HomeTVSleepy Hollow: The Complete First Season DVD review

Sleepy Hollow: The Complete First Season DVD review

Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison) wakes up in Sleepy Hollow New York 250 years after being put under a spell by his wife Katrina (Katia Winter), a witch, following a near fatal encounter with the Headless Horseman. Unfortunately for Crane the Headless Horseman and he were connected when their blood mixed during battle and his old nemesis returns and embarks on a killing spree. Crane teams up with police lieutenant Abbie Mills (Nicole Behari) as they try to stop the Headless Horseman and the two encounter a host of supernatural forces along the way.

Sleepy Hollow is loosely based on Washington Irvingā€™s classic story but puts a contemporary twist on it to offer something new for television viewers. By putting Crane in the present day it presents an interesting premise and it is soon revealed that his new partner Abbie has secrets of her own linked to a supernatural incident she witnessed as a young girl with her sister Jenny (Lyndie Greenwood).

The first episode of the season is a real thrill-ride as Crane adjusts to his new surroundings whilst trying to convince Abbie and her colleagues that he isnā€™t a basket case. With the Headless Horseman running wild around Sleepy Hollow, Abbie decides to put her trust in Crane believing him to be the only hope of defeating the menacing figure.

After the first episode the show opens up to deal with other supernatural characters whilst the Headless Horseman storyline runs alongside. Abbieā€™s past secret with her now institutionalised sister is one of the underlying plots for the season as is Craneā€™s memories and interaction with his wife following his awakening. Of course the plotlines all begin to link to each other and at the heart of it is the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Tom Mison and Nicole Behari form a compelling onscreen partnership. Mison in particular impresses as Crane and he brings the characterā€™s eccentricities to the fore whilst making a strong impression that leaves you rooting for him. Behari brings plenty of energy to the character of Abbie and she convinces as a rookie lieutenant trying to keep her boss on side and help Crane.

The release is packed with special features that are sure to delight fans. These include deleted scenes, a variety of featurettes on the characters and taking you behind-the-scenes of the show, a gag reel and selected episode audio commentaries.

Sleepy Hollow is a surprisingly effective and creepy horror/drama. There are plenty of moments thatā€™ll make you reach for a cushion e.g. the Sandman in episode 3 For The Triumph of Evil and it is genuinely creepy. Part of the showā€™s success is definitely the performances of Mison and Behari. We really enjoyed this new twist on a classic tale and look forward to seeing what direction the show heads in for season 2.

Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip Ellwood-Hughes
Pip is the owner and Editor of Entertainment Focus, and the Managing Director of PiƱata Media. With over 19 years of journalism experience, Pip has interviewed some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world. He is also a qualified digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience.

Must Read

Advertisement