Chapelwaite

Once again, I saw the work of Stephen King transformed into a motion picture without me being rightfully angry or bored. I liked how the story was set in medieval America and stuck to all the main principles that are honored in the US to this day (feel free to break all the commandments, just make sure to go to church on Sunday). The writers skillfully handled the suspense from the beginning, creating a perfectly gloomy and tense atmosphere, and they did all they could to keep me entertained. There might have been some minor issues, but the ten episodes just raced by, I was far from bored, and the only thing that slightly disappointed me was the illogical conclusion. / Lesson learned: If you’re going to Maine, don't forget the repellent. (11.02.2022)

The pilot episode of this series kicks off with a pretty solid atmosphere, setting the stage for what feels like an impending disaster, whether you want it or not. Oddly enough, very little of real significance actually unfolds. The creators seem to use this opener to introduce us to the characters and sketch out the story, without diving into major action just yet. I kinda liked this approach. Apart from the obligatory nods to current trends, I found myself pretty satisfied and intrigued about where the story will go from there. / Lesson learned: Always lock the basement door. And watch out for worms. (08.02.2022)

I don't know what the situation is with ghosts, but what's for sure is this town is packed with devout Christians, and let me tell you, they give me the chills. Personally, I'd take ghosts, demons, or the undead over a bunch of fervent worshippers of any deity. That's just me though. But to be fair, I can't blame them. I mean, the town's name pretty much sets the stage for what you're getting into as a visitor. The creators are really nailing it with the atmosphere and tension here, without resorting to cheap jump scares. Adrien Brody slips into the role of Charles Boone seamlessly, and it seems like this series is going to be a good watch. / Lesson learned: When people don't like you somewhere, you'd better not mess with them. 4*- (08.02.2022)

Preacher's Corners with its interesting array of inhabitants keeps on entertaining me. I was treated to a delightful cocktail of stupidity, faith, hatred, and violence – though I had to tweak my expectations a bit. Initially, I thought we were diving into some New England mysticism, but now it seems we're venturing into the realm of mysterious thriller/horror. Then again, who knows? In a couple more episodes, it might just morph into a comedy or even a musical. The creators have kept us guessing with their intentions thus far. One thing's for certain though – I'm having a great time. / Lesson learned: When you get kicked in the ribs, make sure to ice it properly. (08.02.2022)

It's safe to say we're not in for a musical or a comedy with this one. The tale from New England is steeped in family antiques and values that everyone seems to want to sweep under the rug. Although I'm a fan of Stephen King's books, this story doesn't ring any bells. Either I haven't read the book or it was changed beyond recognition. My bet's on the former. The series still holds onto its dark atmosphere and decent suspense, but it's not without its head-scratching moments (seriously, waiting for somebody in the dark with a lit lantern nearby? Not exactly kosher or halal). With a major family secret now revealed, I'm itching to see where it goes from here. / Lesson learned: If you're aiming to stay unseen in the dark, maybe keep that light switched off. (09.02.2022)

As the story unfolds, I'm starting to feel that Preacher's Corners will never be the same again. It's no surprise, considering the settlement of antisocial individuals nearby. However, I was pleased to see the creators tackle the issue head-on. With five episodes left, if the series creators don't completely lose their minds, this could turn out to be quite the experience. / Lesson learned: If your wife is biting someone else, something's definitely amiss. (09.02.2022)

As the story unfolds, the already heavy atmosphere becomes even more suffocating. I really admire how the creators have steered clear of cheap jump scares right from the get-go, opting instead to meticulously build up the tension and ambiance. They managed to stir up a range of unsettling emotions in me throughout this episode, and I have to admit, I kind of enjoyed the masochistic thrill of it. The only bone I have to pick is the somewhat biased portrayal of the undead community. Sure, every group has its troublemakers, but many of us are actually quite pleasant. / Lesson learned: When it comes to family issues, don't always trust your relatives, even when they seem to be dead. (09.02.2022)

The episode felt a tad weaker compared to its predecessors, mostly because it felt like we were just biding our time for the inevitable. And let's face it, waiting around isn't exactly riveting entertainment for me. It's not to say that nothing interesting happened throughout the episode, but those moments were fleeting. The usual excitement I've come to expect from the series was a bit lacking this time around. That's why I settled on a three-star rating, but the dramatic ending pushed me to bump it up a notch. / Lesson learned: If you're waiting for death, go all out this one last time. 4*- (10.02.2022)

The eighth episode turned out to be a breath of fresh air after the last one. It was about time the plot got rolling. This time around, we got both physical and psychological conflict, a little something for everyone. I had no doubts about the weakest link in defense - it's the way Stephen King sees it, and honestly, I'm right there with him. It just fits perfectly into my worldview. The episode was packed with various types of killings, and the creators did a fantastic job building up the atmosphere and tension. / Lesson learned: When morale starts to crumble in battle, it's best not to delay a field trial. (10.02.2022)

it's becoming clear now that we're headed towards the finale. While this episode felt like more of a setup for the ultimate showdown, it still had plenty to offer, keeping me far from bored, even by accident. I'm guessing New England earned its name from the weather, which probably reminded the early settlers of their original homes. The creators really nailed this gloomy vibe, making it a crucial element in the overall oppressive atmosphere that's been a hallmark of the series. Props to Stephen King for yet another nod to H. P. Lovecraft, whose works (among others) inspired King's horror stories. (11.02.2022)

The finale didn't play out quite as I expected. While I knew the population count in those settlements wouldn't be high, I anticipated a more epic showdown. Instead, I was taken aback by the emotional conversations and decisions in the latter half of the episode. Normally, a focus on family values would irk me, but it was so well balanced with an almost incestuous resolution that I couldn't help but forgive the creators. Still, three burning questions linger: What did they feed the little one? What did the captain eat? Couldn't the sun accidentally shine into the boat on the open sea? If these queries had satisfactory answers, I'd bump the episode's rating up to a solid five stars. / Lesson learned: Never head off on vacation without a good book, especially if you're an avid reader. (11.02.2022)