Wolf Lake (2001–2002) User Reviews

If only....

[ctomvelu-1 · 6/10 · 28 April 2009]

I enjoyed watching some of the episodes in this very short-lived TV drama series again recently. But as much as I enjoyed some of the the actors and the stunning photography, I found the show very slow-moving. I think this is what may have nipped the series in the bud. If you watch it, watch it for veteran hams like Lou Philips, Tim Matheson and Graham Greene. They chew up the scenery in this quasi-soap opera about a clan of werewolves living in the Pacific Northwest. WOLF LAKE ain't TWIN PEAKS or X-FILES, but it works some of the time. I will cite one episode where a wheelchair-bound werewolf rapes a woman, and pays the price when the clan finds out. The guy in the wheelchair could pass for Meatloaf's kid brother. He is fantastic, and keeps right up with veteran thespian Bruce "Animal House" McGill, who plays his older brother and ultimately his executioner.

I loved this series!

[Opinion02122 · 8/10 · 4 January 2021]

This was a terrific series, appealing to adults and teens. It was a very interesting interpretation of the werewolf stories. The stories were interesting and kept viewers anxious to unravel the secrets hiding in Wold Lake. The acting was terrific. The writing was terrific. Everything about it was terrific! I looked forward to watching it each week. Then, it was cancelled! Why? Who knows why? Someone just doesn't know a good scifi when they see it! And they are too quick to cancel a sci-fi, while leaving on garbage. It's very frustrating to those of us who enjoy scifi. Definitely worth watching, even if it never comes to a series conclusion.

A colorful series, that was never given time to find its audience.

[m-47826 · 7/10 · 4 December 2023]

Sadly, shows were cancelled left and right in certain networks, back in late 90s/early 2000s. Especially those targeted to a younger viewership, like UPN shows did. Revisiting this one made me realize two things. Why did UPN picked it up, if they planned on airing episodes like that? And why did writers rushed things? Why not wait until the end of the season, to kill off Willard, and plan early season two, with his wife taking over the « alpha » role, until the one who shot him, was revealed later? Something bad happened after episode 6. Episode 7, which was probably the reason so many people dropped the show, was disappointing trying to « have fun » with its X-Files/Twin Peaks influence. And after a more or less watchable eighth episode, the series was finally back on track, before being pulled out completely... Were some of them erased, to reach to the « end » faster? At one point, the storytelling was disjointed and full of plot holes. The timeline felt weird, when you had Sophia planning her whole Summer six months in advance. Maybe I'm reaching, but the plotting felt odd after the first couple of episodes. As far as the cast is concerned, it's another thing I regret about this show. It was so good and the actors so perfect for the roles, it's a shame we never got to see them portraying them longer. Canceling the show so soon, was obviously a big mistake, and trying to capitalize on some of the actors fame later, by editing the series on DVD, with a different soundtrack. Was spoiling its legacy. Not only did it not appeal to potential buyers, who loved « Wolf Lake » back in 2001, for the music during some key scenes. But it prevented making the show popular again, and maybe worth a continuation on a different network, like they do a lot lately.

For those who love aforementioned shows, and some of WB's finest like Buffy and Roswell. As well as family dramas like Picket Fences and procedural series in general.

This was a great little find.

[Iluvemovies · 25 August 2009]

I stumbled across this on what I think is called the Chiller network. Now...I'm hooked.

Came online to try to find the DVD's only to find out this was a 1 season show! I hate when that happens, then your left wondering what happened. And in this case, did the girl ever flip? I think this was way ahead of it's time. If this were to come out now it would be a hit. Especially with Twilight, True Blood, and the movie now about the werewolves. Don't know if it would be the same though, the casted members are much older now! What a drag to not know how it ends. Really they should think about someway to bring it back, maybe recast the whole thing and start over???

Yet another amazing show meets Mr Axe. :(

[RitualXIII · 10/10 · 31 March 2008]

I caught one episode of this show years ago and I spent the time between then and now on an epic quest trying to track down the whole series so I could watch the rest of it!

