The Strain (2014)
This series grips you right from the start when a plane lands in New York with everyone on board dead from a mysterious virus of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism ravages the city of New York.
Like I said from the first episode, when that plane landed, I was riveted to my TV screen. The series was filled with action, SFX, and very interesting characters. One character that was a puzzle and was just fine in season one, but simply turned into the biggest stupid jerk of a kid that ever lived from season 2 onwards.
Season one, Zach Goodwater was played by Ben Hyland, and then was abruptly switched to Max Charles to start season 2. These two child actors playing the same role were central to the series, and that is why it fits in as a mention here on this site.
Who has seen this series now 11 years old, unfortunately, like so many modern series, it did not really have any satisfying conclusion, it did not have one at all, but I still really enjoyed it and the style of Vampires it showcased.
What did you think of the switch of actors? Who did you prefer, Hyland or Charles?
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Oh yes, I forgot about this series. I thought it was very well done and had some very tense moments. This was no cheapie; you can see they put some cash into the production.
The about-face changes made to the character of Zack not just in the change of child actors but the entire character, it was like they wrote him to become a complete sullen, stupid brat, and I say stupid because he could see with his eyes the obvious and yet refused to believe it, placing himself and others in mortal danger.
The ridiculously written Zack aside, the show had some very interesting characters and some good acting.
Oh snap, I forgot about this awesome series props there, Miss Eldon. The show rocks, but that second Zack, the one with the punchable face, is a total moron; he ruined the show. I keep hoping he will get sucked dry.
They should have left Ben Hyland, the actor, and his character because the changes were just stupid, plus they claimed Ben Hyland could not handle the character changes well; Max Charles did not either, his acting sucked.
All the criticism of the character is okay, but the criticism of the two young actors is uncalled for. Some are mad that they changed the actor from Ben Zyland, claiming he was not a good actor for season 2 onward. Then, those who hate Max Charles or the character he played complain about how the character changed.
Stop hating Max Charles. He did not write the character, and he played it okay, if you ask me. Yes, the character did some stupid things, but.....
Stop hating, both Ben Hyland and Max Charles are very cute in The Strain, and both did awesome jobs that were written for them. Not their fault if the character was a ****.
This looks awesome, I want to see it, I have not heard of it before.
A fantastic series, except for the moronic character of Zach from season 2 onwards. I loathe the character, as well as the horrible child actor who portrayed him from season 2 onwards. I suggest he stick to voice work, but alas, I am too harsh on the character with that punchable face. It is the writers who must always have a moron, or the series would have been 2 seasons long or even one.
They insulted and hurt the feelings of Ben Hyland by implying he was unable to portray the moronic changes in Zach from season 2 onwards. Well, I have news for you, Max Charles was not a bit convincing.
Quote from monk on August 16, 2025, 1:13 pmA fantastic series, except for the moronic character of Zach from season 2 onwards. I loathe the character, as well as the horrible child actor who portrayed him from season 2 onwards. I suggest he stick to voice work, but alas, I am too harsh on the character with that punchable face. It is the writers who must always have a moron, or the series would have been 2 seasons long or even one.
They insulted and hurt the feelings of Ben Hyland by implying he was unable to portray the moronic changes in Zach from season 2 onwards. Well, I have news for you, Max Charles was not a bit convincing.
Well, you are quite hateful towards a child actor, yes, the character was dumb, but it was needed to drive the plot forward.
Quote from monk on August 16, 2025, 1:13 pmA fantastic series, except for the moronic character of Zach from season 2 onwards. I loathe the character, as well as the horrible child actor who portrayed him from season 2 onwards. I suggest he stick to voice work, but alas, I am too harsh on the character with that punchable face. It is the writers who must always have a moron, or the series would have been 2 seasons long or even one.
They insulted and hurt the feelings of Ben Hyland by implying he was unable to portray the moronic changes in Zach from season 2 onwards. Well, I have news for you, Max Charles was not a bit convincing.
How nasty can you be towards a child actor?
