Enjoying my stay in "Widow's Bay"

Three episodes in, I’m loving “Widow’s Bay,” the comedy/horror series on Apple TV. While it’s hard to tell whether “comedy” or “horror” should come first in any given episode, the writing, direction and cast have proven deft on both counts. It’s not a show where I spend any time looking at my phone.

Matthew Rhys (best known for “The Americans”) is the mayor of a seaside village in New England, determined to make it a tourist destination despite continuing evidence that the place is cursed. Think “Jaws” with a supernatural element and a dark sense of humor. Or, say, "Northern Exposure" set in Castle Rock, Maine.

His main antagonist is a crusty old tar played by Stephen Root (lately of “Barry”). Kate O’Flynn (whom I first took note of in “Landscapers”) is perfect as the mayor’s perpetually aggrieved and hyper sensitive assistant. Then there’s the great Dale Dickey, who extends her run of playing hard-bitten women who dispense questionable wisdom and don’t put up with a lot of crap.

This is a good show, and I hope it will turn out to be great. I still have seven episodes to go, so I’ll reserve final judgment until then. Meantime, if you have AppleTV, Dave Bob says check it out.