Don Mancini's Chucky: the (Television) Series has made its debut on SYFY and USA. The show recalls the Tom Holland/John Lafia lineage, thanks to its aforementioned creator and includes Chucky's original, Kevin Yagher design. I suppose this means a sequel to the retooled, Aubrey Plaza Child's Play of a couple years back ain't gonna happen, even though anything starring the smokin' Ms. Plaza deserves extension, but ah well.
With that acknowledged, the genuine Good Guy is a welcome presence, in what should be perceived as an official sequel to the charmingly odious Cult of Chucky. That Brad Dourif's Charles Lee Ray inhabits the mini fiend, and that old buddy, Andy Barclay (Alex Vincent) revisits the sadistic strand, suits me just fine.
Alas, Chucky's initial episode isn't all that chilling, but then such things don't have to be for me to dig 'em. I fancy horror stories for their heightened atmosphere and uncanny angles, not to jump out of my seat (though on those rare occasions when such happens, I don't complain; it's neat to be jolted, if only in a fictional context).
Chucky is comical at times, but mostly serious: an approach in sync with the 1988 classic. To ensure the proper feel, the new Andy flaunts his predecessor's unassuming, empathetic vibe and even tosses in a warranted, Harry Potter jab while he's at it. He's the diligent but misread Jake Webber (Zackary Arthur), whose father (Devon Sawa) is a tough but practical boozer, who doesn't constantly deride his son's need for "retro" collecting, (though does go to town in one unfortunate, bat-bashing incident), rightfully suggesting that it wouldn't hurt the boy to make friends or ask a girl out on a date. I dig dad's philosophy. (Sawa also portrays Jake's uncle, and the splicing of the opposite-end brothers is seamless.)
On the whole, the supporting-character drive is believable. For example, Teo Briones (as Jake's wise-ass, athletic cousin), Alyvia Allen Lind, Bejorgvin Arnarson and Carina Battrick give a solid, embellishing edge to the interludes, but again, it's Chucky we've come to see, and if he's not cussing and slashing every which way but loose, hey, what's the bloody point? (Oh, Jennifer Tilly's Tiffany Valentine is set to guest star; that the cutie-pie might get into some sexy splattering would be a treat, if indeed the serial-killing shenanigans should allow it.)
At this stage, the eight-part venture is performing as a Christine imprint, insinuating an aloof kid who'll gain vengeance through a coveted collectible. Time will tell whether our dear, demonic doll can carry the weekly load and deliver a death rate to its required, revengeful level. I sure as hell hope so. Chucky is far too cool a little bastard to go out in a one-season, play-it-safe fizzle.
Series seems to be moving along just fine. The Halloween episode was quite absorbing.
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