The Strain (Season 1)

Show: The Strain

Season: 1

Episodes: 13

Executive Producer: Guillermo del Toro

Released: 2014

Rating: 5/6

Basic Plot: A thriller that tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. As the strain spreads, Eph, his team, and an assembly of everyday New Yorkers, wage war for the fate of humanity itself.
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Old School Vampires
I don't mind vampires that are romantic. That have humanity to them, in other words. However, it is a breath of fresh air when I can watch a show that has vampires far removed from humanity. These vampires once were human but now are anything but. These vampires are dickless (and boy is that a scene I will never forget) and have no libido. There are also multiple groups of vampires that probably have different sets of morals than the first group of vampires we meet, but that's a question for Season 2 to answer.

The Pacing
The Season starts off a little slow with Ephraim and Nora figuring out what is going on. But once they do...things start happening and they start happening fast. Eph and Nora both have their character growths. Abraham starts off as the wise one but by the end of the Season you find out as he's as unprepared as the others. It is good pacing that asks questions for every answer it gives.

The Effects
Of course a show like this wouldn't mean much if the effects weren't good. Instead of fangs, The Strain vampires have a worm-like thing that sucks blood. The worms that are what carry the virus are done well. It is beyond creepy to see the worms squirming right beneath the skin or going into an eye or two. In short, the effects are done well and make the vampires of the show creepy.

Final Thoughts
I love this series if only for the return of deadly vampires. Ones who don't care for such human emotions as love. Guillermo del Toro's name was the thing that really attracted me to this show. I was already interested in the show, but his name made it sure I would check it out. This tv series is based on a book trilogy that he helped write. Will I check out the book trilogy? Yes. Hopefully before the next season starts.