American Gothic scudded onto the small screen with an opening episode that laid its cards fairly and squarely on the table.

Beginning with a warmly lit scene inside a house on the edge of a town called Trinity somewhere in the American Deep South, we were introduced to a trio of father, daughter and son, on the occasion of the young boy's birthday. Such an idyllic setting was crying out to be shattered however, and it wasn't long before something the boy said started the ball rolling. The girl began rocking backwards and forwards in her chair saying "Someone's at the door", over and over again. With a sudden thunderstorm transforming the cozy birthday scene into a shadowy, violent affair, Daddy picked up a long handled shovel and went ballistic. Soon boy and girl were running around madly trying to evade their shovel wielding Pop who was determined to plant one on his daughter. Which he duly did.

Sam Raimi had a hand in the creation of American Gothic and at times it certainly showed. The odd angles occasionally subtended by the camera and its sweeping movements gave the game away, as did the use of speeded up filming and words spelled out in oozing blood.

But fortunately these were tricks used sparingly and much of the narrative thrust for the series was character and dialogue based.

By far the best things about the show are the performances, especially Gary Cole as the sinister Town Sheriff Lucas Buck and Lucas Black as the feisty young Caleb Temple.

But the other players are as equally up to the task of telling this traditional Good versus Evil tale. All stereotypes - to a "T", there are, in addition to the demonic baddy and young innocent he seeks to corrupt, a flawed hero and a sultry temptress (by day a prim and proper school teacher). Twin Peaks comparisons are obvious, especially given the familiar ring that the incidental music has, but American Gothic holds its own remarkably well.

To view the rest of this site, simply roll your mouse over the 5 doors or click on the links below.

Ads - These ads were from the TV Guide.
Articles - Found in various magazines and newspapers.
Episode Guide - This is the most extensive American Gothic episode guide you will find on the internet. COMING SOON
Interviews - Chats with Gary Cole, Shaun Cassidy and others... COMING SOON
Gothic Links - Where to find other American Gothic sites.. COMING SOON
The Who's Who of Trinity - cast and crew info. Currently under construction, but viewable.
Trivia COMING SOON