistakes.
Valerie Curry deserves a big hand, as Emma. Behind that baby face lurked a real menace.
But I’m nitpicking. I came away satisfied. This weekend I will tackle Season Two. If it is as mediocre as many of the reviews say it is, I will watch “The Following” nevermore. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)