One of a number of horror/sci-fi shows that came as a result of X-Files suprise success, American Gothic stood out from the back because of its exploration of themes of family, nature vs. nurture, and the nature of good and evil. The show follows Caleb Temple who recently orphaned and a potential ward of corrupt sheriff Lucas Buck(also his biological father) after his adoptive father Gage and his catatonic sister Merly are killed(both by Buck). However other characters such as Caleb's cousin Gail and ER doctor Matt also try to place Caleb under their care for various reasons. This struggle over Caleb serves as the crux of the show's narrative as Lucas Buck is shown to have powers that are dark and unnatural which he uses not only to keep control over his town of Trinity but also to tempt Caleb away from those who seek to protect him. Also involved is Merly Caleb's newly deceased sister who despite being dead appears as a ghost with her purpose being to guide Caleb toward the path of light and away from the shadowy influences of Lucas Buck. There's a really good show that could've really resonated with audiences and become as big of a cultural staple as The X-Files if not bigger.....and then CBS happened. After airing its first 3 episodes in the correct order, CBS began "tinkering" with the show by airing episodes out of order, arbitrarily switching days and time-slots, and generally making it as inconvenient as possible to find the show in your local listings. The end result was the show was cancelled and its slot was given to mid-season replacement Nash Bridges which lasted 6 seasons and now NO ONE talks about. Since American Gothics here and gone run back in 95 CBS has stuck to its two staples of conveyor belt police procedurals and sitcoms and only occasionally experimenting outside their comfort zone. Sometimes successfully(Braindead) but more often unsuccessfully(Under the Dome, Extant that OTHER American Gothic). As it stands American Gothic had a brief but very well done run of 22 episodes. If one watches American Gothic it's clear its influence can be felt in other shows, it's just a shame the show never got a chance to take off.
113 Reviews
An impressive chiller that is still worth watching over twenty years on
Tweekums6 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The South Carolina town of Trinity is dominated my Lucas Buck, the town's sheriff. In the opening episode he goes out to the Temple household where the father appears to have snapped and attacked his children Merlyn and Caleb. Caleb gets away but Merlyn isn't so lucky. She isn't dead though
at least not until Sheriff Buck breaks her neck! As the series progresses he tries to take Caleb under his wing; something others who care for him, notably his cousin Gail who comes to town soon afterwards and Dr Matt Crower try to stop. It soon becomes apparent that things in Trinity aren't quite normal; Merlyn regularly appears to her brother, and sometimes others, like a guardian angel and it appears that Lucas has powers that aren't quite natural. These powers are subtle; those he helps think he is a good man and those who cross him are likely to suffer 'accidents'. Later it emerges that Lucas has a reason for taking an interest in Caleb; something that becomes more disturbing as we learn more.
This was a really fine series; I enjoyed it when I first watched it on television and even more when I watched it on DVD. Talking of the DVD if you are preparing to watch the series one should be aware that the episodes are in the order they were broadcast which is not the correct order I'd strongly advise watching them either in the order listed here or that on Wikipedia they are almost identical just one episode switched; I think the latter is correct but wouldn't swear to it. Either way you'll finish on the final episode rather than ending up confused.
The series contains elements of horror but it is fairly subtle; chilling rather than terrifying. That isn't to say there aren't any disturbing moments though. The story is well told with the main story being spread over the whole series. Individual episodes also contain standalone stories which usually illustrate just how dangerous Lucas is. The cast are great; Gary Cole dominates the series as Lucas Buck; he makes it believable that many of those who deal with him won't see just how evil he is. Young Lucas Black also impresses as Caleb Temple; a character who develops impressively over the course of the series. There are plenty of other interesting characters; Sarah Paulson brings an otherworldliness to the role of Merlyn's ghost; Brenda Bakke is delightfully seductive as Selena, school teacher and lover of Lucas Buck; Paige Turco as the relatively normal Gail and Nick Searcy as Deputy Ben Healy, a man who wants to do the right thing but can't stand up to his boss. It is a shame that the series ended after just one season but the ending is ambiguous in a good way so perhaps it is good that it ended while it was still good. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to anybody after a rather different TV series.
This was a really fine series; I enjoyed it when I first watched it on television and even more when I watched it on DVD. Talking of the DVD if you are preparing to watch the series one should be aware that the episodes are in the order they were broadcast which is not the correct order I'd strongly advise watching them either in the order listed here or that on Wikipedia they are almost identical just one episode switched; I think the latter is correct but wouldn't swear to it. Either way you'll finish on the final episode rather than ending up confused.
