Todd and the Book of Pure Evil: A Series Overview and Review

*This is another in-depth review of a television series from Ed Sum.

Horror-comedy has a new name in the Canadian produced television series, "Todd and the Book of Pure Evil." When it’s mixed up early Sam Raimi style—with lots of camp and cheese—and backed up talent from the likes of show creators Craig David Wallace, Charles Picco, Anthony Leo; and fellow directors like David Winning ("Friday the 13th the TV Series," "Are You Afraid of the Dark?", "Blood Ties"), there’s a masterful chemistry that’s at work.

While some episodes are formulaic in its look at high school life, the thing that keeps people coming back for more is the strong cast of characters. Todd Smith (Alex House) is not your usual pretty boy, and nor are his friends. The shift is on the freaks and geeks.

It’s up to Todd, his best pal, Curtis (Bill Turnbill), strong-headed Jenny Kolinsky (Maggie Castle) and science nerd Hannah Williams (Melanie Leishman) to do what’s needed. That’s to find the Book of Pure Evil and lock it away for good. By the first season’s end, audiences see the camaraderie that’s developed between them.

Even more fun are the supporting characters that pop in on occasion, like the janitor (Jason Mewes), better known as the vocal half of Jay and Silent Bob, or the hilariously dorky but sinister Atticus Murphy (Chris Leavins), a guidance counselor with his own agenda for the book.

Nearly everyone encounters this occult tome for some reason each episode. Initially, Jenny was the only one after the book. She believes it will help solve the mystery of where her father disappeared to, but when Todd encounters the dark book, the Faustian pact he makes marks him for something more.

This series is sometimes like "Saved by the Bell" with a mix of Buffy tossed in for good measure. The issues it tackles about teenage life happen in rapid order and there are plenty of subplots to follow. Viewers need to watch this show from the beginning to make sense of it all. When that’s all said and done, there’s even a comedic take on the musical Phantom of the Opera that really needs to be seen to be believed.

The comedy works, and Leavins provide the best bits throughout the series. Overall, "Todd and the Book of Pure Evil" outdoes itself in its delivery. It’s like watching an episode of the 60’s "Batman" and enjoying it. The bonus is that it’s available on iTunes Canada and Spacecast.com to watch.

While no official word has been made yet about a second season, a DVD set release and soundtrack has been announced. A renewal will no doubt come when the series gets the attention from stateside networks, MTV or SyFy. The show may be ludicrous and obscene at times, but it’s all done in fun.

A trailer for this series is here:

Todd and the Book of Pure Evil Homepage

An authored version is here:



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Posted in: 2010,canada,comedy,ed sum,horror,horror comedy television series review,television series,todd and the book of pure evil