The combination of slow-burn psychological thrills and the subtle notes of treacle-black humour have long been the signature of M. Night Shyamalan, a modern-day master of suspense who continues to have his audience second-guessing at every twist and turn. Today’s full trailer for Servant's upcoming season teases much of the same, replacing the ominous cultish murmurs from previous seasons with the gentle bzz bzz bzzz of early parenthood sing-song.
The third part in the series created by BAFTA nominated writer/producer Tony Basgallop looks set to pile questions on-top of those we have already been left to ponder and theorise, but with the story set to span four seasons the next ten half-hour episodes could very well offer some answers. They could also very-well mark the beginning of the end for an unwitting Dorothy and Sean Turner, their son Jericho and live-in nanny Leanne who appears to be battling her onset paranoia - and more - following the events of a fantastical sophomore season.
Following tradition, M. Night Shyamalan will direct alongside a crop of rising-talent including Ishana Night Shyamalan, Carlo Mirabella-Davis, Dylan Holmes, Celine Held & Logan George, Kitty Green, and Veronika Franz & Severin Fiala. Ishana will also reprise her writing role alongside Ryan Scott, Alyssa Clark, Laura Marks, Henry Chaisson, Amy Louise Johnson and Kara Lee Corthon.
There's the question of what exactly is going on with the Turner's Philadelphia household in which a returning ensemble cast including Lauren Ambrose, Toby Kebbell, Nell Tiger-Free and Rupert Grint are increasingly losing their sanity. Sunita Mani (Spirited, GLOW) will also be strapping in for the ride as they contend with mysterious infestations and a mysterious force growing in numbers in a nearby park. And what about returns? Could we see the return of uncle George or could his cryptic words prove to be more foreshadowing of events to come? What if what was originally perceived to be a miraculous gift, was never a gift at all? One thing is for certain - it sure is fun second guessing a genius at play.
Season 3 of Servant premieres on Apple TV+, January 21st 2022.
Apple TV+ is priced at $4.99 per month or $49.99 annually after a free 7-day trial.