Emily Rose in "Haven"
courtesy of Syfy
“Haven” (Syfy Channel)

Any project that has Stephen King’s name attached to it in any way gets my attention. Therefore I was intrigued by the announcement of the new Syfy series “Haven.” It is based on the book THE COLORADO KID by Stephen King. That was enough for me to get my chiller juices churning and it should be for you. Admittedly there have been some misfires when it comes to adapting King’s literary works to the big or small screen but each project had something in it that would pique your interest.

“Haven” concerns an FBI Agent named Audrey Parker (Emily Rose) who is sent to the small Maine town of Haven to check on an escaped felon. When she arrives she finds the criminal is dead so she begins to investigate how he died. This leads her to discover the quaint town is not what it appears to be on the surface.

There are supernatural events that take place involving the weather and other areas. She enlists the help of the local police in the person of Nathan Wuornos (Lucas Bryant). His prime suspect is a local guy named Duke Crocker (Eric Balfour). Audrey has her own suspicions about who or what is responsible.

The show will succeed or fail based on how much you like Rose’s character. She is the focus of the series and the one around whom the biggest town mystery revolves. Rose draws attention immediately based on her looks and attitude in the role. She plays an agent who can take care of herself in just about every way.

The first episode does not showcase the talents or charms of Bryant and Balfour. They both appear rather bland and they will need to up their game if they are going to stay on the same playing field with Rose.

“Haven” has that Stephen King supernatural thing going for it but it is hard to say whether that will be enough to draw an audience. The show had better add some unique aspects as fast as possible or the show will be lost in the summer shuffle.

There are a lot of new shows and popular returning ones on TV this summer. Any new entry has to be one that draws attention quickly and keeps the interest up for as long as possible. Rose is this show’s best shot at success so let’s hope she puts her best foot forward.

“Haven” kicks off on the Syfy Channel on July 9 at 10PM.
 

 

 

 

 

©2010 Jackie K. Cooper

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