The Strain

:

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

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  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 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 beenLOVE 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.… Expand
  2. NShep53
    Jul 16, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand 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!    … Expand
  3. FlyYouFools
    Jul 27, 2015
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand 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.    … Expand
  4. Betsy
    Jul 14, 2015
    0
    After thoroughly enjoying the books a couple of years ago as well as del Toro's masterpiece, "Pan's Labyrinth", I was delighted to see The Strain was coming to FX. I was fully confident that it would meet the high standards of storytelling I've come to expect from del Toro and Hogan...and the only reason I'm still watching is that I'm hoping the dialogue and the acting will get better.After thoroughly enjoying the books a couple of years ago as well as del Toro's masterpiece, "Pan's Labyrinth", I was delighted to see The Strain was coming to FX. I was fully confident that it would meet the high standards of storytelling I've come to expect from del Toro and Hogan...and the only reason I'm still watching is that I'm hoping the dialogue and the acting will get better. From what I've seen after episode 1 of the 2nd season, I have my doubts.
    It's no Walking Dead...nor did I expect it to be. But from such talented and creative people I should expect more than those old saws of horror dialogue like "...in the name of all that is holy..." and "behold..." whatever is being beholden by the beholder.
    Frankly, the acting is pretty lame. In all fairness though, I can't blame the actors...they're just doing what is required of them by the director. A lot of my good tv-watching experience is caring about the different personalities in a story, but there isn't enough visceral character development to make me give a rat's ass about any of these people. They're almost on autopilot. Setrakian is a Strigoi-hating robot with no other way to relate to others...that gets really boring.
    And will someone please tell me why New York City is still functioning (with a little fire here and there) while this vampire apocalypse is going on in front of them?
    I really wanted to like The Strain...but I can't. Ok...I'll just say it. It sucks.    … Expand
  5. brentwshelton1
    Sep 11, 2015
    6
    I was torn between rating this Season a 6 and a 7 even though I am liking this season a bit more than the first. Ultimately, I decided on the 6 because the story is progressing well and the villains (both human and non-human) have been pretty well established but still able to throw in some new twists like the addition of Ephs (now vampire) wife and the spider/bind child posse sheI was torn between rating this Season a 6 and a 7 even though I am liking this season a bit more than the first. Ultimately, I decided on the 6 because the story is progressing well and the villains (both human and non-human) have been pretty well established but still able to throw in some new twists like the addition of Ephs (now vampire) wife and the spider/bind child posse she controls as being more of a factor to look out for than just the Master. The down side is: (a) I cannot stand the child actor that is the new replacement for Eph's son. He seems to be capable of only one facial expression which is a combination of "Yeah, I'm a super cool kid actor acting rebellious and whiny. I can barely tolerate the (blessedly few and brief) times he has dialogue….and (b) Ephs "alcoholism" is an unnecessary, trite, and distracting prop addition since it seems primarily to consist of the camera focusing on him dramatically drinking (e.g. as he cuts his hair, sits on a train, etc) but it never amounts to more than that more. Trust me, I know this show will never fall into a "must see" category - only the guilty pleasure one but given all of that - I am glad its been renewed for a 3rd season (just please please please replace the kid!)… Expand
  6. brutus1
    Aug 1, 2015
    4
    Hi, We just watched first two episodes of season 2. First word that comes to mind is yuck! All the gore,not getting why. I fast forwarded so many parts had to go back and listen to the parts where there was some dialogue. But that even was bit of a disappointment. Scare and gross you out and then let you down with most of the script. Hope it gets better. Pat
  7. spartacus215
    Aug 26, 2016
    10
    I will start off by saying that I just recently binge-watched Seasons One and Two within roughly a two week time span and I absolutely love the show. P.S This is a review for both seasons 1&2. The story takes place in present day New York spanning most of the five boroughs and it's about a Vampire Plague that starts to ravage NY. The story is wonderfully executed as it does take time forI will start off by saying that I just recently binge-watched Seasons One and Two within roughly a two week time span and I absolutely love the show. P.S This is a review for both seasons 1&2. The story takes place in present day New York spanning most of the five boroughs and it's about a Vampire Plague that starts to ravage NY. The story is wonderfully executed as it does take time for the infection to spread and they don't rush that at all which I admire. The story overall is excellent especially with all the intricate and minor details that are shared and the flashbacks of key characters. The acting is remarkable for what the premise is at hand and usually one person stands out to me in a show but here there were a good three to five people that were Awesome. I mean you have Abraham,Fet, Eph and even the villain Eichorst were Superb. The actors really sell it on screen. The action is dope with the blood and gore effects being top-notch. The action scenes in S1 are cool and in S2 they are crazy and in S3 they look to be Insane. The action will not leave you disappointed at all and will leave you wanting more of it. The cinematography was executed perfectly with everything feeling in the place that it should. I will close by saying that if you have not watched this Phenomenal show yet then you're missing out especially since S3 airs this Sunday on 8/28/2016. Watch it on HULU or buy it either way please support it. Take Care.… Expand
  8. imthenoob
    Jan 14, 2016
    6
    Lack of story/character progression is a big flaw in this season. 13 episodes and it feels like they didn't go any where with the plot. The story could have been told in 5 episodes and was dragged on for 13. For some reason, It's a big drop off from season 1 and it's disappointing.
  9. pinball123
    Oct 12, 2015
    8
    Still enjoy this show. May not have the budget of some other shows in the same genre but it's more consistent than the walking dead just lacks the big show stopper episodes they seem to pull out for finales and season returns.
  10. Bitmouse
    Jul 1, 2017
    6
    I have a love hate relationship with this show. Sometimes in my head I call it, "The Strain," as in it's a strain to watch it.

