The final season of FX’s horror series based on the novel series by Chuck Hogan and Guillermo del Toro brings the saga of vampires (or strigoi) vs. a ragtag resistance movement to a fairly predictable close. As in previous seasons, the series suffers from a surfeit of characters and a choppy structure, but while some of the plot threads are rather dull, one serves as the emotional centerpiece—the strained relationship between resistance leader Ephraim (Corey Stoll) and his son Zach (Max Charles), with the latter torn between residual affection for his father (who he blames for the death of his infected mother) and the seductive power of the evil head vampire, the Master (Jonathan Hyde), who from his lair on top of the Empire State Building grooms the boy as his apprentice. The other continuing members of the resistance—including the hybrid Quinlan (Rupert Penry-Jones), whose origin is finally explained—have largely independent storylines until they all converge for a final confrontation with the Master and his minions. While The Strain cannot boast the extravagant special effects of a Hollywood blockbuster, it nevertheless manages to be eerily evocative on a modest budget, and the season ties up dangling loose ends in the overall narrative while also providing satisfying climaxes for even the doomed characters. Compiling all 10 episodes from the 2017 fourth and final season, extras include a comic "therapy session" with showruner Carlton Cuse and members of the cast, episode intros, deleted scenes, a gag reel, and promo shorts. (F. Swietek)
The Strain: The Complete Fourth Season
Fox, 3 discs, 440 min., not rated, DVD: $39.99
The Strain: The Complete Fourth Season
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