The Path

Pretty entertaining. There were no scientologist harmed during the making of The Path.

As a couple who got out of a cult like scenario ourselves, my husband and I like certain aspects of this show and dislike others. Having been in a similar situation with a "religion", we relate to the two main characters a lot. However, there's various details about the show that irritate us on a logical level. Certain decisions characters make simply don't make sense at times if we are to believe they really are/were super into "the movement". Certain scenes don't make sense with the flow of the show too (especially a few of the random sex scenes in random places - and that's coming from people who are not offended by sex scenes, these ones just happened to be very weird in terms of placement in the show). Overall, the various plot lines and characters are gripping enough to carry the show and hold your attention, flaws and all. I see this as a mid to high 6 when compared to other shows we enjoy and rounded it up. We did get sucked in enough to finish season one and will watch season two when it comes out.

Meyerism is a new age movement founded by Dr. Stephen Meyer back in the 70's viewed by the outside world as a cult. Its main concept is to climb a ladder to the top to receive the universal truth. Cal Roberts (Hugh Dancy) is an ambitious leader of the movement. Sarah (Michelle Monaghan) is a committed Meyerist married to doubting Eddie Lane (Aaron Paul). Their teen son Hawk (Kyle Allen) struggles to find his place. Mary Cox (Emma Greenwell) is saved by the Meyerists after a tornado and becomes infatuated with Cal. There are old guards, seeds of doubt, suspicion, and deceit as the movement faces challenges from outside and within. Rockmond Dunbar is an undercover FBI agent in the first two seasons and the show is cancelled after three seasons.

The first season promises some interesting intrigue within a secret society. The leading trio are all terrific actors and the characters are fascinating. It starts a little rocky. There are narrative issues but the great actors are always compelling. The second season adds its own issues. I really dislike the water plot device. I appreciate the purpose of it but I don't like the side road it takes the show onto. This is a show of intriguing potential and good actors. It does struggle to maintain the narrative at times. The triad leads probably diffuses the protagonist intensity. The rocky flow keeps it from being a great must watch.

Yes, Cal looks and acts like a nervous chihuahua. Yes, Eddie whispers 90% of his lines. Yes, Sara's wardrobe was borrowed from Karen Carpenter's closet. But I can't stop watching this damn show! Maybe it's the anticipation of the ridiculous plot twists. Maybe it's my desire to watch the whole cult implode. Idk. Season 3 is an improvement over 2, which just got too random and weird. Kinda like this review.

This show is fantastic for anyone who like a tense slow burn character piece. There are definitely huge moments here, but they a few and far. This is a series best enjoyed as a whole. All of the main characters have huge, impactful arcs, that have them completely evolve by the time the credits roll on the finale. Beyond that it is a wonderful musing on religion, spirituality, and family. Definitely a must watch if you are a fan of slow but rewarding drama. I've seen a lot of reviews where the critic has given up after the first episode. All reiterate, this is a slow burn that needs to be experienced in full. Each episode carefully expands and twists on the last. The first episode serves to put all of the pieces into place, instead of lighting an explosion to draw you in. After 3 episodes I couldn't stop watching and now, I'm counting the days until it returns for season 2.