This Series Based On A Stephen King Story Scratches The Sci-Fi Itch

Summary

  • Haven weaves sci-fi, crime drama, & supernatural horror elements into a compelling mystery.
  • The show creatively builds on Stephen King‘s novella, The Colorado Kid, adding its unique twist.
  • Haven offers a complete story arc, unique characters, & a compelling take on small-town horror.

In terms of combining sci-fi enigma with a hint of supernatural allure, not many shows are as distinctively engaging as Haven. Initially aired on the SyFy channel, this lesser-known gem is now accessible on Amazon Prime, presenting a fresh audience with an opportunity to appreciate its unique charm. With roots in Stephen King’s novella The Colorado Kid, the series constructs an intriguing storyline around the quaint coastal town of Haven, Maine, where the ordinary takes on a whole new meaning. The inhabitants of this seemingly perfect town are plagued by mysterious ailments—referred to as “The Troubles”—that erupt in strange and potentially harmful ways. Enter Audrey Parker, an FBI agent whose probe into a homicide brings her into contact with Haven’s unusual events and an unexpected link to the town’s hidden past.

What sets Haven apart is its unique blend of episodic narrative with a broader mythology. Each episode delves into a fresh “Trouble,” incorporating aspects of sci-fi, crime drama, and supernatural thriller. The series skillfully crafts an intriguing, slowly unfolding mystery that keeps viewers hooked as Audrey learns more about her own past and the town’s mysterious history. For fans who appreciate Stephen King’s knack for chilling small-town stories or sci-fi enthusiasts seeking a show with a blend of heart, humor, and tension, Haven is definitely worth adding to your viewing list.

What Is Stephen King’s The Colorado Kid?

One notable strength of the show “Haven” lies in its ability to utilize “The Colorado Kid” as a foundation for the story’s start and introduction of the main character. However, it swiftly deviates and establishes its unique identity. Remarkably, the SyFy television series successfully pays homage to the horror master who penned the original novella, giving the impression that he could have authored the entire series, though his direct involvement was minimal.

The Colorado Kid”

Set in a quaint coastal Maine town, this narrative follows an investigation into the discovery of an unidentified man’s body on a nearby island. With no ID or leads, the case hits a brick wall and remains unsolved for over a year. Eventually, the man is identified, but the why and who surrounding his death remain mysteries to this day. The small-town newspaper duo, intrigued by the case since its inception, decide to use it as a test for a new reporter twenty-five years later, hoping he can shed light on the Stephen King-crafted enigma.

Why You Should Watch Haven On Amazon Prime

The intriguing plot itself could have drawn viewers in, but given that Haven was broadcast on SyFy, it required a bit more depth. This is why it turned out to be an exceptional tribute to Stephen King. In this adaptation, the storyline shares similarities with The Colorado Kid as an unresolved enigma attracts a young woman to the Maine town. Yet, instead of being a novice journalist, Audrey Parker is an FBI agent with a puzzling past who is dispatched to the town under suspicious circumstances and subsequently left stranded by a superior she once respected.

Developed By
  • Sam Ernst
  • Jim Dunn
Starring
  • Emily Rose
  • Lucas Bryant
  • Nicholas Campbell
  • Eric Balfour
Release Date July 9, 2010
Number of Episodes 78

Parker collaborates with the two gentlemen who manage the local newspaper, having spent decades on a science fiction series chronicling events known as “The Troubles.” These peculiar occurrences involve people in town gaining unique abilities, which are often passed down through generations. Few of these powers can be controlled effectively, and most have detrimental effects, hence the ominous title.

Few, if any, of these powers are abilities that people have control over, and even fewer are beneficial. This is why they’re known by this term.

Parker collaborates with a diverse group, some experiencing difficulties and others seemingly unaffected, to unravel not only the enigma behind the man known as The Colorado Kid, but also the origins of the town and the reason for the townsfolk’s alleged curses, or ‘Troubles’.

One of the most satisfying aspects of Haven airing on the Syfy Network was its ability to conclude properly. Although the first four seasons were quite brief (compared to typical shows during those years of television broadcast), the final fifth season boasted an impressive 26 episodes, providing a genuine ending for the series.

Haven presents an innovative take on the “Monster-of-the-Week” trope, making it easy for fans of the Stephen King adaptation to develop a deep connection with the town’s residents and those who suffer at its hands. Given that the show spans six seasons, it concludes without leaving viewers wanting more. For readers of Stephen King, it feels as though this story has sprung directly from his books. It’s somewhat unexpected that the renowned author wasn’t more closely associated with this compelling science-fiction series.

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2025-01-05 18:05