The battle between good and evil recommences with Fox's serialized sequel to William Peter Blatty's "The Exorcist".
In my estimation, Season 1 was one of the most underrated shows to premiere last year. It's a product that "Exorcist" fans should have flocked to in droves, and anyone who bypassed it for lesser fare should be equally ashamed.
"Exorcist: The Series" introduced us to Alfonso Herrera's Father Tomas and Ben Daniel's Father Marcus, in a contemplative, Chicago-based case that connected to old favorite, Regan MacNeil. (If you haven't watched Season 1, I'll skip the details, since it offered quite a surprise. I'll say this much, though: It revolved around the secret identity of Geena Davis' clan.) John "Star Trek" Cho now joins the cast as Andy Kim, a child psychologist, who's bound to have his hands as full as the priests'.
Of all the sequels/prequels to "Exorcist", Fox's television series has proven the most faithful to the novel and '73 film. The initial season was a strong essay on the power of good over evil, but when evil did rear its ugly head, it sure delivered the cautionary chills. Indeed, Season 1 was quite a powerful and apt reintroduction to Blatty's concepts.
Season 2 is already off to a swell start, with Tomas and Marcus (the latter currently collarless) on the road, chasing a new form of devilry. (I think it's safe to say their crusade will remain virtuously focused, unlike that of those irreverent "Preacher" nomads.) I'm just glad that Fox's executives decided to give this incarnation a second shot. The odds didn't seem to favor it, but it just goes to show that sometimes quality can overcome ratings. (In truth, Season 1 didn't do that poorly in viewership, but still deserved a far larger audience.)
Episodes of Season 2 can be viewed each Friday at 9 pm. Be sure to check the series out, starting with Season 1. You'll be both frightened and blessed that you did.
Things heated up further in the second episode. Felt sorry for the poor, little demonic (I guess it was demonic)lamb. Still wondering how Tomas and Marcus' journey will connect to the kids in the house, but it appears we're heading closer to that.
ReplyDeleteI must say, I got a real hankering to listen to Patsy Cline as a result of these lead-in episodes! Sure didn't see that comin'...
Also, glad Kurt Egyiwan is back, covering his own sector. What pre-publicity I read didn't reference him. Well, his presence is a welcome (re)addition, in any event.
The final episodes of Season 2 were fascinating. I like the "Lisa and the Devil"/"House of Exorcism" dream-enclosure element. It couldn't have been coincidental. There's a definite, Bava fan vibe going on there.
ReplyDeleteWonder if we'll get a Season 3. This is too good a show to end now. I keep recommending the series to people. I can only hope they'll listen and watch...maybe express their fondness for the concept to Fox. Whatever it takes, I say...
I also liked that little "Exorcist III" nod at the end of "Unworthy": not too blatant, but just enough to catch a fan's fancy.
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