In 2008 HBO’s, “True Blood” broke down horror barriers and helped to usher in a tidal wave of horror television series. “Bates Motel,” “Hannibal,” and “Ash vs Evil Dead,” are just a few of the many horror-based television shows the horror nation was treated to over the last decade. “True Blood,” did not only smash the ratings board but also became part of pop culture, thus sending television executives scrambling to re-do any and all horror projects fit for the small screen. Two years ago, Time Warner in conjunction with DC Comics launched their steaming application with the hope of capturing a fanatical built in fan base and cash in on Marvel type numbers. With powerhouse producers, James Wan (Saw, The Conjuring) and Len Wiseman (Underworld) on board, “Swamp Thing” was primed to help the streaming service surge. Let us have a look at what turned out to be a terrific series and an awful postproduction launch.
Doctor Abby Arcane (Crystal Reed) from the CDC returns to her hometown of Marais, Louisiana to investigate a swamp-borne virus that has the local medical officials baffled. Dr. Arcane battles a race against time and her dark past as she surveys the swamp looking for a cure. Quickly befriending scientist Alec Holland (Andy Bean,) the two uncover the natural and supernatural causes of the deadly disease and the sinister plan behind it that is causing the swamp and nature to fight back. As the two emerge on the brink of revealing the secret, Alec dies under mysterious circumstances and his fallen body is encompassed by the swamp and its supernatural forces. Emerging now as Swamp Thing (Derek Mears,) the creature, Dr. Arcane, and her circle of friends and colleagues spend the rest of the series, searching for the truth of the darkness that is seeping from the swamp, dodging both government and local evil syndicates, and unraveling the mysteries of Marais.
Swamp Thing is an action packed and thoughtfully produced television treasure. If you have been a fan of the creature since the comics or films, you will find this a fantastic rendition full of old characters with a new twist. If this your first swim with the moss-covered monster, there is no need to have a history lesson to enjoy, as the show is a fresh take on the old tale. The beauty of the show is the intricate plot lines that develop throughout the series. Not only does the viewer get treated to a terrific main plot, but, several other storylines are blended to perfection like a proper southern mint julep. Several of the characters dark histories, the horrific ambition of the town’s millionaire and his mad scientist, a seedy sheriff’s department, and the birth of another comic legend, are just a few of the side plots that make this show not only enjoyable but a true work of art. A talented cast featuring, Virginia Madsen (Candyman,) Andy Bean (IT Chapter 2,) Kevin Durand (Legion,) and Ian Ziering (Sharknado,) bring clout to this production, but veteran actor Will Patton (Halloween 2018) steals the show. Patton portrays wealthy businessman Avery Sunderland, who is trying to drain the swamp of all it’s mystical resources for unlimited wealth and power. Patton switches from lovable town patriarch to vile villain with talented ease. Producer Len Wiseman steps in to direct the first two episodes and sets the visual tone with stunning imagery. The darkness that surrounds the story is brought to life with stunning green and dark blue hues thru all of the episodes. The real star of this series is the setting of Marais. Each episode introduces fresh and real characters engulfed in a gorgeous southern setting. From the murky swamp waters to the rich historic buildings that encompass the town, the sense of impending horror lurks around each set piece. Well written, acted, and directed, Swamp Thing will have old fans of the murky monster feeling more than satisfied and new fans pleading for more.
One thing has held back this triumphant return to the swamp. A horror tale of postproduction. To start, the show was presented to the DC Universe streaming application only. A big mistake. Anyone with an ounce of relative perception could have known this series was too good for the dying streaming service. Rumors of squabbling between the showrunners and Time Warner were exacerbated as the original content of 13 episodes was trimmed to 10. The cast and crew were stunned when the series was cancelled after the airing of just one episode. Most recently the show’s first seasons was picked up by the CW and will air this summer. With the DC fans having watched the show and the horror nation already picking up the uncensored DVD and Blu-ray formats, pulling in the kind of ratings to keep this sinking swamp ship afloat will be a tall task. If there is one major critique, it is that the show could have been a lot deeper and darker with more adult content. Since Time Warner owns HBO, the sensible move would be to put this horror drama on an uncensored network which would allow the production to fully shine in the swamp. Scream Score 8.8/10
