Crystal Lake delivers a thrilling and bloody Friday the 13th prequel (series review)
It's been a long, long time since Friday the 13th fans have been treated to anything new in the famed slasher universe. The last movie was the 2009 remake, and due to lawsuits, there's been nothing since then. So, to say that there's been a lot of hype and anticipation around the prequel series Crystal Lake is an understatement.
While the series offers plenty of nods to the film franchise and familiar characters, as well as the return of composer Harry Manfredini, it also pushes forward and opens up a world of possibilities for Friday the 13th. Additionally, it contains some great kills, practical effects, and a hell of a performance by Linda Cardellini as Jason's mom, the grief-stricken and revenge-fueled Pamela Voorhees.
Primarily set during the summer of 1972, the events of Crystal Lake occur before the first film, which takes place in 1980. The first episode rehashes events already known. Jason (Callum Vinson) is the weird, disfigured child who can't make friends, and while Camp Crystal Lake counselors have sex, he drowns. Again, there's nothing new in the opening episode, but there is, however, ample time spent fleshing out Jason as a boy and a multi-dimensional character, including how alone he feels and how his mom is his only friend, other than another oddball kid, Grace (Gwendolyn Sundstrom). In fact, the scenes between Jason and Pamela and Jason and Grace are some of the strongest in the series. They humanize Jason and make his death and its aftermath that much more impactful, especially Pamela's visceral reaction to it. She sees Jason everywhere and in the following episodes, she's certain he's lurking and surviving in the woods. After all, they didn't find a body.
Crystal Lake also works because it offers a well-rounded cast of interesting characters that expand the universe beyond Jason. Crazy Ralph, the harbinger of doom from the first two movies, is given a bigger role as a survivalist and PTSD-rattled vet. Nick Cordileone's performance as the fan favorite character adds breath and dimension to Ralph, while William Catlett's performance as Crystal Lake Police Chief Levon is another standout, especially his backstory about why he left Newark to work in such a smaller New Jersey town. He's one of the show's main characters and one who still believes in and supports Pamela through her profound grief. If this series is renewed for a second season, and let's hope it is, his story warrants more attention. He's a compelling main character.
Additionally, Crystal Lake is well-utilized in the film. It feels like a living, breathing character, and the scenes of Blairstown, where the initial film was shot, add some real connective tissue. There's also something supernatural-like about the lake, to the point Pamela warns children not to swim in it because they'll "disturb it," perhaps as Jason's resting place or scenery he watches over. Of course, there's also a bit of campiness and horny, dumb teenagers. It wouldn't be the Friday the 13th universe without it. That said, it's also the townies that enhance the setting, and even if they're not main characters, they work in bringing Crystal Lake to life, be it when they're gossiping at the local diner or hosting a summer picnic. One particular favorite is Rita (Joy Suprano), who bonds with Pamela because she also lost a child. Yet, she has some of the funniest moments in the season, especially when she sets her eyes on wealthy men.
All of that said, Crystal Lake is Pamela's story through and through, tracing her journey from a loving mom who gave up a singing career to take care of her disabled kid, to a revenge-fueled mother willing to slash and hack teens and anyone else who gets in her way. Cardellini is absolutely fantastic in the role and deepens Pamela's story, making it richer and fuller, perhaps even warranting sympathy from viewers. Cardellini is increasingly one of the most exciting American actors around, but this time, she really steals the show and it's great to see her so front and center in a series, going through a wide range of emotions, including grief, regret for a career that could have been, and of, course murder.
As for the carnage, there's plenty of it, nearly every episode. Some of the kills are brutal. Some are funny. Some are sudden and surprising, but most of them are messy, bloody, and gory. The practical effects look great. There's one kill that occurs early in the series during a weekend retreat/workshop that's utter carnage candy and a delight for slasher fans. It's one of the best in the series.
Regarding Jason and his backstory, that won't be spoiled here, but Crystal Lake does fill in some of the gaps about why exactly Jason can't die. It also ties into Pamela's story, and likely, some fans will be turned off by this narrative thread. However, over eight episodes, the writers had to flesh out the backstory and expand the lore. Otherwise, there wouldn't be enough meat to warrant the episodes and their runtimes. It does lead to some solid payoff in the final episode. That said, some of the backstory is absurd, even for this franchise that at one point shot Jason into space. There's also a major narrative thread regarding Grace that's just sort of dropped mid-season. Hopefully, it's revisited and resolved in a second season.
Crystal Lake has a lot riding on its shoulders. The series is very much a reboot for the franchise, and thankfully, it mostly delivers. There are grisly kills, a hell of a performance by Cardellini, horny, stupid teenagers just waiting for a machete to the skull, and deeper characterization. The series works well as a prequel but opens exciting opportunities for the franchise moving forward. Some fans may not like how the series somewhat rewrites the lore, but there's a lot of potential here for a Season 2 and a new movie. Crystal Lake is a bloody bast and a strong return for the storied Friday the 13th franchise.
Give us more Pamela and Jason soon, please, including that infamous blue sweater.
All episodes of Crystal Lake will stream on Peacock beginning October 15.
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