Kieran Fisher reviews the first and second episodes of Wynonna Earp…
Syfy’s brand new series Wynonna Earp is a supernatural western starring Melanie Scorfano as the titular character, and she’s a pretty bad ass action heroine. It’s also based on the comic book of the same name, which recently just launched a brand new story arc to coincide with the release of its jump to television. For anybody considering reading it, it’s very good – especially if you’re a fan of stories that lean towards the side of mindless pulp entertainment.
Like her namesake suggests, she’s a descendant of legendary Old West lawman Wyatt Earp, who some might remember as Kurt Russell in Tombstone rocking an epic moustache. Like her great-great-great-great grandpaw, it would seem she’s inherited a desire to uphold the law – only in her case, her foes tend to come in the form of demons and zombies (known here as revenants). The only way to kill them is with a special gun that possesses magical qualities capable of vanquishing all that isn’t human, called ‘The Peacemaker,’ which belonged to Wyatt.
In the first two episodes we’re introduced to the character and her backstory, as well as her inability to fire a gun. We learn that Wyatt’s family is cursed, and whenever one of his relatives turns 27 years-old, the dead of his enemies will return to exact revenge on his kin. The town in which it all takes place is called Purgatory, which is a typical, but cracking name for a town in a show rooted in both western and horror tropes; the town itself is reminiscent of Sunnydale from Buffy and basically every other supernatural show set in haunted residencies. Much like those shows, Wynonna Earp doesn’t take itself too seriously either.
Fans of the comics will not be disappointed, as all the sharp dialogue and one-liners are still firmly in place in the series. Wynonna will immediately draw comparisons to Jessica Jones given the timing of the show and their similar characteristics; plus, here she’s an ass kicking brunette, as opposed to a blonde like she is in the comics. That being said, this show is very much different. Despite sharing a strong female protagonist with flaws, it’s more in vein with the supernatural adventures found in the lighter episodes of Supernatural. That’s the audience they’ll be trying to target, and that’s the audience they’re going to attract. Fans of the aforementioned shows will have fun with Wynonna Earp, as it’s the perfect spooky-action. popcorn entertainment Friday nights were made for.
While Wynonna Earp doesn’t break any new ground, it certainly treads the familiar with purpose. It’s great to see another show come along with a strong female character that doesn’t take any crap from supernatural foes, and with a great concept steeped in mythology, there’s no telling the places this show will be able to take us. The first two episodes set the foundation nicely, but it has the potential to go far. It’s junk food enough for the casual viewer, and just smart and creative enough for those looking for something with a little imagination.
Kieran Fisher
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https://youtu.be/b7Ozs5mj5ao?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng
Originally published April 2, 2016. Updated April 15, 2018.
