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Haven: First Season Wrap-Up

Despite some missteps and several early episodes that registered too high on the gross-out meter for me (I almost stopped watching after the one with the exploding animals), I hung in there until the first season finale, and really enjoyed it. Haven definitely has potential, and I hope they'll fulfill that potential in season two.

And by potential, I mean arc. Throughout the season, I kept wishing they'd get back to the main characters. Emily Rose (Audrey) and Lucas Bryant (Nathan) are strong leads and I like them both; I'm a lot more interested in Audrey's mysterious past and Nathan's bizarre affliction than I am in the latest "troubled person" wreaking unintentional havoc. I'm particularly intrigued by the discovery that Nathan can feel Audrey's touch; it's so romantic, but in an utterly creepy sort of way. I also liked the storyline about Nathan and his father, and its conclusion.

The supporting characters are good, too; the newspaper guys are occasionally fun, and I was sorry to lose the crusty coroner. Not quite sure what I think of her replacement slash daughter slash possible villain. The show could also make better use of the talented Eric Balfour (Duke), although his role did get bigger as the season progressed.

I have no idea if they're following the original Stephen King story or not, but I also like the little touches of King that they insert into the storyline (like Max being released from Shawshank prison). The Dead Zone did stuff like that, too, and yes, these are the same producers.

So – next season, I'll be there.

Did you watch the first season of Haven? What did you think?
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Billie Doux loves good television and spends way too much time writing about it.

5 comments:

  1. I haven't watched it, but I think I want to. Maybe next summer? Maybe if they show re-runs?

    I think I read somewhere that only the first episode follows the book. The book is extremely short. I think King has written longer short stories.

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  2. The series was only inspired by the book. The book can only be described as an "anti-mystery"- its detective is left with no explanation at the end of the mystery- a Colorado kid is killed on a New England island. How did he get there ? Who killed him ? no one knows but somehow that inspired "Haven".

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  3. When I first heard about Haven I was intrigued, but not overly enthusiastic. Once I watched the first episode however, I was hooked. The show has a nice blend of drama, mystery and humor, and definitely feels like something in Stephen King's universe. The last three episodes or so really kicked the story into high gear, and the last scene of the season finale will have me anxiously awaiting Season 2.

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  4. I am hooked because I really like the 3 main characters.

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  5. I've only seen the first episode so far, and i wasn't sure if i was going to continue watching. But having read the positive feedback i'm going to stick with it for a few more episodes at least.

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