“The Purge”: A series depicting a dark, violent world

"The Purge" T.V. Series Jenna and Rick caught in Anti-NFFA (New Founding Fathers of America) invasion Photo Credit: Nayeli Hernandez

By Nayeli Hernandez ’20

James DeMonaco, a director and producer, hits audiences with a show based on his well known movies of “The Purge.” The series contains a terrifying plot line, many distinctive protagonists, and multiple different-leveled   storylines.

In the series, a major event takes place in an altered America where all crime is legal for 12 hours on the Purge night, which is done every year. The series takes place a few years after the first Purge was established. After this time, citizens noticed they have some options on what they can do on Purge night, which are to hide, die, or hunt.

The series starts off by introducing us to a bunch of characters who are unknown to each other and meet later in the series. A protagonist in the series is Miguel, played by Gabriel Chavarri. Another protagonist is Jane, who is played by Amanda Warren. We are also introduced to a middle class couple played by Colin Woodell and Hannah Anderson, who are Rick and Jenna respectively. Additionally, we are given Lila, acted out by Lili Simmons. Last but not least, Lee Tergesen makes an appearance as Joe.

All of the characters are given a unique storyline. Miguel is a Marine returning from a war. We learn that Miguel is searching for his sister Penelope, played by Jessica Garza. Jane is a financial professional who hires a Purge-assassin to kill one of her co-workers. Jenna and Rick are found using the elite of the pro-Purge for their benefits. Lila’s family is wealthy and is pro-Purge. She finds herself dealing with unfinished business in her parents’ annual NFFA party. Joe disrupts Purge killings while being armed and masked.

The series’ first episode throws information to the audience on what is yet to come. But out of all three main branches, I found that Jenna and Rick’s branch was the most compelling due to the fact that it shows the audience the side of the New Founding Fathers of America and the real incentives of the Purge. Additionally, Jenna and Rick’s storyline also shows strains of the Purge that are focused on race and also focused on politics.

Reviews of people mention that the series is boring and that it ruins the fun theory that is depicted in “The Purge” movies. Although I do prefer “The Purge”  movies better than the show due to the fact that a lot of action scenes are shown, the show does an amazing job giving the audience more information about the Purge and its actual motives.

  • Genre: Horror
  • Season 1: 6 episodes available
  • Available on USA Network