3. Kevin Williamsons Influence
Kevin Williamson has an impressive track record for creating a fresh perspective on fading genres - namely the teen/horror. With Scream and The Faculty his writing was full of awareness for clichés and it often delivered a refreshing ability to simultaneously mock and pay homage to the most famous examples which either helped to invent, develop or tarnish the genres reputation. Not only does the The Following ask him to transfer his skills to a different medium, but it also tests him on his ability to entertain a new, older demographic. Yes, his work on film was enjoyed by a wide age-ranged audience, but it was mainly directed at the age-group portrayed within the material. With The Following, he has already displayed that his talents are far reaching, and as series creator, he has constructed a dark, adult world where no-one is safe or impervious to the grip of evil. The tone of the first episode is comparable to successful series such as Luther where even the protagonist has his demons. And like Luther, in order to overcome them Ryan Hardy will have to travel through a whole world of pain - filled with disturbing actions and calculated killers. With Williamson at the helm I am confident that, although the series may at some points become tiring with its lack of realism regarding characterisation, we will be treated to a thoroughly involving journey from start to finish.