Reviews

This was a good series. While on the surface it was a Gothic horror series set in the small town of Trinity, the most compelling thing about it was the character arcs.

The central protagonist was Lucas Buck, the sheriff, and he was undeniably evil and also more than slightly supernatural. But funnily, he was the moral centre of the story - albeit perhaps the wrong set of morals. He was the only one who never had to compromise or examine his principles. Meanwhile, those on his side, his deputy Ben and the school teacher Ms. Coombs, both had their arcs. Ben was deep down a good man without the strength of character to ever fully stand up to the sheriff. Ms. Coombs, while twisted, had her vulnerable sides that were explored later in the series.

As the main arc of the series was Buck's attempts to be accepted by Caleb, a boy he claims is his son, then opposed to him were Dr. Matt, who was a good man with a darker past, Gail Emory, Caleb's cousin and Merlyn, Caleb's dead sister. Each is tested and twisted by Buck as the show progresses.

In the middle was Caleb played superbly by Lucas Black. Buck's illegitimate son, his was the central arc as he rebelled against the sheriff then slowly began to explore his darker side and Buck's ways of thinking. Especially when those around him were distanced from him by their own inner conflicts.

Some of the best moments to show this conflict were when Merlyn decided to go after Buck more directly, using supernatural force. She infects those who were touched by him with a plague, and highlights how everyone was in some way corrupted when they all began to get sick. Another was on thinking he was dead, the town turn out for Buck's funeral. Half of them that he has helped are genuinely saddened by his loss. The other half, who have since had their favours called in, or who opposed him, instead spit on his grave.

While the shows themselves varied in quality, the overall arcs and characters and simple story of the contest between good and evil make it a must see. Gary Cole, who yes, I remember as the goodie-goodie from Midnight caller, is fantastically evil in it. There was a lot of morality in the stories, but it was nice to see that it wasn't always clear the right choice, or if there was a right choice, that you sympathized with a character who couldn't make it. And sometimes, even if a character did, it didn't necessarily turn out well for them! There was also some brighter themes on family, and some good chills along the way.

Definitely one you want to follow for the whole series, rather than dip into single episodes alone.