User reviews

The first season is an awesome affair, we follow Ethan Burke (Matt Dillon) as the secret service agent who goes to the small town Wayward Pines in Idaho to search for his missing colleagues. I found especially the first episodes very intriguing. What I really liked is that I noticed that I changed who to "cheer" for several times during the season as the story developed. The story was very good, my only complaint was that I thought some reveals came a little bit too soon. I think it would have been even more suspenseful if we as an audience got to wait for some answers. Matt Dillon was awesome in the lead, Juliette Lewis is, as always great, and so are Matt Dillons character's son, the actor Charlie Tahan. For some reason I always come to think of Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead) every time when I see Matt Dillon and Lisa Bonet (Cosby Show, Enemy of the State) every time I see Shannyn Sossamon who plays Matt Dillons wife.

So the Second season, talk about crash and burn. Soap opera dialogues and intrigues. No actors with any charisma whatsoever. And I caught myself thinking that I don't really care what's happening to any of these characters.

It's a shame that it's over after just two seasons

A year ago, I watched the first season and, since it was a well-rounded story that does not require a continuation, and since the second season has picked up predominantly bad criticism, I gave up on further watching. A few days ago, I changed my mind and watched the series all the way through. Do not make the mistake I made and believe bad reviews, because the second season is excellent, and in some aspects maybe better than the first one. I guess bad reviews are the result of a big difference between seasons, but the fact that the second season deviated from the patterns of the first does not make it worse, just different. While the first season is a mindfak mystery and is based on confusing plot and mystical atmosphere, the second season is a post-apocalyptic SF drama. While the first season puzzles you and makes you guess, the second gives answers but, because of the strong interpersonal relationships, life dramas and several unexpected surprises and plot twists, it isn't any less exciting than the first. I believe it could have been better, but it's great anyway and it's a real shame they gave up on it after just two seasons. Don't let the fact it's canceled dissuade you from watching it, because both seasons are rounded wholes, that leave room for a continuation, but don't require it. There are no unresolved cliffhangers.

P.S. I did not mention anything about the story itself, because even the briefest summary would be an unforgivable spoiler.

8/10

I was blown away by the first season, thought provoking and fun, but the second season ruined it for me; I couldn't even watch more than 3 episodes

Only 2 seasons & I was on the edge of my seat for the finale. Feels like a huge let down, the network didn't have faith or the writers were boxed into a corner. I do miss the possibilities of the show.

The first season of this show was absolutely great. I must admit I didn't have a clue what was going on (1st season) and not knowing made me watch even more. The 1st season was great it had you guessing in parts and wondering if what people was been told was true. Now the 2nd season was a major disappointment it felt rushed but also was dragging at the same time the story of season 2 was rubbish and just seems like power had gone to everyone head.

After watching two seasons I have mixed feelings about Wayward Pines. It all started very promising with a lot of mysteries and questions. You constantly had that feeling of what's going on. The idea is good, but the unraveling of the story is just too quick. Normally I don't like stories where they try to drag it out as long as possible but in Wayward Pines I think they are going too fast. Season one could have been at least two or three seasons long. With all the mysteries you had, you could easily made more seasons and still be interesting. Now you get quick answers and it doesn't do any good to the series. The actors are okay without being great. All in all I had fun watching this series, but the beginning was just much better then the rest. If they make a third season I will probably watch it in the hope it gets better again.

I only count season 1. Season 2 does not exist.

Season 1: 8/10 Season 2: 3/10

This a weird show from the outset but, even after reading the books, is never predictable.

Nurse Pam is the first resident Ethan meets upon waking in Wayward Pines hospital, after a car crash. Suffice to say she doesn't have a great bedside manner. We then meet a few other residents before Ethan meets the Sheriff. All of these people communicate different facts about Pines.

Suspend belief, don't ask too many questions and take it in and you will enjoy the ride.

My only disappointment it that it deviated greatly from the books. This doesn't spoil it but if it was closer to the books I feel it would have added to the eerie atmosphere

There's a rooted sense of dread when one is faced with unknown elements, the series plays with this isolation fright as Ethan Burke (Matt Dillon) is stripped bare from money and communication to outside world. Ethan wakes up after a car accident and finds himself in a foreign small town where the citizens are persistently unaccommodating. While the scenery might look normal, the town has the vibe of lurking secret in every corner. This is definitely no tourist attraction.

Matt Dillon is a good leading actor, displaying confusion and occasional rage as he is lost in the bizarre city. Having no money, phone or decent help, his reactions are spot-on. At times he displays doubt of the reality as more questions pile up. Terrence Howard as Sheriff Pope looks decently antagonistic. Nothing more creepy when one is lost than unhelpful authority. Another notable performance is Mellisa Leo as Nurse Pam who is far from nurturing, goes beyond unhelpful and straight into perverse torturing nature.

Wayward Pines looks quaint most of the time, yet the cinematography presents a lingering uneasiness. Its rural view mixed with edges of forest has some resemblances to Silent Hill. It has a particular dark contrast befitting of detective thriller which strangely enough feels welcoming to the audience. Pacing is pretty quick as it switches back and forth between Ethan's ordeal and his friends' investigation of his whereabouts.

