Series Review: "The Strain" (2014-17).

From acclaimed director Guillermo del Toro and executive producer Carlton Cuse comes The Strain. This horror drama television series created by del Toro and Chuck Hogan, based on their novel trilogy of the same name. It aired on FX from July 13, 2014, to September 17, 2017. It tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. As the strain spreads, Eph, his team, and an assembly of everyday New Yorkers, wage war for the fate of humanity itself.

In 2006, del Toro pitched The Strain as a television series, but negotiations broke down when the network president at Fox Broadcasting Company asked him to make it a comedy. An agent suggested expanding the concept as a novel series instead. Del Toro asked Chuck Hogan to co-write the series. Hogan agreed after reading a page and a half of del Toro's 12-page project outline; the duo collaborated for the first year on a handshake, with no contract or publishing deal in place. In 2009, the first installment was released, and was followed by 2010's The Fall and 2011's The Night Eternal. After the first book's publication, studios and networks began making offers for the film and television adaptation rights, but del Toro and Hogan declined, not wanting a screen version to influence the way they were writing the books. After the third book's publication, the authors talked with every cable network that had expressed interest. FX was deemed most suitable because they wanted to follow the books closely and liked the idea of The Strain as a close-ended series consisting of three to five seasons. Del Toro stated that the first two novels can be covered by one season each, while The Night Eternal may be split into two or three seasons. The author is also open to creative detours that may develop as the series goes on, possibly incorporating material cut from the books. Del Toro intends to direct as many episodes as his busy schedule allows. Before the series order was announced, FX gave the writing team the go-ahead to script another ten episodes, which del Toro rewrote. FX president John Landgraf has stated that the series will consist of "39–65 episodes, no less, no more." In late November 2013, FX ordered a thirteen-episode first season for the series, and announced that the series would premiere in July 2014. In August 2015, del Toro and Cuse announced a five-season plan for the series after the third season renewal. He also said that beyond the first and second seasons, which are 13 episodes each, the remaining seasons were planned to each consist of 10 episodes. However, in September 2016, FX announced the series' fourth season would be its last. Del Toro and Cuse cast the series together. For the role of Dr. Ephraim "Eph" Goodweather, Corey Stoll was cast based on his performance in Midnight in Paris (2011). For Professor Abraham Setrakian, John Hurt played the role in the original version of the pilot, but later dropped out. The role was recast with David Bradley and his scenes were reshot. For Vasiliy Fet, del Toro had Ron Perlman in mind for the role. Kevin Durand was ultimately cast. For Kelly Goodweather, Lauren Lee Smith was originally cast, but was ultimately replaced by Natalie Brown. For Jim Kent, Sean Astin was cast based on his performance in The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-3). Principal photography took place at both Pinewood Toronto Studios and Cinespace Studios in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Filming for the pilot took place from mid September to Halloween 2013. For subsequent episodes, a full writing staff was hired. $500,000 was reportedly committed by FX on the creature effects alone. Although similar to the Reapers from Blade II (2002), the Strigoi are Del Toro's actual original concept. When he had first begun developing an interest in writing as a young man, Del Toro had created and conceptualized his own idea of vampires being monstrous, parasitic creatures with leech-like feeding appendages. During the course of the series, 46 episodes aired over four seasons.

The series stars Stoll, Bradley, Mía Maestro, Durand, Jonathan Hyde, Richard Sammel, Astin, and Jones. Terrific performances were given  by the cast whose portrayals did justice and more to their literary counterparts, and brought them to extraordinary life.

Blood-spattered, emotionally resonant, and white-knuckle intense, The Strain puts an intelligent spin on the overcrowded zombie subgenre. The series manages to capture del Toro's enthusiasm for telling monster stories, in a youthful and more colorful fashion that may well earn him a new generation of fans. They have made their series with panache and ingenuity, as much majesty as the budget will allow, and enough suspense and mystery to make one invest in subsequent episodes as they arrive. While a simple story drives things along, the impressive visual flair del Toro brings prove compelling for fans of the creator, and, of course, horror enthusiasts. The series is an always engaging and often wildly entertaining addition to the vampire genre. The second season fleshes out the characters while maintaining the gruelling tension and gore that made the show a hit. If you enjoyed the series' first outing, then you're going to love the horror, action, and thrills of this second season. The palpable terror and visceral thrills continue in the third season, along with a deeper sense of the people who inhabit its apocalyptic landscape. It expands the show's horror elements, allows the relationships to mature, and takes bold chances with the story's narrative structure. If it was ever the case that you were unsure the series was worth your time, now is the perfect time to give it a chance. Above all, however, it is a series with a whole lot of character. It is the best horror series to come along since The Walking Dead.

Simon says The Strain receives:

Also, see my review for The Shape of Water.