Channel Zero

I created an IMDb account purely so I could review this show.

I am a huge horror fan and have been all my life and although the horror genre is still fairly new to TV shows, I feel like this is what I have been waiting for. I tried Scream, Slasher, Darknet, and nothing comes close to this show. I didn't know much about Creepypasta so for me this was all new and exciting. From the first ep I was intrigued, it was a thinking person's show, not just cheap jump scares.

The idea of puppets and dolls is creepy anyway, but the simplicity and subtlety of the storyline, the location, the characters..that's what gets you. To take things that scare you as a kid and bring them to your adult life in a way that isn't ridiculous is smart writing. It makes you think long after you've watched it and not many shows or movies have that effect on me as I've watched so many horrors I'm very rarely taken by surprise.

If you're a fan of being creeped out, do yourself a favour. Mike (played by Paul Schneider who I had only seen in Parks and Recreation!) is excellent. He's a character you're unsure of, but feel for.

There aren't many things in the horror genre I'd give a 10, but each week I can't wait to watch a new episode!!

Season One: Candle Cove - (9/10)

"Do you guys remember Candle Cove" Candle cove has been portrayed as something compelling, unusual, and deeply terrifying.

The plot itself has some close similarities to that of the third instalment of the Halloween franchise, Season of the Witch.

Candle Cove is about a pirate-themed puppet show that could only be seen by children. It suspiciously aired back in 1988 for only a few months on one of the dead channels at the end of the dial. Since the show never aired on the same channel it wasn't recordable and therefore grappled with the legitimacy of its reality.

The concept of Candle Cove is extremely engaging, but also quite unsettling. It shows us the harsh nature of what children's minds who are susceptible to influence can be capable of.

It also portrays a child taken to the edge by harsh bullying and their need to escape to a world where they feel safe and secure, and in control.

Candle Cove doesn't disappoint with its outright intense moments, mainly in the cliffhangers at the end of each episode making it immensely addictive.

Season Two: No End House - (9/10)

"This is not home, this is not how reality works" A satisfying psychological thriller that keeps you thoroughly entertained from start to finish.

While I slightly preferred Candle Cove due to the disconcerting way it manipulates children to commit harrowing acts. I thought Channel Zero's second season was quite remarkable, unique, and tantalizing.

The No End House brings on an otherworldly concept or alternate dimension. A house that turns up spontaneously throughout our world and lures people to its location through subliminal messages on electronic devices such as television, or mobile phones.

Margot's Father John played by John Caroll Lynch was phenomenal, and the absolute standout of the season. He is undeniably very underrated as an actor but seems to be typecast as the 'bad guy' in every role.

The No End House is a bit more of a slow burn than the previous season but one that is well worth it in the end.

It has some added layers compared to Candle Cove, for example, it was great to see a range of characters' personal development, and how some learn to conquer their fears, while others begin to lose that grip on reality.

As with the first season, the mystery starts to fade as the season progresses and the secrets are revealed.

The ending this time around is a little more complete and manages to capture your emotional journey from feeling surprised, mistrusted, and disgusted, but by the very end, you feel empathy. And for that alone, the No End House needs to be highly commended.

Season Three: Butchers Block - (8/10)

"When I walk here, I'm in two worlds, the one you see and the one I remember" In the third season of Channel Zero, Butcher's Block starts with so much potential. The first few episodes gradually build a unique and grotesque tale, where you are immediately thrust into a setting of cannibalism and supernatural intrigue.

There is a lot more emphasis on an otherworldly dimension in the season which has been a very similar theme to the previous instalments.

There are some very relatable themes in modern society relating to mental health, depression and our need for acceptance.

Rutger Hauer who plays Joseph Peach was phenomenal. A truly superb choice to play the butcher and I really can't think of anyone who would have suited this particular role any better.

Butchers Block is a fantastic season, however if we are comparing it to previous seasons then I found this a scarcely weaker variation of both Candle Cove and The No End House.

Season Four: The Dream Door - (7/10)

"Just because you love somebody doesn't mean you know them" This season had an incredible Idea, unfortunately, it just wasn't told with enough depth, with enough layers to become interesting for the duration of the season.

In the beginning, Pretzel Jack was a fearsome killer, his first murder with the screwdriver was just outright nasty. However, by the end of the season, everything started to look and feel like a circus, and the killings ended up coming across as looking laughable and comical rather than scary or intimidating.

It's a real shame because I had high expectations from Season Four. However, it lacked plot twists, and the mystery was solved by the third episode leaving a tiresome, and boring final three episodes which brings closure to an otherwise impressive series.

Overall, Channel Zero's four seasons are a great psychological journey. They are disturbing, but highly captivating.

I found that all the stories began with a tempting lure of mystery and intrigue, however, they all ended in a similar way stopping short of giving themselves a truly gripping, and deserving finale.

Overall 8/10.

I enjoyed this show and look forward to seeing how they build upon it. I like the format of 6 episodes although it seems a little stretched out for this story.

I grew up a big fan of shows like The Twilight Zone, Tales From the Dark Side, Outer Limits and Tales from the Crypt so shows like this intrigue me.

I thought the atmosphere of the show was excellent and also the slow building tension. The show definitely makes you uncomfortable. Only drawback was it was a little too slow at times and you were waiting for something to happen. Acting was decent though and direction was great. I like the effects they used as well on a small budget. Cheers and I look forward to hopefully great things as the show continues.

I have found that there are many movies and TV shows out there that go for a lot of shock factor through disturbing imagery/ plot devices and over-the-top gore. Because of these standards becoming more consistent it has become more difficult for me to find actually "scary" or "creepy" movies and TV shows vs just plain disturbing or shocking ones. Channel Zero (Candle Cove) immediately brought a creepy element into the story from episode 1 and carried it through to the end in what I have found was an altogether creepy, thrilling and actually scary story. SYFY knocked this one out of the park I cannot wait for season 2. Take note, Ryan Murphy- this is what a REAL horror story looks like.

Pros: original, genuinely creepy, strong supporting cast, good production values, a dramatic step up from normal SyFy fare.

Cons: pacing, continuity, logic, lead actor and actress are stilted and wooden, dialog is sophomoric, obvious gaps in dialog, poor performances from/direction for the child actors.