Wayward Pines

I was blown away by the first season, thought provoking and fun, but the second season ruined it for me; I couldn't even watch more than 3 episodes

The first season is an awesome affair, we follow Ethan Burke (Matt Dillon) as the secret service agent who goes to the small town Wayward Pines in Idaho to search for his missing colleagues. I found especially the first episodes very intriguing. What I really liked is that I noticed that I changed who to "cheer" for several times during the season as the story developed. The story was very good, my only complaint was that I thought some reveals came a little bit too soon. I think it would have been even more suspenseful if we as an audience got to wait for some answers. Matt Dillon was awesome in the lead, Juliette Lewis is, as always great, and so are Matt Dillons character's son, the actor Charlie Tahan. For some reason I always come to think of Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead) every time when I see Matt Dillon and Lisa Bonet (Cosby Show, Enemy of the State) every time I see Shannyn Sossamon who plays Matt Dillons wife.

So the Second season, talk about crash and burn. Soap opera dialogues and intrigues. No actors with any charisma whatsoever. And I caught myself thinking that I don't really care what's happening to any of these characters.

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

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

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

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