The series contains elements of horror but it is fairly subtle; chilling rather than terrifying. That isn't to say there aren't any disturbing moments though. The story is well told with the main story being spread over the whole series. Individual episodes also contain standalone stories which usually illustrate just how dangerous Lucas is. The cast are great; Gary Cole dominates the series as Lucas Buck; he makes it believable that many of those who deal with him won't see just how evil he is. Young Lucas Black also impresses as Caleb Temple; a character who develops impressively over the course of the series. There are plenty of other interesting characters; Sarah Paulson brings an otherworldliness to the role of Merlyn's ghost; Brenda Bakke is delightfully seductive as Selena, school teacher and lover of Lucas Buck; Paige Turco as the relatively normal Gail and Nick Searcy as Deputy Ben Healy, a man who wants to do the right thing but can't stand up to his boss. It is a shame that the series ended after just one season but the ending is ambiguous in a good way so perhaps it is good that it ended while it was still good. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to anybody after a rather different TV series.
There's someone at the door
aschachte13 April 2006
They had me from the first show.
Welcome to Trinity County. A sleepy little Mayberry-like place with one slight difference. The sheriff is really Satan. There's the spoiler. Not like you wouldn't figure it out in 10 minutes anyway.
Oh, but that's not all. It turns out that Satan has a son named Caleb. Some people are trying to keep him good, but it's an uphill battle. Sheriff Buck (Satan) knows who Caleb is and likes to spend time with him teaching him the ways of darkness. Subtle. Sneaky. He doesn't always come off as evil. Most of the time he's a hero. Everyone owes him a big favor, because he often sets up a calamity and saves them from it. So every time you think someone will finally take him down, one of his friends comes out of nowhere to sabotage it.
In one of my favorite episodes, Lucas and Caleb were out in the woods in a cabin and some guys with guns decided to rob them. Lucas used it as an excuse to teach Caleb a lesson about evil.
The robber (Ted) was hesitant to shoot them. Lucas told Caleb that Ted had half a conscience. If he had no conscience, he would have shot them by now. If he had a real conscience, he never would have become a criminal. So he started calling him Half-Ted. It was pretty funny. He was taunting the criminals. And of course he stayed 10 steps ahead of Half-Ted at all times. And of course he was in complete control at all times. They actually had you favoring Satan.
Very very excellent show. it was one of my favorite horror shows of all time. Twilight Zone Night Stalker Circle of Fear American Gothic Supernatural
That's good company.
Welcome to Trinity County. A sleepy little Mayberry-like place with one slight difference. The sheriff is really Satan. There's the spoiler. Not like you wouldn't figure it out in 10 minutes anyway.
Oh, but that's not all. It turns out that Satan has a son named Caleb. Some people are trying to keep him good, but it's an uphill battle. Sheriff Buck (Satan) knows who Caleb is and likes to spend time with him teaching him the ways of darkness. Subtle. Sneaky. He doesn't always come off as evil. Most of the time he's a hero. Everyone owes him a big favor, because he often sets up a calamity and saves them from it. So every time you think someone will finally take him down, one of his friends comes out of nowhere to sabotage it.
In one of my favorite episodes, Lucas and Caleb were out in the woods in a cabin and some guys with guns decided to rob them. Lucas used it as an excuse to teach Caleb a lesson about evil.
The robber (Ted) was hesitant to shoot them. Lucas told Caleb that Ted had half a conscience. If he had no conscience, he would have shot them by now. If he had a real conscience, he never would have become a criminal. So he started calling him Half-Ted. It was pretty funny. He was taunting the criminals. And of course he stayed 10 steps ahead of Half-Ted at all times. And of course he was in complete control at all times. They actually had you favoring Satan.
Very very excellent show. it was one of my favorite horror shows of all time. Twilight Zone Night Stalker Circle of Fear American Gothic Supernatural
That's good company.
Who Knew There Were So Many AG Fans Still Out There....
bouviermom2 February 2005
My late husband worked on this wonderfully perverse series as production controller (I believe that's what the studio called it) - anyway, the guy who managed all the money on location in Wilmington, NC. Over the years, he worked on many productions we could barely stand to watch when they were completed. Not so "American Gothic". We were both thrilled with "AG" and bitterly disappointed at how CBS ran this unique series into the ground. I do hope Universal gets a clue and releases all the episodes on DVD, I'll be at the top of the list to get a copy. It's great to read all your comments, It's so heartening to me that so many people saw "AG" for the breakthrough series it was and still regret its demise.
