Horace Horrible reminds Mike Candle Cove will always be with him
Season 1, Episode 2
Airdate: Tuesday, October 18, 2016, 9/8c on Syfy.
Rating:
Some of your worse childhood nightmares unfold in “I’ll Hold Your Hand.” The latest episode of Channel Zero: Candle Cove, the creepypasta TV series, is as unnerving as the series premiere, “You Have to Go Inside.” There are some twists I did not see coming, which is a pleasant surprise. The premise for “I’ll Hold Your Hand” follows the return of Dr. Mike Painter (Paul Schneider) to Iron Hill in order to help his former childhood friends, Sheriff Gary Yolen (Shaun Benson) and his wife, Jessica (Natalie Brown). Using flashbacks, the episode elaborates on Mike’s past while Gary and Jessica deal with their daughter Katie (Katia Raquel Leon), who stabbed her brother Dane (Liam Merchant) in the middle of the night. If there’s one aspect of horror movies that scares me, it’s evil children. Perhaps it’s the contrast of watching the innocence of a child being marred by extreme violence.
Once again, the pacing of Channel Zero: Candle Cove is slow enough to amplify the explosive moments in “I’ll Hold Your Hand,” enhancing the viewer’s experience. There are different stylistic approaches in creating a horror story. Some stories and directors rely on gore; some emphasize the atmosphere (like a place setting); and some use classic psychological mind games in their major story lines. Channel Zero: Candle Cove uses a little bit of everything, but what really stands out is how well balanced the drama is. The scene where you hear only static coming from a television as the camera follows Mike’s movement to the living room points out how effective the use of silence is in creating a haunting atmosphere. The surveillance camera in the hospital with no audio, showing viewers what the main characters cannot see for themselves, draws the viewer further into the story. I love the style that, at times, reminds me of Twin Peaks and The X-Files, an accomplishment on the part of director Craig William MacNeill, as well as the production team.
The Past Doesn’t Stay in the Past
The 1988 unsolved murders in Iron Hill are the focal point of Channel Zero: Candle Cove. While Mike helps the Yolen family, Katie reveals some cryptic messages in “I’ll Hold Your Hand” when asked about why she stabbed her brother. Once again, the connection to the mysterious children’s show, “Candle Cove,” and the violent attacks resurface. I’m a bit surprised by what Mike does with the information he learns, especially when it comes to Katie. But not as surprised as when Katie asks him, “How long is jail?” The girl knows what she did is wrong, and her calm demeanor is unsettling, to say the least.
Obsessed fans of Candle Cove have creative ways in keeping the short lived show alive
In many ways, “I’ll Hold Your Hand” is as much a mystery as a horrifying look into Mike’s past, which includes life-size puppets of the characters from the “Candle Cove” show. Interestingly, Mike’s mother, Marla (Fiona Shaw), has a major role in the episode. She attempts to find answers about Candle Cove but learns footage of its existence is unavailable—unless you ask some of the locals who re-create it using homemade videos. I really like how we’re starting to see some of the other supporting characters— like Marla—take center stage, allowing the focus to expand beyond Mike’s perspective. It also helps viewers to see Mike in a different light, if they understand how the other characters relate to him. And trust me, the end of the episode does not work in Mike’s favor.
The Tooth Child pays an unexpected visit to Katie
Overall
“I’ll Hold Your Hand” has huge reveals regarding the truth behind the death of Mike’s twin, Eddie, as well as details about the real paranormal impact the show Candle Cove has on its victims. Not to mention, The Tooth Child (Cassandra Consiglio), a monster made of teeth, re-appears and its connection to one of the locals will leave you stunned. Don Mancini and Nick Antosca’s script ties up some loose ends from “You Have to Go Inside,” but in a way that is consistent with the main characters’ motivations and behaviors. Mike still wants to uncover the truth, even if it puts him in a precarious situation.
As a whole, “I’ll Hold Your Hand” is a wonderful follow-up episode to the series premiere. I can’t wait to see how far the rabbit hole goes, so to speak. The fact that I cannot imagine how the season will play out speaks to how well constructed the show is thus far, particularly because we are only two episodes in. Sure, the original creepypasta doesn’t allow for much suspense but episodic writer Antosca and director MacNeill are crafting their own vision, changing enough of the original story to leave viewers on edge. If there’s one thing I know for certain, it doesn’t look good for Mike. At this point, all I can see is a lot more death and deception to come.
What did you think of “I’ll Hold Your Hand?” Post your comment below or on Twitter @conallen.
Visit the series on its official site: http://www.syfy.com/channelzero and to watch videos clips from the show.
Follow Channel Zero on its official twitter: @ChannelZeroSyfy.
Photos: ©2016 Syfy Network, a division of NBC Universal. All Rights Reserved.
Connie Allen
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