PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Most reviews start with some catchy opening paragraph that toys with the reader; did the reviewer like the thing? Did they not? I’ll cut the crap. Crystal Lake fucking rocks.
To put this review into perspective, I am someone who appreciates and respects the original franchise more than I actually enjoy it. I see them more as fast food; easy to digest, lacking in substance. Crystal Lake, on the other hand, is a very narrative-driven story, which I feel is something we haven’t really seen in this franchise.
The greatest pro I can say about Crystal Lake is most likely the same thing everyone is going to say after binging it like I did: Linda Cardellini kills it (no pun intended). When it was first announced that a prequel series was in the works with Linda Cardellini playing the infamous Pamela Voorhees, the hype train left the station and was chugging on all cylinders for me.
I got to sit down with some of the cast and crew of Crystal Lake and, almost immediately, it was obvious this project was a labor of love. Series creator, Bob Kane, stated “the movies are a vibe, and [even with] the credits, we wanted to emulate that vibe.” Every nook and cranny of this series is painted with the 70s/80s throwback we have come to know and love with the original Friday the 13th. I think it’s also important to point out this isn’t some cheap nostalgia cash in that has been so popular in horror media these days. The show throws hardcore fans a bone while having ballsy, original moments throughout.
During the NYCC panel, Kane also expressed the importance of original kills. And let me tell you, this show has a lot. The practical FX team deserve more than just a pat on the back, they truly made this show what it was.
The biggest drawback for me is I feel like this show has some pacing issues. One of my least favorite tropes in TV are flashback episodes and, while an important storyline, this show gives us one near the end. I also feel very mixed on certain explanations for characters and their backstories, but then again a good show leaves you thinking.
At the end of the day, I think both new and old fans alike are going to enjoy what lies in the water at Camp Crystal Lake, currently streaming on Peacock.