Remarkably Good
carflo23 November 2003
I stumbled on this series rather by accident. After half an episode, I was hooked. American Gothic was a dark, strange series with Gary Cole as the mysterious, probably evil Sheriff Buck who is trying to gain control of his illegitimate son Caleb, played by Lucas Black. I was impressed with Gary Cole's sinister sheriff and I was even more impressed with Lucas Black. Lucas Black's Caleb was able to stand up against Sheriff Buck, one of the most frightening characters ever created for a TV series. I have rarely seen a child actor with as much presence or talent as Lucas Black. If you were not lucky enough to see Lucas in American Gothic, see him in Slingblade.
It was a remarkable show with many ambiguities and mysteries that were never explained during it's short run.
It was a remarkable show with many ambiguities and mysteries that were never explained during it's short run.
My FAVOURITE TV show of ALL TIME!! Perfect material for some kind of movie.
cyndimarblue19 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Definitely spoilers in this review! I **adore** American Gothic and have done since I first saw it late at night when it first aired on Ch4 in the UK when I was 14. The comparisons made to Stephen King are just about right. It's small town supernatural eeriness but with fantastic layered characters. Best of all, and the reason I love it so much, is it had the guts to never be black and white! Lucas Buck though lacking any conscience often works by, as he says, giving people enough rope to hang themselves with. His manipulation only works because of other people's weak morals. Caleb though generally a thoughtful, kind, insightful boy can at times show the latent dark side inherited from his father. None of the characters are wholly good or bad with even the angelic Merlyn showing a wrathful side through reckless vengeance in The Plague Sower. Not only that but having Gail, the closest thing to a mother figure for Caleb, not only sleep with but fall in love with Lucas despite all she knows made me realise this show would just go there and not apologise for it. I'm a huge Buffy fan, but when that show tried to go really 'dark' in later seasons it failed miserably because it lost it's humorous side and didn't commit fully to its ideas. AG shows that you can have a morally bankrupt character right at the heart of the show, and still have a hell of laugh doing it.
I can't even think about why it was cancelled as I'll just get too angry at the ridiculousness of it all. So much rubbish on TV and good, original shows get kicked around and stamped on. Thanks to the emergence of DVD at least I can see the show in it's entirety! Yes some of the visuals look dated now, but the creepy strange atmosphere is provided well enough by the story lines. The actors also all give such perfect performances that it more than makes up for some odd camera work.
The only reason why I think someone may not like this show is that it isn't like the X-files where there are cases to 'solve' or Lost where there's huge unanswered questions. It's pretty obvious from the get go that Lucas Buck has some kind of evil powers, and that the show is all about fighting for Caleb's soul. So this show might frustrate people looking for a purpose or an unknown 'truth' to find. Yes there are some mysterious unanswered aspects, with some such as the truth about Gails parents getting resolved, but unlike Lost and X-files this show isn't about trying to find out more 'facts' about what's going on IMO. It's all about the characters and the way they have to confront moral choices in the twisted world of Trinity. Personally I would just get such a kick out of seeing Lucas turn every situation to his advantage.
All in all the main thing I have to say is CHECK IT OUT. I'm pretty certain most fantasy/horror fans will LOVE it. Also even though it got cancelled all characters have arcs and there is enough in the finale to give some small sense of closure. The only hanging thread I felt was Dr Matt. Having him not be in the final episodes is strange.
I would have done anything for a second season, but at least the full 22 episodes exist and perhaps given how brainless some TV execs appear to be I should be glad this wonderful show got made at all!!!
I can't even think about why it was cancelled as I'll just get too angry at the ridiculousness of it all. So much rubbish on TV and good, original shows get kicked around and stamped on. Thanks to the emergence of DVD at least I can see the show in it's entirety! Yes some of the visuals look dated now, but the creepy strange atmosphere is provided well enough by the story lines. The actors also all give such perfect performances that it more than makes up for some odd camera work.
