Sometimes you get the opportunity to say ‘I was into that before the American remake’. Whether it’s The Office or Let the Right One In there’s something that speaks to our inner geek…the part of us who likes to say ‘first’. One of those opportunities is happening right now.
This French production is already a remake in itself, being based on by a 2004 film of the same name (called They Came Back in the English translation). Following the same basic plot the film was criticised for being pretentious and long winded, the latter being an indicator that it should have been a television series from the beginning. Fortunately the pretentiousness doesn’t translate across, instead becoming a wonderfully balanced drama by the way of supernatural horror.
So what is it about? One evening in a small mountain town a small number of dead people turn up at home. They have no memory of having died or their return. The young Camille, killed in a bus crash four years prior, describes having woken up in the forest after being on the bus, and is completely oblivious to her extended absence. Along with her is Simon, a bridegroom who died the morning of his wedding, Mrs. Costa who returns to her husband after several decades, an uncaught serial killer named Serge and a mysterious and traumatised young boy referred to as ‘Victor’.
While the newly returned deceased struggle to re-orientate themselves into this new world the people of the town must deal with this strange occurrence and the return of people they have grieved for. Other odd happenings begin as well – unusual wounds appear on some people and the water level in the dam rapidly lowers, revealing a church steeple and hundreds of drowned animals.
There are two clear aspects to this story – the human drama and the supernatural events. As with any good piece of writing the focus remains on the human beings. There are plenty of realistic characters who add flavor and personality to proceedings. Although there is plenty of room for weeping and wailing the script keeps everything nicely restrained. Even Serge, the serial killer, remains down to Earth compared to the polish and larger than life characters that we’ve seen in Dexter, Hannibal and The Following.
On the flip side the mysteries unfurl at a steady pace. It reminds one of early episodes of Lost, with every answer providing new secrets. The difference being a clear path being followed rather than a bunch of random six-toed statues that never get explained. Everything builds upon what we already know and reveals new information about the characters. The program doesn’t seek to spook the viewer but leave them feeling haunted. Take a gander at the opening sequence to experience this for yourself.
The season ends on an open end. Questions are unanswered and there’s cliffhangers a plenty. Still, this is an immensely satisfying viewing experience that feels fresh. Watch it before the remake happens risks sapping the subtlety and tone.
