Though the community of Widow’s Bay may seem picturesque, we found out that things were a little bit off. In “The Inaugural Swim,” even more supernatural events occur in the town raising the question whether it is actually cursed.
The series is developing a fun scare/monster of the week approach. The Sea Hag is a much more longer game build than the killer clown in the previous episode. That allows for more tension and suspense as she stalks her prey. For his part, Matthew Rhys plays the lonely and anxious widower well to fit with the narrative.
The Sea Hag is genuinely creepy and it works with a less is more kind of way. Whether it’s the glimpses in the water or an unclear figure scurrying past a stopped car, she definitely has a presence. There is never a clear cut shot of her at those moments which makes her seem more like the Widow’s Bay legend she is and keeping that aura of mystery. However, it’s difficult to forget the disturbing crawl as an almost completely paralyzed Loftis tries to get away. The introduction of a love interest for the mayor adds to the uneasiness considering the peculiar timing and the ambiguity of whether this new woman and the Sea Hag are the same.
The Loftis and Wyck relationship continues to be an intriguing one. The skeptic is gradually changing his perspective. There is an unlikely duo coming closer together despite their animosity for each other. It becomes even more solidified at the episode’s conclusion, but they still have differences of opinion and need to find some common ground and compromise.
The comedy level is on par with the horror of Widow’s Bay. The show couldn’t work if it was horror all the time and the humor serves as a nice break. Utilizing these contrasting emotions make both hit harder individually. The writing is sharp and should be commended for the commitment to a gag.
The lighthouse keeper segment is random and long, but also completely hilarious. And even when in the middle of an intense scene between the mayor and the Sea Hag, the actions keep consistent with a throwaway line from Wyck earlier, which is funny in itself and with the visual that occurs. The attack could have gone a different way, but the show is a stickler for continuity.
“The Inaugural Swim” delivers a creepy monster of the week episode filled with tension and suspense while still providing some time to laugh.
New episodes of Widow’s Bay release Wednesdays on Apple TV+.
