Martin Carr reviews the series premiere of Castle Rock…With both Stephen King and producer J.J. Abrams steering the ship of Castle Rock there was much to be hopeful for when it finally landed. Drawing from a literary career and mine of characters which shows no sign abating, Castle Rock takes King’s cannon and cherry picks […]

Martin Carr reviews the second episode of Castle Rock…Conviction and the power of belief is a dangerous thing. Suicide attempts, softly spoken sons of hell fire and social anxiety shut-ins are par for the course. There is a stagnating malaise which permeates this fictional place and weighs heavy on everyone. More murder mystery and detective […]

Martin Carr reviews the fourth episode of Castle Rock…Any programme that can comfortably incorporate early experimental Tom Waits and mainstream Roy Orbison alongside a hail of bullets must be worth watching. Imbued with a solid sense of self like all great works of fiction Castle Rock continues its unfettered run into darkness. Middle Eastern torture […]

Martin Carr reviews the fifth episode of Castle Rock…A metaphorical Harvest and the reaping of seeds sown brings home to roost certain truths about Castle Rock this week. Catholic attrition for past transgressions, past misdemeanours from those seemingly beyond redemption and a purging to wipe the slate clean for new comers. Beyond the biblical fire […]

Martin Carr reviews the sixth episode of Castle Rock…There is something hypnotically engaging about Castle Rock. Beyond the tit bits of terror, porch side confessionals and elegantly crafted structure this series possesses a maturity and quality to which few can lay claim. Omnipotent expressions from eerily self-confidence Shawshank alumni, moments of clarity in the eyes […]

Martin Carr reviews the seventh episode of Castle Rock…Mental disintegration has rarely been tackled on screen with such elegance, restraint and consideration as it is in Castle Rock this week. Sissy Spacek holds court with poise, precision and an understated frailty which grounds some of the more fantastical elements. Structurally speaking ‘The Queen’ requires its […]

Martin Carr reviews the eighth episode of Castle Rock…Pent up recriminations, adulterous spouses and murderous intent culminate in a blood drenched boarding house this week, as Castle Rock welcomes fresh meat. Quintessentially middle class with highbrow intellectualism to cloak emotional turmoil, these new comers seem the perfect fit. However within ten minutes this picture postcard […]

Martin Carr reviews the ninth episode of Castle Rock…Some episodes mean more than others, impact more heavily, cause more confusion and reward more deeply once that essential epiphany hits home. Henry Deaver represents the most work, largest pay off and most resonant emotional revelation in a series which is quickly redefining our idea of drama. […]