The only reason why I think someone may not like this show is that it isn't like the X-files where there are cases to 'solve' or Lost where there's huge unanswered questions. It's pretty obvious from the get go that Lucas Buck has some kind of evil powers, and that the show is all about fighting for Caleb's soul. So this show might frustrate people looking for a purpose or an unknown 'truth' to find. Yes there are some mysterious unanswered aspects, with some such as the truth about Gails parents getting resolved, but unlike Lost and X-files this show isn't about trying to find out more 'facts' about what's going on IMO. It's all about the characters and the way they have to confront moral choices in the twisted world of Trinity. Personally I would just get such a kick out of seeing Lucas turn every situation to his advantage.
All in all the main thing I have to say is CHECK IT OUT. I'm pretty certain most fantasy/horror fans will LOVE it. Also even though it got cancelled all characters have arcs and there is enough in the finale to give some small sense of closure. The only hanging thread I felt was Dr Matt. Having him not be in the final episodes is strange.
I would have done anything for a second season, but at least the full 22 episodes exist and perhaps given how brainless some TV execs appear to be I should be glad this wonderful show got made at all!!!
Great series
Opinion021226 January 2020
This was one of the best, most original TV series I can remember. It was wonderfully creepy, and unpredictable. I waited anxiously every week for each episode. The casting was perfect. Gary Cole played his evil persona like none before. It pulled in those of us drawn to scary shows with its catch phrase, "Someone's at the door." It kept us wondering what Sheriff Buck would do next, and to whom. I was beyond disappointed when it wasn't renewed. I bought the DVD so I can watch the series whenever I felt the need for a good scare, which it did to perfection without gore, or monsters. Well done by all involved. Perhaps one day it can be resurrected, but I doubt they could find a better cast!
Last of the Subtle Horror Shows ... and that's a serious pity
A_Different_Drummer19 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This show was great. Really great. This was Gary Cole's best performance in his career. No disrespect to Gary, but nothing ahead is likely to match the subtlety and grace and sheer raw menace of his character here. It was also Lucas Black's best role, but for different reasons. In this show, Black literally delivers dialogue with facial expression. Not a figure of speech. He actually does it. Problem is, he was a "child star" here and when the series was deep-sixed he had to try to reboot his career first as a teenager (and now an adult) and so far the results are not especially promising. He deserved better. Ditto for Brenda Blake. Playing the major vamp in the show, she was able to walk across a gymnasium floor in heels, and get more pizazz from that simple move than most current actresses can get from an entire scene. But the real crime is the way evil in this show was suggested not demonstrated. To this reviewer the real horror is that a show like this could manage only one year whereas a show like American Horror Story, which leaves so little to the imagination, just keeps on going. I am not sure what this says about the world we live in. But that scares me more than any show could possibly manage.
26 Years On...
carolskewley25 June 2021
It's great to see so much love for this amazing show 26 years on. I saw this show back in the mid-90s on Australian TV and I've never forgotten it.
The twisted psychological storyline, the fantastic acting, and the gleeful darkness about this show really made it ahead of its time. It could stand up today against The Sopranos, The Handmaid's Tale or Mad Men.
I just bought the DVD box set and I'm getting into it again. Oh, wait, I have to go. Someone's at the door...
The twisted psychological storyline, the fantastic acting, and the gleeful darkness about this show really made it ahead of its time. It could stand up today against The Sopranos, The Handmaid's Tale or Mad Men.
I just bought the DVD box set and I'm getting into it again. Oh, wait, I have to go. Someone's at the door...
I love this show!
legrand-walter517 March 2021
Gary Cole compels this show
SnoopyStyle18 September 2015
Lucas Buck (Gary Cole) is the revered sheriff of Trinity, South Carolina. Underneath the facade, he uses his dark powers to manipulate and blackmail the folks in this town. It's Caleb Temple (Lucas Black)'s birthday. His father kills his disturbed sister Merlyn Temple (Sarah Paulson) with a shovel. It turns out that it is all Lucas Buck's doing. He had raped Caleb's mother in front of Merlyn and he is Caleb's biological father. Caleb's mother committed suicide after giving birth. Lucas intends to take Caleb by becoming his legal guardian. Caleb's cousin reporter Gail Emory (Paige Turco) returns to town to oppose it. Dr. Matt Crower (Jake Weber) suspects Lucas of improper dealings. Selena Coombs (Brenda Bakke) is Caleb's mysterious teacher. Deputy Ben Healy (Nick Searcy) struggles in fear under Lucas' command. Caleb sees the spirit of Merlyn who battles Lucas from the grave.
