The series deals with a series of serious events in a quiet, attractive and small town governed by its charming and evil sheriff. It seems that this evil man is the one who uses his diabolical powers to remove anyone who dares to stand in his way. Over time, this evil man suffers and fears a young boy who was born with rape.
It is the most promising effort of its kind since early Twin Peaks, to which it will inevitably be compared. American Gothic reinforces the old saw that the most enervating terror of all is psychological, and here it is abundance.
"American Gothic" requires patience as well as trust. Patience, to endure this opening hour, which plods and meanders en route to a negligible payoff. Trust, that the series will improve.
"Gothic"'s one-season run features plenty of strong moments and no real stinkers. Couple that with a finale that provides enough closure to be satisfying while still inspiring wistful thoughts of "what if..."
If the sense of menace sometimes threatens to get a bit campy, that shouldn't come as a surprise in a project on which two of the executive producers are Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert.
This is the most difficult show of the year to describe - it's at once repulsive and enthralling. The quality of writing and acting is exceptional, and - while it's certainly not to everyone's taste - it's also about the best new show of the season.
