The Following: The Complete Second Season Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.0

The Following: The Complete Second Season Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Kenneth Brown October 4, 2014

I know The Following has its fans, but I had a hard time making it through an episode without rolling my eyes, laughing out loud or shaking my head at the sheer silliness of it all. (Several times over once the second season got rolling.) With melodrama heaped atop melodrama and more jarring twists and turns than even the knottiest procedural need indulge, Fox's guilty pleasure serial killer series is a mess. Hardy (Kevin Bacon) returns, somehow with even more everyman world-weariness draped around his shoulders. Carroll (James Purefoy) isn't dead, which comes as a surprise to absolutely no one... other than the FBI and its best and brightest. Another murder cult is working to draw Carroll out of hiding, because... it's a show about a murder cult. Did you expect a better reason? Psychological games are once again afoot from the get-go, and once again devoid of internal logic, slave to the writers' room, and as flimsy and flashy as the words "murder cult" suggest. And the performances are edge-of-your-seat cheesy, with more overacting and grandiose face-offs per capita than the series' dark, demented eeriness is able to support. Where does that leave Season Two? Squarely in the sights of Fox execs. The Following's sophomore season bled viewers during its broadcast run (dropping from 11 million to 5 million in just 15 episodes), and no amount of triage, however desperate, seemed to help. By the time the second season arrived at its convoluted cliffhanger of an endgame, there was little doubt the series' third season (due in 2015) would probably be its last. If Fox renews it for a fourth, then consider me corrected: there really is something more implausible than the show's premise.

The second season catches up with a healthy and healed Ryan Hardy a year after his pursuit of serial killer Joe Carroll, when he and agent Mike Weston (Shawn Ashmore) are called upon by the FBI to speak with the lone survivor of a horrific subway massacre, Lily Gray (Connie Nielsen). Reluctant to re-engage with the FBI, Hardy proceeds with his own investigation and finds a valuable ally in his niece, Max Hardy (Jessica Stroup), an NYPD cop working in the Intel Division. Hardy's suspicion that Carroll's reign of terror is far from over is furthered by his interactions with several complicated individuals, including the enigmatic Luke (Sam Underwood), Mandy Lang (Tiffany Boone) and Carroll's lethal surviving follower Emma Hill (Valorie Curry). Is there a new cult causing mayhem in the streets? Or has Joe Carroll escaped death to continue his murderous masterpiece?

We root for Dexter Morgan. Find ourselves captivated by the evil lurking within the shadows of True Detective. Hang on Hannibal Lecter's every last word. But not because the more righteous characters in those shows bore us to tears or leave us with little to dissect. Not so with The Following. While creator Kevin Williamson and his anointed showrunners succeed in making Joe Carroll serviceably magnetic and charming, it's only by contrast and proxy. There just isn't a lot to Hardy, Weston or the reluctant duo's straight arrow compatriots, no matter how much dirt or grime they smear on their sleeves. They certainly don't contribute enough to elevate their scenes to the level of Carroll, Hill and the series' other junior (and not so junior) serial killers in training. But the failure is not that of the actors, no matter how much they gnash scenery and fling themselves over the top of over-the-top. It's a failure of the writers, who, aside from penning some of the most mind-numbing dialogue this side of crowd pleasers like CSI, insist on ratcheting up the suspense and tension with quick, admittedly startling jerks to the left or right that, upon reflection, make zero sense. Williamson and company are more interested in contrived sleight of hand than in constructing a tightly wound story designed to unspool naturally and shockingly. Worse, there's a predictable rhythm to even the most unpredictable moments, making it easier and easier to pinpoint seismic shifts long before they occur.

There's a place for popcorn procedurals, just not in this television junkie's heart. Rather than innovate, experiment visually and thematically, or genuinely unnerve and unsettle its audience (a la Hannibal), The Following seems content to deliver a serial killer soap opera that loves a good close-up or two. Or forty-three. In a row. Ah well. To each their own. If you were thoroughly entertained by the series' problematic first season, you'll no doubt gulp down every last episode this go-round. Enjoy. Just don't be surprised if Hardy and Carroll have their last tete-a-tete next season.

