Yaga, on AMC+

Most TV witches are either the “Good” Hallmark kind, or the persecuted, as in Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale. Baba Yaga does not fit either mold. The mythic Slavic witch is a clever predator, largely driven by vengeance or lust. Of course, she never considers herself evil, per se. As each episode’s opening narration asserts, she always thought she had her reasons for what she did. Regardless, if she really is responsible for a spoiled rich kid’s disappearance, the outlook for the entitled wastrel is decidedly grim in showrunner Kat Sandler’s 8-episode Yaga, adapted from her own play, which premieres Friday on AMC+.

The Park family controls the northwestern coastal village Whitlock (they own the fishing industry, just like the Collins family in Dark Shadows), so when their son Henry disappears, Sgt. just-plain Carson must partner up with their private detective, Charlie Rapp, whether she likes it or not. Frankly, Rapp is more aptly described as a not so poor man’s Ray Donovan. Carson is stuck with him just the same. Initially, she finds him smarmy, but his shameless charm starts to wear her down. He also genuinely cares about Henry, in a big brother kind of way.

Weirdly, Park’s working-class roommate, Logan Casey can pass for his twin. In fact, Casey clearly has an unhealthy interest in his missing housemate-benefactor. Of course, they partied together, engaged in hedonistic behavior together, and perhaps even participated in weird cult rituals together.

Clearly, the occult perversely fascinates Park. Supposedly, local anthropology professor Katherine Hargrove appeared on his vanity podcast to discuss Baba Yaga folklore, but the tapes disappeared. Rapp and Carson also find an eerie Blair Witch-esque symbol under Park’s bed. In fact, that emblem keeps turning up. Meanwhile, Rapp tries to shake off ominous visions and hallucinations, perhaps sent by Baba Yaga herself, whoever she might be. Indeed, Rapp starts asking that very question, even though it sounds slightly crazy.

Like The Red King, Yaga straddles the border separating horror from mystery-thrillers. At best, there is probably some dangerous cult activity going on in Whitlock. Nevertheless, the malevolent practice of witchcraft is a very “real” possibility. Indeed, Sheila McCarthy has some deeply disturbing scenes as Elena Yaha, a half-mad old Ukrainian lady, who becomes a leading Baba Yaga suspect.

By the way, Yaga is absolutely not for younger viewers, even though it is not particularly violent or gory. However, it is safe to say there is considerable mature content. Nonetheless, the mystery is rather intriguing, thanks to the massively creepy genre elements.

Rapp and Carson also make an entertaining team, thanks to the way Noah Reid and Clark Backo agilely balance the sarcasm and sexual tension. Carrie-Anne Moss also gorges on the scenery as Hargrove, the femme fatale professor. Yet, arguably, she is almost too flamboyantly over-the-top, to a point that stretches credulity. Of course, nobody can top the lunacy of McCarthy’s appearances as Yaha—and frankly, nobody should even try.

All seven of the episodes provided for review run approximately thirty-minutes, wherein directors David Frazee and Rachel Talay keep the pacing consistently snappy. That makes Yaga a hyper-quick binge. It is rather lurid at times, making Twin Peaks look demur in comparison, but it is compulsively watchable and a good deal of fun, in a guilty pleasure kind of way. Recommended for fans of Widows Bay and The Third Day, Yaga starts streaming this Friday (10/23) on AMC+.