Gary Cole takes control of this series. Lucas Black gives it his all to play opposite him. I figured either Jake Weber or Paige Turco would be the star and the point of view for this show. However both characters become somewhat secondary. I would like less cheesy effects to denote the supernatural. Creator Shaun Cassidy is dipping his toe into this work and he shows some competency. It's damn good for an early effort.
Gary Cole takes control of this series. Lucas Black gives it his all to play opposite him. I figured either Jake Weber or Paige Turco would be the star and the point of view for this show. However both characters become somewhat secondary. I would like less cheesy effects to denote the supernatural. Creator Shaun Cassidy is dipping his toe into this work and he shows some competency. It's damn good for an early effort.
one of the most original shows ever
xffanatic_4ever7 December 2003
I remember I was 12 when Picket Fences was canceled and this new show American Gothic took it's place on Friday nights. I immediately became engrossed in this show. It really had a great X-Files like vibe, which a lot of shows tried horribly to recreate, but AG took the genre in a new and exciting (and a little scary) direction. I loved it, and right out of the gun the show was a critical hit...a big success. So what do network execs do when a show's a rare hit? Why they yank it from the spot that made it a hit, and throw it on a new night at a new time. The show never recovered, the execs refused to switch the show back, it was sadly canceled, and then Nash Bridges took over for the next 5 years. Sad...Nash Bridges! I can only hope this show (like the underappreciated and canceled Sports Night) will be released on DVD. I mean, come on, the half season of My Big Fat Greek Life is coming to DVD. I'd love to see AG again; it's been nearly a decade since it premiered and I've never forgotten it.
Superb but flawed
spankedmonkey8214 May 2007
I watched this show on the basis of it being told it was reminiscent of David Lynch's Twin Peaks - a show which I adore. The show quickly starts introducing us to the main characters and rather unusually the pilot episode is to me the best of the lot, its extremely dramatic and really gets out the whole evil side of the show ready to progress throughout the rest of the season. My one biggest criticism is I felt a little let down by the show - probably not through its own fault, as it got cancelled after a mere 1 season, it seemed to display show much potential and it deserved a lot better treatment than it got. The acting is excellent, and this show has some of the best characters (good and evil) in it I have ever seen that are well developed in a short space of time. There is the odd cheesy effect for the first 5 or ten shows which are a bit overly dramatic, but this is rectified as the season progressed. Well worth a watch, definitely something out of the ordinary!
one of the worst examples of network programmer incompetence
cherold28 January 2002
American Gothic was one of the best shows ever on TV. Stephen King took several stabs at TV with little success; American Gothic was the show he should have created but didn't.
CBS really seems to have deliberately killed this show. When I watched it I was confused by jumps from one episode to another, characters appeared and disappeared, motivations weren't explained. When the sci-fi channel showed the episodes I discovered the horrible truth: CBS had show the episodes out of order. They had left out episodes. They had taken a show with a series arc and chopped it into little pieces. They also, as I recall, moved the show around and showed it inconsistently. The sad thing is that the incompetent suit who did this is probably still working in TV, making tons of money and destroying other shows. This person should be working as a janitor somewhere.
CBS really seems to have deliberately killed this show. When I watched it I was confused by jumps from one episode to another, characters appeared and disappeared, motivations weren't explained. When the sci-fi channel showed the episodes I discovered the horrible truth: CBS had show the episodes out of order. They had left out episodes. They had taken a show with a series arc and chopped it into little pieces. They also, as I recall, moved the show around and showed it inconsistently. The sad thing is that the incompetent suit who did this is probably still working in TV, making tons of money and destroying other shows. This person should be working as a janitor somewhere.
Departed before it's time!
kahfess5 January 2006
I loved this show when it aired on television and was crushed when I found out that someone somewhere decided that it wasn't worthy of being continued! For years I hung onto my copies of this show, ones that I had taped or had someone tape for me. That is until now. The powers that be finally decided to release this beautiful series on DVD and I finally was able to get my eager little hands on the complete set. Which, brings me to this part; the part about that this show is all about.
American Gothic is about good verses evil, basically a struggle between Lucas Buck (that is Buck, with a B). He is an evil sheriff of a South Carolina small town that runs things the way he wants things to be ran and stops at nothing to get his way.
I felt the show was wonderfully written and directed and had lots of life left yet to be lived. I really hated when it was canceled, but that is the way it seems to go for me when I finally find something worth watching on television.
