‘Harlan Coben’s Shelter’ Recap: ‘Pilot’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Adrian Greensmith, Jaden Michael, and Abby Corrigan as Arthur ‘Spoon’ Spindell, Mickey Bolitar, and Ema Winslow in Episode 101 of ‘Harlan Coben’s Shelter’. (Photo Courtesy of Michael Parmalee/Prime Video.)

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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It is definitely safe to say, that young adult centric storytelling, is enjoying revolutionary success right now in the literary world. For stories in that vein are everywhere to be found in bookstores and are often highlighted online and rightfully so. For these stories are in fact, essential reading for young adults these days. In large part because they really do put forth scenarios and moments that young adults deal with often, giving so many the chance to process life’s difficulties and surprises in a safe and healthy environment. But while they are indeed teaching and helping young adults to grow, what’s fascinating about this genre is that it has yet to translate that success to the silver and small screen. 

Granted there are exceptions to that, and there was a time not long ago where YA films were all the rage. But they simply have not maintained the same success in the visual entertainment world as they do in the literary world, and that could be attributed to several simple factors. In that, sometimes these stories cover a lot of topics, and that can be difficult to properly blend together into a film or a show, and sometimes what they cover offers limited appeal to wider audiences. Which is unfortunate since there is so much to learn from these books. But that is why we are seeing a grand push from creatives to bring forth Young Adult centric stories that offer more to wider audiences, so those grand messages can be spread and so this genre can enjoy more success. And it just so happens that Prime Video is now home to a YA story in this vein, courtesy of author Harlen Coben.

For he has adapted his wildly popular YA Mystery/Thriller novel, Shelter, into Harlan Coben’s Shelter for the network and well, it is definitely safe to say that Harlen and the talented creatives that work on this new show have delivered quite the incredible story. One that features something for everyone. Making it a supremely accessible YA story, largely thanks to its plot. Since the ‘Pilot’ episode, introduces us to a young man named Mickey Bolitar who is dealing with quite the difficult time in his life. For not only has he lost his family to a tragic car accident, but his new life in New Jersey is proving to be quite difficult and unsettling. For new acquaintances are fading out of his life under suspicious circumstances and suddenly his family’s history is weighing heavy upon him. Especially since it seems as though his father was caught up in something awful, giving rise to a grand quest for the truth, and a dangerous one at that.

Which is… a plot that perfectly appeals to a wide audience. After all, you’ve got a deliciously engaging mystery at hand. One where clues are peppered down perfectly. Which is more than enough to keep everyone engaged and eager to see what exactly Mickey has stumbled upon and what exactly is happening in this town, and it just so happens that what lies beneath those jaw-dropping surprises and the mystery at hand… is where this story shines from a Young Adult perspective. Since there are themes and moments that revolve around what it means to lose someone, we love a very young age, and of course… how hard it can be to move into a new town as a teen or deal with the realities of starting over in life before life has even really started. Giving rise to a perfect blend of storytelling, one that really does appeal to viewers of all ages. 

Which comes courtesy of some phenomenal writing. The kind that seamlessly blends these elements together and gives life to fully developed and dynamic characters that we can relate to on some level, and care about and want to see succeed. Of course, that is further enhanced by some amazing acting as well. Since this cast of up-and-coming stars sell every moment with a realism that adds to the wonder of this series, and they are at times, wonderfully counterbalanced by Tovah Feldstein’s turn as what appears to be the heavy of this series. But what matters most, is that we are indeed now in the thick of a juicy thriller, one filled to the brim with powerful mysteries, and truly, it will be interesting to learn the truth about Mickey’s family and see if he can grow and overcome his pain the midst of this trying time, as season one of this dynamic and refreshing new Young Adult series continues along. Until next time.

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