"Despite some ever-timely themes about the inequity and systemic failures of the mental health system in this country, "Devil in Silver" feels flat, likely a factor of being too faithful to its source (LaValle himself gets writer credit, which is often a mistake) or a rushed production that never quite found its voice on set."
"A brief history: Dan Simmons' excellent 2007 novel, a story of a doomed 19th-century Arctic expedition, gave the series its name as it was the source for the 2018 first season starring Tobias Harris and Tobias Menzies. The 2019 second season, subtitled "Infamy," was another chilling period piece, set in a Japanese internment camp during World War II."
"After a long break, "The Terror" is back with a visit to a mental hospital in a vaguely undefined time period that doesn't quite feel like today due to its references to Jaws, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and Iron Maiden, but also has just enough modern technology to make it a little unclear. A lack of specificity weaves its way through much of "Devil in Silver," a frustrating characteristic given how much the other two installments thrived on detail."
"There are some strong performances, but in a prime era for TV horror, this one doesn't find the right balance of thrills and character, throwing ideas into a demonic mishmash that too often fails to connect with the mind or the gut."
Devil in Silver centers on a mental hospital in a time period that feels vaguely defined, mixing period atmosphere with references to modern pop culture and technology. The season draws on themes about inequity and systemic failures in the mental health system, but the narrative feels flat and struggles to balance thrills with character development. The storytelling approach appears flattened, and the demonic elements become a mishmash that often fails to connect emotionally or viscerally. Some performances stand out, yet the production does not find a consistent voice. The season’s reliance on its source material and possible rushed execution contribute to the lack of specificity that previously fueled stronger installments.
Read at Roger Ebert
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