Netflix series 'Hemlock Grove' is an interesting mess

I'll be the first to complain that even though I have hundreds of selections via Netflix, "there's nothing good on." I flipped on the TV this weekend fully prepared to begin my usual silly whining, when lo and behold, there it was: Hemlock Grove! This is the third original Netflix series, and I couldn't wait to delve in. I absolutely adored House of Cards, so I did not hesitate to get started with this new show.

I only managed to get through the first two Hemlock Grove episodes (so far), but all 13 episodes are currently available on Netflix. If a marathon is what you want, well then, I say go for it. This weekend was just too beautiful for me to stay inside all day and watch back-to-back episodes of a horror/thriller show. But I feel like I've seen enough to form an opinion.

I'm literally sitting here staring at this screen wondering exactly how to say what I think about Hemlock Grove. On one hand, I love the campiness. It is completely over the top in every possible way. The acting is either terrible or awesome. It's awesome if you dig the camp factor. Otherwise? Yeah, kind of a bit much.

Also a bit much? The incredibly shocking amount of gore in Hemlock Grove. I was totally freaked at first, but then I realized that yes, this show is brought to us by executive producer Eli Roth (Hostel and Hostel: Part II). I should've known better. Honestly though, the werewolf transformation I saw in the second episode, while horrifyingly gory, was also wickedly cool and worth seeing -- especially if horror is your game.

Hemlock Grove has potential. It's a bit of a mess, though, and without question confusing, but it is one that I couldn't stop watching once the episodes got going. I can't decide whether I loved it or hated it. But I know that I must watch additional episodes before I can be sure. Maybe things will become clearer as the show progresses?

You know that movie you saw that you absolutely went crazy over, but you were afraid to suggest to friends because, well, it's twisted and crazy and they might hate it and think you have zero taste? That's how Hemlock Grove is for me. It almost has a David Lynch feel to it, in parts (see: confusing). It is a murder mystery show, in addition to all the horror, and the crazy family of supernatural creatures living in the town and doing nasty terrible things is fun to try and understand. Did I mention confusing already?

So, it is with great trepidation that I say okay, give Hemlock Grove a go. If you hate it after the first episode, I hope you won't think less of me for suggesting it as an alternative to the regular TV drivel we get. If you love it, well then, I'm a genius, right? I suggest, if you're on the fence about this show, to try the first couple of episodes and decide for yourself.

If anyone else is currently watching Hemlock Grove, let's hear what you think in the comments, please. Is it way too campy for your taste? Were you intrigued with the possibilities for the storyline, or totally bored and turned off?

Photo courtesy of JoBlo.com