The Omen and Damien are two interconnected stories that explore the terrifying legacy of the Antichrist. The Omen stands as one of the most iconic horror films of all time, with its chilling tale of a young boy destined to bring about the apocalypse. Decades later, A&E’s Damien picks up the story, reimagining the Antichrist as an adult grappling with his horrifying past and uncertain future.
In this article, we’ll examine The Omen and Damien—what made the original film a classic, how the series builds on its foundation, and whether it succeeds in blending horror, drama, and conspiracy. If you’re a fan of The Omen or curious about how the story continues in Damien, this guide will walk you through both the triumphs and challenges of these two works.
The Omen: One of Horror’s Finest Moments
The Omen was one of the first horror movies I ever watched. I can’t recall if I saw it in theaters or on HBO, but I’ll never forget how it left me checking my scalp for the infamous 666. Looking back, I appreciate how my parents never tried shielding me from great movies, even if they were terrifying.
As I grew older, I rewatched the entire Omen trilogy. The first two sequels had their moments, thanks to strong casts that elevated weak scripts, but the first film remains the masterpiece. My only critique is the musical score in some areas. While the chanting is haunting and iconic, certain moments of the soundtrack feel like stereotypical horror scoring. If the music had taken a more restrained approach, the film could have maintained more mystery about whether Damien was truly the Antichrist.
Note: I really loved The First Omen and hope they continue to tell that story.
Damien: A New Chapter in the Antichrist’s Story
Fast forward to the A&E series Damien, and we find that the young boy from The Omen has grown into a war photographer. The series reimagines itself as the only true sequel to the original film, ignoring the events of the sequels. Using a sliding timeline, Damien begins the series unaware of his dark origins. He knows only that he lost his parents at a young age. The first season follows his journey as he uncovers his past and grapples with the horrifying truth about who he is.
Damien’s Journey: A Fight Against Fate
Repressed Memories Unlocked
In the first episode, Damien unlocks his repressed memories. Imagine discovering you killed your mother and that your father died trying to kill you. On top of that, you realize that anyone who has crossed your path in the last 30 years has suffered or died. That’s a lot for anyone to process—and for most actors, it would be an impossible role to pull off.
Bradley James as Damien
Fortunately, Bradley James is more than up to the task. Known for his charismatic performance as Arthur in Merlin, James brings depth and nuance to Damien, even as the character struggles with his identity as the Antichrist. Despite the absurdity of some plot points, James keeps the character grounded and even manages to make you root for him. The idea of the Antichrist as a good person trapped by fate is a fascinating concept, and James executes it brilliantly.
Allies, Manipulators, and Enemies
Barbara Hershey as Ann Rutledge
The standout supporting character is Barbara Hershey’s Ann Rutledge. Hershey is captivating in every scene, bringing a devilish charm to the role. Her motives remain ambiguous throughout the series. Is she a loyal servant of Damien, or is she attempting to manipulate him for her own agenda? Hershey’s performance keeps viewers guessing, and she elevates every scene she’s in.
Power Struggles and Conspiracies
The series also explores the power struggles surrounding Damien. The Vatican, hesitant to act, struggles with the implications of his existence. Meanwhile, a wealthy conglomerate has been carefully managing Damien’s life, seeking to use him as a puppet. These layers of conspiracy provide some of the show’s best moments, especially when it becomes clear that Damien’s life has been orchestrated by forces beyond his control.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Damien
When It Shines
Damien is at its best when it focuses on character-driven storytelling. Watching Damien grapple with his identity as the Antichrist is both compelling and tragic. The series also excels in its exploration of conspiracy, particularly when it delves into the motives of Ann Rutledge and the law firm managing Damien’s life.
When It Struggles
Unfortunately, the show falters when it leans too heavily into horror clichés. Some episodes feel like The Omen meets Final Destination, with gratuitous death scenes that often overshadow the story (the same issues the movie sequels had).
The show also struggles when it tries to be a procedural, with investigators piecing together the “coincidences” surrounding Damien. These moments feel like an imitation of The X-Files and detract from the show’s stronger elements.
The Future of Damien: Where Could It Have Gone?
The first season ends with a nod to the original film, recreating one of its iconic shots. However, the show leaves many questions unanswered. Ratings lagged behind those of other A&E hits, such as Bates Motel, and despite a #SaveDamien campaign, the series was ultimately canceled after one season.
I can’t fault A&E for the decision. The show struggled to find its audience, often trying to cater to too many genres—horror, crime, and character study—without fully committing to any one of them. Still, I wish the series had been given more time to find its footing, especially given the strength of its two leads, Bradley James and Barbara Hershey.
Additionally, I would like to see showrunners who have well-thought-out ideas consider using comics for canceled shows. I’m sure they could find someone to work with to finish the story they started to tell.
Should You Watch Damien?
Reasons to Watch
If you’re a fan of The Omen, Damien is worth watching for its ties to the original film. The use of clips from the movie enhances the plot, and the performances of Bradley James and Barbara Hershey elevate the material. When the show focuses on character development and conspiracy, it reaches impressive heights.
Conclusion: The Legacy of The Omen and Damien
The Omen remains a cornerstone of the horror genre, delivering an unforgettable exploration of evil, fate, and the terrifying power of prophecy. Its chilling atmosphere, iconic performances, and thought-provoking themes have secured its place as one of the greatest horror films of all time.
Damien, on the other hand, ambitiously attempts to continue the story, reimagining the Antichrist as a complex adult grappling with the weight of his legacy. While the series has moments of brilliance—particularly in its character-driven storytelling and stellar performances by Bradley James and Barbara Hershey—it struggles with inconsistent tone and an identity crisis as it shifts between horror, conspiracy, and procedural drama. Despite its flaws, Damien offers a fascinating expansion of the world introduced in The Omen, raising intriguing questions about destiny and free will.
For fans of The Omen, Damien is worth watching for its ties to the original film and its exploration of what happens after the Antichrist comes of age. While it may not reach the heights of its predecessor, it provides enough compelling moments and strong performances to warrant a look, especially for those interested in seeing how the legacy of The Omen continues to evolve, especially with the release of The First Omen.
What do you think about The Omen and Damien? Have you seen both? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Also check out all of other pop culture articles.
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