The Gates: Season 1 - Thoughts

I downloaded The Gates a few years ago, as it seemed like a fairly interesting show. The plot follows the Monohan family, which moves into the Gates community; the move serving as an opportunity for a new start, particularly for the protagonist, Nick Monohan. Leaving behind controversy and taking on a new job in the Gates, as head of security. Though on the surface the community comes across as very normal, there are secrets that unravel over the course of the season, that’s quite intriguing. It's safe to say that the residents of the Gates are not your average neighbors. The show combines family drama elements, as Nick and his wife Sarah make friends and learn more about the residents, while their teenage son falls in love with one of his classmates. At the same time, there's a crime-drama element to it, as every episode follows the exploits of Nick as he leads and solves various cases. Not to mention the mystery that unfolds, by means of the slow unraveling of the supernatural secrets that lay within the Gates. The show succeeds at balancing these different elements, while remaining intriguing. The season ends with some sense of closure to the ongoing plot, while also setting in motion new problems, as a cliffhanger per se for Season 2. Sadly, the show was not renewed for another season, so audiences probably need to make do with Season 1.

Notable stars include Rhona Mitra, of Underworld: Rise of the Lycans and The Last Ship fame, and Marisol Nichols of Vegas Vacation and Felon fame. Their performances, as well as Frank Grillo's, who plays Nick Monohan are quite good. You may remember Frank Grillo from his tough, bad-guy, role as Brock Rumlow in Captain America - The Winter Soldier. Interestingly in The Gates, he shows a lot more emotional depth and capability as an actor. Nick's character is challenged to adapt to his new surroundings and run with it; especially as certain truths become evident to him. Initially he struggles, constantly considering other straight forward options. Rhona Mitra plays Claire Radcliff, one of the Monohan's odd neighbors. Its interestingly a different role for her; not the usual powerful ones she plays. Fairly more emotional for her as well, being torn between her carnal desires, and her want for a peaceful family life. Often being stuck in hard situations, and clearly struggling. As for Sarah Monohan, played by Marisol Nichols, she plays her usual pleasant self, which works well with the rest of the character mix for the show. Kudos to the casting efforts for picking the right people for the job.

The content I was sampling was a rather unimpressive 480p rip from an HDTV source. Video tone looked a little dull, which I imagine was intentional; but that the overall presentation wasn’t as crisp or clear as I'd have liked. Sound was provided by means of a 2.0 Stereo track. It was about okay to understand the show, but a far cry from a 5.1 soundtrack with a dedicated center for dialog.

My Recommendation: Watch It (A well balanced Crime, Drama, Fantasy, Thriller)