If you’re not watching Rectify, the first original series from Sundance TV, you’re missing one of the best things on. The first three seasons are available on NetFlix. The fourth and final season is on its way from Sundance. Created by actor Ray McKinnon, the series tells the story of Daniel Holden (Aden Young). Holden spends 20 years on death row for the rape-murder of a 16-year-old girl until — as the series begins — DNA evidence negates his conviction without exonerating him and he is set free with a new trial hanging over his head.
It’s a slow-moving southern gothic soap opera so full of intelligence and originality that it’s not like anything else on. Plus it includes several Christian characters portrayed realistically and sympathetically. For anyone who feels ever-so-slightly weary of Christians being portrayed as either pious bores or homophobic child-molesters, this alone is immensely refreshing.
Finally, the show features a performance from lovely former soap actress Abigail Spencer — who’ll star in NBC’s sci-fi adventure Timeless this year — that is absolutely terrific. Her character, Daniel’s sister Amantha, is written and played so well she feels like she might walk right out of the screen any minute. Spencer is a genuine find.
And the show’s a find. Check it out.
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