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PILOT REVIEW: The Following

THE FOLLOWING












Starring: Kevin Bacon, Jeananne Goossen, Natalie Zea, Shawn Ashmore, Valorie Curry, Nico Tortorella, Adan Canto, Kyle Catlett, Maggie Grace, and James Purefoy

Created by Kevin Williamson
Written by Kevin Williamson, Directed by Marcos Siega

The Following is a new dark and psychological thriller from Kevin Williamson, writer of many horror films including Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer. The show is also notable for being the first TV vehicle for popular film star Kevin Bacon. In the show, Bacon plays former FBI agent Ryan Hardy who is brought back when the serial killer he captured, Dr. Joseph Carroll (James Purefoy), escapes from prison and resumes his killing spree with the help of his many cult followers. Rounding out the cast is other FBI agents and people from Carroll's past including his ex-wife (and Ryan's ex-lover as well) Claire (Natalie Zea).

THE GOOD: This might be my favorite pilot of the season. The dark and chilling feel permeates throughout the whole episode and this show really succeeds where so many other horror shows (such as The River) failed. If every episode is like the pilot, it will be a harrowing experience to watch every Monday night because there were more jumpy moments than I've experienced in a long time. Kevin Bacon is a real coup for this show and his presence, plus the whole Silence of the Lambs feel to the show, makes it feel like a movie. James Purefoy may not be Hannibal Lecter but he's pretty fascinating as the professor turned killer. There are many flashbacks used in the pilot but unlike Deception, they serve a real purpose in creating the mythology and back story.

THE BAD: Honestly, I don't really have anything to say here. At first, I was worried that they were going to have too narrow a storyline and run into trouble down the road. However, the ending of the pilot showed me that they know exactly where they are going and there are tons of stories to tell. Plus, Kevin Bacon has only committed to 15 episodes a season which should help keep the show fresh. So basically I have no complaints.

BOTTOM LINE: The Following really pushes the limits for broadcast TV but that's a good thing in an era where network TV seems timid and bland compared to cable for most people. This show is certainly not for everyone but I hope subsequent episodes live up to the spookiness and heart stopping moments of the pilot. I'm really excited to see where this show goes and I'll be sad if it disappoints!
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