It’s not all enjoyable and video games at Camp Crystal Lake.
The new “Friday the 13th” prequel sequence is a violent gore-fest that intermittently takes a stab at having a significant plot.
But, you could also say that about the films. So, while “Crystal Lake” is a middling show – not horrible; but not great – it’s a worthy entry in this franchise.
Premiering Oct. 15 on Peacock, “Crystal Lake” stars Linda Cardellini as Pamela Voorhees, mom of iconic villain Jason Voorhees and the franchise’s unique killer.
“Crystal Lake” is a prequel to the “Friday the 13th” franchise (Jason Voorhees pictured in one of the earlier films). Courtesy Everett Collection
Linda Cardellini (pictured in “Crystal Lake”) stars as Jason’s mom, Pamela Voorhees. Peacock
To date, there’s been twelve slasher movies in this universe, launched from 1980 to 2009.
On the massive screen, Jason was said to have drowned at New Jersey’s Camp Crystal Lake. He returned as an grownup, wielding a machete and sporting a hockey masks, out for blood. His mom Pamela (performed by Betsy Palmer in the movie) also had her own homicide spree.
When the show begins in the ‘70s, Jason (Callum Vinson) is a cute child with a misshapen head. Locals sneeringly call him “deformed.” Unlike the silent psycho grownup Jason, the child is chatty and candy.
Betsy Palmer (pictured in 1980’s “Friday the thirteenth) first performed Pam on the massive screen as the principal villain in the unique movie. ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
The “Friday the 13th” franchise (pictured in 1988’s “Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood”) contains twelve slasher films. ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
Pamela is distraught when Jason seemingly drowns in the lake at the summer time camp, where she works as a cook.
One 12 months later, she is satisfied that her son is one way or the other still out there, since his physique was never discovered.
Everyone thinks the grieving mom is pitiful, but Pam types a bond with Grace (Gwendolyn Sundstrom), who was Jason’s only good friend.
Cardellini’s Pam (pictured with Gwendolyn Sundstrom) is mourning Jason’s supposed death in the show, and befriends his only good friend. Matt Infante/PEACOCK
“Crystal Lake” (pictured) is a gore-fest with a scattered plot. Peacock
Meanwhile, there’s blood and guts galore as people in city keep getting hacked up.
Police chief Levon Brooks (Will Catlett) and his journalist sister Briana (Devin Kessler) are both investigating what’s occurring. A gang of hippies come to celebration. Two males show up who appear to know Pam’s mysterious previous. There’s a whiff of company conspiracy afoot.
If those plot factors sound scattered – it’s because they are.
The show is set at Camp Crystal Lake (pictured). Matt Infante/Peacock
The cop Levon (William Catlett, pictured in “Crystal Lake”) is investigating as our bodies pile up. Matt Infante/PEACOCK
“Crystal Lake” meanders along erratically, usually feeling like it’s throwing spaghetti at the wall, to see what sticks.
Cardellini elevates the materials with a sturdy efficiency, but the show spends a lot of time spinning its wheels before revealing Pam’s backstory in the standout penultimate episode.
So, we spend much of “Crystal Lake” watching Pam do outrageous actions, without having much context for what to make of it.
Cardellini (pictured in “Crystal Lake”) elevates it with her efficiency, but the show spins its wheels. Matt Infante/Peacock
The show has a lot of blood. (Cardellini pictured in the sequence.) Peacock
It makes you marvel if it would have been higher as a film.
On the other hand, if you need to flip off your mind and just watch dramatic murders occur onscreen – with blood geysers in all places – then this is the show for you.
It’s becoming for the bigger “Friday the 13th” franchise, since that’s slasher schlock, neither as sharp as the “Scream” films, nor dipping into social commentary like “Obsession” or “Get Out.”
“Crystal Lake” (pictured with Cardellini) is so-so, but followers of the franchise may like it. Peacock
The films were here for the kills and thrills, and so is “Crystal Lake” (pictured with Cardellini). Matt Infante/PEACOCK
The films weren’t in being high artwork. They were here for the kills and thrills, and so is the show. So, in that regard, there’s a lot in “Crystal Lake” for followers to like.
If you’re not particularly hooked up to the franchise, however, and you just need a high quality horror show, it might be higher to skip this one.
“Crystal Lake” premieres Oct. 15 on Peacock.
