Having arrived at the closing of Channel Zero‘s first season, “Candle Cove,” I’m pleased to say (as odd as the sentiment may be) that this final episode might be the strongest in the season. For one, it seems to have finally figured out its pacing, a persistent technical foible that seemed to dog the footsteps of each episode preceding it. More than that though, it seems to have finally found the sweet spot between its human and its paranormal elements, providing a conclusion that (one hopes) should satisfy aficionados of either and both.

It took longer than it should have to hit this particular mark, I’ll concede. While I was willing to be patient with the show finding its footing in the first episode or two, this sense of muddling outstayed its welcome. The justification early on would be that finding the right tone for a new project is challenging, but it took too long.

That said, bringing things to their true climax and finally finding the right tone did both the writing room and the actors plenty of favors, particularly in the latter case. It was a delight to see some minor or side characters (as well as our core cast) getting the chance to exercise a broader range of theatrical muscles previously blocked off behind some slightly confused dialogue.

“Welcome Home” is also a good example of homage without dry carbon copy. There’s some clear stylistic and visual nods to Twin Peaks and The Shining, but they’re effective at recognizing and evoking the show’s inspirations without feeling derivative.

In general, the atmosphere in this episode is consistently solid. Even though sizeable stretches of this episode pass without dialogue, it actually works, rather than feeling slow or stagnant. Together with set pieces and body language, this relative silence creates the suffocated, unearthly atmosphere that pervades the episode rather than undermining it.

An integral part of this atmosphere is the creature actors that provided some of the most unsettling moments this episode. Granted, I’m always enamored with creature actors, but I was particularly impressed with their body language and vocal control this episode. Along with with the enjoyably repulsive costume designs and makeup, of course.

All in all, “Welcome Home” resolved the majority of this season’s ingredients in ways with which I’m mostly contented. The answers provided had heart and meaning, and so did those left untouched. It was an effective balance when it comes to closing off a season without straying from a cohesive sense of genre.

Still, I maintain that Channel Zero‘s debut season revolved around a promising concept undermined by some at best clumsy and at worst insulting blurring of mental illness with the paranormal. I maintain that it would have benefited from tighter direction and a more self-aware sense of pacing not really shown until the finale. Nonetheless, this closing episode finally seems to have found the sensibility and heart I wish had been present throughout, making for a bittersweet but satisfying end to the story at hand.

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Channel Zero

0.00

8

Score

8.0/10

Pros

• Satisfying resolution to both its human and paranormal elements
• Compelling acting
• Great creature design
• Solid sense of atmosphere

Cons

• Doesn't entirely answer for previous missteps around mental health