In its fourth Year, the Tribeca TV Festival rang in the fall TV season with a vast variety of talks, reunions (yes, I sat on Friends’ couch!) and premieres – proving once again they are a formidable power in not just film, but TV as well. I was fortunate enough to receive the opportunity to cover the premiere of Evil, the latest series from Robert King and Michelle King (both creators of The Good Wife and The Good Fight) premiering on CBS this fall.
What is evil
Audiences have always been fascinated with anything evil, supernatural and unexplainable. Coupled with an audience’s love for crime solving drama and you have CBS’s latest attempt to attract viewers with Evil. There is a recognizable formula behind Evil, though one that is easily forgotten as terror and humor blend to create a sharp and witty introduction to the series. A forensics psychologist originally working with the DA’s office, Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers, Westworld) teams up with Catholic Church assessor and priest in training David Acosta (Michale Emerson, Luke Cage) and Ben (Aasif Mandivi), a private contractor, to investigate the nature behind suspected possessions, miracles and demons.
In its premier episode, Kristen, who is a strong call back to Bones and Dana Scully, is attempting to understand the psychology of an inmate accused of brutally murdering multiple individuals. The graphic nature of the show’s introduction – the brief snippets of reenactment of the crimes – is unnerving yet enticing. There is definitely a bar being pushed for what can be shown, yet with taste and skill. Refusing to lie for the DA, Kristen finds herself without a job and quietly fretting about what she will do to support her four daughters. As she teams up with Acosta to investigate the inmates supposed possession, her skepticism is challenged as the unthinkable seems to be possible.
Evil Wins
Evil proved to be everything that was promised, delivering a solid introduction into a series with a wealth of potential and enough jump scares to keep anyone holding their breath. There is also enough intrigue as well. Where the mysteries of CSI, NCIS, The X-Files and Bones (just to name a few) kept audiences entertained with puzzles and who dun-nit case installments each week, Evil promises the same with its “is it or isn’t it” approach to miracles, demons and possessions – leaving just enough room for viewers to stagger back and forth along the line of believability and certainty.
It was surprising how deeply developed the characters were in just a single episode – their families, home life, challenges and even tidbits shining through immediately. While some are more hand held than others for audiences, there is a richness that promises a character journey for those accolades who are willing to jump on board.
What really intrigued within the character development was the small details, whether it be in words or actions, that allude to a darkness within us all. The characters on screen are each depicted as good, they are investigating for the truth. Yet, it seems there is a bit of evil in each and everyone of them. A little devil on the shoulder whose voice either has or is speaking louder. I was impressed at how many avenues after this first episode the series could venture down, and found myself excited to return to the series once it began its weekly schedule.
The cast behind this characters is one to note as well. There is a diversity that immediately screams to be noticed, not because it overshadows the episode, rather because it is so refreshing to see. When asked by Film Inquiry if this decision had been conscious or had come about organically, creator Robert King answered it was organically and noted the talent of his incredible cast.
Conclusion: Evil
Evil’s first episode delivers in every way possible, setting the stage with a premise that shows genuine promise for the season. With a talented and diverse cast, chills coming from the darkest corners of television and unending potential (the Catholic Church currently has 500,000 outstanding cases for investigation into claims of demons, possession, exorcism and miracles), Evil is definitely the one to watch this fall season.
The deck is set and it is a strong hand dealing out the cards.
Are you excited for Evil? Let us know in the comments below!
Evil Premieres Thursday September 26, 2019 at 10pm on CBS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpB5t1ku–4
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