A Guide to the First Season of Haven

First aired on 09.07.2010 on Syfy, Haven’s first season was a hit with both science fiction and horror fans: a rare achievement. Developed by Sam Ernst and Jim Dunn, Haven is loosely based on ‘The Colorado Kid’ by Stephen King.

The first season starts by following FBI agent Audrey Parker who is sent to investigate a case in Haven, Maine. It soon becomes clear to her that things are not quite as they seem in the small town and that some of the residents may possess supernatural abilities. The season then continues with the traditional ‘problem of the week’ as Audrey comes to grips with both the town and her own past.

After seeing a photograph in connection to the killing of the Colorado Kid, Audrey spots in it a woman who looks just like her and assumes it must be her mother. It is revealed that Audrey is unable to remember her parents or anything about her childhood. She finally makes the decision to stay in Haven and ultimately quit the FBI in order to search for information about her mother.

At first glance, Haven could look like any other supernaturally-based series with its main characters having to deal with a new crisis every week caused by someone with bizarre powers. However, what sets Haven apart is the overall story arc which follows Audrey and her new partner Nathan Wuornos as they try to find the source of the supernatural events and clues about Audrey’s past.

Regular characters such as handsome rogue Duke are likeable and well thought out with little details from earlier episodes becoming relevant later in the season.

Each of the three main characters has their own story arc for the season which adds to the depth of the world created. Audrey, as previously mentioned, is searching for clues about her past. Nathan has a rare condition that leaves him unable to feel anything physically. In other words, he cannot feel if something is hot, or if he has been injured. Duke, a jack of all trades and perhaps a criminal, faces the prospect of being killed by a man sporting a rather particular tattoo.

These all tie in together for the season finale which ended with a fantastic twist. Season two has a lot to live up to but general consensus among Haven fans is that things can only get better.