Mysteries are aplenty as it the show spreads them throughout the first episode. The show cleverly scatters hints for Ethan and the audiences to follow. They are presented with restraint and enough ambiguity to be unnerving yet not to the point of overbearing. These are enticing hooks for later episodes.

Wayward Pines opens its door with cold unsettling ambiance and cool noir visual. The mystery thriller certainly offers a presentable invitation for a longer stay.

The first season was good with good actors and a good script. In the second season all good actors have gone and the show became mediocre and boring. No wonder there was no 3rd season. 7/10 for 1st season, 4/10 for 2nd and 5/10 overall.

I imagine M. Night never imagined this show the way it turned out. It's as though creating this show for Fox turned M. Night into McG. Here he is working with an Oscar and Emmy winning cast on the network known for shows like 24, Supernatural, Prison Break, basically great action shows. It's just a bad marriage which ended in disaster.

Or at least shouldn't be any negative critiques of this wonderful new TV show. WayWard Pines is incredible, the cinematography and locations give the series a unique, almost dream-like chilling quality. The plot, where does one begin? Such a mysterious vibe which could literally take the viewer anywhere. 'Pines' has that classic British television series,'The Prisoner' feel with a secondary element reminiscent of Lynch's Twin Peaks. Does the Wayward Pines formula copy The Prisoner or Twin Peaks? No; however, while 'Pines does borrow a tiny amount from each the recipe was dreamt up in development heaven. Wayward Pines is without a doubt its own series and cements that originality with a competence in direction and production rarely seen on American television these days. Pushed to define the show I would suggest a mix consisting of a Dark City/The Prisoner (British version) atmosphere with a touch of Twin Peaks, a pinch of Lost, Dark Skies (much loved and missed) and Surveillance.

I have a strong feeling 'Pines' will be THE show of 2015

So far, one of the best shows of the last year or so. The first few episodes, as they set up the premise, were good but for awhile left me wondering if this was just going to be a waste of time. I mean, you have to be completely stupid not to be able to get out of town, right? Episode five, however, lets you in on a little secret and boom, was great. Everything came together.

My main complaint with this series and a few others is that now it's disappeared for some weeks. The networks wonder why it's difficult to lure viewers, well duh? Don't put it on, take it off, put it on, etc. When they finally start airing it again, take some time and watch catch up on the past episodes because this thing is going to rock.

When WP first aired I thought it was going to be a Twin Peaks copy. I am so happy that I continued watching. I liked the series so much after episode 5 I read all three books before episode six. I think they made great choices when converting the story to screen with just a few exceptions. The show has a great cast playing a fascinating story!! I highly recommend this sci-fi thriller and also recommend reading the books, they really enhance the show.

Matt Dillion is a suburb Ethan Burke that should be Emmy material. He acts all the twists and turns with brilliance and believability. The WP set is extraordinary as is the cinema photography, all said you will appreciate the production values. This is a one of a kind series.

Well the pilot went fine ,,, the rating was a bit high for what i really watched . it reminds me of this 2010 NBC cancelled series "persons unknown" like there's this old weird town where you're being watched and you can't get out.

The intro to the show was easy and understandable,, yes i had some difficulties trying to get exactly how did he get in that town and why in the first place ,, but overall the pilot gave everything we need to know.

Honestly, The stroyline was a bit shaky and not that wowzer and catchy but i believe in the next episodes more organized freaky facts will appear on the script and i think it'll make the show more appealing.

As for the cast, i kinda wished the lead was someone other than Matt Dillon ,, i mean he's good for a movies guy, but seemed a bit rigid on TV ,, while bringing Carla Gugino, Terrence Howard and Juliette Lewis was a nice touch and they'll have more effective role on the show.

so i think overall the pilot went okay,, i'll say 7/10 even it'll seem high but i'm rooting for the show for now and i think it'll elevate to the expected level.

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So, just watched the 2nd episode and the plot seems to grow quickly , events starts to get a bit more intriguing still not a Top,, but as i'v heard it's gonna be a 10 episodes Mini-series , so i think i'll keep on watching to know what's gonna happen next ;)

--- In Episode 5 things are getting so much clearer and they hit you with an amazingly new plot

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Wayward Pines started out a bit slow and generic however, it quickly became intriguing and interesting as the story unfolds through the character driven plot.

The cast did a fantastic job. M Night should've made this book into a movie but I'm looking forward to the rest of the episodes and see where it goes. My problem with the show is its "digital video look" it makes everything appear fake like a primetime soap opera and it takes me out of the story. I had the same problem with Sleepy Hollow, Bones, etc. Since it's a 10part mini series they should've shot it on film. Anyway, this show has a feel of David Lynch, Alfred Hitchcok, and the Truman Show.

These are the kinds of stories that made M. Night Shyamalan's career (6th Sense, Unbreakable, Signs, The Village) until he dozed off into BS territory (The Happening, The Last Airbender, After Earth).