Mike better watch his back because things are about to get twisted!
Season 1, Episode 4
Airdate: Tuesday, November 1, 2016, 9/8c on Syfy
Rating:
After watching “A Strange Vessel,” the mere concept of sleep was the last thing on my mind. When I did manage to get some shuteye, I had the oddest dreams—that’s how much the latest episode of Channel Zero: Candle Cove (CZ:CC) impacted me. “A Strange Vessel” is a wonderful follow-up to the events from “Want to See Something Cool?” in that it reveals surprising twists to the main story lines. CZ: CC hits its peak with the violent imagery this week, and the line between the supernatural and reality blurs even further. While the puppets of “Candle Cove” are still there, appearing in unlikely places, new monsters make appearances. In one scene, Dr. Mike Painter (Paul Schneider) asks his daughter Lily (Abigail Pniowsky) if something is behind him. We see a dark figure wearing a ragged outfit; the only discernible quality is that it looks like a pirate. The silence in the room, mixed with Mike’s calm reaction, is the epitome of horror—the unpredictability and anticipation of what will happen next kept me glued to my screen. I didn’t know when to let my guard down, and that’s the beauty of “A Strange Vessel,” which, up until now, has been slightly predictable. We know Mike has issues, not only with his past but because his dead twin brother Eddie (Luca Villacis) took a dark turn.
Think About the Children
Mrs. Booth (Marina Stephenson Kerr) and her band of psychotic schoolchildren play a big role in “A Strange Vessel,” as does Lily’s sudden appearance. Up until this moment, the children of Iron Hill Elementary School have simulated the violence under the watchful direction of Mrs. Booth; now it seems Amy Welch (Luisa
The Skin-Taker has its eyes on Amy.
D’Oliveira), the mannequin sheriff’s deputy, seeing the children stabbing in “Want to See Something Cool?” was just the beginning. “A Strange Vessel” ups the ante, delivering chilling stage re-enactments of “Candle Cove.” It’s nice to see someone noticing the disturbing behavior of the town’s children. Amy is one of my favorite characters because she’s pretty much an outsider within the scope of CZ: CC. She didn’t grow up in Iron Hill during the time “Candle Cove” first started affecting the children so in a way, we see Mike’s world just as she does…in a fresh way. Moreover, D’Oliveira has a nice onscreen presence; she is a bit quirky but puts Amy in a dangerous situation. D’Oliveira is quite believable as a capable heroine. Additionally, Mike’s interaction with Lily is equally as unnerving as it seems she is the vessel referenced in the episode’s title when Eddie appears in the most unexpected way. The major story lines regarding the culprit in the 1988 Iron Hill murders are revealed but not without dire consequences for many characters. The result is a shocking twist I didn’t anticipate so soon.
Overall
As CZ: CC nears the end of the season, I really love how the elements of “Candle Cove” manifest in new abstract ways. Mrs. Booth’s motives remain enigmatic despite her clear involvement with the recent violent incidents and mysterious deaths. What stands out the most is the progressive way the story moves forward without losing its unique story dynamic.
Young Jessica isn’t afraid of Eddie…that’s her first mistake
Also, the casting of actors for their respective characters is perfect. I love that there are no big names to distract from the content of the show. Schneider is perfect in his portrayal of Mike, showcasing both his eccentric, as well as sympathetic, nature. Marla Painter (Fiona Shaw), Mike’s mother, is only a supporting character but every time Shaw is onscreen, I am enthralled by her performance. Marla is a complex character; she’s definitely not the June Cleaver type but despite her flaws, there’s a tenacious love for her children that Shaw reflects wonderfully. I’m a little disappointed we don’t see her as much as I’d like in “A Strange Vessel.”
The heart of the episode focuses on a lot of action, revealing Eddie’s connection with Mrs. Booth, and Mike’s relationship with Jessica Yolen (Natalie Brown). In a series of flashbacks from Jessica and Mike’s perspective, we finally get more context of the tragic events leading to the murders in 1988 . My problem with the episode is that Mike’s relationship with Jessica could have added more depth to the show. Had the nature of Mike and Jessica’s history been established clearly from the beginning of the season, it would have made the ending of “A Strange Vessel” more powerful.
As a whole, the pacing suits the eerie tone of the episode. Writers Erica Saleh and Nick Antosca create wonderful juxtaposing scenes where the dialogue complements the high points of the episode. For instance, the shocking ending. I can’t help but wonder if Mike’s desire to save his daughter comes at too high a cost. The actors’ performances, as well as the skillful direction from Craig William Macneill, do a great job of heightening the gruesome sequence of events. “A Strange Vessel,” despite the creepy scenes and sad ending, is my favorite episode of the season so far because it is very well balanced from script to screen. “A Strange Vessel” is definitely a perfect way to set up the penultimate episode as the hunt for Mrs. Booth causes havoc all over town.
What did you think of “A Strange Vessel?” Post your comment below or on Twitter @conallen.
Tune in to Channel Zero: Candle Cove on Tuesdays at 9/8c, only on Syfy.
Visit the series on its official site: http://www.syfy.com/channelzero and watch videos clips from the show.
Follow Channel Zero on Facebook and Twitter: @ChannelZeroSyfy.
Photos: ©2016 Syfy Network, a division of NBC Universal. All Rights Reserved.
Connie Allen
Latest posts by Connie Allen (Posts)
- Black Sails—“XXXVIII” Series Finale Review. Legends and Legacies - April 5, 2017
- Black Sails—“XXXVII” Review. Let the Games Begin! - March 28, 2017
- Black Sails – “XXXVI” Review. Until the Bitter End. - March 21, 2017
- Black Sails—“XXXV” Review. A Woman’s Worth. - March 14, 2017