Here’s my take on 3 new sci-fi/horror series that have recently launched.
Chapelwaite This series is based on Stephen King’s “Jerusalem’s Lot.” Adrien Brody stars as a sea captain who relocates his 3 children to his ancestral home in Maine. Of course, there’s a curse on the house and the family, which unfolds very slowly. The overall feeling is slightly sinister and when it’s scary…it’s not. Brody is working hard, but he can only do so much with an insipid story and uninspired direction. (Based on seeing 5 of the 10 one-hour episodes) 
(2 / 5)
Midnight Mass Yet another suspicious village suffers from ominous activities. The opening scene depicts a fatal car crash and the drunk driver who survived (Zach Gilford). After getting out of prison, he returns to his small, weirdly broken-down town. Meanwhile, a new priest (Hamish Linklater) shows up and things start getting weird. This is another slow-burn thriller that’s only offered the potential for shocks. It’s hard to tell where this story is headed, but it’ll need to ramp up the thrills to make it worth watching. (Based on seeing 2 out of 7 one-hour episodes) 
(3 / 5)
La Brea The first 5 minutes quickly set up the premise. A massive sinkhole opens up in the middle of Los Angeles, taking people, cars and buildings with it. Since Natalie Zea is one of the victims, it’s obvious that she can’t be dead. Soon, we find our missing people in a prehistoric version of their hometown with wild creatures and more! NBC has thrown plenty of money into the epic first episode, but it’s already taking a network TV approach to the characters. This episode is promising, so hopefully it won’t deteriorate into a talky personal drama with a few action beats. 
(0 / 5)