From S01E01 – S01E03 are the first three episodes of an American science fiction-horror television series created and written by John Griffin and executive produced by the Russo brothers. The premise – a seemingly normal middle American town is actually a nightmarish trap which keeps unwilling residents captive. But worse than that, at night murderous monsters roam the town and are only kept at bay if residents stay indoors and are protected by strange artefacts. Staying alive and searching for a way out occupy the minds of these unfortunate victims.
Like Lost before it, From S01E01 – S01E03, introduces the JJ Abrams mystery box – that is: you drop people into the middle of a mystery-in-progress that leaves them wanting to know answers in both directions. Now, hopefully unlike Lost, the folks behind From do not simply create mysteries for which they themselves have no solutions for. Certainly anyone watching these first three episodes will be intriguing by the premise and will have lots of questions regarding the inescapable town as well as the monsters.
Appropriately, the lead character Sheriff Boyd Stevens is played by a Lost alumni viz. Harold Perrineau (Michael Dawson). However, the story is really told through the perspective of the Matthews family, who depict what it means to be caught in this strange town. The audience shares their confusion, disorientation and fear. And cynicism is also shared with Jade – an entitled individual who believes that the entire scenario is simply an elaborate game.
Obviously, From S01E01 – S01E03 do not give much away and that is to be expected. However, with seven episodes left, there should be enough time to reveal at least a bit more without boring the tears off the audience. From’s ability to last more than a season will depend very much on that. Recommended, for the moment.
READ OUR ANALYSIS OF MIDNIGHT MASS.
Now streaming on EPIX.
… still there’s more …