Martin Carr reviews the ninth episode of Scream: The TV Series season 2…
Over the course of ‘The Orphanage’ there is some serious film referencing beyond that obvious tagline, which includes the eponymous Phantasm series and B-movie mainstay April Fool’s Day. This of course remains the charm of a series for anyone who ever loved films of any genre. There are so many nods and knowing references laced in amongst the domestic drama, that everything seems much more palatable on a dramatic level.
Whether Emma and Audrey are at loggerheads, Noah and Zoe fail to break that all important virgin seal, or Brooke finally sees through Stavo and his creepy obsessions, Scream carries on regardless. In the past I have pointed out how this programme turned from a duty into guilty pleasure almost overnight, primarily based on the accessibility and almost Neighbours level of on-going drama. But this has never been a criticism. More a veiled compliment for something which I consider to the most watchable series on Netflix barring a few exceptions. What is an issue with this programme is that classification.
In truth I not completely convinced that an eighteen certificate is necessary, even though the level of threat, execution of teen bumper fodder and liberal claret distribution might deem it so. Because for my money palpitating pig hearts, crucified high school majors and dodgy teaching staff do not an eighteen rated movie make. Let’s be honest, only films by Eli Roth ever deserve that level of age restriction because they are little more than torture porn. Although being a realist I appreciate that there is market for such things, even if I am not party to such visual extremes. Which might be a combination of delicate sensibilities and an overwhelming desire to keep my lunch down.
That classification aside if you decide to turn on and tune in then this is still tame stuff which is over shadowed by good writing and rounded characters. It sounds clichéd but all that blood is mere window dressing to serve plot not drive it. Those new characters which have seamlessly blended themselves into the existing cast serve a purpose. They are becoming more rounded by the week and add an additional level of intrigue, tension and mystery which is essential for Scream to work effectively. Outside of their inherent use they also broaden the canvas for forthcoming seasons, which at this rate I sense are a foregone conclusion.
Acosta and his son Gustavo are gaining more and more traction while Kieran and Eliah make for an interesting dynamic. Both duos carry secrets, harbour secret agendas and remain a mystery to the core players of Audrey, Emma and Noah. As we roll on towards a conclusive season closer ‘Scream’ is shaping up to deliver on that initial promise and prove season one was no fluke.
Martin Carr – Follow me on Twitter
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https://youtu.be/b7Ozs5mj5ao?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng
Originally published August 6, 2016. Updated November 29, 2022.