There are viewing tragedy's few and far between as large as the one that was the axing of such an original show. Its well known that the more intelligent and creative a show is the less air time it will get and I can only mourn the stupidity of those who decided it was a dud.

Not only does it manage to incorporate lycanthropy and social divides it also focuses heavily on the pressures of becoming an adult without being condescending or incredibly lame. Not to mention possibly one of the funniest characters ever to grace a series thanks to the talented Graham Greene.

Sexual tension and romance, humour, breath taking scenery, fabulous acting and wolves - who could ask for more? :)

For whoever is reading - Pleasssee watch this show. Its honestly one of the best supernatural dramas you will see for a long time - or even in your lifetime!

Why oh Why!?

[shinnstheory · 10/10 · 27 May 2006]

This show was excellent. And, right when it really started to pick up, it was canceled. I just bought the 2 DVD set. I only caught the CBS episodes and wanted to catch the last 4 UPN episodes. I was hoping they would tie things up, but no! They leave you in suspense, dying for more. The last three episodes were freakin' incredible! But, again.. I am so disappointed that they just left everything up in the air. John is so close to finding out what Wolf Lake is all about. Van Halen is introduced as a new character, well known on television, in the very last episode. Here is a man that found out exactly what was going on at Wolf Lake but the show ends with him being tossed into a padded room...and the sheriff's daughter nearly flipping (becoming a wolf). Luby is set free and it was just a matter of time before she went ahead and told John about the place. Damn! Ended WAY too early.

[5.8] Mary Elizabeth Winstead's "sweet sixteen" !

[cjonesas · 6/10 · 2 January 2024]

A sad, unfortunate series, full of potential, with good actors and actresses, average to semi-good visual effects, but suffering from disjointed flow, island scenes cut by honestly horrible editing and most of all laced with an uninteresting flow and unthrilling vibe.

What "happens" to Sophia and what she goes through should have happened around episodes 4 to 5, not the last!

As such, results of the above and complete disregard from CBS who just ruined the show, a production that could have entertained for (at least) three seasons was cancelled and a big pity for the good story-telling of the early 2000 era.

• Screenplay/storyline/plots: 6
• Development: 7.5
• Realism: 6
• Entertainment: 5.5
• Acting: 6.5
• Filming/photography/cinematography: 7.5
• VFX: 7
• Music/score/sound: 6
• Depth: 5
• Logic: 3
• Flow: 5.5
• Horror/thriller: 4.5
• Ending: 5.5.

Wolf Lake-Another great show got dumped

[oldsarge-1 · 9/10 · 15 July 2007]

Thank God for the SciFi Channel. Once ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox finish with and then cast aside some very good shows, they slowly find their way to the SciFi Channel, well most do anyway. Wolf Lake belongs on DVD and should be right there with shows like Tru Calling, American Gothic, The 4400, Point Pleasant, Dead Like Me and The Kindred, but it looks as if Wolf Lake will be stuck waiting in the wings with Special Unit-2.

Wolf Lake with stars and stars on-the-rise, such as Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Sophia Donner), Lou Diamond Phillips (Noah Cassidy), Sharon Lawrence (Vivian Cates), Mia Kirshner (Ruby Cates), Scott Bairstow (Tyler Creed), Tim Matheson (Sheriff Jack Kohanek), Graham Greene (Professor Duke Joseph ), Carmen Moore (Deputy Molly), and more, should have been given a longer run than 9 episodes, but I guess in 2001-2002 the networks were gearing up for a series of fake reality shows. Without giving too much away the premise starts out like many other shows, both good and bad, boy meets girl, girl leaves for Chinese food, something strange happens, boy looks for girl and then it gets good. While in search of his lost girl-friend he ends up in a town full of werewolves. I won't say anymore about the show so as not to give away anything, but I will say it had it's life snuffed out too soon. It started out very good and could have had a decent run given a little time. If you liked any of the shows mentioned in the first paragraph, try to catch this one. Right now SciFi is showing it.

