This is what it’s like to see The Strain firing on all cylinders, finally. In the past, The Strain‘s action has often felt circuitous, a series of false beats that ultimately led back to the same place. The search for the Lumen, Eph’s fight for his family, repeat repeat repeat, without a narrative forward momentum that allowed the characters or the world to grow in interesting ways. After two seasons of hurry up and wait, the final episodes of Season 3 blasted out a path for progress, and Season 4 follows through on that promise. For the first time since the series’ strong start in 2014, The Strain delivers propulsive drama and world building. In the final season, the talented cast, the gorgeous effects, and the singular cinematographic aesthetic are matched bold narrative moves and satisfying character beats. The pieces have clicked together at last, and it’s bittersweet to finally watch the show live up to its potential, just before it comes to a close.
★★★★ Very good — Damn fine television
