There have been some strange and experimental viewing over the decades. Shows as far back as The Addams Family predated the surge of supernatural shows that were introduced in later years. As late as 1987, Beauty and the Beast showed a willingness for audiences to enter a fantasy world during prime time. There is a story to be told when a magical being enters the human realm and there are many who would like to hear that tale.
Beached is an episodic pilot that was scheduled to appear at SXSW before the festival’s cancellation. The show combines the popularity of police procedurals, fantasy, and musicals, Beached is an oddball comedy that knows how to draw in an audience.
Short episodes are the perfect way to tell the story of The Wail, a humanoid beached whale with healing powers. The Wail is completely nightmarish in his appearance. Still, he somehow manages to be endearing. Makeup and special effects by Ilana Sloggatt are amazing. Besides The Wail, the audience is also introduced to a few other humanoid creatures. Each of these are completely original in their appearance. While the episodes are short, each installment moves the story along as The Wail works to save lives while teaching humans to love themselves.
Written by Nic Collins and Sean Godsey, this ironic tale is darkly funny and well constructed. A villain is introduced and at the same time a world beyond human understanding is introduced. Sean Godsey also plays The Wail and gives a strong performance that is both horrific and sympathetic. The use of of purple and blue hues throughout the episodes give a noirish cop procedural feel to the show that adds to the fun.
Entertaining, scary, and too strange to turn away, Beached is entirely a unique show with a compelling storyline.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login