The Purge (2018)

The Purge has an admirable commitment to old-fashioned storytelling, establishing some relatable characters and then simply setting them loose in an exciting, larger-than-life scenario.

The series isn’t exactly a thrill ride, at least so far, and isn’t likely to scare many viewers. Instead, it settles into a creepy, occasionally absurdly funny dystopian drama with some chase scenes and twists, which is a pretty smart way for the franchise to evolve.

DeMonaco's conceptual interest in this world kept me watching over the three episodes sent to critics even as the execution made me fatigued.

The USA series brings an anthological element to the concept -- think "Tales From the Purge" -- that has its moments, without quite making this "Purge" binge-worthy.

In a generous mood one might take all this state-encouraged violence as a metaphor for the way the poor have been systemically kept down by government inaction. But such occasional resonances feel more accidental and inconsistent, or at least beside the sanguinary point. The series rarely rises above the level of cliché. The production is nothing to speak of.

USA and DeMonaco have somehow found a way to stretch out these tales over 10 episodes, which is about six more than feels sustainable. ... Left in its place is a shallow festival of violence and bloodshed, and not very artful demonstrations of either.

The Purge remains essentially a snuff film. Call me crazy, but it just may turn out that 10 hours of gory slaughter unconstrained by even the vaguest intellectual or moral framework is going to be irredeemable crap no matter how many pretty sociopolitical ribbons you put on it. Call it, I dunno, grade-Z nihilism.

I enjoyed season 1 but season 2 was bad . Season 1 didn't say a thing new about The Purge that anyone who hasn't watched the movies didn't already know. It involves a select group of people but it also has short opening stories that show how normalized violence has become. But what makes it better than movies was that it was detailed. Low reviews for season 1 are wrong. Was the season perfect? No. It had its problems but it didn't deserved so much negativity. Only giving negative reviews because show had same story as the movie is wrong. Talking about season 2, it was almost terrible for too many reasons. I cannot even begin to describe. It is a good concept but a horrible execution. The acting is not convincing and the plot is just too mixed to the point where it all is too much and you lose interest. Overall, I would recommend anyone to watch season 1 instead of Purge movie series as this is more detailed. Would not recommend season 2 as you will be bored to death.

Never seen so much liberal propaganda infused in a tv series before. No simple-minded stereotype is spared in vilifying targeted groups. You would most certainly think the worst of humanity if your only source for worldly experience was this show.