
The series Widow’s Bay is set in a New England island town where the mayor, Tom (played by Matthew Rhys), desperately wants to attract tourists like those drawn to places such as Martha’s Vineyard. However, his town is plagued by unsettling rumors of an ancient curse – something Martha’s Vineyard doesn’t have to worry about. Initially a non-believer, Tom begins experiencing strange occurrences that shake his skepticism. The show successfully blends the atmosphere of recent horror series like Evil and Castle Rock, the humor of shows like Parks and Recreation, and the charm of small-town mysteries. Think of it as a mix of Mike Flanagan’s Midnight Mass and Mrs. Hatt. One particularly thrilling episode features Kate O’Flynn as Tom’s awkward aide, Patricia, fleeing from a relentless killer, made even more memorable by O’Flynn’s hilariously unique running style. Far from diminishing the terror, her comedic performance actually heightens it.