Wayward Pines

There's a rooted sense of dread when one is faced with unknown elements, the series plays with this isolation fright as Ethan Burke (Matt Dillon) is stripped bare from money and communication to outside world. Ethan wakes up after a car accident and finds himself in a foreign small town where the citizens are persistently unaccommodating. While the scenery might look normal, the town has the vibe of lurking secret in every corner. This is definitely no tourist attraction.

Matt Dillon is a good leading actor, displaying confusion and occasional rage as he is lost in the bizarre city. Having no money, phone or decent help, his reactions are spot-on. At times he displays doubt of the reality as more questions pile up. Terrence Howard as Sheriff Pope looks decently antagonistic. Nothing more creepy when one is lost than unhelpful authority. Another notable performance is Mellisa Leo as Nurse Pam who is far from nurturing, goes beyond unhelpful and straight into perverse torturing nature.

Wayward Pines looks quaint most of the time, yet the cinematography presents a lingering uneasiness. Its rural view mixed with edges of forest has some resemblances to Silent Hill. It has a particular dark contrast befitting of detective thriller which strangely enough feels welcoming to the audience. Pacing is pretty quick as it switches back and forth between Ethan's ordeal and his friends' investigation of his whereabouts.

Mysteries are aplenty as it the show spreads them throughout the first episode. The show cleverly scatters hints for Ethan and the audiences to follow. They are presented with restraint and enough ambiguity to be unnerving yet not to the point of overbearing. These are enticing hooks for later episodes.

Wayward Pines opens its door with cold unsettling ambiance and cool noir visual. The mystery thriller certainly offers a presentable invitation for a longer stay.

It's a shame that it's over after just two seasons

A year ago, I watched the first season and, since it was a well-rounded story that does not require a continuation, and since the second season has picked up predominantly bad criticism, I gave up on further watching. A few days ago, I changed my mind and watched the series all the way through. Do not make the mistake I made and believe bad reviews, because the second season is excellent, and in some aspects maybe better than the first one. I guess bad reviews are the result of a big difference between seasons, but the fact that the second season deviated from the patterns of the first does not make it worse, just different. While the first season is a mindfak mystery and is based on confusing plot and mystical atmosphere, the second season is a post-apocalyptic SF drama. While the first season puzzles you and makes you guess, the second gives answers but, because of the strong interpersonal relationships, life dramas and several unexpected surprises and plot twists, it isn't any less exciting than the first. I believe it could have been better, but it's great anyway and it's a real shame they gave up on it after just two seasons. Don't let the fact it's canceled dissuade you from watching it, because both seasons are rounded wholes, that leave room for a continuation, but don't require it. There are no unresolved cliffhangers.

P.S. I did not mention anything about the story itself, because even the briefest summary would be an unforgivable spoiler.

8/10

This a weird show from the outset but, even after reading the books, is never predictable.

Nurse Pam is the first resident Ethan meets upon waking in Wayward Pines hospital, after a car crash. Suffice to say she doesn't have a great bedside manner. We then meet a few other residents before Ethan meets the Sheriff. All of these people communicate different facts about Pines.

Suspend belief, don't ask too many questions and take it in and you will enjoy the ride.

My only disappointment it that it deviated greatly from the books. This doesn't spoil it but if it was closer to the books I feel it would have added to the eerie atmosphere

I only count season 1. Season 2 does not exist.

Season 1: 8/10 Season 2: 3/10

Only 2 seasons & I was on the edge of my seat for the finale. Feels like a huge let down, the network didn't have faith or the writers were boxed into a corner. I do miss the possibilities of the show.