It’s safe to say that one of my favorite series of the year has been Channel Zero: Candle Cove, and I think it will go down as being among the best horror series of the decade when all is said and done. Last week’s episode ended with a pretty huge twist on established formula, so let’s see where things went in this week’s new episode, “Guest of Honor.”
The episode opens in the immediate aftermath of Jessica’s brutal murder. I really can’t believe that this was done in only the fourth episode of the season considering how major of a character Jessica was, but I absolutely love Nick Antosca’s commitment to making something unique with Candle Cove. Mike’s reaction to the news is as devastatingly subtle as could be expected, and I love how Paul Schneider plays the moment of Mike realizing that this story isn’t even close to being over.
One thing I really enjoyed with “Guest of Honor” is the way that it partnered up Mike, Amy (in a way), and Gary. Mike and Gary in particular is a very neat pairing to explore based on their history and relationships with the deceased. It can sometimes be difficult to craft full histories and relationships for characters on a limited series, but I’m very impressed at the job that the writers have done with Candle Cove in this aspect.
Mike’s encounter with Mrs. Booth ends up being just as wonderful as the show has built it up to be over the course of the season, and we’re treated to some great moments of horror in the process (Mike being trapped by puppet strings was such a perfect, non-gory moment of horror that delivered a fantastic shot for the audience). The horror has been so good this season, and I love how it’s so infrequently in-your-face. The frights seep into your mind while you don’t expect it, and then something powerful happens that sets everything off. It’s such a great way of channeling the genre that too few series are able to accomplish when they even try (and most, honestly, just don’t).
The visuals? Still outstanding. There are so many single frames in “Guest of Honor” that I could look at over and over again, and I continue to be shockingly impressed with the use of color on the show. Craig William Macneill is delivered week in and week out, and his future as a director may be the thing that I’m most excited about for the future. The sound design is also still spectacular, and Syfy would be wise to release a soundtrack for this series.
And briefly, that screaming episode of Candle Cove that was featured in the episode? My word.
All told, “Guest of Honor” was another great episode of Channel Zero: Candle Cove that wonderfully sets up the season finale of the story, and I have all the confidence in the world that the cast and crew are going to stick the landing for this one.
What did you think about the penultimate episode of Channel Zero: Candle Cove? What do you think will happen in next week’s finale? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!
[Photo Credit: Syfy]
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Im not sure why you think its so early in the season to kill off Jessica. Are you aware that this is a split season story? Meaning, there are two separate storylines, each only being six episodes. Still trying to figure this story out but so far so good!
Yeah, I know it’s only a six-episode season, but I just meant that it felt odd that such a main character was killed off before the story’s final act. Not in a bad way at all, though. I really like the decision.