When it comes to creativity and imagination within the fantasy, horror or sci fi genres, Guillermo Del Toro is one of the best working today. He is the driving force behind this television series airing on FX. It is a mix of sci fi and horror with the backbone of the story being an epidemic which transforms humans into monstrous creatures. If anyone is going to be the mind behind a visual that is going to worm its way into your unconsciousness and keep you up at night it is Del Toro. He knows how to use monsters in combination with universal human fears to put a fright into you. Buckle up for this one.
In this the second season of the series the epidemic continues its rampage through New York while two scientists attempt to construct a biological weapon that will terminate the creatures created by it. The creatures are almost like vampires seeking human blood to feed upon. Doctors Goodweather (played by Corey Stoll) and Martinez (played by Mia Maestro) are working that end while Abraham Setrakian (played by David Bradley) continues the hunt for an ancient book that is rumoured to hold the key to destroying the “Master”. The tricky thing is that the Master is aware he is being hunted so he makes even more despicable and destructive creatures to protect him and divert attention.
New York has been overrun by this evil and as such many are involved. There are a ton of characters in the series of many varieties – old, young, rich, poor, good, evil…you get the picture. Plenty of grey is involved in the characters so you really do not truly know who is a good guy or a baddie. You find yourself swaying from hating someone to feeling sorry for them. Everyone has flaws. That is a sign of a good show.
The great thing is you don’t have to be familiar with the novels or comics that the series is based on to follow it or have a better appreciation. In a nod to its comic book origins The Strain contains some of the best special effects that money can buy. The visuals are great.
The tension, action and shivers begin right from the beginning and don’t really let up throughout the season. It is a complex story that involves a fast pace so you have to pay attention. Gets you hooked and keeps you begging for more.
Special Features:
-Deleted Scenes
-Meet the Crew of The Strain
-The White Room
-Audio Commentary on “Night Train” featuring Carlton Cuse
-Gag Reel
-Beyond the Page
-Sentient strigoi
