When notorious serial killer JOE CARROLL (James Purefoy) escapes from death row, the FBI calls former agent RYAN HARDY (Kevin Bacon) to consult on the case. Having since withdrawn from the public eye, Hardy was responsible for Carroll’s capture in 2003, after Carroll murdered 14 female students on the Virginia college campus where he taught literature.

Hardy is a walking textbook of all-things Carroll. He knows him better than anyone; he is perhaps Carroll’s only psychological and intellectual match. But the Ryan Hardy who broke the Carroll case years ago isn’t the same man today. Wounded both physically and mentally by his previous pursuit of this serial killer, it’s been a long time since Hardy has been in the field. This new investigation is his redemption, his call to action. He works closely with an FBI team, which includes young, razor-sharp MIKE WESTON (Shawn Ashmore) and FBI Specialist DEBRA PARKER (Annie Parisse), who is brought in to lead the investigation into Carroll and his followers. Although Weston seems to idolize him, most of the team considers Hardy to be more of a liability than an asset. But Hardy proves his worth when he uncovers that Carroll was covertly communicating with a network of followers in the outside world. It quickly becomes obvious that he has more planned than just a prison escape.

The intense, spellbinding drama will follow Hardy and the FBI as they are challenged with the ever-growing web of murder around them, orchestrated by the devious Carroll, who dreams of writing a novel with Hardy as his protagonist. But since anyone anywhere could be a follower, how do you know who to trust?

This is an amazing new series from creator/executive producer Kevin Williamson (of the "Scream" franchise, among other things). Kevin Bacon hasn't been around in awhile, and honestly, he looks pretty bad here... but he plays the part of a damaged hero quite well. James Purefoy plays the smartest, nicest, most charismatic serial killer you will probably ever know. During everything that happens, he remains calm and collected, as if everything is going according to plan. The thrills and suspense are in no short demand; after watching the first few episodes back-to-back, it almost felt like watching a movie. The twists and turns that appear almost every episode are completely unexpected for the most part (unless you're like me, and have grown accustomed to predicting said twists). The series focuses heavily on the works of Poe, as that's who Carroll idolizes, and murders in honor for.

The first season is planned for 15 episodes, and a second season has already been approved. Is there anyone else here that is... following... this?