Premiered: October 23, 2019

On: Hulu

Starring: Lizzy Caplan, Paul Sparks, Barkhad Abdi, Yusra Warsama, Elsie Fisher, Matthew Alan, Tim Robbins, Madison Johnson, Ruby Cruz, Max von Schroeter, Idiris Yusof, Idil Guled, Colbi Gannett, Charlie Tacker, John Hoogenakker, Robin Weigert, Isayas J. Theodros, Chris Mulkey, Abby Corrigan, Tenea Intriago, Aaron Staton, Mathilde Dehaye, David Alpay, Faysal Ahmed, Alison Wright, Joy Lang, Kate Avallone, Sarah Gadon & Bill Skarsgård

In its second season, Castle Rock combines elements of Stephen King’s Misery and Salem’s Lot. And though both are amazingly done, they could’ve stood just as strong separately.

Annie Wilkes (Lizzy Caplan) and her daughter Joy (Elsie Fisher) travel from town to town before getting stuck in Castle Rock. Ace (Paul Sparks) and his adopted brother Abdi (Barkhad Abdi) have a longstanding rift interfering with their businesses. Ace begins threatening Annie after learning her true identity.

It’s hard to top Kathy Bates’ Oscar-winning portrayal of Annie, but Caplan fully immerses herself in the crazy and gives a memorable performance. It’s interesting to see Annie’s backstory, which doesn’t redeem her.

Combining the two stories makes for a more convoluted plot, so it would’ve been interesting to see each in their own seasons.

Final say: Brings rejuvenated life to King’s works. ★★★★☆