With the numerous TV shows being piloted throughout the 2013-2014 season, choosing a new show to get hooked on may seem a little difficult. Shows like “The Blacklist” on NBC, “The Tomorrow People” and “The Originals” on CW, or “Almost Human” and “Sleepy Hollow” on FOX have added to a pretty lengthy list of new shows. That being said, “Sleepy Hollow” might be at the top of the list, as many are drawn to the show because of its historical and mythical storyline. And, upon watching the show, there’s much more to be excited about.
It’s easy to be concerned by the first episode, asking “Where could this possibly lead?” A show based entirely on the headless horseman may seem like a recipe for a stagnating storyline and a repeat of “The Walking Dead.” However, “Sleepy Hollow” does so much more. The show expands its storyline to include the biblical “Book of Revelations,” which foretells of the end of the world, a cliché and unoriginal choice but still very entertaining.
The headless horseman, advertised as the primary villain of the show, becomes a sidestory as witches and demons fight to bring about the prophesied “End of Days.” In the villains’ way is Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison) and a local deputy sheriff of Sleepy Hollow, New York. Ichabod is the original hero of the “Sleepy Hollow” myth and has been transported 250 years into the future in order to stop the onslaught. The writers of “Sleepy Hollow” are able to make his transition into contemporary life sufficiently awkward without sacrificing much time into explaining the minor details. The style and craft of the writing team for this show is able to sneak subversive messages into the plot, while still maintaining a fast-paced story.
Those who aren’t into horror, suspense, thrillers or anything of the sort may at first be a little apprehensive about watching a show based entirely on grotesque demons. But “Sleepy Hollow” artfully toes the line between inspiring quick dashes under the sheets and peeking out from under the covers to watch more. Even if horror is one of your no-nos, don’t be afraid to watch this show because while it is chilling, it doesn’t go as far as “American Horror Story” or other shows like that.
The only problem with the show so far is that it seems to have become somewhat repetitive. An average episode goes like this: Ichabod or his partner receive a message of some kind from a spiritual source (often a dream) foretelling of their next adversary, at which point the partners research their enemy and investigate various happenings around town. Then, when night falls, the demon or witch arrives and a fight breaks out, with the resolution being a return to relative safety. With some slight variation this storyline has remained constant. In order for “Sleepy Hollow” to make it as a major show, the makers should find a way to progress the plot in a more diverse way.
Overall, “Sleepy Hollow” is an immensely entertaining show, combining elements of a crime drama with those of a horror show. As long as the writers get a little more creative with their storyline, this show is a definite must-watch.
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