The Following: The Complete Second Season features fifteen episodes spread across three BD-50 discs:

• Resurrection: One year after Ryan Hardy‘s pursuit of serial killer Joe Carroll, a healthy and healed Ryan is living in New York City. On the surface, it appears Ryan‘s gotten his life back together. But deep down, his obsession with Joe continues to grow. Then, on the anniversary of Joe‘s death, a new murderous rampage leaves everyone shocked and determined to discover the truth.
• For Joe: After the tragic subway killings, Ryan‘s obsession with the case becomes stronger than ever. Soon, mysterious phone calls bring him face-to-face with what may be his biggest threat yet. Meanwhile, revelations surrounding Joe‘s new life are brought to the surface.
• Trust Me: Ryan continues his search to find the correlation between the recent tragedies in New York City and Emma and the existing members of the Havenport cult, while the FBI becomes increasingly aware of his undercover agenda. Meanwhile, a shocking event leads Joe to put a new plan in action.
• Family Affair: After the latest shocking revelation in the case, Ryan and Max attempt to put the pieces together and stay two-steps ahead of the FBI, despite Weston‘s constant warnings to stay out of the way. Meanwhile, Emma becomes even closer to Mark and Luke, while Joe and Mandy meet up with a follower in search of assistance.
• Reflection: In an attempt to learn new information, Ryan and Max capture a suspect. But complications lead to a game of dangerous cat and mouse. Also, Joe grows accustomed to his surroundings and establishes a plan of his own, while Emma realizes she is in dangerous company.
• Fly Away: Looking for back-up and hoping to execute their plan, Ryan and Max contact the FBI. But Weston has other ideas, leading to a standoff between good and evil. Meanwhile, Joe‘s new relationship escalates into uncharted territory, and Luke finds himself in a troubling situation.
• Sacrifice: Ryan and the FBI continue their hunt for Lily Gray, and are forced to redirect their search when a new threat enters Max‘s life. Meanwhile, Joe, Emma and Mandy arrive at their latest hideout, but quickly realize things aren‘t what they seem
• The Messenger: After a tragic turn of events, Ryan attempts to find the man who originally taught Joe to kill, in hopes of finding new answers. Meanwhile, at the compound, Joe tries to get his bearings, while Emma and Mandy wait for him to reveal his new plan.
• Unmasked: Ryan, Max and Weston discover information that leads them closer to uncovering the mole within the FBI - which results in complications of its own. Meanwhile, Joe and Micah execute a plan that threatens the Korban cult in order to announce a message to Ryan and the world.
• Teacher's Pet: As his power over the Korban cult grows, Joe sets a deadly plan in action using new acolytes to carry out his demands. Meanwhile, Ryan and Max devise a plan to contact Joe, in hopes of tracking down his whereabouts, and Weston meets with a face from the past.
• Freedom: A deadly massacre, thought to be sparked by Joe Carroll, leads Ryan and Mike into very dangerous territory. But as more details are revealed, they realize another leader might be on the rise. Meanwhile, Joe continues to train the Korban cult and confirms his new plans with Emma and those who doubt him.
• Betrayal: After a series of public condemnations of Joe and his followers, Joe targets the son of a man who stands against him. Meanwhile, Ryan is faced with the shocking news of Claire‘s reappearance and Mandy makes a decision that leads her to a familiar face which could undo all that Joe has been working for.
• The Reaping: Ryan tracks down the location of the Korban compound with hopes to infiltrate the cult and capture Joe Carroll, but all doesn‘t go exactly as planned. Meanwhile, Claire asks Carrie to deliver a message to Joe, and Weston makes a decision that will change the course of his life forever.
• Silence: Joe Carroll puts his final plan into action, threatening the lives of many, as Ryan and Mike go to great lengths to stop him and prevent more innocent lives being lost. Meanwhile, Claire makes a decision that leads her into dangerous territory, and Mark and Luke attempt to figure out their next move.
• Forgive: The tables are turned on both Ryan Hardy and Joe Carroll, forcing the two sworn enemies to try and save the woman they love.

