It’s been a week to be reminded that good things can still happen. One of those things is the renewal of Widow’s Bay, Apple TV’s incredibly sharp horror-comedy about a small island on which increasingly weird things just keep happening, much to the chagrin of the mayor, who would prefer a less supernatural existence. Created by Katie Dippold, who was once a writer on Parks & Recreation, Widow’s Bay is maybe the best new thing on TV this season (inasmuch as TV has seasons anymore). So it comes as quite delightful news that Apple has not just renewed the series for a second season, but signed Dippold to an overall deal to develop more shows.
“Season two is about how everything is great on the island and there’s nothing to worry about,” Dippold said in a press release.
Widow’s Bay stars Matthew Rhys as Tom Loftis, the mayor of the island community, who really wants his little town to become a destination. Like Martha’s Vineyard. There are several problems with this, including cursed books, peculiar mushrooms, a creature called the Sea Hag, and the island’s whole entire history. No big! Mayor Loftis will just keep refusing to accept what’s right in front of his (wide, panicked) eyes, and keep welcoming the ferries that bring tourists after a New York Times writer does a glowing piece on the place.
Rhys anchors the show, but the entire cast is outstanding, particularly Kate O’Flynn as Patricia, whose job in the mayor’s office is poorly defined, but no matter! She’s very good at throwing parties and tolerating her snobby neighbors. Stephen Root, Kingston Rumi Southwick, Kevin Carroll, K Callan, Jeff Hiller, and national treasure Dale Dickey are all also excellent. Betty Gilpin and Hamish Linklater show up for guest appearances that are pure gold (and very funny, when they are not alarmingly scary).
The season finale of Widow’s Bay airs Wednesday, June 17. And then our long wait for season two begins.
