The Following – Pilot

Kevin Bacon finally returns to tv in a leading series roll, making “Guiding Light” fans everywhere happy. From all the commercials and previews, it was hard to guess exactly what this show The Following is about. We definitely got a feel that it was about an escaped serial killer that is a real psychopath, but beyond that is what a lot of shrugs.

We are quickly introduced to Joe Carroll’s “skills” as he eviscerates prison guards and escapes. But what happens afterwards is the real crazy part. Joe has a whole group of fans who have become obsessed with him, who would do anything for him, and waste no time once the maestro starts issuing orders. It’s a modern day Manson Family, how charming. Starting with a mousey looking woman who undresses herself at police HQ and reveals that she is covered with Edgar Allen Poe texts, and then proceeds to stab an ice pick through her eye. My cats were not pleased when I yelled out “Oh come ON” at that little stunt. Why stop there when you can throw in some dog mutilations!? Viewer discretion? No shit, Fox.

Much like a meaty chianti, you need to let this episode breathe a little bit. I detect notes of “Seven”, with a finish of “The Silence of the Lambs”. It’s only going to get weirder and more disturbing from here as the cult becomes a primary character, I fear.

Of course there is the one that got away, the one victim who survived. And the serial killer’s ex-wife, who had an affair with Bacon. No weird baggage there! We’ve got a plucky IT guy, a no nonsense lady cop and more FBI guys who will find their niches soon.

I gotta say, at least this show isn’t predictable and I don’t say that often. Or maybe I just don’t watch enough horror. As a resident of Baltimore, I appreciate that Poe is an integral part of this series and will add to the overall creepiness. In the preview for next week there was a figure wearing a Poe mask, so I’m gonna go have nightmares about that now. Yay?

Shortlink:

Posted by Raygun Robyn on January 21, 2013. Filed under Headline, Popcorn. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry