Scream Resurrection Episode 1
What’s your favorite scary movie?
If you’re like me, Scream was something you grew up on and probably loved as a fan of the horror genre. When MTV initially picked the show up for a series, I was thrilled. Granted, seasons one and two were not as good as the movies. But they were decent enough a fan like me could appreciate them. Now, things have changed a bit. The original third season took a red herring-like twist when the showrunners and remaining stars were replaced.
Now, back for a third season with an all-new cast, showrunners, and even a new network: how will the show fare? Let’s take a look. This review will remain mostly spoiler-free but will highlight some differences and pros/cons that would be seemingly important to note.
The Horror Kids on the Block
The new show books the teenagers a bit like another classic movie, The Breakfast Club. We have a leading man (gender roles flipped) in Deion Elliot (CJ Tyler), football superstar and the “Sidney” of the series. He portrays the jock. Then, we have the Princess of the group, Liv Reynolds, also the newest person in Deion’s life. The two of them hit it off early on. Playing the basketcase we have Beth, the resident goth and expert on horror (again, gender flip from the movies and other seasons).
Amir Ayoub is the geek and seems to look up to Deion. Then, we have best friends Kym (Keke Palmer) and Manny, who portray the rebel, and new to the franchise, the gay student respectively. Kym is loud and unspoken about the causes she feels passionate about, and Manny follows her lead. She also has a past with Deion we see early in the episode.
While not one of the main group, it is fun to see Tyler Posey also star as Shane, a high school drop out and drug addict. He’s more important than he lets on, I bet.
The Good
This show is much more diverse than previous seasons and the movies. The main group consists of a more realistic view of how most high schools are these days. I appreciate the diversity in the casting and some familiar faces that have worked previously for the network.
Furthermore, the show reverses gender roles in the show. While we do not yet know who the killer is, or who the “final” person will be, it is more probable than ever that our final girl very well may be a final guy. This is something the movies never tried, and the show attempted previously, but not in full detail.
They also have changed up the storyline quite a bit. This is not your typical Scream storyline, and you see this in the first five minutes from the opening segment. It’ll be interesting to see how this fares for the overall concept.
The Bad
Drop the politics. Plain and simple. I understand that you want to make the show current and different from the movies, and even the previous two seasons, but it’s exhausting seeing Kym bicker about various political areas. This is a horror film and it is one of the few places I feel that hasn’t been touched by today’s ever split world. I appreciate the diversity and the various areas they have changed. Don’t ruin it by making it just like everything else.
Over the top characters. You’re probably thinking… really? Yes, I mean this. We all remember Randy from the movies. Was he over the top? Yes, sure he was, but it was also what made him lovable. There is something about these characters that feels forced as if they’re trying too hard to stand out when it really isn’t that hard. For example: take Beth and Manny. Beth looks more like she would fit in the 90s than today. Manny is so stereotypically gay that it is frustrating. Maybe it’s just me, but the differences felt more subtle in previous versions. I hope they mellow as the show continues.
What the Scream Fan Will Appreciate
Without giving away too many spoilers for the show itself: the original mask and the original voice of Ghostface. Ghostface is a huge part of Scream. You cannot have Scream without it. Did it suck that the original show was not able to get the rights? Of course. So, having them now and hearing the original voice and seeing the original mask? Makes me excited.
The moon. Watch the scene. You’ll see.
It also nods to the original movie in the opening segment. It breaks away just enough that fans can see the difference and appreciate what happens next. And, if I’m not mistaken? It hints at another popular 90s slasher film.
A twist on the rules of the movie/show. Things are different, but this makes it new. Sequels? We know the rules. A trilogy? Oh, man. A reboot? Scream 4 performed. The series? Hmm, not so sure. And now? A reboot of the series? All bets are off.
Final Thoughts
I’m not overly impressed by the first episode of the six-part show. Were there moments that were enjoyable? Yes, definitely. Fans waited years for this third season to come through, and have been disappointed by multiple losses from season one and season two. I am going to give it a chance, but some things just don’t sit well.
They have referred to it as Scream Resurrection, which is not quite a reboot. Hopefully, with these new rules, our Deadfast Club gives us a pleasant scare.
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