“Widow’s Bay”, a new comedic horror series created by Katie Dippold, has finally found its footing after years of trial and error. The show’s unique blend of humor and frights makes it one of the best of the year. Set on a tiny, fictional island three hours off the coast of New England, “Widow’s Bay” is stuck in the 1980s, with inhabitants dressed in dated attire. The island is said to be cursed, and its residents believe that anyone born there cannot safely leave it.
The show’s leader, Tom Loftis, played by Matthew Rhys, is a charming but ambitious mayor who takes his job extremely seriously. He dreams of turning the run-down Widow’s Bay into a bustling tourist destination. However, his plans are constantly thwarted by intense locals, like grizzled mariner Wyck, who warn of an impending curse.
As Tom navigates the island’s dark mythology, he must confront the reality that many of its denizens are indeed victims of the curse. The show excels in its details, with lovable eccentrics played by great character actors, including Dale Dickey and Jeff Hiller. Patricia Mower, a mousy assistant in the mayor’s office, played by Kate O’Flynn, is a standout character who harbors memories of a childhood encounter with the “bogeyman”.
Throughout its first season, “Widow’s Bay” masterfully balances humor and horror, with many meta nods to horror classics. The show’s patient pacing allows it to sit inside scenes and let them play out, making for a unique viewing experience.
With its renewed second season on the horizon, “Widow’s Bay” offers a message of acceptance and learning to live with fear. You can either fight the fear or walk in tandem with it, and perhaps mine it for a laugh.
Source: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/on-television/widows-bay-sets-a-high-bar-for-horror-comedy