People who have missed Linda Cardellini’s more dramatic turn followingDead to Me’s conclusion can now look forward to her taking on a horror icon in the upcoming prequelCrystal Lake. The series is set before the events oftheFriday the 13thfranchise, exploring the Voorhees family tragedy.Crystal Lakeis being developed by A24 and will air on Peacock.
Cardellini’s acting breakout came with her appearance in NBC’s teen-comedy dramaFreaks and Geeksfrom 1999 to 2000,before joiningERas Samantha Taggart for six seasons. Cardellini would also be recognized for her portrayal of Velma inthe live-actionScooby Dooduology. Alongside live-action acting, Cardellini has also provided her voice forGravity FallsandRegular Show.
From 2019 to 2022,Cardellini led Netflix’sDead to Mealongside Cristina Applegate.The black-comedy-drama focuses onwidows Judy and Jen(Cardellini and Applegate, respectively), as they bond over their losses. However, each woman has her own way of coping with her tragedy, leading to shocking connections between the two being unearthed.
With her having played a part in the events that rocked Jen’s world, portraying Judy allowed Cardellini to tackle a complicated character. Despite her being responsible for Jen’s husband Ted’s death, Judy also brings Jen out of her shell. As such, Judy has to balance her friendship with the horrific truth she’s hiding.
Both Cardellini and Applegate were recognized for their performances inDead to Me,becoming highlights of critics' reviews and each receiving nominations across its run, including an Emmy nod for Cardellini. However,Dead to Mecame to a close with season 3, bringing the show to an end on a poignant and dramatic note asJudy’s fate was left open-ended.
Cardellini would follow up this role withNo Good Deed, reuniting withDead to Mecreator Liz Feldmanin the black comedy focused on three families battling over ownership of a home. Cardellini portrays Margo Starling, the wife of a former soap opera star. However, after a single season,No Good Deedhas been placed on indefinite hiatus.
As such,Crystal Lakecould be a perfect fixfor viewers hoping to see Cardellini continue with more dramatic roles.In theFriday the 13thprequel, the star will be taking on the role of Pamela Voorhees,mother to Jason Voorheesand the villain of the original movie. The cook of Camp Crystal Lake, tragedy leads to Pamela seeking vengeance.
Pamela Walks The Line Between Deranged Killer & Tragic Figure
Even when compared to her role inDead to Me,Crystal Lakewill be a much darker affair for Cardellini.While Judy may have accidentally caused Jen’s suffering,tragedy turns Pamela into a bloodthirsty killer. Even 22 years after neglectful counselors allowed Jason to drown, she chooses to take her grief out on a new generation of uninvolved teenagers.
However, despite this clear line of villainy, Pamela is still a tragic figure. A single mother who was overprotective of her child, her whole world came tumbling down when Jason lost his life, giving her sympathetic motivations that other slasher killers of the time lacked. As such,Crystal Lakecould allow Cardellini to truly test audiences with her complicated anti-hero.
