The Gates

The Gates is an intriguing supernatural crime drama television series originally broadcasted on the ABC network in 2010. Drawing on multiple genres, it skillfully weaves together elements of crime and mystery with the fascinating world of the supernatural, producing a unique viewing experience that stands out from the crowd. The show is highlighted by a talented ensemble cast, including Rhona Mitra, who brings an astounding blend of charm and intensity to her role.

Set in a seemingly idyllic, affluent suburban community named The Gates, the series delves into the complex lives of its residents who, beneath the façade of their perfect world, are anything but ordinary. Rhona Mitra stars as Claire Radcliff, a disarmingly glamorous and somewhat mysterious woman who, with her husband Dylan and daughter Emily, are new arrivals in town. This isn't your average picket fence community - The Gates is actually a haven for supernatural beings where vampires, werewolves, and witches live alongside unsuspecting humans, their true identities hidden under a carefully constructed veneer of normalcy.

The Radcliffs’ arrival coincides with that of another family. Their narrative threads interconnect when Nick Monohan, a former Chicago police officer, moves into The Gates with his wife Sarah and their two children to start a new job as the community’s chief of police. As Nick embarks on his new job, he begins to unravel the startling secrets of this seemingly peaceful community and the extraordinary beings that reside within it. The show focuses on how Nick grapples with the reality of his new job, policing a place where the rules of nature as he knows them do not apply.

The Gates adeptly mixes the supernatural with a compelling crime of the week format. Alongside the high stakes supernatural drama, Nick investigates a variety of unusual crimes, which often lead to even more extraordinary discoveries about his new community and its residents. The make-up of The Gates community allows for a twist on the typical small-town secrets theme, providing ample opportunity for both thrilling storylines and character-driven drama.

English actress Rhona Mitra’s performance is a standout. As Claire Radcliff, she must navigate the human world while keeping her supernatural nature under wraps. Mitra provides a nuanced portrayal, masterfully hinting at a depth of character and a wealth of personal secrets beneath Claire's calm exterior. She balances a poised exterior with an intense, sometimes dangerous, inner strength, drawing viewers in as the stakes continue to rise.

The eries isn't all chills and mysteries, however. The Gates is also about family, relationships, and community ties. There's an undercurrent of unfamiliarity and suspense, but it's matched by a warmth and genuine portrayal of families grappling with common and not-so-common problems. The parents deal with community politics, work stress, and their children's struggles, while the younger characters experience adolescent growing pains, school drama, and first love – though, of course, even the most ordinary aspects of life are colored by their extraordinary circumstances.

The Gates offers viewers a decidedly unique take on the suburban landscape, testing the boundaries of traditional television genres to create something entirely its own. While drawing on aspects of fantasy, it keeps its storytelling grounded in character development, with the supernatural serving as an engaging backdrop against which the drama unfolds. The supernatural elements are seamlessly integrated, creating a captivating world that is both similar to and far removed from our own. It is a show that coolly insists on the co-existence of the ordinary and the extraordinary, even within the bounds of a gated community.

Produced by Fox Television Studios, The Gates consists of a single 13-episode season with each episode's runtime clocking at approximately 42 minutes. With its tight storytelling and strong character focus, it offers a binge-worthy viewing experience for enthusiasts of supernatural drama and crime television alike. The series is a testament to the creative possibilities of genre-blending narratives whilst being a compelling portrayal of life in an eerily perfect suburban community.