I’ve Seen the “Salem” Pilot Episode!
WGN America will debut their first scripted series, “Salem”, this coming Sunday, April 20th, at 10p/9c.
I was lucky enough to see the pilot presentation ahead of the premiere and wanted to share some brief thoughts before you guys head into a new series.
Tonally, I like what WGNA did here; “Salem” isn’t pandering to teens or playing it safe, they’re going all-in on being a softer version of an HBO series. I’d say the perfect comparison would be an FX series as “Salem” carries a similar tone in terms of blood, sex and violence as “American Horror Story.” I might even go as far as to say the sex is about as risqué as I’ve seen on the softer side of cable.
The settings and design were also strong, although it felt a bit constricted in terms of scope. I can only assume we’ll venture out of Salem in future episodes.
Something I’ve noticed here on Bloody is the obsession with “Bates Motel” mommy Vera Farmiga. I can assure those of you who fixated on Vera that you’ll be mesmerized by Janet Montgomery, the series lead. Much like Jessica Lange’s character in all of the “American Horror Story” seasons, it’s a bit unclear if Montgomery is good or bad; either way she carries a crazy strong presence that’s captivating.Another interesting note is that, between the gore and action, I could see shades of Sam Raimi.
But my biggest issue with the pilot is that the overall arc is extremely unclear (the witches are planning a civil war?), and I couldn’t really figure out what the characters’ goals were – why do they do what they do? It made me ask myself more than once, “Why am I watching this?” I want to know what we’re working towards.
Still, the first episode was “just okay,” which is my review for pretty much any series pilot. It’s way too small of a sample size to recommend, but it didn’t annoy me, so that’s something.
Learn Some Secrets of Salem and Our Reasons Why You Should (or Shouldn't) Watch the Premiere
We got a look at the premiere of WGN America's "Salem" a little early and are here to give you an idea of the seductive sorcery the series is offering plus provide a peek behind the scenes at the "Secrets of Salem."
Witches are hot properties on TV right now, and yes, they are the focus of the show with the horrific Salem, Massachusetts, witch trials ramping up and full-blown mass hysteria just around the corner. But these aren't your garden variety witches, and the storyline encompasses a much darker world than we're used to seeing on network TV.
In "Salem" there are also demons and wheeling and dealing with the devil, some very strange goings-on with a toad, a seemingly possessed woman being led around town like a rabid dog on a leash - and that's just in the first episode!
Plus there's nudity and blatant sexuality veering very close to HBO and Showtime standards.
Actually, it's classic "almost" nudity, and if you thought Alexandra Daddario's shirt was tenacious in Texas Chainsaw 3D covering up her private parts, wait until you see the tricks they pull in "Salem"!
It's not just the women who are showing their skin either. The men are just as carnal and apt to be a witch. And corruption runs deep. Fortunately, "Salem" isn't pulling any punches when it comes to portraying the hypocrisy of the church and the townsfolk who were accusing others of witchcraft.
The acting is decent overall. He may be a little vanilla, but I've been a fan of West since "Once and Again," and the standout newcomer for me is Ashley Madekwe as Tituba. Plus, it's always great to see Xander Berkeley, who looks fabulous with period-appropriate long hair, by the way (as does West). The costumes, sets, and atmosphere are all quite impressive - and oppressive, just like those Puritanical times.
So our verdict is yes, you should tune in for the premiere of "Salem"... unless you're only looking for something geared toward the younger crowd. In that case, you probably shouldn't as there isn't a single emo teen or high school dance in sight!
“Salem,” premiering on Sunday, April 20th, enters the world of the most notorious witch trials in history, a period steeped in fear, suspicion, and hysteria. “Salem” explores what really fueled the town's infamous witch trials and dares to uncover the dark, supernatural truth behind them.
Note that the pilot episode runs a bit over an hour so if you're DVRing it, be sure to add on an extra 10-15 minutes so you don't miss the ending.
"Salem" Episode 1.01 - "The Vow" (airs 4/20/14)
John Alden returns from war to discover that the woman he left behind is now married to another man and that his hometown of Salem, Mass., is in the midst of a witch panic in the premiere of this supernatural drama.
Created, executive produced, and written by award-winning writer/producer Brannon Braga and Adam Simon, “Salem” stars Janet Montgomery as the ruthless but vulnerable Mary Sibley, Salem’s most powerful enchantress; Shane West as handsome, hardened war veteran John Alden – and Mary’s onetime love interest; Seth Gabel as local aristocrat Cotton Mather, who fans the flames of Salem’s witch hunt; Ashley Madekwe as Mary’s mysterious, carnal accomplice, Tituba; Xander Berkeley as chief politician Magistrate Hale; Tamzin Merchant as the forthright Anne Hale, an artist with a perilous attraction to Alden; Elise Eberle as the mysteriously afflicted Mercy Lewis; and Iddo Goldberg as outcast Isaac Walton.
Keep your eyes on the "Salem" Facebook page for updates and more info.
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