Will the networks ever get a clue!

[denversk · 10/10 · 23 September 2008]

It was over 40 years ago that I learned in Junior high school that there are a limited number of plots. Therefore we all end up seeing the same story being told in a variety of ways. Wolf Lake took an excellent story and through imaginative writing and stellar acting put on a great show. I haven't always had time to watch the television, therefore it was just by chance that I stumbled across Wolf Lake six years after it had been canceled,having only created nine episodes. You'd think that the people that make those decisions to cancel quality shows especially in the realm of science fiction would have realized by now that quality will tell and even though something doesn't get tremendously high ratings from the get-go doesn't mean that it won't develop a tremendously large and strong following. Wolf Lake is a perfect example, if given a chance I'm sure it would've come to be considered one of the greats. Unfortunately they killed it off and left you hanging with unanswered questions and unfulfilled expectations. Even so I'm glad I was able to see the small part of the story that was put in production for it was well done.

I love this show!!!

[skeeter2977 · 10/10 · 18 May 2012]

This is right up there with True blood and twilight.. I think like everyone else this show came out way before it should have and maybe the cast should be recast and the show should come back now it would be a hit now..the writers should try it again with a network like HBO or Cinemax or Showtime they would surely pick it up, with all the others doing so well this one would def. be a hit!! come on bring it back!!So if you would send this on to whoever needs to see it there is a lot of us out there just not enough writing reviews some just don't feel like taking the time to do it.. or not wanting to have to sign up to do it.. so please writers of the show maybe one of you will see this I know it's been years and maybe you have given up on your show but don't know with all the other vampire show's out this one will be a hit I just know it and the bigger networks would be crazy not to grab it from you.. don't give up.. always remember can't never could.. so DO IT!!!

Tired of being treated badly by the networks

[path1 · 16 October 2001]

As an avid television viewer, I for one am getting tired of the networks running a few episodes of a series then pulling it because it isn't doing as favorably as they think it should. It looks as if this might also be the fate of Wolf Lake. Although it was developing slowly I don't think it deserves this fate and the networks should change their approach to airing new shows. I greatly enjoyed Wolf Lake and the developing mystery and I'm fustrated that the answers to the questions created might never be given.

Way ahead of its time apparently...

[Wikkid_Gamez · 10/10 · 1 September 2018]

I really liked this show. I think if done right ( if they can convince the original cast to come back for the same roles even if they are older lol) it could be the next big thing! If they re-cast it would be really hard to find actors that could top the original cast. It was definitely way ahead of its time but would fit right into everything that is big now or has been for the past few years. Really wish they would give it a do-over!!! As someone else said, even watching it again now it did not give a dated feel off or anything. I couldn't believe it had been that long since it first aired!! Really need another good show like this as almost all of the good ones out have ended.

Wolf Lake

[briannachappell-01527 · 10/10 · 3 August 2017]

I have watched all of wolf lake and it is by far one of the greatest and it definitely deserve better for so long i have wanted to see the show back on TV maybe CW could pick it up it has been done with shows before even are year off the air http://www.thepetitionsite.com/en-gb/175/004/968/bring-back- wolf-lake/

Wolf Lake

[ldbw · 10/10 · 9 October 2017]

I would recommend that the director and author continue making this movie as a special 2 hours movies per month for episodes 11/12, 13/14, 15/16, 17/18, 19/20, 21/22, & season finale 23 to wrap up the Wolf Lake series. It will be worthwhile for viewers and followers to satisfy the story. I love Wolf Lake myself. It won't hurt to make these 7 special 2 hours movies. Hallmark Mysteries & Movies channel and Hallmark Channel that they make a special short series per month. It works very well. :-)

Why can't people continue with good show instead of canceling it?

