Monsterland

Firstly, I have only seen the first episode so far. I am always on the lookout for shows that are on the sinister side. I expected this show to be about typical monsters, and I really do not enjoy that kind of entertainment. I do enjoy a deep, meaningful psychological thriller which this seems to be. I recommend it, but not if you are looking for typical halloween horror.

This show is well made. Some of the stories are simple, but it's not bad. Definitely not deserving of one or two stars. That's just lying.

The first episode of season one struck me similarly to my seminal reaction to the first X-Files episode. And I was excited with this prospect. Even without Molder and Scully.

However, after watching half of the first season something has become apparent. The performances, production design, cinematography, and general mood are great. The scripts are spotty though. They tend to end abruptly, leaving the conclusions unresolved or "open-ended." And as a viewer I feel that this is a let down, or indicative of lazy writing.

These meandering storylines are allowable for a few, errand episodes within a season, however, it seems to be a series pattern.

None-the-less, I'll continue watching because there are some satisfying pay-offs within this series. You just have to wade through the murk.

A ton of these reviews lament the script writing, however, few actually seem to realize it is adaptation of a short story anthology, North American Lake Monsters y by Nathan Ballingrud. I have not read the anthology which seems to be much more favorably reviewed. The show was good just poorly marketed. The previews and and retitling definitely do not fit the show. It also seems the source material may have alluded to more actual monsters where the stories selected here were mostly metaphorical.

Really good concept... but annoying how you can go from an episode that keeps you thoroughly engaged from start to finish, then the next will bore you to tears.