Before I discuss my views of the premiere episode of Fox Television’s new media darling The Following – I should say a few words. Primarily, I should just go ahead and tell you right now that I’m wary of the Fox marketing machine. The more that they promote a series/event/media-spectacular – the more and more sure I feel that it’s going to suck (see: Terra Nova), or that it’s mightily not going to suck and Fox will abandon it due to its niche-style audience (see: Firefly, Fringe, etc. etc. etc). So either way – why get invested?
Purefoy tries his hand at Lecter-ese
Which leads right into my thoroughly underwhelmed view of the premiere of this Serial Killer TV Serial. Yes, Kevin Bacon is terrific and well-cast as the gaunt, haunted former-FBI-profiler Ryan Hardy. But c’mon, that’s easy – Bacon is always terrific. And yes, there was a nicely creepy-cold vibe to the hour – despite all of the series set-up exposition that went on. And yes again, the conceit of a serial killer with acolytes out in the world carrying on his Edgar Allen Poe-referencing deaths is ingenious. Are they acting on secret requests from him in prison, or are they all acting alone to honor him? Maybe both/either? Lots of questions – and for a LOST-fanatic like me, that’s a good thing. Oh, and young horror-stalwart Shawn Ashmore is here, too – which made me happy, he’s got a knack for elevating whatever he happens to be in.
You guessed it… there’s a but coming.
BUT. All the Kevin Baconing in the world isn’t going to make up for the fact that James Purefoy – at least in this first hour – was simply copying Hannibal Lecter, right down to his instantly-recognizable cadence. Seriously… as a viewer, I kept waiting for the Fava Beans line, it had to be coming any minute. I’m a fan of Purefoy’s work on Rome (particularly/especially), but I sure as hell hope he plans on taking the character of Literature Professor turned Serial Killer Joe Carroll in a different direction. Lecter doesn’t belong here, and copy-catting a famous character for instant genre-cred is about as cheap as cheap can get.
Bacon and genre-face Shawn Ashmore
And then there was the much-hyped GORE. Or should I say – the complete & total lack thereof? Other than a few quick shots of grue and one character’s unfortunately removed eyeballs… there was scant little gore to speak of in the premiere. At least, none that any self-respecting gore-hound would consider fresh or interesting.
Will I keep watching? Sure – I’ll give Kevin Bacon and Williamson (Scream) the benefit of the doubt and tune in at least a few more times, hoping for some nuggets of genius to keep me interested. Maybe it will grow into something special and spectacular – but until then, my trepidation about investing in any new Fox series continues.
I am not sure about this series, like you will watch a few more episodes. Kevin Bacon is good in the role. I apparently missed all the hyped-gore and there was enough gore for me, but not a gore fanatic.
I, too, initially thought the pilot a bit too ‘Hanibalistic’ then speculated how fortunate the world was back in the ’60s that Charlie Manson had no access to internet and social media or who knows how large his ‘following’ would have been…a bit scary.
This excerpt from Manson’s bio mentions how Charlie found his ‘following’….’On March 21, 1967, Manson was once again released from prison. This time he headed to San Francisco where, with a guitar and drugs, he began to get a following.”
So….if James Purefoy adds a dose of modern day technology and internet to Manson’s ‘sex, drugs and rock and roll’….maybe, just maybe this series will prove to be intense and chilling enough to worthy of the investment.
Recorded the 2nd episode Monday and will watch tonight after re-watching the pilot.
That’s an interesting thought. I hadn’t considered the fan/groupie angle a’la Manson.
I’ll detail my thoughts on the second episode next week (along with the 3rd), however I’ll go ahead and say that I liked it more than the pilot. Only a fleeting moment of “Hannibalism” from Purefoy to be found, along with some decidedly creepy stuff going on with those Followers.
More soon! And thanks for the terrific observation.
I have been watching too, interested to see your thoughts.
I need to write a follow-up, thanks for reminding me!