[maksimmarkovico-879-818110 · 10/10 · 6 January 2014]

Show that I liked(even though I hate shows that make werewolves into wolfs)and made me want it more.Why don't people just make season 2 out of nothing and start it all over again? I fell in love with the show and threw me into pit with a lot of unanswered questions. It had great actors who acted better than a lot of todays shows and was better than todays werewolf legends, shows and movies (Twilight and Wolf Blood I'm looking at you). If you didn't check it out yet i can't blame you since it wasn't so much popular and i doubt you will find it online so your best bet are torrents and DVD stores. Show deserves to be continued and hopefully some producer will see our reviews and see profit in it so he will make at least new story about Wolf Lake, and until then we can watch season 1 and cry about it.

Another awesome show cancelled !

[zoran_kamen · 10/10 · 19 October 2017]

This post have no spoilers, I only wish that more and more viewers would

get to know about this truly wonderful show so it is all about supporting this and similar shows ! Something need to be done seriously, for example I have very good idea how to support great show which get cancelled by TV network cause it is not fulfilling their greedy expectations. Idea is to organize petition by the fans of the show which includes their valid informations of course and then send open letter to TV network, that fans of the show would like the network to continue with the show or fans will simply stop watching all other shows on that particular network, so by loosing many viewers I think network would seriously consider to continue with the show ! Such petitions already happened and I think even Family Man when still at the beginning got support from fans cause TV network had intention to cancel it ! Of course such petition would only work if got support from enough fans and also ALL of them should firmly stick to decision to boycott network (in this particular case CBS) until they decide to continue with the show ! I think sincerely that such good quality show as Wolf Lake deserves such support and also some others that were good but cancelled to soon. Many complain how angry they are for their beloved show have been cancelled but how many of us are truly ready to support our dear show seriously with mentioned petition, for example I would immediately support such petition if someone would organize it ! I am not able to organize such thing, I know many are capable of that, but I would support it for sure!

Very interesting werewolf show ...

[Teknofobe70 · 16 August 2005]

"The moon ... is it my imagination, or is it always full around here?"

Exactly how many countless "X-Files" episodes were set in a "small Pacific Northwestern town"? And wasn't it also the setting for David Lynch's "Twin Peaks"? I don't know what it is about that area of the US which makes it the perfect setting for a small town supernatural melodrama such as "Wolf Lake", but it definitely works.

The show follows Seattle detective John Kanin (Lou Diamond Phillips), who travels to Wolf Lake in search of his kidnapped girlfriend Ruby Cates (Mia Kirshner). He discovers that Ruby's parents are in fact in charge of the town, with the town mayor Willard Cates (Bruce McGill) seeming to have complete power along with his wife Vivian (Sharon Lawrence). They also have a rebellious son named Luke (Paul Wasilewski). The other important figure in the town is the Sheriff, Matthew Donner (Tim Matheson), whose daughter Sophia (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is the object of Luke's affections. Wolf Lake is populated by other colourful characters, such as the mysterious Native American teacher Sherman Blackstone (Graham Greene), the villainous Tyler Creed (Scott Bairstow) and world-weary bar singer Miranda Devereaux (Kellie Waymire).

It does sound a lot like "Twin Peaks", doesn't it? Of course there was no way it was ever going to match up to the inspired weirdness of David Lynch's vision, arguably one of the best things ever to be shown on television -- but it's still very good. All of the supernatural events that take place in Wolf Lake can be explained by the fact that half of the townspeople are in fact part of a pack of werewolves who are battling for their own survival. They are ruled over by the town mayor Willard Cates, but there is a power struggle going on between Sheriff Donner, who is uncomfortable with his werewolf heritage and chooses not to transform, and Tyler Creed, who believes that their kind are superior to humans and need not be afraid of what they are. The actors playing these vital roles are invariably reliable, along with the rest of what is really a very strong ensemble cast.

