Although the timeline from its source is a tad askew – Bradley James is clearly a decade younger than his 1976 film counterpart would be now – it is still firmly rooted in the original story, with both flashbacks and concepts from The Omen scattered liberally throughout this opening episode. There are fundamental differences too however, the major one being that Damien is unaware of his ancestry or purpose, which serves as a hook to draw viewers less familiar to the material into the plot as it progresses and he learns of his role as the Antichrist.
An advantage this series has over a film format is that it can take it’s time telling the tale. Some may find the pace slower than they imagined, but as I prefer character led drama I appreciated getting to know the individuals involved. As a fan of Bradley James I am possibly biased, but I think his casting is spot on. Damien may not instantly recognisable as the hell-child we knew him to be; indeed the very first scene is of him stumbling into a church, something his younger self vehemently opposed. But the show is taking a very different approach to the narrative after all.
He’s an affable, polite and sympathetic man who has made a successful career as a war photographer. In fact some might say he’s been extremely fortuitous in his chosen profession of depicting struggles and devastation, capturing the worst that humanity has to offer, but aside from being considered exceptional at his job this hasn’t raised any eyebrows. I’m looking forward to how this will change over the course of the season, and indeed the series all being well. James certainly has the scope to portray the fall from grace this role will no doubt throw at him, and I imagine Damien will wrestle with his destiny at various points which is when I feel he will shine.
Ann Rutledge (Barbara Hershey) only makes a brief appearance in this opening episode, though it is a striking one that will leave you eager to see more. She has been in the shadows for all his life, overseeing and protecting him without his knowledge or behest, but that is about to change as Damien will require closer guidance if he is to accomplish his objective. Since he has repressed his childhood memories, his malevolent tendencies have also been suppressed, making him a more compassionate and well-balanced man. Therefore his path is as yet not certain, which Rutledge feels humanises the character, she says “All of us have good and bad in us, so I think people will identify with Damien more than they expect to.”
The Beast Rises airs on A&E at 10/9c on March 7, below are a few dialogue teasers to see you through until then, if you want to have a guess at who said what I will let you know if you are correct in the comments. Please don’t forget to come back after the episode to vote in our poll and tell us your thoughts.
“Your father wanted answers about the beast. The false messiah, described in the Book of Revelation”
“I saw. She grabbed your face and said “Damien, I love you.””
“You expect me to believe there’s really a God, really a Devil, and I’m on the wrong side. Bullshit!”
“She did something. I, I saw memories from my childhood, when I was a kid. When my parents…an accident that happened"
“The road runs through Damascus. That’s where St Paul saw the risen Christ, and the whole world swept away”
“The key is to always maintain a presence, without letting people knowing you’ve been there, all along. Right over their shoulder. Every step of the way”
“I asked everyone who lived in that camp, no-one had ever seen her. I found something else. I’m back in New York, I’ll text you my address. You’ll want to see this”
“He was a diplomat was he not? Many expect the beast to come from the world of politics”
“I’ve located a doctoral student who was working with him at the time. He might be worth talking to”
“I had it translated, it’s Latin. She’s saying, “Here’s my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.””
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.
