Channel Zero

There aren't too many horror series so I was pleased to find this on HBO. Absolutely loved seasons one and two, especially two. The atmosphere is super creepy and I liked the slow pace. Camera work and lighting, set design etc are very good, as well as the understated acting. The whole package is pretty unique and much more "serious" than for example American Horror Story (atleast the seasons I've seen).

But then season three turned me off completely. Seemed to be geared more towards gore and disgusting visuals. The story is somewhat interesting as well as some scenes are pretty effective, but I had to turn my head away too many times to enjoy the season 3 as a whole. Too bad, looking forward to seeing season 4.

I really really enjoyed this series! Granted, I've only seen the first season, but I'm excited for the upcoming episodes! I can absolutely say, I personally liked it better than Stranger Things. I'm 40 so I've only heard about Creepypasta from my kids. I had known about Candle Cove, but I did not know there was a TV show about it until yesterday. I downloaded the SYFY app and binged them all. Some parts of the story started teetering on ridiculousness, but because of the story line, it made sense. Just when the "oh here we go, it's about to get stupid" scenes were on, they'd pull back just enough. I think the episode format worked well, as they were able to explain the story in more depth. I believe had it been a movie, it would have been just another stupid horror movie. I'm glad I found it and I do wish the show had been marketed or promoted more. I'm a die hard fan of American Horror Story, and while this no where near touched the shocking aspects of that show, it was definitely eerie enough to keep me intrigued. I liked the characters and the acting was believable. I've read in places that SYFY is known for canceling their shows. I really hope the second season draws a bigger crowd, maybe through word of mouth so this show will have a good run.

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.

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.

I guess I'm one of the few who loved it, though I've only seen Candle Cove (season one).

The atmosphere is gloomy and dark and has the feel of modern King adaptions such as Castle Rock and The Outsider. It leaves you with some questions, or maybe assumptions, but I feel most good films should. I like to be shown, not told. Most horror fans will enjoy this.