Devil in Ohio - a Review

 

Based on the book of Daria Polatin, with the same title, Devil in Ohio, is the story of a traumatized girl that escapes from a cult and finds shelter with a psychiatrist and her family.

Cults are part of the social curiosity, which is enough reason for many to check out this show. Yet, this wasn’t what had the most significant impact on me.

The therapist

Dr. Suzanne Mathis is a therapist that runs the extra mile for her clients. After meeting Mae, she immediately feels like a mission to take care of and help her. But, being a traumatized child herself, she quickly forgets the needed boundaries between patient and doctor. And sometimes, she forgets about her own family and their needs.

I found her an annoying woman. She always has the right thing to say but as a psychiatrist. Even for her daughters, she says the right sentences, but not as a mother would. Instead, she seems cold and distant and so focused on Mae’s needs that no one else’s seems to matter.

She is so eager to do the right thing that she does the exact opposite - and gets the consequences.

A brand new life

The biggest mystery is not exactly the cult but Mae herself. From the very beginning, you realize that something is off. The girl is highly manipulative. But is she dangerous? That thought crossed my mind more than once during the show. 

The question is: is Mae manipulative because she is a bad person? Is she lying? Was her life that made her that way? Is she cruel and self-centered, or does she simply want a real mom?

You never get a good answer, which is great in books. You end the story and have many things to think about. In shows, it feels like you need a second season with more answers, especially with that ending. 

Interesting enough 

Despite being very slow, the show has the right amount of mystery to keep us interested until the last episode.

In what characters is concerned, I felt it was a bit limited. The only ones that have real importance and that are explored in depth are Mae and Suzanne. Some other characters were interesting enough, and the show could have explored it more, but it is common ground in miniseries.

Ultimately, Devil in Ohio is an interesting show, and I would advise you to take a look.