WGN America’s latest drama starts this week, focusing on a family tribe called the Farrell’s that have lived high up on the Appalachian Mountains for generations, and who now face eviction due to the coal beneath their homes which the big bad corporate types want to get their mitts on. The Farrell’s aren’t the type to meekly give in however, leaving the local Sheriff and his Deputy with a monumental task on their hands, caught up between a town desperate for the jobs that the new mining company would bring and the semi-feral clan who have little regard for the law.
It’s not just as straight forward as outsiders versus the townsfolk; both sides are also dealing with elements of discord which jeopardise their position in the standoff with each other. In the Farrell camp, Big Foster (David Morse) is going to start taking on missions that aren’t sanctioned by Lady Ray (Phyllis Somerville), his mother and matriarch of the group. Some unpleasant news is also about to affect him after his mother decides that an old prophesy may be coming true, one that involves his future standing in the clan. Little Foster (Ryan Hurst) bears the brunt of his father’s ire, but he’s not the only one that the big man will be taking his frustrations out on.
Asa Farrell (Joe Anderson) is a member of the clan who has done the unthinkable; he left Shay Mountain some ten years ago for the bright lights of the outside world, and so became banished for life. He’s now decided that city life isn’t where he’s comfortable, and he’s attempting to reintegrate himself back into the clan, with differing degrees of success. He has certain skills that may prove useful in the upcoming “war” with the mining company, yet his presence will also cause conflict with those whom he has a past with too. Hasil Farrell, on the other hand, is yearning to spend more time off of the mountain after meeting a special someone during a run into town for provisions. This too will create its own problems, besides the huge culture clash there’s practical complications to consider too, such as where does a man with no income take a prospective date on a night out?
Meanwhile down in the town, Deputy Houghton (Thomas M Wight), one of the most intriguing character’s, is the man tasked with serving the eviction notice on the camp. There’s an unspoken history between the cop and those he is charged with taking on, one which has undoubtedly left a deep scar on the man due to his reluctance when it comes to dealing with them. We witness him being thoroughly competent when it comes to other aspects of his job, behaving in a calm and rational manner in order to keep his streets crime free. So whatever it is that has caused him to become wary of the Farrell’s must be significant. There is a perhaps a wee hint in this opening episode as to what the issue may be, but I think it could be some time before we get to the real truth of the matter however.
It may be a slow boil start to the series, but it’s a captivating one too, with well-defined characters and the premise clearly laid out which future episodes can build upon. We’ve been lucky enough to have seen the first five episodes here at Spoiler TV and it’s caught our attention as one to keep an eye on. I will be sharing previews duty with Aimee, so look out for her introduction of Episode 1.02 –
Doomsayer later in the week.
Farrell Wine airs January 26 at 9/8C on WGN America, below are a few dialogue teasers to see you through until then. If you want to have a go at guessing who said what I will fill in any correct answers before it airs, although I know it’s early days yet so it will be tough. Don’t forget to come back and vote in our poll after the episode and let us know what you thought.
“Maybe he be the reason these troubles come now. Cos never before have we let a traveller back in”
“Why you doing this? You running from something, or somebody?”
“This isn’t moonshine Butch, this is Farrell wine”
“The one who come back, he’s a book reader. Go get him”
“I didn’t ask if you believed in it, I was just asking if you wanted some?”
“Where are your powers now, you little old bitch”
“Look, you’re nice, but, I don’t wanna go to jail. Night”
“You scared of them Wade, that why you making them jokes?”
“No, they don’t take guns. They know better than to get the Feds on ‘em”
“I do not give you my staff this First Night”
About the Author - Sandi
Sandi is part of the Senior Staff at SpoilerTV having been a contributor from back in the Lost days of DarkUFO, and who now writes previews for Banshee, The Musketeers, Poldark, and other UK shows. She also enjoys watching and commenting on other shows such as Vikings, Orphan Black, Game of Thrones and The Flash.
