IR TV Review: IT - WELCOME TO DERRY -EPISODE 1 (“The Pilot”) [HBO]
The implementation of more "IT" is not just about the clown but how the space of the city even in what might seen tranquil is actually brewing below the surface. In Episode 1: "The Pilot" of the HBO series: "IT" Welcome To Derry," which is directed by "IT" and "IT Chapter 2" helmer Andy Muschietti understands itself and yet because it is TV, Muschietti seems to know he can push it farther. The beginning prologue which sets the scene actually would be too far for a mainstream movie in the theaters but it sets the tone here with aplomb. It is a very conscious choice. Its eventual baseline for the evil is a little loose fitting but hopefully will be more integrated as the series moves on. The first episode follows a few kids who are all outsiders in their own way but they lose one of their own. Pennywise, according to the lore, of course was around since the 1910s integrated with the circus so it is not clear what form this is yet. The communication is similar but also different This series, at least in the first episode, is set in 1961 or 1962 so maybe right before the Cuban Missile Crisis (hence chaos within the tranquil).
There is a secondary story with a black major in the Air Force coming to train for a bombing mission. One might be thinking something like The Black Lodge, which in "Twin Peaks" which was ultimately explained as being the aftermath of a nuclear explosion might be used as a explanation point here. The dialogue (like with "Dreamcatcher" and "IT") sounds right. This, if memory serves, has a little more basis in some of the earlier or flashback chapters of Stephen King's novel. The build to the end of the episode is neat...and the integration of the movie theater and "The Music Man" is a nice and metaphorical touch since it adds a layer of lore but also a great cinematic scene (which Muschietti does know how to build). Where it is leading though as the build is a question mark. This is not "Georgie". This is built of a different time though one senses there might be a time jump coming. it is hard to know quite yet where it will go but seeing the Ep Guides breakdown, there is one specific character that might come into play and that crossover might create a brilliance. It just might be the one you think. "The Pilot" though lays the groundwork and hooks the viewer while seemingly (and possibly) being a misdirect. B+
By Tim Wassberg
