TV PROGRAM | ART – 8.55pm The horror series “Evil” arrives in France. This series of investigations into paranormal phenomena was adored by Anglo-Saxon critics…
Bad is a series from michelle and Robert King, the writing and directing duo behind the acclaimed series the good wife et The good fightreleased in 2010 on CBS in the United States. It is (finally) scheduled in France, from November 28, 2024, on Arte.And it is an understatement too say that it was awaited by the few fans of the genre. Series of emotions and paranormal investigations,Bad it was in fact praised across the Atlantic and the Channel upon its release for its rather heartfelt treatment of horror codes,with just the right amount of humor and kitsch,without ruining any of the mystery and dramaturgy of the script.
Bad follows the daily life of Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers), a forensic psychologist who evaluates criminals before trial.Things, however, change when her patient, a serial killer, claims to be possessed and she loses her job. To find money, he agrees to help David (Mike Colter), a priest-in-training, and his colleague ben (Aasif Mandvi) investigate paranormal events like this one in an effort to distinguish fact from fiction.
And that’s obviously where things start to get crazy, with the inquiry into the events becoming increasingly baroque and frightening. The personal lives of the characters will also eventually intersect with the plot. We will thus follow the birth of a growing sexual tension between Kristen and David, who struggles with his complex relationship with faith and his origins.
For fans of The X-Files, Hannibal and heartfelt irony
this tone is reminiscent of the legendary series The X-Files and his duo of FBI agents desperately deal with the inexplicable from episode to episode.In true Mulder and Scully style, the protagonists will have to contend with the paranormal, but also with themselves.
Moreover Bad it is indeed much more than a clone or a tribute to its illustrious forefather. “The series gleefully deconstructs horror clichés and internet urban legends,” The Guardian points out. “Exorcisms, zombies, killer christmas songs… Nothing escapes its unusual and irreverent tone, brought by very charged actors.”
AS Hannibalanother comparison regularly used on the subject ofBadthe plot pushes the boundaries of what we expect from a procedural series. Between sly comedy, a decidedly ironic tone and surreal horror scenes, the series manages to remind us of one thing: that the cheesy side is part of the charm of this type of program.
“This mischievous tone also results in some delightfully over-the-top performances, particularly from Leland, the series’ main antagonist (played by the ever-memorable Michael Emerson of Lost), responsible for most of the events the three investigate,” adds the British newspaper. “is he really in league with the devil or is he just a dishonest psychologist with too much influence over his patients?”
An ambiguity expertly maintained
This is also the other great interest ofBad : Subversive and cheeky, the series has a lot of fun blurring the lines. “The cases remain ambiguous enough that it is never entirely clear whether malevolent forces are at play or whether the characters are being misled by their own minds,” according to The Guardian. Bad “he refuses to engage in a scientific or religious perspective, which adds a worrying dimension to the atmosphere,” he also notes.
Even for the New York Times all the interest ofBad it’s precisely that “the main characters always wonder whether the strange things they experiance are the product of the devil or of human malevolence, amplified by their own overactive imaginations.”
The series Badit is perfectly in tune with its times, conspiracy theories and women’s struggles are omnipresent as a backdrop to the trio’s missions. We also find there a fundamental message: “that supernatural evil encourages, hides and jealously competes with common human evil”, according to the New York Times, which also finds in Bad “a more or less conscious engagement with and critique of digital technology, as characters attempt to blame social media or rogue hackers for what appear to be demonic possessions.”
Is there a sequel to the Evil series?
The American newspaper concludes by praising “one of the smartest, funniest and most elegant series” of recent years. A program that should not displease lovers of thrills, but also dark humor.
This visual and narrative audacity, between deadpan comedy and nightmarish scenes, seduced American viewers. The series, which has already seen three seasons overseas, has been renewed for a fourth on Paramount+. Enough for France to see the sequel coming and for the writers to push the limits even further.
What themes can viewers expect to explore in the upcoming series “Bad”?
Interview with an Expert on the Anticipated Series “Bad”
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned expert in contemporary television studies. Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us to discuss the much-anticipated series “Bad,” which is set to debut in France on November 28, 2024.
dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to dive into this topic—there’s so much to discuss about “Bad” and its significance in the realm of paranormal television.
Editor: Absolutely! “Bad” has been gaining a lot of attention, especially considering its creators, Michelle and Robert King, are known for thier acclaimed work on “The Good Wife.” What do you think sets “Bad” apart from other series in the horror and supernatural genres?
Dr. Emily Carter: That’s a great question! The kings have a unique ability to blend emotional depth with genre storytelling. in “Bad,” they treat horror not just as a scare tactic but as a lens to explore deeper psychological themes. the show’s premise—centering on a forensic psychologist who becomes entwined in paranormal investigations—offers a fresh angle on the genre. The mix of heartfelt moments, humor, and horror elements allows viewers to connect with the characters on a personal level, which is sometimes lacking in more traditional horror series.
Editor: Speaking of characters,we have Kristen Bouchard,played by Katja Herbers,at the center of the story. How do you see her character growth influencing the overall narrative?
Dr. Emily Carter: Kristen’s character is fascinating because she’s not just a passive observer of the paranormal events; she actively engages with them, navigating both the external supernatural challenges and her internal struggles. as she grapples with the claims of possession made by her patient, we see how her professional life and personal beliefs collide. This duality adds layers to her character and creates a compelling narrative tension. It’s also fascinating to note how her interactions with other characters – like the priest-in-training David and her skeptical colleague Ben – serve to challenge her perceptions and push her development throughout the series.
Editor: Critics have praised “Bad” for its heartfelt approach to horror while maintaining a sense of humor. How critically importent do you think this balance is for the show?
Dr. Emily Carter: Finding that balance is crucial, especially in today’s media landscape where audiences are often overwhelmed with dark and heavy narratives. Humor can serve as a mechanism to release tension and make the horror elements more impactful. Moreover, by incorporating humor and kitsch, “Bad” manages to create a more engaging viewing experience. This blend allows the audience to explore the more serious and complex issues within the story without feeling emotionally drained. It’s this unique pitch that has garnered such excitement among fans.
Editor: As someone who follows television trends,how do you think “Bad” fits into the larger context of supernatural shows currently emerging in the industry?
Dr. Emily Carter: “Bad” certainly fits into a growing trend of genre-bending series that challenge traditional formats. We see a rise in shows that blend elements of horror, comedy, and drama, creating hybrid genres that appeal to diverse audiences. This series, like others before it, reflects a societal interest with the supernatural while also crafting narratives that resonate on a human level. It’s a testament to how audiences crave deeper stories, not merely jump scares and tropes but genuine emotional connections interwoven with thrilling plots.
Editor: Truly insightful, Dr.Carter. As we await its debut, what do you hope that “Bad” will accomplish in the realm of television?
Dr.Emily Carter: I hope “Bad” will redefine what we expect from horror series. By pushing boundaries and encouraging viewers to confront their beliefs about good and evil, reality and the supernatural, it has the potential to spark meaningful discussions. If it manages to do so while entertaining its audience, it could set a new standard for how we view horror and supernatural storytelling in television.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Emily Carter, for sharing your expertise on the series “Bad.” We’re certainly looking forward to its release later this year!
Dr. Emily carter: My pleasure! I can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Thank you for having me!
