‘Blinded: Those Who Kill’ Recap – ‘Episode 1’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Blinded: Those Who Kill’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the television crime drama is in a bit of a rut right now. Because just about every network features some variation of a tried-and-true formula. Wherein ridiculously brilliant police officers, combat crime and teach us a moral lesson along the way and while there really isn’t anything wrong with that… this is a genre that has proven time and time again that it can push the envelope and offer up incredible stories that leave us in awe and in thought over what we’ve just seen with just a little effort and it is a bit of a shame to see that it has settled into formula and crowd pleasing. But thankfully, there are still crime dramas out there that understand the genre’s potential and are eager to wow the audience with something special and unique and unsettling and for proof… then look no further than the brand-new crime series on AcornTV, Blinded: Those Who Kill.

For this particular series premiere offers up a different kind of serial killer story by removing a bevy of the tropes and clichés that are normally present within the framework of this kind of story. For example, our lead investigator, a woman named Louise… isn’t a grizzled police officer that can solve a case with a glance. She's just an observant investigator that has returned home after twenty years, to help bring peace to a family friend. For the death of Alice’s son, Markus, has yet to be solved and she is hoping that Louise’s keen mind will be able to solve this age-old crime and that too, is another surprise change up. The fact that we are coming into this case, after death has occurred. A move that allows for the audience to see the lasting impact of the death of a loved one at the hands of a monster and it also allows for an engrossing hunt to get underway.

Because it doesn’t take long for Louise to realize, that the death of Markus is related to several other cases in the town, and that the police are likely looking at a serial killer situation. Which in turn leads to a fascinating sequence of events, wherein Louise collects all kinds of evidence to support this theory and is even able to build a powerful profile on the person the police need to hunt. And what makes this so worthwhile and so engrossing, is the sheer fact that most crime stories gloss over this part of the process, out of the fear that it might be considered boring or tedious. But clearly, when it is done right, watching an investigator figure out what makes a monster tick can be quite powerful and engaging and the series deserves serious credit for taking the time to show this part of the investigative process in such detail and for also offering up one delightful storytelling twist.

For there is a B plot to this premiere, one that introduces us to an everyday man named Peter who is going through a family crisis. Because his wife is no longer is in love with him, and is ready to start over anew in Singapore, thanks to her promotion and at first… this plot thread seems out of place. For if this is a serial killer themed story, what’s the point of spending time with a guy in the midst of an impending divorce? Which leads one to wonder… if by chance he might be the next victim, since he seems like a sorrowful chap. But that’s when the twist comes into play, and we learn that Peter is nothing more than a vengeful cold-blooded killer. One that cannot stand the fact that he has zero control in life and that people walk all over him, and that’s why Markus and others die at his hands… to give him a taste of power and a form of sexual satisfaction.  

But what makes this twist so incredibly engaging is the sheer fact that this story bravely introduces its killer early rather than surround him in mystery. Which is a move that raises the stakes and adds urgency to the story and really in the end, this particular premiere really is a breath of fresh air. Since it truly does a wonderful job of shaking up the serial killer mythos, and it also features some genuinely chilling scenes as well. Since Peter’s is indeed ruthless and furious when his bloodlust arrives, to the point where it might have backfired by way of his kill at the end of this tale and well, all of these elements definitely suck you in and leave you eager to watch more. So, you can see how this unique story is going to play out and how exactly Louise is going to bring a pathetic killer to justice. Until next time.

‘Blinded: Those Who Kill’ is available to stream now on AcornTV.  

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