Kevin Bacon
James Purefoy
Shawn Ashmore
Natalie Zea
Annie Parisse
Tiffany Boone
Sam Underwood
Connie Nielsen

Created by:
Kevin Williamson

2013-2015
Crime, Drama
Fox
TV-14

(After finishing the second season)

“The Following” is one of the most preposterous shows on all of television. Nothing is especially plausible, but that’s part of the fun. This show is violent and gory, surprisingly so for a traditional network series. While NBC’s “Hannibal” also ventures into gruesome territory, it has exceptionally strong writing that supports the acting and an aesthetic that’s much more polished. “The Following” has neither strong writing nor a strong aesthetic, so it relies heavily on its actors. Luckily, the cast is strong across the board (kudos to the casting department). Since the cast knows what it’s doing, the writers have the freedom to go for broke.

While “The Following” doesn’t provide anything new (well, not exactly), it does move at a pace that’s consistently brisk. You won’t be waiting for something to happen here; instead, you’ll be waiting for nothing to happen for once. Along the way, it may either scare you or disgust you; but, if you can stomach it, it may also be your guilty pleasure. I enjoy watching Kevin Bacon, James Purefoy, Shawn Ashmore, and Natalie Zea completely buy in to every ridiculous moment. They’re so convincing, that you may forget how crazy all of this is … that is, until the episode ends.

Verdict: Good Overall

About: (Source: following)

THE FBI estimates there are currently up to 300 active serial killers in the United States. What would happen if these killers had a way of communicating and connecting with each other? What if they were able to work together and form alliances? What if one brilliant and charismatic, yet psychotic mastermind was able to bring them all together and activate a cult of believers following his every command?

Welcome to THE FOLLOWING, the psychological thriller from creator/executive producer Kevin Williamson (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Dawson’s Creek,” the “Scream” franchise) and starring Golden Globe winner and Emmy Award nominee Kevin Bacon in his primetime series debut.