The Following “Pilot”

Serial killers are an area of interest with our society.  Maybe it’s their lack of humanity or maybe their pension for the theatrical that amuses us, but they keep popping up in our culture and we gobble them up like Hannibal Lecter.  Joe Carroll, The Following’s deleterious killer, is an impressive addition to the list.  He’s charismatic and dangerous, like all serial killers should be, and has an interest in Edgar Allan Poe and movies which brings humanity to his character.

Kevin Bacon plays detective Ryan Hardy who barely survived his last encounter with Joe Carroll, which left him with a pace maker and a thirst for alcohol.  His past comes back to haunt him when Carroll escapes from prison and as Hardy hunts for the mole inside the prison Carroll hunts the only woman to survive his killing spree, Sarah Fuller, played by Maggie Grace.  The Following impresses with the attention every character gets.  Each piece of the puzzle is fully formed, even Sarah Fuller who was so well rounded I believed she was a main character until

SPOILERS

She dies.

SHORT SPOILERS AMUSE ME.

I liked everything about this show from the writing down to the directing and music, but I had one problem.  Joe Carroll’s escape from prison seemed WAY too easy.  I know the scene was a cold open and meant to be short, but I feel like killing four guards in one room and taking one of their uniforms then simply walking out is a little convenient.  Where were they keeping this dangerous criminal?  It’s harder to escape from daycare.  Other than that I like my decision for a new show.  The Following seems full of twists and scares, just like I like it.  Bring it on.