Castle Rock Episode 6, ‘Filter’ Plot Summary:
The “kid” (Bill Skarsgard) unearths Henry’s father’s camcorder which leads the beleaguered attorney on an unexpected journey. Meanwhile Henry’s son (Chosen Jacobs, Stephen King’s IT.) Alan (Scott Glenn) heads to Syracuse at the behest of The Kid. Meanwhile, wildfires continue to threaten Castle Rock.
To review this episode, as just an episode, would be a bit foolhardy. ‘Filter’ has all the signature Castle Rock moments — perfectly timed jump scares, didn’t-see-it-coming plot twists, a tense but tantalizing tone, and some intriguing connections to Stephen King’s work.
The performances are terrific, especially from Sissy Spacek. The introduction of new plot elements (multiverses), and characters (CJ Jones as Odin Branch and Rory Culkin as Willie) were wonderful.
The big thing this episode did was really reinforce two major things that happened with the series. First, it was renewed for a second season, and within that announcement it was revealed, according to Hulu (as reported by Variety), that “the show became the most successful first season Hulu Original when considering consumption and reach.”
Now, we can debate the pros and cons of a second season of this season all day. However, watching this episode really drove home with Hulu is so behind this show. The way the show tells its story is deliberate and methodical, but it never forgets to hit you with the stuff you came for — suspense, horror, and mystery.
We’re also just tapping into the world of this series. King’s cannon is so rich that there are so many ways this series can go. They haven’t gone overboard or been cutesy with the King references and connections — it’s very tasteful. So, yes we can have more seasons because there’s literal source material to draw from, and not let’s make it up on the fly plotlines.
‘Filter’ also exemplifies the series ability to balance simplistic and complicated storytelling. In this episode we got the whole multiverse story, as well as simple yet compelling story of Alan Pangborn trying to get the Warden’s old car. The show knows when to be smart, it knows when to keep it simple, and it knows when to scare the hell out of us.
This is why it’s being consumed by so many. In a summer where we’ve been smacked in the head by mind benders and heavy as all hell dramas like Westworld, Sharp Objects, and The Handmaid’s Tale. These are all really awesome shows (yes, Westworld has a plethora of problems), but man week in and week out it can be a bit too heavy, a bit too real, and and a bit too much. Castle Rock makes you think, and it can be dark but it’s entertainment, it’s a walking horror anthology.
‘Filter’ is the prime example of Castle Rock’s success in its rookie season, and why it could become a TV staple for years to come…if done right.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXsKCQenpt0&t=1s
