CHANNEL ZERO: CANDLE COVE

released 16 OctOber 2016 | 15 | blu-ray/dVd Creator Nick antosca Cast Paul schneider, Fiona shaw, luisa d’Oliveira, Natalie brown

Is too much TV bad for kids? Syfy’s attempt to do an American Horror Story-style anthology show comes out firmly on the side of “Yes”.

Inspired by a “creepypasta” story written as an online forum thread, this first six-part run follows child psychiatrist Mike Painter (Parks And Recreation’s Paul Schneider) back to the small town where, 28 years ago, four children were found dead and his twin brother went missing. It all has something to do with Candle Cove, a pirate-themed puppet show that no one actually broadcast… and which kids are now seeing again.

If you’re jonesing for more Twin Peaks then Channel Zero might take the edge off. There are dark secrets lurking beneath the surface, and soapy elements (like Mike’s relationship with the Sheriff’s wife) rub shoulders with surrealism. The fact that Mike – who recently suffered a psychotic episode – is a highly unreliable POV character also keeps the viewer on their toes.

It’s a shame the puppet show itself isn’t particularly creepy, but Channel Zero’s preference for slow pans over jump scares does conjure an ominous atmosphere, and a monster made entirely of teeth is a nightmarish creation.

Extras An interview with the showrunner (10 minutes) and puppet show footage. Ian Berriman