We rarely cover television on UTG, but Holliston is not your typical show. Starring directors Adam Green (Hatchet) and Joe Lynch (Wrong Turn 2), the series follows two aspiring New England filmmakers as they chase their dreams, fall in love, and host a local cable access show dedicated to horror films. The first season was praised by many in the horror community for breaking new ground, and in season two things get even better.

As much as I love the work of Green and Lynch, I was not that impressed with the initial debut of Holliston. While I love the concept of movie nerds aspiring to greatness while dealing with trivial issues that plague everyday small town life for broke 20-somethings, the stiff acting of the leads coupled with an abundance of canned laughter simply didn’t work for me as much as I hoped. It was clear Green had a great concept, but the execution needed work.

Thankfully, a large number horror fans disagreed with me, and shortly after the premiere of season one another set of episodes were ordered. I wasn’t sure I would be on board for more, but Fearnet sent a preview disc to UTG HQ last week and my opinion has since done a complete 180. It’s still the same show when it comes down to it, but it’s clear in every frame that the entire crew is more focused and sure of themselves than anywhere on season one. The canned laughter is still there, and I doubt anyone would argue that Green and Lynch are probably more suited for life behind the camera, but there is an inherent sense of fun that bursts from every scene with such infectious energy that it’s near impossible to turn away.

So what is new in the world of Holliston? Probably not as much as my above paragraphs would lead you to believe. The show is very much just as you remember it, only it feels more complete overall. The jokes hit better, the stories are more interesting, and nearly every episode (based on the four I was shown) finds at least one opportunity to tug at viewer’s heart strings. Part of this increased entertainment value is due to better writing in the conversations/patters the leads and their girlfriends share, while some of it stems an increased emphasis on the horror genre, including unusual-yet-hilarious appearances from the likes of Kane Hodder and Danielle Harris. Whatever the exact recipe, it’s working like gangbusters, and as long as the fans return I see no reason for this show to come to an end anytime soon.

Holliston is not a show for everyone, but with its second season Adam Green and crew have proven it is possible to find a balance between humor and horror that can on a massive (and recurring) scale. It’s not a show about horror, and it certainly won’t keep anyone up at night. but it does celebrate the genre in a way no one else ever has or likely ever will again. If that isn’t enough to get you to watch, I don’t know what will.

Holliston airs weekly on Fearnet. Click here to for listings and further information regarding the show.

Written by: James Shotwell (Twitter)

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James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

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