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From has emerged as a notable and often overlooked entry in contemporary sci-fi television, captivating audiences with its narrative about residents trapped in a disturbing small town. As of November 2024, the series has completed three seasons on MGM+, with a fourth season currently in the works. Fans can anticipate its arrival either later this year or in early 2026. In the meantime, those intrigued by the show’s premise might want to explore a related series from the mid-2010s—Wayward Pines.
Debuting in May 2015, Wayward Pines follows Secret Service agent Ethan Burke, who arrives in the eerie town to search for two missing colleagues. Similar to From, Ethan soon realizes that escaping Wayward Pines is nearly impossible. The series conveys an unsettling atmosphere, hinting at deeper mysteries lurking beneath the surface. Let’s delve into Wayward Pines—without revealing too much detail. Its eerie ambiance and storyline make it an ideal show for fans of From during the wait for new episodes. However, it also carves its own niche, leaning more toward science fiction than fantasy or supernatural elements. Although it achieved moderate success when aired, Wayward Pines has faded from collective memory, presenting a prime opportunity for a rediscovery. Here are compelling reasons to revisit Wayward Pines.
The Setup of ‘Wayward Pines’
Release Date
2015 – 2015
Network
FOX
Directors
Tim Hunter
Matt Dillon takes on the role of Ethan Burke, who ventures to Wayward Pines to find his missing fellow agents, including his partner Kate Hewson (Carla Gugino). The peculiarities of the town are evident from the outset. Upon arrival, Ethan is admitted to a hospital where Nurse Pam (Melissa Leo) and psychologist Dr. Jenkins (Toby Jones) try to convince him he’s suffering from a mental illness. After escaping in search of Kate, Ethan is shocked to learn she has been living there for 12 years, despite having seen her just weeks ago. Furthermore, Sheriff Arnold Pope (Terrence Howard) threatens Ethan, who soon discovers that any attempts to flee only lead him back into the confines of the town.
Residents are strictly prohibited from discussing their lives prior to arriving in Wayward Pines. Bartender Beverly (Juliette Lewis) faces the consequences of breaching this rule after mentioning her daughter. Following her punishment, Ethan resolves to uncover the truth. His family—wife Theresa (Shannyn Sossamon) and son Ben (Charlie Tahan)—arrives in town, and the Burkes are compelled to maintain the façade of a conventional family while Ethan seeks answers.
A significant twist regarding the town’s true nature is unveiled in the fifth episode of Season 1. While we won’t spoil it here, those familiar with Blake Crouch’s original novels may anticipate the revelations to come. The second season introduced a new protagonist played by Jason Patric, replacing Dillon. This season also featured new cast members such as Nimrat Kaur and Djimon Hounsou, but despite hints of a possible third season, Fox ultimately canceled the series after the second season.
The Legacy of ‘Wayward Pines’ and Where to Stream It
While Wayward Pines may not enjoy widespread recognition today, it features significant contributions from notable figures in the sci-fi genre. Author and executive producer Blake Crouch later adapted another of his works into Apple TV+’s Dark Matter. The Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, also wrote for the first season. Moreover, the pilot was directed and produced by M. Night Shyamalan, known for his signature plot twists, with the fifth episode delivering a classic Shyamalan surprise.
Initially conceived as a miniseries, Wayward Pines was set to cover all three books in Crouch’s trilogy during its first season; however, Fox ordered a second season in late 2015. This continuation diverged from the source material, which may explain its mixed reception. While ratings were decent during the first season, they dropped significantly by the second. The show received nominations at the 2016 Saturn and 2017 Leo Awards, but did not secure any wins. After its cancellation in 2018, Wayward Pines slipped into relative obscurity.
For those eager to explore the show, Wayward Pines is available for streaming on Hulu. It is also available for purchase or rental on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. For viewers searching for something to fill the void left by From, Wayward Pines might be just the ticket. If it gains renewed interest, there is potential for Wayward Pines to achieve newfound relevance in the streaming landscape. A revival may be a long shot, but with enough attention, the series could finally receive the recognition it deserves.
Source
movieweb.com