Shut Eye Season 1 Overview: This Hulu Original Series Definitely Hits the Mark

"Shut Eye" is a Hulu original series that first premiered in December 2016. It tells the story of the Haverford family. Charlie (Jeffrey Donovan from "Burn Notice") and Linda (KaDee Strickland from "Private Practice") run a series of psychic parlors in Los Angeles. The couple knows a thing or two about conning people. Charlie was previously a magician in Vegas. His real talent is in reading people. Only problem is the Marks (a Roma / gypsy family) controls business in the area. The Haverfords are basically their indentured servants. They need a big score in order to escape (and hopefully not get killed in the process).

Fonso (Angus Simpson who also developed "Insidious") and his mother Rita (the always wonderful Isabella Rossellini) are not to be trifled with. Despite their business savy, the Mark's actions are often determined by tradition and/or superstition. Who knew there were so many rules to being a gypsy?

I found "Shut Eye" enjoyable in that we're never sure who is conning who. Everyone is potentially on the hustle. Mel Harris is a standout as wealthy client Nadine Davies. Besides the Haverfords and Marks, the cast includes: Sylvia (Charlie's rule-breaking-sister), Nick (Charlie and Linda's teenage son), and Gina (a mysterious hypnotist from Vegas). Gina and Linda develop a relationship that I would like to have seen more of.

Fonzo has a running battle with fellow Romani White Tony. Charlie has to tread lightly around his client Eduardo (David Zayas from "Dexter") whom he believes is a drug dealer.

Charlie suffers a brain injury (occupational hazard) and develops visions. He visits an unorthodox doctor Nora White (Susan Misner from "The Americans"). She thinks he's genuinely seeing the future. If so, this makes Charlie a legit psychic instead of a fake one. How novel.

I'm sure it's not a coincidence that the ruling family's name is Mark. A "mark" in con artist parlance is a victim or sucker. Hmm. I also enjoyed learning a little about the Roma culture. Seeing some psychic "tricks of the trade" was also fun. More of both please.

Grade: 4 Monsters (out of 5). Critics and viewers are sharply divided on the show. Critics on "Rotten Tomatoes" give it only a 38% while viewers give it a 85%. I'm definitely in the latter camp. There are a few slow and predictable moments but all in all I really enjoyed the show.

The acting is top notch. I would watch Kadee Strickland read the phone book. All the actors seem to be enjoying themselves. There are a few fun twists during the 10 episodes. "Shut Eye" returns for a season 2 on December 6. I'll be there but with my wallet firmly hidden.