There are many excellent new shows that premiered this fall. Each network has crafted something for everyone. One of the best new shows is Fox Network’s “Sleepy Hollow.”
The story of modern-day Revelation
The premise of “Sleepy Hollow” is both simple and complicated at the same time — in fact, the show is usually always complicated and simple at the same time. The story takes Washington Irving’s character Ichabod Crane (Tom Misom) and puts a new spin on him.
To abbreviate things, Crane beheads Death, one of the Four Riders from Revelation, and both die in the process. Crane has a spell put on him by his wife, Katrina (Katia Winter), and then awakens in 21st century Sleepy Hollow, along with Death. This brings Crane to police lieutenant Abigail Mills (Nicole Beharie). Mills and Crane then decide they must stop the oncoming apocalypse.
The main storyline is strong, taking full advantage of its source material. The episodes don’t always necessarily push the main plot along, but each episode is fast paced. Mythology is added each and every episode, with flashbacks from Crane’s past and other historical events helping piece the story together.
Misom and Beharie are excellent leads
Unsurprisingly, “Sleepy Hollow” is often very frightening. But surprisingly, the show is funny too, and the comedy is very tongue-in-cheek. It’s never too much. This is because the chemistry between the show’s two lead actors, Misom and Beharie, is absolutely electric. Both are relatively unknown actors, but it’s incredibly hard not to admire how good they are. They bring such energy to the show, that it’s almost impossible to dislike their characters and even the show.
The side characters are a bit less interesting, but we’ve only spent six episodes with them so far, so that’s to be expected. Each plays their role well, and there’s plenty of promise. Especially wonderful is John Cho’s character, Andy Brooks, who works for Molloch, the main bad guy of the season. He plays his evil role with such an effective, creepy calmness.
The show is from the same producers — Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Phillip Iscove, Len Wiseman — behind the recent “Star Trek” films and “Underworld” movies, so it tackles plenty of high-octane action with a lot of success. In fact, the show is consistently sharp in the production realm, boasting cinematic special effects and directing — some of the best on TV.
Even though we’re only six episodes in, the show is off to a wonderful start. Our heroes have encountered the Sandman, a witch, the Lesser Key of Solomon, the lost colony of Roanoke and a man who literally eats sins — while the Headless Horseman and Molloch still roam around. It’s fast, it’s furious and it’s very fun — just not terribly deep.
It’s too soon to tell if the show will take advantage of the huge potential it’s laid out for itself, but all signs point to something positive. Fox is pretty confident — they’ve already ordered a second season. They have all the right to be confident as “Sleepy Hollow” continues to be incredibly effective popcorn entertainment.
