Damien

Having watched all three Omens film during my youth, I was a bit reluctant at first whether or not it would be possible to take a classic like that and bring it into the TV-series era. I've watched 10 episodes so far, and I must admit, they've nailed it! Its a thrilling experience from episode 2 and on wards, and the suspense only rises per episode. The TV-Series does a really good job of providing a bit of feedback from the first film into season 1 so it sort of binds it together, and gains a plausible "life" of its own as a TV-series. If you love dark stories, and the everlasting story of good vs evil, where the boundaries are often erased as nothing is truly completely light nor dark, but can be either at any side, you should really take a good look at Damien, which has a lot of gloomy sides.

I liked it. I always expect first episodes to be pretty bland but I found myself invested enough to watch it straight through (no stopping for reedit breaks or from losing interest for a bit). The main actor is solid, the tension felt good and not forced or fake, and pacing was nice for a pilot. Also, A&E doesn't seem afraid of letting things get a bit graphic. It's not Hannibal levels, though it would be pretty cool if it got close to that point, but someone got messed up pretty good. It's nothing spectacular but it seems like its got a lot of promise. I'll definitely give it more than my usual 4-5 episode limit to see how it progresses because it's definitely caught my interest.

Damien (2016): TV series on Fox, a direct sequel to The Omen film. Damien is now 30 and works as a war photographer. Things start to go strange, people die around him, friends, enemies, those who know about his past. The Devil Dogs are pretty busy but other deaths result from being dragged into an escalator by a tie (terrible way to lose face) or being crushed by a taxicab. There are competing cultists who want to protect Damien and also those who wish to kill him. Quite dark and violent even though Damien is an engaging character who is a reluctant Antichrist. There was only one season of ten episodes and I'm halfway through it. I suspect I'll be left wanting more. 8/10.

Don't write too many reviews, but on this one had to - guess it's my way of putting out into the universe - please don't cancel! Don't know too many people who watch it, so I am concerned, but I really think it has something after 9 episodes in. Yep, it gets off to a slightly slow start (which wasn't a problem for me personally), and there are some serialized "TV show moments" in the beginning that don't quite work - the death of one main character in the first few episodes, as one reviewer wrote, did seem a little forced - it's forgivable, keep watching. If you were a fan of the original movie(s), you will appreciate the love the creators of this show have for them and how they tie everything in to a modern day story that still stays faithful to the original things to smile, laugh, and be creeped out about - the freakish deaths, the conspiracies, the cabals, the dramatic Gothic Damien 666 music, the killer Rottweilers, that feeling of dread cuz you know it's all going to hell from here. Actor playing Damien is good - does a good job of balancing his confusion and resistance about it all with the rising evil in him (lemme guess without looking, British, right?) And bonuses - Barbara Hershey blessing the show with her immense Jessica Lange-esque presence, and Scott Wilson. All in all, guys from Walking Dead produced this, and I trust their vision and direction so far. And please don't cancel lol

As a particularly opinionated connoisseur of the horror genre, I fully recommend this version of dark prophesy and the emergence of the Anti-Christ. While far from perfect, many things are done extremely well at this early point (seven episodes) of the series.

I'm a fan of serious horror movies like Rosemary's Baby, Exorcist III, Jacob's Ladder, (the wildly underestimated 2005) Stay, and the Omen films from which this show draws inspiration. There are seeds of all of these films present in Damien - with minimal jump scares, frequent disorientation, and a wonderful atmosphere of growing terror.

Damien continues the legacy of the Omen movies, and does so utilizing footage directly from the first classic for story development. Anyone who has seen the Omen knows there are truly memorable moments that have earned a place in the lexicon of the horror genre. Damien lives up to the best parts of these films and is a fine example of the current era of great television. The brief synopsis is all one needs to know: Damien Thorn, a man who has been drawn to the darkness of humanity his whole life, but somehow is always protected from physical harm, must come to terms with the growing reality of his true identity, the Anti-Christ.

Production is solid, with top marks given to lighting. Darkness, strong shadows, and contrast are always present, at times unrealistically - but there is consistency to the look and feel that adds to the unsettling nature.

Casting is also excellent. Everyone is convincing, including the two leads, who were clearly cast for both ability and photogenic qualities. Damien's best friend may be the weakest link, but this speaks to the strength of the major players as a whole, because he's pretty good! Barbara Hershey and Scott Wilson have to be the real treat. Both are right at home, delivering top notch performances. Hershey emotes the love of a mother with truly sinister flair, and Wilson channels his best Donald Pleasence. Without this cast and their hard work, this show could easily be half as good. To this point, this show is certainly not for everyone. Some who can not suspend disbelief may find Damien tedious, even laughable. I too laugh aloud at moments, perhaps when I shouldn't - but I've always been like this with serious horror films, having a certain glee absorbing unspeakable content.

And what wonderful content! This show is not politically correct - throwing religious practice, emergency rooms, psychiatric wards, and military veterans hospitals all under the bus. Damien is not made to do any public service, but to entertain, and I applaud the unflinching approach. Meta scores be damned! Clearly this show is made for audience approval and not reviewers, who have become difficult to trust without first forming one's own opinion.

This is just the beginning too! With time to grow into multiple seasons Damien could really be special, and find a singular place. There is plenty of horror schlock, and murder saturated TV, but a serious supernatural thriller should have a place. Thank you A&E (didn't think I'd be saying that!).

Impressed and eagerly anticipating more, 8 out of 10