Unfortunately, the series only ran for nine episodes and ended on a completely unresolved note, apparently the victim of unsatisfactory ratings. But well it lasts, what we have here is a finely crafted supernatural melodrama that ought to satisfy both "X-files" fans and werewolf fanatics. This is a fine example of cult television that was sadly axed before it's time, but still certainly worth checking out if you can get hold of a copy.

This whole series feels like a long overdrawn episode of "The X-Files"... not that that's such a bad thing!

[Aussie Stud · 19 September 2001]

***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS*** Think of "THE X-FILES" in its first five seasons when they used to film the episodes in Vancouver, Canada. A lot of the episodes suggested that there was a lot of terror and strangeness in the dank wood lands that probably should have been left alone.

"WOLF LAKE" is exactly that, but the whole series focuses on this one premise. Lou Diamond Phillips plays John, a Seattle police officer who proposes to his girlfriend, Ruby. She leaves their apartment for some Chinese take-out and the next thing you know, she's being attacked by a stranger in her vehicle. Obviously, most viewers will be watching this show with the pre-advised knowledge that this *IS* in fact a show about werewolves, just so you won't be sitting there thinking "Huh?" to yourself whenever you observe a person who eyes suddenly turn yellow.

Ruby's eyes do just that, they flash yellow as she tries to fend off her attacker and you as the viewer will identify that she is in fact a werewolf, but John obviously has no idea about it. When he makes his way to her vehicle, she and the attacker are both gone, except for a severed hand.

Six months later, a mysterious phone caller advises John that Ruby's whereabouts were seen quite some time ago by a trucker in the town of "Wolf Lake". John decides to further his investigations by traveling to the town which can only be described as a small mountain town in the middle of a populated woodland.

And so the pilot for this series explores John's investigations as he is introduced to the town's residents and discovers for himself that something there is not quite right. He spots a white wolf that watches him from the dark. Residents are acting strange and nobody is talking. Several of the town's residents are most likely werewolves, but just who exactly? Something suspicious and mysterious about this place has drawn him in, and this is where the series will continue to take place.

Supporting roles are thrown in from several other television personalities such as Sharon Lawrence (NYPD BLUE), Scott Bairstow (PARTY OF FIVE), Stacy Edwards (CHICAGO HOPE), Tim Matheson (THE WEST WING) and Graham Greene (LONESOME DOVE) who portray some of the town's residents who may or may not have secrets to hide.

Besides the fact that this show follows in the footsteps of "NYPD BLUE" by warning viewers of 'partial-nudity' that includes 'butt-shots' and 'side breast-shots', this show doesn't exactly seem all that original in its content. I do commend the format of brushing off the stereotype that werewolves only 'change' at nights and on full moons by having the wolves in this show chase people through the wooden landscape in broad daylight. I also like the borrowed technique of the "PREDATOR"-visuals as we see the world projected from the eyes of the werewolf as infra-red objects that must be hunted down.

But just like John who has been drawn to the mysteries of "Wolf Lake", I too find myself drawn to the mysteries of this strange but promising new show. Let's hope that CBS doesn't cancel this one.

Excellent Show ~Wolf Lake~

[whalefin1 · 9 October 2001]

This show was just unbelievable.. Great acting, good story.. I think, my opinion, that is the best new show to come out in a long long time.. I know most supernatural shows don't last, but I am hoping this one does.. If it does get cancelled(CBS-you are evil if you do), hopefully another channel will pick it up.. After watching the show, 1st episode, I was hooked.. Kick a** story, excellent actors/actresses/etc.. And to repeat myself, just an awesome series.. :)

WATCH THIS SHOW!

[acountrygirl4ever · 17 October 2001]

This is one great show. I wish that there were more more thought and fantasy based shows on the air.

This show weaves reality and fantasy together in a way that leaves the watcher begging for more.

Twin Peaks Meets The Howling with a little dash of The X-files.

