Panic spreads through the town…

Episodes 9 and 10 bring this second season to a close. I am conflicted. I remain extremely bored by the lack of progression but at the same time there is much I have enjoyed.

Perhaps I’m coming at this all wrong and the show doesn’t care about the plot and only really wants us to enjoy the character work. If that’s the case then I don’t really understand the point of the setting or the logic that’s within it.

It’s absolutely cosmic horror and perhaps that means we’re not meant to understand it. For those that know, I’m beginning to wonder if I’ve failed my sanity roll while watching the show and my frustrations are actually the ramblings of someone who’s seen a being beyond understanding and cannot parse their experience.

More likely is that From contains elements that are excellent – the acting, the cinematography and the design work are all top notch – and it also contains elements that are infuriating – the lack of narrative development, the odd choices around some of the tropes in play. Inconsistency can absolutely drive us to distraction and From does a good job of bringing that inconsistency.

Yes, I think we’re in cosmic horror territory (there is this reveal if nothing else). Monstrous organic growths, child sacrifice, madness and horror are all happy bedfellows.

At the same time some of the choices the show has made are strange, inconsistent and baffling.

In the end though I can only say that I still want to watch it. I love Boyd and Victor and the crazy IT Bro. I just wish we had some kind of progression.

Verdict: The thing is, we’re two seasons in. In the current climate I wouldn’t be shocked if we’re done with From. It would be a shame if I’m honest because there’s a lot to love here. At the same time it’s not done enough when compared to other shows I’ve got to allocate my precious time towards, to deserve it.

However, deserving doesn’t lead to achieving, especially in TV renewal land.

Rating? 7 out of 10.

Stewart Hotston