The Purge Series Review: Had Great Potential But Fizzled In The End

"The Purge" just drew to a close on the USA channel. Over ten episodes we've followed several groups as they try to survive the night. See my previous reviews here. There's Miguel (Gabriel Chavarria) searching for his sister Penelope (Jessica Garza). After he joined the Marines, she joined a Purge cult. They like to give themselves over to purgers on Purge night. Doesnt sound like much fun to me.

There's Jane (Amanda Warren) who has had enough of her sleezy boss Daniel (William Baldwin) so puts a hit on him. She then changes her mind and rushes to his place to warn him. Really bad idea Jane!

There's Rick (Colin Woodell) and newly preggo wife Jenna (Hannah Anderson). They go to a NFFA event in hopes of getting money to help with their business. The potential benefactor turns out to be the father of Lila (Lili Simmons). In flashbacks we learn the couple had a threesome with her. Jenna and Lila still have feelings for each other.

So the setup is good. We have to care about the characters and if they'll survive till the end of the night. Then things kinda fall apart.

In a shocking twist in episode eight, Lila is killed by Jenna as she beats Rick. Uh oh. Thanks "Purge"! You just killed off the main reason I kept watching this show. A massive showdown between the three should have been in the finale.

In episode 9 Joe (Lee Tergensen) rounds up the various people he's been stalking. Too bad he plans to purge them all (after of course putting them on trial for however they wronged him). I was hoping Joe was a good guy but he most definitely is not. This does bring all our major characters together in one place though (well, what's left of them). How many time is Penelope going to get kidnapped? That girl needs to get some sense.

Jane is unceremoniously killed by Joe. There goes the second reason I was watching this show. Jane should have been part of the finale. Or at the least go out in a kick ass fight scene. Jane deserved better!

The finale "A Nation Reborn" has Rick, Jenna and Penelope trying to escape Joe (as the minutes count down to the end of the Purge). Miguel and Pete are on their way to help Penny. Unbeknownst to them, Rex and a bunch of red shirts are in hot pursuit. Rick is killed in a gunfight. Miguel rescues Penelope in the nick of time. Joe is super pissed that she took his eye out. Joe says he'll see them next year to finish their unresolved business. The Purge siren sounds. Miguel decides to fix the problem now and puts a few bullets into Joe. He pushed him into the pool where he drowns. Technically, that is murder since he did it after the sirens but who cares.

Fast forward one year. Jenna and baby are safely away from the Purge in Paris. Back in the US, Penelope and Miguel suit up. They are driving an ambulance through the city to help those in need. It would be much safer to hunker down in a bunker but whatev.

Grade: 3 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). "The Purge" has a great premise and some shocking visuals. The ten episode format gives the show lots more time to explore the effects of the Purge on everyday citizens. The story is the problem here though. It seems like it was an afterthought. We have to root for these people in order to keep coming back. Too bad I didnt really caring if they all died in the end. USA just announced they have renewed the show for a second season. I'll still be back but besides all the violence, we need characters that are fully fleshed out and a story that is compelling. Otherwise, I'll just rewatch one of the movies to get my Purge fix.