American Gothic

Luckily I disregarded other viewer comments and gave this show a chance. Very glad I did. The actors and cinematography make for first rate storytelling. I was captivated from the pilot episode. The writing has the perfect combination of a film noir and Hitchcockian tones that satisfy anyone looking for chills and suspense. I have been looking for a something that encompasses all the elements which this show has delivered so far. The talented cast has enough diversity to appeal to any audience while simultaneously being cohesive and maintaining the central theme of the shows dark and secretive ambiance. I hope it survives the buffeting that it receives in its first season because it looks very promising. Can't wait for episode 4.

The mystery part of the show was pretty good. A little slow at times but the story picked up speed as the season went on. There were enough twists and turns to hold my attention.

But there was definitely a liberal agenda. For starters this show is about a ridiculously wealthy family in New England. So wealthy that no average American can relate.

Then the family is involved in local politics. This is where the Hollywood starts to ooze out. There are little comments made about getting rid of guns, a gun buy back program, taking care of refugees, blah blah. Just like Hollywood, they fight for the rights of refugees but there isn't a refugee within a 20 mile radius of their gated community.

Make a good crime thriller. Keep the politics out of it.

The show is pretty good, suspenseful and keeps you guessing--except for the filming. The entire show is filmed in dull and duller muted gray tones. Office settings, doctor's offices, even outside in broad daylight--all dull muted gray. Often times it's difficult to see what is going on. Even if it's supposed to be the gist of the show, it's very annoying. That being said, the characters are pretty interesting. Most of the family members have suspicious backgrounds and cracked personalities--especially Jack who has the makings of another "Norman Bates"! It's a good "who-done-it." Just when you think you know who the serial killer is, some background information comes to light which has you guessing again.

If you are looking for Hitchcock, then don't watch this show. But if you are looking for a little shiver up your back and an "oh my goodness" moment, then is is great summer fun TV. I am really enjoying this program. The cast is great, they are deceptive and loving at the same time. You can see the manipulation playing through as the story wraps around the mystery of the silver bells murder. I love the mother character, a tad crass, and a lady to the last. I love the dynamics of the siblings. It's believable, a love-hate relationship. The son-in-law break up the Anglo cast, but even that doesn't bother me. I like him. I just love the antics, the what just happened there moment? The formula is like though you take a Nora Roberts Novel, and mix it with an good episode of Coloumbo, and add a little Nancy drew to the mix. It's good American TV, there is no Sherlock conjuncture, or Agatha here.. I wish we had more of these during the fall season.

This series has a clean, honest story line. It does have a traditional look about it, as someone mentioned, but that works for me. I'm a bit tired of the quick-cutting, montage-a-minute kind of film that passes for story these days.

The Hawthorne siblings are all different so you can find one to like and one to despise if that's your thing. Tessa is refreshingly naïve, a bit fruity, but I like Alison best, the cold, sophisticated one.

The other thing about this one is that it's not too freaky. I know it's fashionable to be pushing the envelope these days but I already think that sort of thing is done to the limit -- it seems like producers are going out of their way to find shock value. Sure, shock value gets people talking about your show but that's about it --- yada,yada,yada -- it's become boring, snore-producing.

Since I don't find much video/film/TV that impresses me anyway (compared to books where you can always find a good book), I like a good story with characters well-played even if fireworks and CGI aren't going on all the time.