DVD Release
Well, the first season of Masters of Horror is in the can and brand new episodes are on their way for season two. While I felt the first season was a bit too comedic and uneven for my tastes I clearly saw the show’s potential. After being privileged enough to preview the first three episodes of the second season of MOH courtesy of Showtime, I’d have to say this season is definitely going to deliver the horror goods this time around.
The first episode to air on Showtime is Tobe Hooper’s “The Damned Thing” originally written by Ambrose Bierce and adapted by Richard Christian Matheson. Those of you out there that were frustrated with Hooper’s “Dance of the Dead” and the lack of hand-holding present in that episode may be a tad bit lost here and there in this as well. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s not confusing or “too deep” and there’s really no need to understand subtext to enjoy it but some questions, especially in horror, are better left unanswered and that’s exactly how Hooper likes it.
Sheriff Kevin Reddle (Sean Patrick Flanery) is a man haunted by a violent past and the tragic circumstances behind the death of his parents. After his Father murdered his Mother, he turned his murderous eye on young Kevin. Unfortunately for the elder Mr. Reddle, “The Damned Thing” he had claimed followed him, tore him to pieces in front of Kevin.
Years later, walking with a limp and carrying some major baggage, Kevin is now struggling to fulfill his duties as Sheriff and hold onto what’s left of his troubled marriage and loving son Mikey.
Just as things begin to look up, the townsfolk start getting sick and “losing it”. Violence and death spread through town and Sheriff Reddle starts wondering if this is in any way connected to his past. Seems the town he was living in as a boy was going through the same type of chaos before his Father snapped.
Is this the work of “The Damned Thing” his Father spoke of? Is this what Kevin has been waiting on all his life? Why does Kevin have his entire home rigged with cameras? What is he hoping to see?
The violence and insanity sweeps through the town and Kevin is forced to admit that “his time” has finally come and “The Damned Thing” has come for him, just like it came for his Father before him. Can Sheriff Reddle protect his family from the crazed townsfolk and himself? Will the rage that “The Damned Thing” brings take Kevin and drive him to murder his loved ones or will he be able to overcome the uncontrollable anger?
Considering the slump Hooper has been in, I found “The Damned Thing” to be better than average…but not by much. For me, it had just the right amount of mystery and interesting characters. Had this been a full-length feature film I’d venture to say it would have been Hooper’s best in years. I’m not sure whether to be happy or sad about that. That’s not to say this was amazing or anything but those of you that actually suffered through Mortuary will understand what I mean.
The acting, as in almost every MOH episode, was fantastic. Sean Patrick Flanery reeks of that whole “sure I’m better looking than you and I could probably get more women but I’ll still drink a beer with you” vibe that you just gotta love. It was nice to see him working with something resembling intelligent after that talent-sucking black hole of a movie, Demon Hunter. Fans of Ted “Joxer” Raimi will probably get a kick out of his role as the local Catholic Priest and astute horror dweebs will recognize Deputy Strauss (Brendan Fletcher) from Ginger Snaps 2 & 3 and Freddy vs. Jason.
Now, I know many of you noticed that last year’s season had a bit of socio-political commentary here and there and from what I’ve been reading this season will be no exception. Fact is it’s apparently upping the ante on commentary! I know some of you just LLLLOOOOOOVVVEEE socio-political commentary! Yeah, that means “reading between the lines” and taking a closer look at what the director is “trying to say.”
“The Damned Thing”, while being a monster movie on the surface, also presents us with the thought provoking topic of oil dependency and the greed and violence associated with those that seek to, or already, control it. Naturally, you’ll come away from this episode with whatever you want but I’m really starting to see the political angle in horror gaining importance. People just don’t take horror seriously because they don’t believe it really speaks or stands on anything worthwhile and I hope this upcoming season changes people’s minds on that…even if we will be subjected to a predominantly liberal viewpoint.
Hooper’s “The Damned Thing” is a tense, character driven film that offers more than just a man’s tragic past and a monster. This episode will challenge as well as entertain viewers and hopefully inspire thought and action.