    That being said, over all it's pretty good. But, they need to freakin' kill off Zach. They replaced the decent but annoying kid from the first season with an even more annoying one for the second. If I was his dad I would have used him as a decoy during some    I have a love hate relationship with this show. Sometimes in my head I call it, "The Strain," as in it's a strain to watch it.

    That being said, over all it's pretty good.

    But, they need to freakin' kill off Zach. They replaced the decent but annoying kid from the first season with an even more annoying one for the second. If I was his dad I would have used him as a decoy during some muncher fight and that would have been it.

    To be honest, I am sorta losing investment in his dad's character as well.    … Expand
  11. WJS
    Oct 25, 2015
    7
    The 2nd season of The Strain is not bad. It carries on the same routine, elaborate vampire horror plot. It's melodramatic and violent and gory and even takes on some interesting sub plots regarding the love lives of several of the characters. I'm intrigued to see where the 3rd season takes us.
  12. movingpictures
    May 24, 2020
    5
    Review for Season 2: The Strain very quickly turned to absolute garbage after the end of Season 1. It's mainly the writers' and the directors' fault. Most of the actors did the best they could with what they were given. And the special effects were still okay though not as good as Season 1. It's truly the story that took a turn for the worst. And it was impossible to care aboutReview for Season 2: The Strain very quickly turned to absolute garbage after the end of Season 1. It's mainly the writers' and the directors' fault. Most of the actors did the best they could with what they were given. And the special effects were still okay though not as good as Season 1. It's truly the story that took a turn for the worst. And it was impossible to care about anyone when their choices become so unbelievable. But the most grating part was the new actor for the boy, Zach, who the writers and directors chose to let play the most annoying character imaginable. I almost didn't finish this season. And I certainly won't be wasting my time on Season 3 or 4. Such a shame when Season 1 was such a promising beginning.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Jeff Jensen
    Jul 20, 2015
    67
    The Strain knows how to to gross. It needs to get better at the engrossing part. [24 Jul 2015, p.50]
  2. PopMatters
    Reviewed by: Cynthia Fuchs
    Jul 14, 2015
    70
    The Strain reifies its connections between political and melodramatic themes with the gory action for which the series is best known--the monsters’ neck-piercing six-foot tongues, the silver bullets’ exploding effects--in kitschy evidence during the battle against that takes up the bulk of the storage facility scene.
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  3. 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.
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