A new Netflix series about an unknown virus is TO THE LAKE. It's a Russian performance (org. title Epidemiya) and indeed, in several respects it sounds all-too-familiar. Also, the characters are fascinating and the story from episode 1 is really entertaining.

I had expected the story to be interesting, but beyond that, I had no expectations. I felt sure, however, from the very first few minutes that this will be more than that. I was hooked after watching only the first episode. Both because of the plot and situations, but, even more so, because of the characters.

This series' original title is Epidemiya, which sounds very much like a "epidemic," which is exactly what it's all about. The events that unfold now feel all-too-familiar from the very first episode. However, in September 2019, this series first aired in Russia.

In other words, while it may seem like To the Lake is about the current pandemic, when this series premiered, it wasn't even a thing.

For me, during the first half of episode one, To the Lake managed to build a moment that instilled utter terror. At a kindergarten, a child is contaminated and the way this is handled is frightening. For the actual child in particular, and no, it's not some brutal extermination, but the terror on the face of that child speaks volumes.

You'll remember. At that moment, I definitely knew that this series would not be held back. And indeed, this involves questioning the government's way of handling the outbreak. This series is not about politics or nationalism in any context. It's about morality and, as human beings, survival. And for the better, and for the worst!

I doubt that many of the actors in To the Lake would be familiar to you. However, if you have checked out the Better than Us Netflix series, which is all about AIs, then you may recognize the lead actor. His name is Kirill Käro and he portrays Sergey (or Sergei) in To the Lake.

Watch season 1 of To the Lake on Netflix now!

In this Netflix series, the actress Maryana Spivak plays Irina (or just "Ira") and she has been in a few foreign film hits. In the film Yesterday (2019), she has a small role. In the Russian movie Loveless (2017), which was nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA and also won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, she also played the lead role.

Even, it doesn't matter if any of these actors are familiar to you. You'll certainly want to find out the plot of this new Netflix series, but the characters are going to be what you're staying for. This indicates, clearly, that the actors are doing their job very well.

Season 1 has eight 45-55-minute episodes, so there are plenty of plots to get through. Obviously, you would be annoyed by some of the story developments along the way. People still make dumb choices, as we all-too-well know from other series that deal with an apocalyptic world.

All episodes of To the Lake (Epidemiya) season 1 are on Netflix from October 7, 2020.