![]() Last year's surprise hit from FOX, The Exorcist, captivated audiences with it's stark storytelling, beautiful cinematography, and undeniably masterful cast (not to mention some neat fan-service for fans of the source material). It was my favorite new show of 2016, binge-worthy to the fullest, with some of the most well-developed and impeccably acted characters in recent memory. Starring Ben Daniels and Alfonso Herrera as Father Marcus and Father Tomas (respectively), the show followed the journey of two priests on a mission to rescue a terrorized family. It was hard not to fall in love with these two souls and crave more narrative. Fox created something so breathtaking (both in aesthetic and in creep factor) with it's modernized continuation of the cult and horror classic, and fans have been eagerly anticipating the premier of the second season with bated breath. Tonight we saw the premier pick up mere months after Father Marcus and Father Tomas' crusade against the forces of hell on earth beckoned them to leave Chicago. They go on the holiest of road trips, going cross country to wherever they are called to go - like Supernatural with more attractive accents. It hit the ground running, possessions in full swing and faith wavering, and introduces us to a new family in need of some help. John Cho joins the cast as Andrew Kim, alongside his wonderfully weird group of foster kids, who find themselves on the cusp of crisis. It plays the emotional game by switching from a frantic exorcism to calming family life effortlessly and proved to be a strong premier for one of, if not the best, horror show on television in the last few years. (As always, minimum spoilers ahead). The premier episode, titled Janus, re-introduces us to our favorite rebellious priests six months after leaving Chicago to pursue a lifestyle on the road as sort of freelance exorcists. They feel a need to be ready and willing to help where the church refuses to step in, knowing full well that the forces of evil are still on the rise. Somebody has to stop the demonic entities from roaming free, right? When we saw them last, they were walking side by side off into the foggy distance of Chicago with renewed spirits after the closing of the Rance family case. Now, we come across Marcus at his wit's end with Tomas beginning to break under the stress of being away from home and the lack of trust from his mentor, his mind becoming less shielded by the day. He's cracking, Marcus knows it. The two begin to bicker, with Marcus' worry (and frustration) for his young protege apparent and Tomas' faith and patience wearing thin. They have come across a woman named Cindy who is in dire need of help after the loss of her child causes her to become possessed - with the demon inside setting its sights on Tomas. Her husband, a good-guy cop, has put the town on alert to find and apprehend the two men last seen with his sick wife - in a corn field of all places. The possession is already so far along that rooms shake and Cindy has no control. Tensions are high and time is already running short within the first five minutes of the episode's beginning. Tomas is weakening, susceptible to the powers of the demon's force and it's visible in the eyes of Marcus that he is concerned, but unwavering. A season opening with such conflict, especially with characters of such stark faith, shows evidence that we are in for an emotionally charged story arc. In Washington, however, things are - for the moment - quiet and serene. It's here we are introduced to Andrew Kim (Cho), literally the most amazingly sweet human being ever put on television. He's a hard-working man, a real bro-dad type who is full of love and compassion and good nature - a too good for this world kind of guy - which means he's in for a rough patch. He's providing a home for a group of foster kids (who really need to chill a bit), packing lunches and providing emotional support. Subtle hints and imagery show us he's an exceptionally kind man, who has experienced a traumatic loss, and just wants to do some good in the world. His kiddos are from varying backgrounds, faiths, and home-lives but call each other family without hesitation, and though life is strained you can see there's love. The only bump in the road is social services has decided to pay a visit, which only gently rocks the boat, but seems to be a precursor for dark things to come. Poor Andy is trying his hardest to keep his family together and be supportive, but as with every story involving the supernatural, weird phenomenon begins to happen, ever so subtly. His kids are at risk, from what he can't yet say, and he's doing the best he can to keep them safe. The kids, unique, and struggling, find themselves stressed with the social services visit and odd occurrences happening - sleep-walking, nightmares, escapees, and suddenly super-dad Andy finds himself at a loss. ![]() Janus shows two different storylines, in the calm before the storm where the two groups will inevitably meet. We see Marcus trying to coach Tomas, who inevitably fails in his exorcism and shakes the trusting bond between the two. On the other hand we see Andy, his kids, and the intrusive social services worker who find themselves in odd happenings among their once quiet homestead. The premier showcases struggles of faith, identity, and tensions among the cast and I am personally looking forward to seeing this season play out and TVs favorite demon fighting duo come to the rescue of the Kim family. It's all about the details in this series, which is what makes it such a compelling show; painted children's hand-prints on the walls, a familiar centipede like bug, clouded over eyes, and Catholic imagery connected to negativity and fear. These small things take the slower pace of the episode and allows for the subliminal creep factor to set in early while still providing great character development and introductions. It's a headstrong premier that is relentless in the pursuit of the slow burn while still focusing on the things that made the first season was acclaimed. ![]() Written by Alycia D. (MaybeMockingbird ) All pictures are copyright Fox. The Exorcist, season two, is on Fox Friday nights at 9/8c.
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AuthorJust your average geek chic gamer chick into all things ghostly and geeky (and vice versa) Archives
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