The Following ‘The Curse’ review: What a novel idea

Just a short review…

I stopped reviewing The Following some time ago because somewhere after the first couple of episodes, the series continued to create shocking twists that were really just examples of how ill-equipped the FBI officers are. The last episode I reviewed was “Chapter Two,” literally the second episode, and my fears were realized. Back then I thought that we would be second-guessing everyone as part of Joe’s cult (and not in a fun, entertaining way), and that has certainly happened. I mean, even “The Curse” opened with Kevin Bacon talking to his ex-girlfriend who happens to be a Joe Follower and then ended with Roderick helping the FBI find the Cult House. Oh, great. Like they needed to be even more misguided.

I won’t deny that there’s a certain entertainment quality to The Following. However, where I think the writers come up short is that they’re obviously inspired by that Vampire Diaries aesthetic to burn through storylines and craft twist after twist. The problem is that those elements work for a rapid supernatural series like The Vampire Diaries. The Following, however, lives in a supposedly more real world. How long can we buy that the FBI is this inept? More so, The Vampire Diaries originated with a huge cast. The Following creates twists and turns from guest stars. Are we supposed to be surprised that the person you just introduced this episode is part of the cult? Should we care that the person we met five minutes ago just died? The answers are a resounding “no,” by the way. The inherent problem, as well, is that Joe is so obviously an important factor of moving the story forward that the show doesn’t work without him. It’s like the series started with its Klaus circa season four. At some point the payoff has to be Joe, you know, dying…and how do you do that without killing him for about six seasons? Of course, we can talk about several other shows (like Hannibal) doing the same; the thing is that they don’t move as quickly as this show does.

Weirdly, what I’ve found most compelling is the threesome between Jacob, Emma, and Paul. I don’t mean that actual, literal threesome, I just mean their dynamic. And somehow I’ve found the burning sexual desire linked with psychotic behavior as wildly entertaining. I’m also fond of how the show has tried to develop every, single characters actions as at least a bit justifiable. But otherwise, I’m watching Kevin Bacon and Co. run around like idiots.

Last night, though, what was great about the episode is that Claire finally doesn’t something that won’t just get her kidnapped and held hostage. She reads Joe’s book and knows what his master plan is. I’ve got to say that what the show has done well is not have me question what the whole point of everything is for a long time. I found myself shocked that I hadn’t even questioned it for several weeks, and now I’m equally interested to know what is the point. Why orchestrate this entire thing, Joe? What’s even more amazing is the jab she gives him for being an awful writer. I’m glad that they didn’t pretend like “This is a story about death” was the epitome of great writing.

Perhaps it’s the writers taking a jab at themselves as well?