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Television Pick: Rectify (2013 – ?)

Prior to this year, I never thought that I would enjoy the summer television season more than the typical fall-spring season. Sure, there were some disappointments (The Strain, True Blood, Tyrant), but high-quality programming was found on several different channels. One of these networks would be Sundance TV, which not only featured the excellent The Honourable Woman, but also the second season of Rectify, which currently has one season on Netflix.

Starring Aiden Young and Abigail Spencer, Rectify centers around Daniel Holden (Young), a former death row inmate who was freed following new DNA evidence in his favor. Having been imprisoned since he was 16 for the murder of his then 16-year-old girlfriend, Holden must now adjust to a life he has never had the chance to experience. While he attempts to piece everything back together, his family and the townfolk of Paulie, Georgia must learn to adjust with the events as well.

I have always been a fan of the slow-burn drama genre (See: Treme), and my thoughts on Rectify are no different. A good drama shouldn’t have to resort to outlandish tricks and turns in order to bring viewers in. It just needs to present compelling situations, with dynamic acting, in order to be a success. Luckily, the guiding hands of actor/producer Ray McKinnon and producer Mark Johnson have been able to craft a unique, always engrossing tale, while also managing to rope in some excellent performers.

Both Young and Spencer deserve the lavish praise they have received, as their performances are revelations. Young, who until now, was best known for bit parts in Killer Elite and I, Frankenstein, is excellent as portraying Daniel as a stranger in an unknown land. Spencer, as Amantha, one of the few who believes Daniel is innocent, is even more impressive.

Sundance, which has brought a number of excellent independent films to the minds of movie-goers, picked the right horse to back in the television landscape with Rectify. It’s the type of slow-burn, gorgeously shot show that only premium channels used to be known for. Even without the large budget of its contemporaries, Rectify stands out as one of the most engrossing and original dramas currently on television – period. With the first season only consisting of 6 episodes, this is the perfect show to watch as summer winds down.