In the city of Wayward Pines, nothing is as it seems and secrets hide beneath smiles.

“Wayward Pines” is a ten episode, single season television series based off the novel trilogy written by Blake Crouch. The series follows U.S. secret service agent Ethan Burke (played by Matt Dillon) as he searches for two missing agents last seen in Wayward Pines, a small town in the middle of rugged Idaho territory.

Ethan wakes up in a forest, injured and without memory of how he got to where he is. He has no wallet or belongings with him. After stumbling into the picturesque town of Wayward Pines, Ethan passes out and wakes up in the town’s hospital. It is revealed that he was in a terrible car accident on his way to Wayward with a fellow agent, who died on scene. Initially everyone seems friendly and the town appears pleasant. It isn’t long however until Ethan’s investigation into the missing agents reveals problems with the small town.

Questions continue to mount along with tension and unease and desperation as Ethan tries to unravel the town’s secrets. Danger, death and threats follow him the closer he becomes to the truth. It is about midway through the series when the “truth” about the town is revealed to a few main characters as well as the audience. This turns the entire plot on its head. Once the secret is unveiled, the series doesn’t slow down for a minute. Survival becomes the number one priority as the dangers spike and panicked people try to escape the small town.

The only downside to this series  is the violence. There are various gory and graphic images and scenes throughout that can make the queasy stomach churn a little. As the episodes progress so does the violence. Viewers who are not huge gore fans may feel that the violence makes them uncomfortable at times but was overall tolerable.

“Wayward Pines” is all at once a psychological thriller, mystery and science fiction adventure. The series expertly takes the viewer along for a ride with countless surprising twists and turns. There are several scenes that will make you jump in your seat and make your heart beat a little faster. It is a fun adventure from start to finish that is satisfying and unique and definitely worth watching.
“Wayward Pines” is currently available for streaming on huluplus.com.