Spike decided to give us a second adaptation of Stephen King’s novella The Mist. This time as a 10 episode series, as opposed to the Frank Darabont film from 2007. I am unfamiliar with the source material, but I did see the film and thought it was decent. I’ve heard it was a fairly straight adaptation…except for the very end scene. This time around they treated us to more of a reimagining than a remake. Some of the characters and motivations have changed, as well as the locations. The Mist itself has also changed. In the book and film it contained monsters, here it is more of an unknown psychological factor that kills. It seems to feed on only certain people and knows their fears, etc.

The concept change was decent at first, but by a few episodes in it just seemed like it was trying to be similar to a show like The Walking Dead. It was also evident they were in it for the long haul and planning multiple seasons. Which would be fine if you gave me any characters to care enough about to want to continue watching. Honestly, I found it hard to stick out all 10 episodes. If by some miracle it is renewed for a second season, I don’t think it has earned a return spot on my DVR.

That’s a shame too since Stephen King adaptations seem to be hot right now, but as usual they either really work (IT) or really bomb (Dark Tower). I’m afraid to commit as I did with Under the Dome. I read and loved that Stephen King book and found the first season adaptation decent. Then the second season became it’s own original idea and really bastardized the source material.

In my opinion, take the advice of the characters in the show and stay away from The Mist.

–Tony