'From' Episode 4 Review: EPIX drama impresses even as horror takes a backseat
Contains spoilers for 'From' Episode 4 'Rock and a Farway, A'
After three hours of spine-chilling horror in last week's premiere, EPIX's 'From' finally sees some respite on the ghoul front. The focus is on the Matthews family, notably the strained relationship between Jim (Eion Bailey) and Tabitha (Catalino Sandino Moreno). The couple is headed towards divorce and the road trip was the last hurrah before they'd break the news to their kids, Julie (Hannah Cheramy) and Ethan (Simon Webster). Also getting some screentime and playing a key role going forward is Sara Myers (Avery Konrad).
'Rock and a Farway, A' shows the more traumatized version of Victor (Scott McCord) and his younger version in search of the same boy in white who Ethan sees in the season premiere. The duo head in search of the kid, only to anger an already rage-filled Jim who warns Victor to stay away from his son. Meanwhile, Father Khatri (Shaun Majumder) and Boyd (Harold Perrineau) argue about Frank's death — especially with the Sheriff taunting the priest who in turn urges him to be a leader.
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It's interesting to see how the episode starts tying up the unexplained plotlines from this episode onwards. Quite a few things are already clear. Boyd has a tumult-filled past, Matthews doesn't look like they'll reconcile, Ethan is all set to play a massive role in the series and so does Sara, who is most likely in communication with the monsters. The directive from them is quite clear: Kill the boy. All this before she starts convulsing.
What makes the Epix series impressive is the crisp writing. The massive cast gets ample screentime showcasing their fears in the small, yet deadly town. McCord's Victor is one of those characters who may be labeled unstable and delusional, but his madness stems from something a lot deeper than just paranoia. The fourth episode is all about taking stock of the surroundings, especially from the lens of the Matthews family. Not much is shown after Jade (David Alpay) storms off to find the secrets the town is hiding. Will he meet a bitter end just like his partner? Only time will tell.
'From' is still the same gripping series despite cutting down on the horror. The impressive writing makes this show worth tuning into. We'd recommend sticking with it.
'From' airs Sundays at 9 pm ET on EPIX.