[The Josh Man · 28 September 2001]

Lou Diamond Phillips + Tv Show + Werewolves= Wolf Lake The Season Premiere may not have been a big hit but I sure did like it. It had many elements of different shows and movies. Like Twin Peaks, A detective comes to a weird weird town with a bunch of psycho residents that know something that he doesnt. Also, most of the show may be like Twin Peaks but you cant forget the most obvious element THE WEREWOLVES! I mean Duh! Its kinda cool because when these people in there wolf form see things its like a bad scene out of Predator or something. But other then the cheesy rip off elements (which there is a lot of) the whole show will leave you Howling with delight, Hahahahahahahaha.....Sorry. So dont Miss Wolf Lake if you want a creepy show about psycho town folk who can turn into werewolves and a clue less detective who is looking for is kidnapped love Ruby in the crazy place. You wont go unsatisfied.

Good news! UPN has picked up the series!

[davidemartin · 27 March 2002]

CBS, never known for its understanding of or tolerance for fantasy shows, summarily dumped WOLF LAKE right after the crucial turning point of the murder of the town's patriarch (played by Bruce McGill).

Well, tonight UPN started running ads promoting WOLF LAKE, starting April 3rd. In the time slot after ENTERPRISE, formerly occupied by SPECIAL UNIT 2, the show might finally have a chance.

Hope so, as the overall plot is quite engaging and the individual episodes are clever as well. For example, Tim Matheson's Sheriff runs a lycanthropic version of Alcoholics Anonymous, in which people try to help each other overcome the urge to transform into wolves. Also, episodes vary in their treatment of the local werewolves. In many episodes they represent the bad guys, but in others we see things from their point of view, as they try to maintain their way of life against intruders. If the series does well on UPN, hopefully a second season will be commissioned. But even if this does not happen, at least we'll finally have a chance to see the entire 12 episode run.

Missed it first time,caught it second time & the show I realize was canceled CBS you suck

[adrampersaud1971 · 11 November 2011]

SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT I do not know what it is with Networks as they seem to only want to spill out cheap,reality TV shows that cost next to nothing to make & have absolute idiots on it (Big Brother anyone). I watched most of this when it premiered in the States where I was living at the time & then found it being re run now recently now as I had missed the last 4 shows (UPS picked up these to air)I was quiet happy as I knew I would see how it ended but nope what I viewed instead was incomplete with the last episode ending without nothing resolved but worse still is the knowledge that things would be resolved but nope nothing resolved. Excellent show with an truly talented staff that must have taken ages to get so why disservice the show by cancelling mid season (I think) should have run the full season & then judged what to do. A review I read above says the same thing more or less & it seems a shame that CBS did not give it a full 1 season run or that UPN did not get the rights to make more.

A Howling Premire!One of the Best Shows 2001! Great Pilot!

[WhiteTigerPat · 19 September 2001]

I would not be surprised if this is a breakour hit! I really like the pilot a lot and reminds me of another show called "The Kindred" but they are vampires and this show is about Wolves. It's stars a great fresh cast that looks sexy and hot and just looks like they have fun in every shoot of the t.v. series. I can't say enough about this new show and I only hope people watch it and like it! CBS has a hit and if they stick with it will be! It stars Lou Diamond Phillips and Sharon Lawrence and the sexy Mia K. It's a great show and I will watch every Wedsday at 9pm central time on CBS. Tune in every week and be amazed as the plot thickens and gets better and better! Out of 4 stars I give it 4 stars. I just see it getting better and better as the series goes on.

something different and a very good script

[joy-83 · 7 July 2004]

I think wolf lake has been a really really cool series. I don't know why they only made 9 episodes...that really sucks...I hope they make more because it's just too good not to be finished. So I ask of anyone who sees this message and has anything to do with the makers of the series please tell them to continue it!! Thanks! Now getting back to the movie it has a great and very original idea and not to mention good actors..It's worth watching and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's kind of like a thriller more than a horror movie. But I only wonder why didn't Luke ever get to sleep with Sophia?? He's bin trying for like 9 episodes! :) I hope that some wolf lake fans get to see this and together make the producers see that they MUST make more episodes!! >:)