Gary Cole did a great job as the role of Sheriff Lucas Buck, he has just the right amount of charm verses evil to pull it off. The other actors did a super job as well, so I guess you could say, even the casting was a hit with me.
American Gothic is about good verses evil, basically a struggle between Lucas Buck (that is Buck, with a B). He is an evil sheriff of a South Carolina small town that runs things the way he wants things to be ran and stops at nothing to get his way.
I felt the show was wonderfully written and directed and had lots of life left yet to be lived. I really hated when it was canceled, but that is the way it seems to go for me when I finally find something worth watching on television.
Gary Cole did a great job as the role of Sheriff Lucas Buck, he has just the right amount of charm verses evil to pull it off. The other actors did a super job as well, so I guess you could say, even the casting was a hit with me.
Absolutely amazing show
gurumaggie7 May 2021
I wanted to call my bump Caleb, I loved this show so much, it was groundbreaking and that lovely squeaky clean Shaun Cassidy was involved, shows come and go but this had horror and it was unlike anything on TV, I don't want it remade I just want to wallow in nostalgia and experience the full wonder of this show copied but
NEVER EVER EQUALLED.
One of the best shows ever
tonyspencer16 July 2007
This was one of the best shows ever made for TV. Full of mystery and intrigue and twists and turns. Compulsive viewing. I was lucky I saw this in the UK. They might have got the episode order wrong, I can't remember, but it at least was on at a regular time every week. My girlfriend and I got hooked from the trailer in, and neither of us is a big fan of American series normally.
After the pilot, we knew this was something special. We missed a couple of episodes, and it made you sad and mad for a week missing those ones lol.
Great casting, superb acting. Gary Cole was absolutely brilliant, better even than his role as Custer. Lucas Black turned in an amazing performance for a kid, and Paige Turco was at her best too since Party of Five. And Nick Searcy of course, as the Sheriff's long suffering sidekick.
Yes, there were some confusing and perplexing bits, which I presume would have been explained later, and no doubt would have been in a later series. That made the ending weak, and you could tell they'd killed it. Made us go WHAT? Why did they do that with one of the best shows ever? Shoot the exec.
After the pilot, we knew this was something special. We missed a couple of episodes, and it made you sad and mad for a week missing those ones lol.
Great casting, superb acting. Gary Cole was absolutely brilliant, better even than his role as Custer. Lucas Black turned in an amazing performance for a kid, and Paige Turco was at her best too since Party of Five. And Nick Searcy of course, as the Sheriff's long suffering sidekick.
Yes, there were some confusing and perplexing bits, which I presume would have been explained later, and no doubt would have been in a later series. That made the ending weak, and you could tell they'd killed it. Made us go WHAT? Why did they do that with one of the best shows ever? Shoot the exec.
Loved it
RaeganBeaumont_9920 June 2006
It was a bit bizarre and evil and i enjoyed it a lot, the characters in the show were great as well, and complimented one another well. I was sorry to see it cut off.. I would have loved to see where it could have went.You found yourself leaning toward Lucas Buck the sheriff who had more secrets than anyone. Lucas was frightening and alluring. And I would have liked to have seen more of him and how his character became. I will however buy the show just to enjoy, it was great to something different on TV. And Paige Turrco who was Caleb's cousin, she was a big mystery as to where and what she meant to Lucas. Its a shame it isn't around still.. or was never finished, i would have loved to see what would have happened.
Lucas Buck Is More Than The Law In Trinity, South Carolina.
buckikris5 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Welcome to Trinity, South Carolina. A small community that is Norman Rockwell like. It picturesque, quaint; but holds deep dark secrets. I remember watching this show when it first aired back in the mid 90's; and loved it. American Gothic is from the mind of Shawn Cassidy, who also did (Invasion in 2005). This is one creepy and mysterious series, and every episode is full of more suspense and intrigue.
Sheriff Buck ( Gary Cole) is a man you don't cross. If you stay on his good side your fine. When he tells you to do something for him, no is not an option. If you stand up to him or fail to do him a favor; you will pay the price. Too many he is a false prophet, to others he is the greatest guy to ever come around. The truth is he is evil, the devil incarnate.
