Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the LA press day for Season 2 of the super-rad supernatural thriller Netflix series Hemlock Grove. Honestly, I’m still processing this mind-blowing day, because although I attended as a member of the press, I am still a fan first, and I was kind of in an ethereal, dream-like fangirl-buzz the entire time I was there.

I got to participate in five roundtable interviews with Eli Roth (executive producer), Chic Eglee (showrunner), and the entire central cast: Famke Janssen (Olivia Godfrey), Bill Skarsgård (Roman Godfrey), Landon Liboiron (Peter Rumancek), Tiio Horn (Destiny Rumancek), Joel de la Fuente (Dr. Johann Pryce), Demore Barnes (Michael Chasseur), Madeline Brewer (Miranda Cates), and Madeleine Martin (Shelley Godfrey). We also had a session with SFX artist Todd Masters, who let us play with some awesome special effects pieces and a props demonstration conducted by Eli. I have made it exceedingly clear that I am slightly in love with Eli Roth. (Did you miss my nostalgic Goretorium review?!) I adore pretty much everything he is attached to, and I had enjoyed the first season of Hemlock Grove, particularly the last six episodes, so I was amped for Season 2. I have heard from a few people that they just could not get into the series, which I can understand because I do think it struggled to find its footing in the first few episodes. Let me assure you, season 2 is undeniably of a much higher caliber than the first season. Y’all, I need to reiterate: SEASON 2 IS INCREDIBLE.

The first season of Hemlock Grove was based on Brian McGreevy’s book of the same name, but the second season is all new “post-book” material. The entire creative team behind season 2 was new: new writers, new showrunner, new directors—you get the picture. The series was totally re-vamped (oh yes, kids, pun intended, because I am that kind of girl.) Everything is better—the stakes are higher for all of the characters, the plot is quicker, and the special effects are insane. The first transformation scene in this season… just, wow. It’s remarkable. Hemlock Grove earned an Emmy nomination for the first season’s transformation scene so Todd Masters had to follow a tough act, but did so flawlessly. I’m hesitant to say more because in our binge-watch-world, there’s no real mass scale that puts everyone on the same episode, or even the same season. So, I’m going to give you the description from Netflix in our press materials, because if you are upset with the mini-spoilers, you can’t really get mad at me for it:

Season two continues with the town coming to grips with the shocking massacre incurred by one of its deadliest creatures. Roman and Peter are now faced with new responsibilities and the realities that come with adulthood. Roman’s relationship with his mother, Olivia, is all but dead as he struggles with his unwanted Upir birthright and the disappearance of his sister, Shelley. Peter moves in with Destiny and is forced to get a job after his mother is sent away. Meanwhile, in search of a new life, newcomer Miranda Cates, embarks on Hemlock Grove with an unknowingly profound effect on Peter and Roman. And Norman, still reeling from the loss of his family, must face the harsh truths that are uncovered about those he still loves. The White Tower looms menacingly over the town as Pryce’s mysterious experiments are questioned and he will be faced with the hardest decision of his career.

It was extremely clear that creative team behind season 2 of Hemlock Grove wanted to respect the first season while moving the series in a very different direction. Landon revealed that the directors of the second season were all film directors (as opposed to TV directors, as the first season had employed.) Many cast members—Bill, Famke, Landon, Joel—noted that the second season had a much more “cinematic” feel to it for this reason. Eli noted that it has “a different energy” than the first and explained: “We want every season to get better. We want the fans that invested in Season 1 to be rewarded and say, ‘Yeah, it’s way better than the first season.’ ”

Much of the discussion also focused on Netflix and the new format of all-at-once released series.  Famke commended the new media type, saying it was perfect for people with busy schedules; she revealed she doesn’t even own a television! Also, fun fact, I am completely convinced that Famke is a real upir because the woman is ageless. I sat right next to her during the roundtable and I swear to God, her skin is in better condition than mine and I’m 23.

The below video is of Eli Roth demonstrating/describing some of the cool props used in the second season of Hemlock Grove. It is slightly spoiler-y, but nothing big enough to ruin the show. There are MAJOR SPOILERS if you have not seen Season 1. There are just some mentions of the scenes in the second season that you miiiight not have gotten to yet…

As you can see, I got to wear the anti-transformation device (yes, I know, Landon wore it better—he’s way more beautiful than I am!) as well as one of the masks worn by this season’s villains. I also wielded that mighty axe and played with the castration device that was, as Eli explained, actually a real live device that could be used on cattle.  Eli also schooled us on his love for torture museums and talked about his choice to include them in Hostel. He also told us that this fascination stemmed from visiting the location of the Salem Witch trials in his native Massachusetts. He continued to discuss torture museums and various forms of persecution based on religious beliefs, segueing to the Holocaust. He regaled us with some funny anecdotes about his upbringing; whenever he would complain about something, his mother would say something like, “You don’t like your dinner? Well it’s a good thing you’re not in Poland, because you would be in an oven.” (Ah, Jewish guilt, I know it well.) I’m sorry gang, I would have recorded more but, alas, my camera ran out of space.

The whole day was beyond awesome. It was amazing listening to such a talented group of people speak; it was such a pleasure meeting Eli (I’m sure it would have been lovely meeting the others but Eli was the only one I spoke to one-on-one.) He was an absolute doll. I told him briefly that I mentioned him in my grad school entrance essay and he asked me where I was going and what I was studying, etc. etc. Very gracious and warm. My little heart could barely take it.

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to Hemlock Grove Season 2 (special nods to Eli Roth, Famke Janssen, Chic Eglee, Bill Skarsgård, Landon Liboiron, Tiio Horn, Joel de la Fuente, Demore Barnes, Madeline Brewer, Madeleine Martin, and Todd Masters for speaking with us!) Also props to the venue, the Redbury Hotel in Hollywood for the hospitality but especially for the killer steak ciabatta I had for lunch. But in all seriousness, Eli stressed that Hemlock Grove’s fate would be decided by the fans… so, I strongly encourage you to check it out. You can stream both seasons of Hemlock Grove on Netflix now!

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: ELI ROTH PROP DEMO

Clip of Eli Roth discussing props from the new season of Hemlock Grove

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