Damien

Having watched all three Omens film during my youth, I was a bit reluctant at first whether or not it would be possible to take a classic like that and bring it into the TV-series era. I've watched 10 episodes so far, and I must admit, they've nailed it! Its a thrilling experience from episode 2 and on wards, and the suspense only rises per episode. The TV-Series does a really good job of providing a bit of feedback from the first film into season 1 so it sort of binds it together, and gains a plausible "life" of its own as a TV-series. If you love dark stories, and the everlasting story of good vs evil, where the boundaries are often erased as nothing is truly completely light nor dark, but can be either at any side, you should really take a good look at Damien, which has a lot of gloomy sides.

I liked it. I always expect first episodes to be pretty bland but I found myself invested enough to watch it straight through (no stopping for reedit breaks or from losing interest for a bit). The main actor is solid, the tension felt good and not forced or fake, and pacing was nice for a pilot. Also, A&E doesn't seem afraid of letting things get a bit graphic. It's not Hannibal levels, though it would be pretty cool if it got close to that point, but someone got messed up pretty good. It's nothing spectacular but it seems like its got a lot of promise. I'll definitely give it more than my usual 4-5 episode limit to see how it progresses because it's definitely caught my interest.

I have confidence in Glen Mazzara's creation of this series, even if the critics out there trashing it, do not. One critic went so far as to say he would never give this show another chance after viewing the pilot. What tripe and how close minded. I gave Hannibal a chance, a re-working of another well-known character, and was richly rewarded. I intend to give this series a shot, let it unfold and see how it hits me, as a big fan of the 1976 Richard Donner film from which it draws thematically and musically. What I like about the pilot episode: the modern updating, the acting, the music, and not making Damien good or bad but basically innocent until his 30th birthday (why, I will leave for you to discover), upon which he must start grappling with horrific memories of his long-past childhood.

It makes no sense for Damien to start out evil in this show, as that leaves his character nowhere to go. What I hope will be explored is if the nature of evil, whether you believe in Revelation/the Bible or not, is a growth, a given, a concept that can be overcome, or something you ultimately must submit to and revel in as your true nature. And that conflict, the gray area, is much more interesting to me. This series will sink or swim, based on its ability to draw out that narrative. And in just viewing the pilot, I think it has a lot of possibility.

As a particularly opinionated connoisseur of the horror genre, I fully recommend this version of dark prophesy and the emergence of the Anti-Christ. While far from perfect, many things are done extremely well at this early point (seven episodes) of the series.

I'm a fan of serious horror movies like Rosemary's Baby, Exorcist III, Jacob's Ladder, (the wildly underestimated 2005) Stay, and the Omen films from which this show draws inspiration. There are seeds of all of these films present in Damien - with minimal jump scares, frequent disorientation, and a wonderful atmosphere of growing terror.

Damien continues the legacy of the Omen movies, and does so utilizing footage directly from the first classic for story development. Anyone who has seen the Omen knows there are truly memorable moments that have earned a place in the lexicon of the horror genre. Damien lives up to the best parts of these films and is a fine example of the current era of great television. The brief synopsis is all one needs to know: Damien Thorn, a man who has been drawn to the darkness of humanity his whole life, but somehow is always protected from physical harm, must come to terms with the growing reality of his true identity, the Anti-Christ.

Production is solid, with top marks given to lighting. Darkness, strong shadows, and contrast are always present, at times unrealistically - but there is consistency to the look and feel that adds to the unsettling nature.

Casting is also excellent. Everyone is convincing, including the two leads, who were clearly cast for both ability and photogenic qualities. Damien's best friend may be the weakest link, but this speaks to the strength of the major players as a whole, because he's pretty good! Barbara Hershey and Scott Wilson have to be the real treat. Both are right at home, delivering top notch performances. Hershey emotes the love of a mother with truly sinister flair, and Wilson channels his best Donald Pleasence. Without this cast and their hard work, this show could easily be half as good. To this point, this show is certainly not for everyone. Some who can not suspend disbelief may find Damien tedious, even laughable. I too laugh aloud at moments, perhaps when I shouldn't - but I've always been like this with serious horror films, having a certain glee absorbing unspeakable content.

And what wonderful content! This show is not politically correct - throwing religious practice, emergency rooms, psychiatric wards, and military veterans hospitals all under the bus. Damien is not made to do any public service, but to entertain, and I applaud the unflinching approach. Meta scores be damned! Clearly this show is made for audience approval and not reviewers, who have become difficult to trust without first forming one's own opinion.

This is just the beginning too! With time to grow into multiple seasons Damien could really be special, and find a singular place. There is plenty of horror schlock, and murder saturated TV, but a serious supernatural thriller should have a place. Thank you A&E (didn't think I'd be saying that!).

Impressed and eagerly anticipating more, 8 out of 10

Damien relies on the concept of Good VS Evil. The Protagonist we all know is the son of the Antichrist. However in human form he is shielded and protected and given good values. He has turned human but the Antichrist is trying to force him to kill. Death Surrounds him. People die wherever he goes. A Brilliantly executed show. Brilliant acting performances by Barbara Hershey , Bradley James, Omid Abtahi and David Meunier . I still cannot figure out why this show went off air,