The Strain

:

Season 2
  • Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 13, 2014
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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Critic Reviews

  1. Cleveland Plain Dealer
    Reviewed by: Mark Dawidziak
    Jul 13, 2015
    60
    The Strain continues to rely too much on action and not enough on compelling character development. The uneven results are entertaining but hardly infectious.
  2. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Tirdad Derakhshani
    Jul 13, 2015
    50
    The Strain has a single narrative line stretching across both seasons, but it is composed of numerous subplots that are fed to us in really brief dribs and drabs. It lacks the epic weight and scope such an ambitious premise needs.
  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    Jul 9, 2015
    50
    It’s too dour and grim sometimes, and other times too blithe and safe.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 86 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 86
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 86
  3. Negative: 10 out of 86
  1. tpotz
    Jul 17, 2015
    10
    LOVE this show!! It has it all.....engaging characters, new twist on vampire lore, plenty of "edge of your seat" moments. Successfully marriesLOVE this show!! It has it all.....engaging characters, new twist on vampire lore, plenty of "edge of your seat" moments. Successfully marries biological research with new vampire elements and political activity for a new fresh feel that keeps you coming back for more. Each character is strongly developed in ways that make you really care what happens to each of them. Young Zack has been re-cast...ok with that, but please don't re-cast anyone else. Hope to see many seasons of this one.… Full Review »
  2. NShep53
    Jul 16, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. The zany show "The Strain" is back and better than ever.

    Taking places soon after the Master got away last season, things are a slow build in the first episode of the second season. This doesn't mean it is boring however. Abraham, Eph and the crew are on their separate ways for most the of episode and all the storylines are just as interesting as last season. If you haven't seen the Strain yet, catch up by watching the first season.

    With an awesome introduction to the Master, Abraham on the hunt and Eph and Nora trying to find a cure, things are definitely rolling on the Strain. I can't wait to see what happen next and to see what is up with Eph's wife and the feelers!    … Full Review »
  3. FlyYouFools
    Jul 27, 2015
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. I'm astonished at how many 10's this show is getting. I mean, how do you people get past the numerous plot holes, bad acting, terrible script, confusing flashbacks,and uninteresting characters. I really want to love and invest myself into the world of The Strain like my sister did but i'm sorry just cannot, too many stupid decisions and lazy writing to do so.

    But first let's look at what the show has working in its favor. I really like Satrakian as a character and an actor, i know there have been better characters but he is pretty damned good. Eldridge Palmer is also pretty cool and well acted. He plays the elderly billionaire pretty well. , and Eichorst (i think thats how you spell it) the master's Lieutenant is also pretty cool. The first 2 episodes were great and drew me in to the universe,and the rebel vampires (though they died last night) are great.
    but then i quickly discovered all its flaws every other episode.

    The plot is like Swiss cheese, plain and simple. there are so many questions left unanswered such as: Where did the rebel vampires come from, why did they turn against their own kind, Why is Palmer helping the vampires, How exactly did the council woman "clear the streets" of vampires in Staten Island, How did the master come about (that flashback didnt explain much why didnt he just become a normal vampire then?), why didnt the master die in the sunlight? all Satrakian said about that was, "we lost" what? why?
    Also why is Palmer so content with protecting miss Marchant, why did he hire her if he doesent want her in harms way? Why do you take your kid vampire hunting?? Like really??

    The acting is mostly ok but i mean these lines are stupid with no thought put into the script at all. Zack is the most annoying, useless, stupid character of 2015, it dosen't help that the actor is horrid. In concept his cahracter is supposed to be a kid who is frightened, frustrated and depressed at the same time, which will cause him to have random outbursts of anger, which does sound good. But the execution is awful, he just comes off as a little prick who's goal is to get everyone killed. The rat guy and hacker chick's romance is so forced , they have nothing in common, why does he love her when she is partly responsible for the apocalypse? and Nora is... ok i guess? and Ephraim is an alcoholic who's relapsing after the start of the apocalypse which is effecting his ability to be a father, but can somehow find the cure to the disease in like a day. So as you can see, none of the characters are memorable enough to give a damn about

    I only ever remember this is on every Sunday night because my sister reminds me, but i'll keep watching because like i said i really want to love this show.    … Full Review »
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