- Actors: Brandon Soo Hoo, Wilmer Valderrama, Robert Patrick, D.J. Cotrona, Eiza González
- Producer: Mark McNair
- Format: AC-3, Dolby, Widescreen
- Language: English
- Subtitles: English
- Region: All Regions
- Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
- Number of discs: 3
- Rated: Not Rated
- Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
- Release Date: February 7, 2017
I can only
assume that this is likely to be the final season of “From Dusk Till Dawn,” if
only because there is finally a level of closure to the narrative. What began
as a predictable remake of the 1996 action-horror film has turned into another
TV vampire soap opera, but at least this season manages to end with a bang.
There are too many characters, most of which are interchangeable in the larger
narrative, and they seem to switch sides and reasons for fighting with each
season. There is a lot of filler material in season three (as was the case with
the first two), but at least it ends with a memorable fight between opposing
sides. And where the original premise combined the structure of a horror film
within a crime narrative, the climax of season three cleverly integrates the
western genre into the mix.
Reuniting
brothers, Seth (D.J. Cotrona) and Richie (Zane Holtz), after putting them on
opposite sides last season, the narrative develops new enemies and new goals
for the criminal/vampire siblings. Old enemies become allies in an effort to
stop another demon trying to take control. There always seems to be another
ancient figure with secret powers, and that tired trope is only saved by an
increase in both action and horror elements in the third season. This is
possible with the show’s willingness to kill off significant characters, even
more than they bring characters back to life with the changing rules of the
culebra.
The increasing
number of creatures in this narrative can become difficult to follow. Or maybe
it is just my lack of interest in the specifics that made it hard for me to pay
attention. But the one thing that this season does get right is the action,
even containing some standalone episodes that are among the best in the series,
even including season one. When the horror or the action takes precedence over
the convoluted narrative with too many characters and too many conflicting
goals, this show thrives. Ultimately, this is a show about attitude more than
logic, so it becomes bogged down when the storyline is the focus. This is both
a compliment to the style of the show and an insult to the storyline. Even the
addition of an original cast member from the 1996 film is not able to save the
show from often feeling like it is going nowhere fast.
The first half
of the season seems dedicated to adding new creatures with unique abilities,
nearly adopting the “freak-of-the-week” structure that many lazy superhero
shows utilize. But when the show wraps up with a classic western showdown in an
outdated looking town, it almost feels like The
Magnificent Seven with vampires. Had there been more of this and less of
the useless dialogue and demon backstabbing, I might even be looking forward to
a fourth season. As it stands, this feels like a fitting end to a somewhat
unnecessary series.
The Blu-ray
release of season three includes all 10 episodes on 3 discs. The special
features are plentiful in the release, with a number of promotional featurettes
about the various characters and creatures. There are also audio commentaries
and a deleted scene included. Even though this show is not nearly as good as
many others on television (or streaming), the special features seem to be
arguing otherwise.
Entertainment Value:
6.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 6/10
Historical
Significance: 5/10
Special Features: 7/10
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