40K: Eisenhorn’s TV Entourage – Dark Detectives
Can’t wait for the Eisenhorn TV show? Neither can we! Check out these shows to hold you over.
If you’re excited for Eisenhorn, we can’t blame you – it’s crosses off quite a few things that we consider our collective “jam” here at BoLS. But it’s probably a few years off which is unfortunately the case when you’re dealing with a brand new TV Production. That said, we’ve got a few suggestions that will (hopefully) tide you over and get you in the mood for Inquistor Eisenhorn.
Penny Dreadful (Season 1)
Penny Dreadful (the first season) really nailed the Gothic and Horror vibe. It’s got it all – the Occult, Grittiness, a Detective story, and a splash of sci-fi mixed in. This show’s first season was really, really good! The second season had some…issues. But if you’re looking for a show that explores the some of the same themes we’re hoping Eisenhorn taps into, Penny Dreadful is for you!
Millennium
Oh man this show was messed up. I’m not even sure to explain it other than the synopsis from IMDB:
“A former FBI profiler with the ability to look inside the mind of a killer begins working for the mysterious Millennium Group which investigates serial killers, conspiracies, the occult, and those obsessed with the end of the millennium.”
It’s sooo much more than that – but at the same time, it’s hitting those same notes that we want to see in Eisenhorn. Think about it, the lead Character Frank Black (played by the always engaging Lance Henriksen) is Psychic and hunts serial killers…and more. There is even one episode that specifically deals with Demons – from their perspective. There are 3 seasons of this show and it’s just worth watching – doublely so if you’re waiting for Eisenhorn like we are!
True Detective (Season 1)
The First Season of True Detective hit a nerve with audiences. There was something about the setting, the leads, the story, and the occult that made this show a hit. This show is really well done and frankly just plain disturbing at times. It’s gritty and dark – and if that’s your cup of tea, well you’ll really enjoy this show. If nothing else, Eisenhorn can certainly take a page or two from this show – from the not-so-perfect “heroes” of the story to the “maybe-occult-maybe-just-crazy” villians. Of course, Eisenhorn being set in the Grimdark, maybe the villians will be a little less ambigous about it… Either way, watch this show’s first season if you need a Dark Detective fix.
Altered Carbon
This one taps into the Sci-Fi Detective theme hard. Body Swapping mixed in with amazing visuals and an intriguing “who dunit” makes this show a fun watch. There is also some time-jumping to explain things as well as some really dark and grim stuff happening in the story. Man, if you have Netflix, and you want something that’s going to scratch this particular itch, Altered Carbon is it!
Supernatural
Supernatural is wrapping up it’s 15th season this year. And it deals with pretty much everything you might consider, well…supernatural. It’s got it’s campy episodes, it’s got it’s serious episodes. It’s got it’s “Monsters of the week” episode right along side it’s “save the world/world ending” episodes. There is a reason it’s been on for 15 freaking seasons, people. It follow the trail of two brothers who fight against the evil forces in the world – and they don’t always get it right, but it’s been one heck of a rollercoaster ride to watch. If nothing else, with 300+ episodes to watch, chewing through the backlog should at least keep you occupied while we collectively wait for Eisenhorn!
Bonus: Blade Runner (1982)
It’s a movie, not a TV show but that’s why it’s the Bonus. It’s hard to beat the OG Sci-fi Gritty and Grim Dark Detective. He might not have dealt with daemons, but he certainly dealt with what it is to be human. This show is a classic for a reason and if you haven’t seen it, just go watch it.
What shows are you watching to hold you over until Eisenhorn arrives?
