NOS4A2 Season One – Energy Vampires, Magical Bridges and Christmasland?

You’ll find no surprises from the Son of Stephen King as the weird, strange and downright creepy collide in NOS4A2

Admittedly I’ve been getting into a lot of Joe Hill. From his comic book Locke and Key all the way through to his novels. And when Season 1 of NOS4A2 got greenlit I got a hold of this as soon as I could.

NOS4A2, taking the name from the novel of its namesake, follows the disappearances of young children at the hands of the evil and immortal Charlie Manx. A vampire of a different kind who kidnaps young children, feeds off their souls and then deposits what’s left of them into Christmasland – an imaginary place of his creation. Where everyday is Christmas day and unhappiness is against the law.

Pitted against Charlie and the veritable superheroic protagonist of the series is Vic McQueen. A troubled and angsty teenager who, when not putting up with the quarrelsome tango of her parents, pools all her efforts into being an Art Major with some promise.

Vic McQueen discovers a magical bridge, that can put her wherever she wants, early on in the series. That only she can access with the help of her dirtbike. But at great cost to her physical health. Of course, Charlie Manx senses this change in the force (?) and soon realises he must hunt Vic down and convince her to join him. Or perish.

Season One entertains themes of predestination, addiction and post-traumatic stress

If you’re not familiar with Joe Hill’s work then that’s fine. But you’ll find no surprises from the Son of Stephen King as the weird, strange and downright creepy collide in NOS4A2.

Season One entertains themes of predestination, addiction and post-traumatic stress. While observing fantastical dreamscapes in an almost Lovecraftian swansong. At one point its a vampire tale with a difference then next its automobile mayhem with Christine-like appeal.

If you struggle to get through the first few episodes then hang in there. Zachary Quinto’s portrayal and transformation from young into old Charlie Manx is one worth sticking around for. While newcomer and fellow aussie Ashleigh Cummings pulls off the american accent with ease and draws us into her hard done by teenager plight.

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