This series revolves around he and his biological son Caleb Temple ( Lucas Black). Lucas wants sole custody of Caleb, and will do anything to get it. After the mysterious death of his sister, Merlyn Temple ( Sarah Paulson). Gage Temple ( Sonny Shyroer), Caleb's stepfather still has custody. This upsets Lucas and Gage is eventually found dead in his jail cell of an apparent suicide. Sheriff Buck feels nothing stands in is way until Caleb's cousin, Gail (Paige Turco) shows up. Caleb is relieved because he wants nothing to do with Buck. He is also close to a new doctor in town from Massachusetts, Dr. Matt Crower ( Jake Weber) who loves Caleb. Lucas knows why he is in town, and knows Dr. Matt holds a deep dark secret.
Caleb is a 10 year old boy who can sometimes be easily influenced by Lucas. If he losses his way Merlyn, appears and reminds him to do the right thing. She is still his family even though she has passed. She is Caleb's guardian angel, so Caleb will never lose is way. So the only people he can trust are Gayle, Matt and Lois Holt( Tina Lifford) who runs a boarding house and who was also awarded Caleb's legal guardian. What Caleb has to worry about is those who are truly devoted to Lucas Buck. They will do everything they can to help him in his evil ways ; and especially with his quest to get custody of Caleb.
I have no idea why series like American Gothic only get one season. I love this not only because it was creepy, but the cast in each episode was electric. Gary Cole was great as sheriff Buck. Here was a series were each episode was interesting from beginning to end. It's a shame great shows like this one never get a chance to grow; and continue to the path of success.
Sheriff Buck ( Gary Cole) is a man you don't cross. If you stay on his good side your fine. When he tells you to do something for him, no is not an option. If you stand up to him or fail to do him a favor; you will pay the price. Too many he is a false prophet, to others he is the greatest guy to ever come around. The truth is he is evil, the devil incarnate.
This series revolves around he and his biological son Caleb Temple ( Lucas Black). Lucas wants sole custody of Caleb, and will do anything to get it. After the mysterious death of his sister, Merlyn Temple ( Sarah Paulson). Gage Temple ( Sonny Shyroer), Caleb's stepfather still has custody. This upsets Lucas and Gage is eventually found dead in his jail cell of an apparent suicide. Sheriff Buck feels nothing stands in is way until Caleb's cousin, Gail (Paige Turco) shows up. Caleb is relieved because he wants nothing to do with Buck. He is also close to a new doctor in town from Massachusetts, Dr. Matt Crower ( Jake Weber) who loves Caleb. Lucas knows why he is in town, and knows Dr. Matt holds a deep dark secret.
Caleb is a 10 year old boy who can sometimes be easily influenced by Lucas. If he losses his way Merlyn, appears and reminds him to do the right thing. She is still his family even though she has passed. She is Caleb's guardian angel, so Caleb will never lose is way. So the only people he can trust are Gayle, Matt and Lois Holt( Tina Lifford) who runs a boarding house and who was also awarded Caleb's legal guardian. What Caleb has to worry about is those who are truly devoted to Lucas Buck. They will do everything they can to help him in his evil ways ; and especially with his quest to get custody of Caleb.
I have no idea why series like American Gothic only get one season. I love this not only because it was creepy, but the cast in each episode was electric. Gary Cole was great as sheriff Buck. Here was a series were each episode was interesting from beginning to end. It's a shame great shows like this one never get a chance to grow; and continue to the path of success.
A great TV show that deserved a better DVD treatment.
seanellio24 June 2008
I see a lot of folks on this site wishing AG would come out on DVD. Well, I bought it on DVD. (From Borders, no less!) While it is great to have this terrific show in a boxed DVD form, I am upset by the fact that they added very few in the way of "extra's" (A director commentary from Shaun Cassidy on the Pilot episode) and the episodes are shown in the same order they were put out on TV. The missing episodes that were never shown prior to being run on Sci Fi channel are in the box set, but are tacked on the final DVD. If you buy the DVD set, get the actual order they are to be viewed and you will be happier. (You will need to swap DVD's in and out of your player to see them in order, but you will be glad you did.)
S
S
Good but confusing
nicci197218 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Look I see the potential- excellent for its time BUT the continuity is atrocious. Even if you want it in the order it was aired there are still some "missing links", well at least for me. Where and why did Sheriff Buck have his powers? When (and why) did Gail fall in love with him? He killed her parents; he threatened her life; she knew most of his scandals. How and why? One episode Matt tries to kill the sheriffs and gets locked up - next episode-never happened. One episode Caleb loves his sister the next he mistreats her. Even her character fluctuated from being an angel and demon. Then Caleb knows how much of a "devil" Buck is yet he ALWAYS trusts him - over most people who have been nothing but kind to him. Great concept and would love to see this updated with a more cohesive plot and background. The actors and actresses were great though. I loved Shaun Cassidy's music and the Hardy Boys.
