Granite Flats (2013-  )

(currently) 3 season TV series

I enjoyed season 1. By season 2 the heavy emphasis on religion and the manipulation by many of the characters of one another was getting a bit stale. However by season 3, I felt that the writing and acting had improved. The women seemed to be more real, less "Stepford". Although the platitudes uttered frequently by Pastor Todd and occasionally by another character does induce a bit of a "groan" factor. The time frame between seasons and some episodes seem to range between too long or too short. The growth of the children and the lowering voices of the boys makes the time passing, for a few of the episodes, unintentionally amusing. This series resembles a YA (young adult) version of the series, "The Americans" and "Homeland". I am also reminded of the 1962 film, "The Manchurian Candidate". What I though was going to be a basic mystery/ young detective series become more involvng by season 3. The production company is BYUtv which is Brigham Young University. This production company no doubt accounts for the heavy placement of religion and conservative views. A cliffhanger ending happens with only about 2 minutes left in episode 8 (of season 3), but I was not concerned. A good mystery series should always solve a mystery and end with a new mystery. Props to Christopher Lloyd (Professor Hargraves), George Newbern (Scottie Andrews), Parker Posey (Alice White), watching them act made me stick with this series.