Fear on TV
Written
on 19/6/08
After what I thought was a ho-hum start to the series, I was a little reluctant to view the second episode, “Spooked”. For one, as much as I love the horror genre, I’m not too fond of ghost stories. I feel like there’s tedious and boring; moving picture frames aren’t scary. So when I saw the “next week” promo for “Spooked”, I was like, “Oh God, a ghost story?” It didn’t excite me.
Ah, but that’s why you give things chances. “Spooked” is where I hope the series continues to go. It was straightforward and moved along nicely, all the while displaying some cutting and blood, raising the gore level from last week’s cookie-cutter attempt.
I thought Eric Roberts was solid as the lead Harry. He displayed some world-weariness that helps add some dimension to his character. With TV, especially an anthology show, it’s really hard to create full-fledged characters, so that’s why I was impressed with Roberts here. The story seemed like a generic ghost tale, as Harry’s job allows him this eavesdropping equipment that accidentally picked up on some supernatural stuff.
This episode was directed by Brad Andersen, who “Session 9” and “Machinist” had a gloomy, atmospheric look which he applied here, creating some fine production, despite his short production schedule.
If the episode had a true weak element, it was the very anti-climatic ending. It just happened and then the credits rolled. Sometimes with these anthology shows, the writers spend so much time trying to create tension and the story, they rush the ending. Sometimes, they paint themselves into corner writing, and only an abrupt ending works. Sad because this was a good episode, although no undone by the ending, I was hoping for more of a bang.
Nonetheless, this episode has given me hope that the series will continue to blossom into a decent mainstream horror TV show. We will continue to watch and see.
Remember “Fear Itself” runs at 9/8 ET on NBC and NBC HD on Thursdays.
Ah, but that’s why you give things chances. “Spooked” is where I hope the series continues to go. It was straightforward and moved along nicely, all the while displaying some cutting and blood, raising the gore level from last week’s cookie-cutter attempt.
I thought Eric Roberts was solid as the lead Harry. He displayed some world-weariness that helps add some dimension to his character. With TV, especially an anthology show, it’s really hard to create full-fledged characters, so that’s why I was impressed with Roberts here. The story seemed like a generic ghost tale, as Harry’s job allows him this eavesdropping equipment that accidentally picked up on some supernatural stuff.
This episode was directed by Brad Andersen, who “Session 9” and “Machinist” had a gloomy, atmospheric look which he applied here, creating some fine production, despite his short production schedule.
If the episode had a true weak element, it was the very anti-climatic ending. It just happened and then the credits rolled. Sometimes with these anthology shows, the writers spend so much time trying to create tension and the story, they rush the ending. Sometimes, they paint themselves into corner writing, and only an abrupt ending works. Sad because this was a good episode, although no undone by the ending, I was hoping for more of a bang.
Nonetheless, this episode has given me hope that the series will continue to blossom into a decent mainstream horror TV show. We will continue to watch and see.
Remember “Fear Itself” runs at 9/8 ET on NBC and NBC HD on Thursdays.
