From Season 2 Episode 2 Review: The Kindness of Strangers

From Season 2 Episode 2, “The Kindness of Strangers,” brings the season’s first night and, with it, a bloodbath. The episode delivers one of the most intense and nerve-wracking hours of television I’ve seen in a while by taking us along on the frustrating journey of the townspeople trying to save the new arrivals from the horror they don’t believe exists.

Many cast members are safe in the diner, whether by choice or not. This secure location allows for some relationship drama with Kristi, her fiance, and Kenny, which seems slightly out of place between blood-curdling screams.

Hence, the show makes the wise decision to barely touch on it and leave the rest for daylight hours. Hopefully, we will get more backstories in upcoming episodes through some flashbacks.

Meanwhile, outside the diner, we are reminded that one of the strengths of From is its ability to build tension and suspense reminiscent of good old-fashioned horror movies.

Under the tarp, when the poor guy from the bus who got caught up when the house collapsed with Tom and Jim, wakes up and starts screaming, I find myself talking to my tv, literally pleading with him to be quiet. When the young couple from the bus hears the knock at the door of the gas station, I can’t help but yell at them not to answer the door. When the old couple is on the bus, I plead with them to stay hidden.

You can’t blame any of them, though, because From gives them logical reasons to do dumb things. In other words, I might be yelling at them, but I can’t blame them.

Another thing I love about From is the extra creepy juxtaposition of things you expect to be afraid of and things you wouldn’t. There’s everything that roams around in the dark vs. the people who look like they just stepped out of a ’60s sitcom smiling and strolling toward you. On this show, it’s the people that give you nightmares.

It is interesting to see Fatima, who has been steadfastly one of the stronger characters, finally begin to break, forcing Ellis to be the stronger of the two this season. Across town, we have more of the supernatural thriller aspects of the show when Boyd’s escape leads him to the back of the truck where Victor and Tabitha are holding up.

This is the first they learn of the bus and the new people. The episode ends with them off to join the group.

It is unclear how much of Boyd’s experience is real or imagined, which is one of the reasons why I love this show. While it could stop at being an entertaining horror series, the depth and complexity of the show make it great. The mysteries are what engage us.

The hallmark of a great show in my book is when the hour spent watching the show is the tip of the iceberg, as fans gather online to discuss theories for many more hours while awaiting the next episode. From is just such a show.

What did you think of this episode of From? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

From airs Sunday at 9/8c on MGM+.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

15 Supernatural Teen TV Shows to Sink Your Teeth Into if You’re Excited About ‘Wolf Pack’