"The FBI estimates there are currently up to 300 active serial killers in the United States". So says the chief baddy in The Following which airs on Mondays at 9 PM ET. Fox is showing 14 episodes in a row (which is unusual). The gore count is impressive so if you're squeamish be forewarned.
I found the first part of the episode to be too formulaic. Serial killer has superhuman intelligence and superhuman strength and superhuman powers of persuasion. Flawed but noble law enforcement worker ruins his life to bring the killer to justice. Blah, blah, we've heard it all before. Also the references to Poe and the whole "death is art" thing were too much. Why not just say he kills because he likes killing people? I don't think he needs a better reason.
Just when I was about to give the show a thumbs down, the last 15 minutes reeled me in. Sarah (the heroine) was kidnapped and killed. I didn't see that coming. I thought she would be around a while. Serial killer goes back to jail but has his minions rampaging through the countryside terrorizing innocent civilians. We'll see what damage they do next week. The fun part is you don't know who is a groupie so it could be anyone. I'm highly suspicious of some of the cops. To catch ya up, the main characters are listed below. What did you think of the show?
- Ryan Hardy (Kevin Bacon)- ex FBI agent who put Joe in jail. Joe stabbed Ryan in the heart and he has a pacemaker keeping him alive. Due to his experiences, Ryan went crazy and drinks vodka out of a water bottle.
- Joe Carroll (James Purefoy)- serial killer who was scheduled to be executed before he killed 5 guards and escaped. Previous literature professor who is obsessed with Poe. Who knew professors were so charismatic. Mine were just boring.
- Sarah (Maggie Grace)- only surviving victim of Joe. I thought she was the heroine until she was kidnapped and killed. That was sad. I liked her.
- Claire (Natalie Zea)- ex-wife of Joe (and ex- lover of Ryan) and mother of Joe's son (who is aptly named Joey). Joey is kidnapped by the groupies at the end of episode 1.
- Groupies- Babysitter and Gay Guy Neighbors. They are responsible for kidnapping Joey. Dog Killer- he really makes me mad. Do what ya want to the people but leave the animals alone! There are various other female groupies such as Naked Girl With Writing On Her Body. She stabbed herself in the eye with a knife. We won't be seeing her again.
- Other agents- Mike Weston (Shawn Ashmore) and cult specialist Debra Parker (Annie Parisse).
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