A Preview of ‘Kin’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

It is definitely safe to say that crime dramas that revolve around the machinations of a crime family, are filled to the brim with familiar formulas and tropes. For instance, the family in question is often quite comfortable with a life of crime since it has afforded them with a comfortable life, one free from the shackles of the everyday world and when we catch up with them in their particular tale… they’re usually in a dark place and ready to fight. For some external force is preparing to shatter their world and we are going to witness their desire to protect it at any and all costs. Making their story a grand tragedy through and through, one that reminds us that crime does not pay and those who indulge in it are soulless and lost to the world.

However, while that makes for an engaging story, there are some serious drawbacks that accompany that particular formula and design. In that, this is a trope that has become quite stale as the years continue along and it is in many ways, unrealistic. For these stories tend to portray criminals as caricatures of sorts, with their humanity completely removed and these common issues are so engrained within the sub-genre, that it is downright shocking when one runs into a story that bucks this particular grain. But that kind of surprise should be celebrated through and through, since it means, someone has finally decided to present this type of world in a refreshing light and that is precisely why the new AMC+ series, Kin is of note.

For this family-themed crime drama, one that features a stellar cast that includes Charlie Cox of Daredevil fame, does a phenomenal job of shattering all the tropes and formulas that normally populate this sub-genre of storytelling. A feat that it accomplishes by offering up supremely human characters. The kind complete with hopes and dreams and worries for the future and where they consider their illegal work to be just that, work. Work that they are good at and does indeed afford them with all kinds of luxuries, but it is work none the less, and that really does make for a refreshing twist in this type of series since it allows for more intimate moments to take place with these characters and oddly enough their views on this type of life is what leads to the other fascinating aspect of this brand-new series.

In that, the Kinsella family is not bloodthirsty in the slightest, nor are they constantly scheming to create drama and strife, which makes them the anthesis of what we normally find in this sub-genre. Since they simply are dealing with the hand their family has been dealt and are enjoying the benefits that can come with it. To the point where they even work to keep the peace when this volatile world bubbles around them. As to whether or not they maintain that peace is something we won’t reveal here, simply because this is a series that you need to experience first-hand and that’s precisely why we’ve kept this preview supremely spoiler-free, so you can do just that and trust us when we say… you’ll be glad we did.

Because there really is so much more to this series than those respective surprises. For it is filled to the brim with powerful moments and equally as dynamic performances from a cast of veterans and newcomers alike. But what matters most, is that this series really does offer up a fresh take on a tired sub-genre and in doing so, creates an engaging and worthwhile experience. One where you genuinely care about the characters and hope that they achieve their goals in life and well, if we’ve done enough to entice you in regard to this series… the good news is that you won’t have to wait long to check it out. For Kin arrives on AMC+ this Thursday, September 9, 2021, and we look forward to geeking out about this dynamic new series with all of you in the days and weeks to come.

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