In Review: Abnormal Fixation, Episode 2: “The Team” (Web Series)

Synopsis: Abnormal Fixation is the story of true believer Elvis Bragg. He has entered a contest sponsored by a debunking non-profit called SKEPTI-COP. 

He must prove the existence of the paranormal in one calendar year.  If he can do so, Elvis will win 250,000 dollars. If he loses, Elvis must pay SKEPTI-COP that sum and could go bankrupt in the process.  

Documentary filmmaker Alyssa Jarvis follows Elvis Bragg during his attempts to prove the existence of the Woodpyre Mill Phantom. It’s one of rural North Carolina’s most terrifying local legends.

But what makes this tale so unusual is that Elvis is also trying to win back his estranged wife, Season.  She has moved in with the CEO of SKEPTI-COP, Mark Missouri!

Review: Abnormal Fixation, Episode 2: “The Team” introduces viewers to the titular supporting characters. In the process, John Kenneth Muir demonstrates that world-building is a necessary joy of low budget productions.

Story

The Professor, Bleeder, and the interns aren’t funny. However, that’s precisely why the comedy works.

Enabling is the theme that unites all the characters. Muir crafts dialogue and sight gags that reinforce the theme. Moreover, he ensures that the dialogue and sight gags also foreshadow their character arcs.

Additionally, Muir uses the second episode to introduce the Woodpyre Mill Phantom. For this, he combines a local legend with commentary on out of control capitalism.

Throughout the Woodpyre Mill Phantom’s backstory, Muir employs no comedy whatsoever. There simply isn’t any to be had.

Instead, viewers get an economically structured history lesson with stock photos and other visceral visual effects.

Given Muir’s effort to balance contrasting tones, I wonder if the darker realities underlying the Woodpyre Mill Phantom will force character growth and shifted perspectives.

Acting

The leads continue to shine. That said, the supporting actors make memorable debuts.

Among them, Corey Easterday is perfectly committed to the deadpan Professor. For his part, Trumbull McCoy invests Bleeder with a tragicomic rhythm that sells the character.

Overall

Abnormal Fixation, Episode 2: “The Team” builds on the premise extremely well. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds next week.

You can watch Abnormal Fixation on Thursdays here.