The Following Recap

The Following

“Mad Love”

The Following is an odd show that tries too hard. Sure, the series is almost a remake of “Silence of the Lambs” starring Kevin Bacon, but fans should want more than that, and unfortunately, they’re not getting it. Luckily, there isn’t much else on Monday nights (“Revolution” where are you?) to watch, so I continue to tune in even if I’m not that interested.

If you’ve never seen the show the story follows former FBI agent Ryan Hardy (Bacon), who after catching serial killer Joe Carol (James Purefoy), is injured and retires. He writes a book about his hunt for the killer and also starts dating Carol’s wife Claire (Natalie Zea). Years later, Carol escapes and Hardy is brought back into the fold to help the FBI capture the killer, which they do… IN THE FIRST EPISODE!!!!

            I get the show, created by Kevin Williamson of “Dawson’s Creek” fame, wants to draw out the storyline as Joe Carol has a number of dimwitted minions who are continuing his work including kidnapping his young son. Catching Carol immediately is a problem because he is the most charismatic character on the show and after the first episode; he basically becomes a background player. We’re left with Hardy chasing after six followers (there has to be more than six members to this cult, right?) who each offer a creepy trait, but can’t carry the fear. Truthfully, the only minion I’ve enjoyed was the Rick, who dressed in the Edgar Allen Poe (that’s who the cult follows) outfit and poured gas on a man in the street, engulfing him in flames.

            This week’s episode follows the aftermath of killing Rick as his wife Maggie escapes and captures Ryan’s sister. Ryan must trade his life for his sister and almost bites the dust as Maggie places a number of electronic devices around Ryan’s pacemaker (Carol stabbed him in the heart, so now he’s a drunk who wears a pacemaker). But luckily, Ryan’s guardian angel, also known as wide-eyed, gung-ho rookie agent Mike Weston (Shawn Ashmore, who gives it his all), shows up in the nick of time and kills Maggie. Another week and another cult member dead.

Random Thoughts

You’d think that a successful serial killer like Joe Carol could find better followers, but it appears he enjoys the company of idiots.

No water bottle (he tries to hid his vodka in a water bottle) this week for Hardy. Has he turned a new sober leaf? 

Actress Natalie Zea must be attracted to dangerous men with badges as she not only pines for Ryan Hardy on “The Following,” but she is also carrying Raylan Givens baby on “Justified”

Is anyone even watching this show?