SummaryPsychopath killer Brady Hartsfield (Harry Treadaway) sends letters and emails to retired police detective Bill Hodges (Brendan Gleeson) about his unsolved killings in David E. Kelley's adaptation of Stephen King’s 2014 book.
SummaryPsychopath killer Brady Hartsfield (Harry Treadaway) sends letters and emails to retired police detective Bill Hodges (Brendan Gleeson) about his unsolved killings in David E. Kelley's adaptation of Stephen King’s 2014 book.
Four episodes in, the season’s still in cruise control, taking its time to build mood and character in ways a lesser show might deem unneccessary but that continue to make Mr. Mercedes one of the most sturdily constructed thrillers on television. ... Still one of television’s darker, most compelling rides.
Mr. Mercedes has yet to fire on all cylinders in the early stages of Season Two. But a nice slow simmer is well-suited to Gleeson’s talents as an actor who doesn’t mind taking his time in further molding a character with a gruff exterior and an old, buttered soul. It’s a beauty of a savory performance, with the bigger chills still coming. All in due time.
Some of those character-centric scenes stand out because, unlike the first season with its vehicular homicide opening and instantly established stakes of Brady's next target, the second season struggles initially to find propulsive momentum. The new cast regulars, especially Huston's Felix, are bland and the efforts to bring in favorite characters, including Breeda Wool's Lou, sometimes feel strained. There's still a lot to be interested in with Mr. Mercedes, assuming you can figure out if you have access to Audience Network.
In fairness, it’s faithful to the source material, but it’s a big leap and the landing is a bit shaky because it feels so caddy-corner to the gritty crime drama of the first season. ... But it is still creepy.