The Following: The Complete Second Season Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Flat and uninteresting, The Following isn't a pretty show. Or dazzling. Or remarkable. Warner's 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation isn't much to look at either, although by no real fault of its own. The series' palette is drained of color, without any real primary flourish. (Even blood lacks the viscerality typically associated with these sort of shows.) Skintones are paler than pale, blacks are muted, and the image is sometimes muddy, dull or dim. Not that anyone should be concerned. This is The Following as intended, with largely crisp edges and refined textures, notable delineation, consistent contrast leveling, and a sterile digital sheen. There also isn't any significant macroblocking, banding or aliasing to report, and the crush and noise that spike here and there trace back to the series' photography, digital color correction and other aesthetic tweaks. Nothing more. Ultimately, the Blu-ray release of The Complete Second Season is comparable to its predecessor, meaning fans will be similarly satisfied with the results.

The Following: The Complete Second Season Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

As was the case with the Blu-ray release of The Complete First Season, The Complete Second Season's DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track doesn't exactly deliver the most engrossing lossless experience. Not that it could sound much better than it does here. Dialogue is clear and intelligible, with perfectly competent prioritization and little in the way of muffled voices. Low-end output is sturdy and suitably aggressive when called upon, even though chases and more intense encounters are often the only scenes in which the LFE channel earns its keep. Rear speaker activity is assertive as well, deploying accurate directionality and smooth pans to several episodes' benefit. That said, the show toys with its audience every step of the way; holding everything back until the moment order and sanity come undone. The subsequent soundfield is bitterly quiet and subdued one minute, and springing into action the next. When it pounces, prepare to be impressed.

The Following: The Complete Second Season Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Inside The Following (HD, 24 minutes): Fourteen brief 1-2 minute featurettes are spread across the set's three discs, each one focusing on a different episode's production. Segments include "Resurrection," "For Joe," "Trust Me," "Family Affair," "Reflection," "Fly Away," "Sacrifice," "The Messenger," "Unmasked," "Teacher's Pet," "Freedom," "Betrayal," "The Reaping" and "Forgive."
• Following Marcos Siega (HD, 18 minutes): Executive producer/episode director Marcos Siega leads the charge through a much more substantial featurette, touching on the many challenges, twists and turns he and his team faced in the series' second season.
• 2013 Comic-Con Panel (HD, 21 minutes): The cast and creators gather at the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con to share tidbits from Season One and hints about Season Two with an excited crowd of fans.
• Deleted Scenes (HD): Scenes are included for "Family Affair," "For Joe," "Reflection," "Sacrifice," "The Messenger," "Teacher's Pet," "Betrayal," "The Reaping" and "Silence."
• Season 2 Alternate Ending (HD, 5 minutes): A dramatically different ending to the season finale (one that involves the death of a major character), with an introduction by Siega.
• The Religion of Joe Carroll (HD, 9 minutes): The manipulative powers of the series' serial killer extraordinaire.
• Bound By a Common Foe (HD, 7 minutes): Unraveling Ryan Hardy and Mike Weston's relationship.
• The Joe Mask (HD, 3 minutes): Learn about the creation of the creepy Joe Carroll mask.
• Sneak Peek: Silence (HD, 1 minute): A quick "Silence" promo with Siega.
• Gag Reel (HD, 5 minutes): Cast outtakes.

The Following: The Complete Second Season Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Following dug an even deeper rabbit hole this season, but failed to make one that was worth exploring. Twisting and turning its way into the muddy depths of pulp TV, the show continues to abandon plausibility and horror for cheap water cooler shock-n-awe. It doesn't help that with each passing episode the actors overreach more and more, the writers grow increasingly desperate to please, and the characters' decisions make less and less sense. I'm not even interested in finding out what ultimately happens anymore. Judging by the series' declining ratings, it appears some six million fed-up viewers agree. Warner's Blu-ray release is better... if, that, is you ignore the humdrum supplemental package and focus solely on its solid AV presentation.