Widow’s Bay has promoted one of its stars to series regular, meaning fans of Apple TV’s genre-bending horror-comedy will be treated to many more hilarious one-liners from Jeff Hiller’s Dale.
The beloved character won the hearts of fans with an iconic line in the season finale, in which he screams to some terrified tourists weathering a storm in the town hall’s shelter: “This place is a death trap! RUN!”.
Viewers will get more of this hilarity, as it has been confirmed that the actor will have an expanded role in the highly-anticipated second season. How that plays out remains to be seen, but we’re excited either way!
Apple TV/Robert Clark
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Hiller, who has also appeared in Somebody Somewhere, recently spoke about his working relationship with series creator Kate Dippold, sharing (via Deadline): “I have a shorthand with Katie.”
“She liked when I would melt down and scream. The whole team would always make me do these dramatic monologues where I would end up screaming and crying on the ground. It was a funny bit. And when I read that, I was like, ‘Oh, she wants this.'”
Widow’s Bay is set on a picturesque island off the coast of Massachusetts, and follows mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) as he tries to boost tourism in the area. The only issue is that some believe the island to be cursed, and certain events may bolster that belief.
Blending workplace comedy and different horror influences, the series finds its unique tone and pace amid an abundance of Easter eggs for fans of cult scary flicks, ranging from Jaws to Halloween.
The acclaimed show has received a total of 19 nominations at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series. It also got acting nods for Rhys, Kate O’Flynn, Dale Dickey and Stephen Root.
Apple TV
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The first season ended on a huge twist, when Tom discovers that the only way to break the curse involves the one decision he’d never make. Rhys, also known for The Americans, called the cliffhanger “the ultimate setup” for the upcoming instalment.
“I’m just talking personally now. A father who now knows the folklore is true. Therefore, if he suddenly leaves the island, his son will die,” the actor said. “He realises he has the Scooby-Doo mission. It’s like, OK, how do we figure this out? What breaks the curse?”
Widow’s Bay is streaming on Apple TV.
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Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).