One of the best TV series EVER
Lucaslover29 May 2006
I recently purchased the complete American Gothic series on DVD and it lived up to my memories of it. I was very grateful to be able to view for the first time episodes that were never televised. I loved "Ring of Fire" in particular of the stories I hadn't seen the first time around.
Gary Cole is fantastic as "evil, sexy" Lucas Buck. Lucas Black as Caleb is also a superb player. I thought Brenda Bakke as Selena Coombs was also superb in her portrayal. In fact, the whole cast was fantastically talented and had great chemistry with each other.
It's a shame the series was screwed by the network (in collusion with a burgeoning group of censors) because it was truly designed for adult viewing. A mixture of comedy, tragedy, farce, satire, Gothic romance and horror genres, it offered brilliant characterizations supported by acting at the genius level.
I had the most tremendous lust for the devil for once in my life. Long live Gary Cole (Sheriff Lucas Buck), the most luscious "fallen angel" ever.
Gary Cole is fantastic as "evil, sexy" Lucas Buck. Lucas Black as Caleb is also a superb player. I thought Brenda Bakke as Selena Coombs was also superb in her portrayal. In fact, the whole cast was fantastically talented and had great chemistry with each other.
It's a shame the series was screwed by the network (in collusion with a burgeoning group of censors) because it was truly designed for adult viewing. A mixture of comedy, tragedy, farce, satire, Gothic romance and horror genres, it offered brilliant characterizations supported by acting at the genius level.
I had the most tremendous lust for the devil for once in my life. Long live Gary Cole (Sheriff Lucas Buck), the most luscious "fallen angel" ever.
Before American Horror Story
safenoe22 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
American Gothic, created by Shaun "Hardy Boys" Cassidy, was an underrated drama-horror series from the 90s, and it should have gone on for more than one season. Gary Cole gave a bad boy persona to his role as the sheriff who is more than the sheriff that's for sure, and I remember Gary Cole from Midnight Caller a few years before.
One feature of American Gothic was the twists and unexpected character developments, e.g. The Deputy Sheriff (Nick Searcy) stood up to the Sheriff in later episodes, so you had different alliances throughout its one and only season.
Did American Gothic inspire American Horror Story, who knows.
One feature of American Gothic was the twists and unexpected character developments, e.g. The Deputy Sheriff (Nick Searcy) stood up to the Sheriff in later episodes, so you had different alliances throughout its one and only season.
Did American Gothic inspire American Horror Story, who knows.
Intriguing and intoxicating
laura_j_morton1 May 2005
The best TV show in its genre.
With amazing performance from the young Lucas Black (Caleb Temple), and Gary Cole's best performance to date, as the sinister yet charismatic Sheriff Lucas Buck. You can not afford to miss out on this series.
One that should definitely see the light of day again, not only on DVD for everyone to enjoy but rejuvenated into the Movie that has been rumoured for the past two years.
From the stand alone episodes of "Damned If You Don't", "Meet The Beetles" and "The Strong Arm Of The Law" to the main story arc, anyone who has not seen this show has missed out on a real treat.
With amazing performance from the young Lucas Black (Caleb Temple), and Gary Cole's best performance to date, as the sinister yet charismatic Sheriff Lucas Buck. You can not afford to miss out on this series.
One that should definitely see the light of day again, not only on DVD for everyone to enjoy but rejuvenated into the Movie that has been rumoured for the past two years.
From the stand alone episodes of "Damned If You Don't", "Meet The Beetles" and "The Strong Arm Of The Law" to the main story arc, anyone who has not seen this show has missed out on a real treat.
Query about the order of shows
kevinandvera8 December 2006
I watched the show 10 years ago and loved it!!! Am now in possession of the DVD and was watching the series, and waiting for scenes I knew were in the show (when Lucas confronts Gail in his house)and realized it was missing - all of a sudden I was watching the seduction without the lead up. Then I went on line to check out all the BIOS of the stars and came across the comments about the shows being out of order. Thank You!!!!! But there seems to be some conflict. Some comments state "Strangler number 19 then Triangle 20, when another had them around the other way. And also Potato Boy 5, and Dead to the World 6, were reversed as well. Can someone clarify?????
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
