Joe Hill Blue Bloods

Waren Burn

2 min read

·

02-12-2024

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Joe Hill, the pen name of Stephen King's son, has crafted a compelling addition to the supernatural thriller genre with his novel, Horns. While not directly part of the Blue Bloods franchise, Horns shares a similar thematic exploration of power, corruption, and the inherent darkness within seemingly ordinary individuals. This exploration, however, unfolds within a vastly different setting and with a unique narrative structure.

Comparing the Supernatural Elements

Both Blue Bloods (the television series) and Horns grapple with elements of the supernatural, but their approaches diverge significantly. Blue Bloods primarily utilizes the supernatural as a backdrop for police procedural narratives, often subtly hinting at the larger, unseen forces at play within the city's power structures. The supernatural in Blue Bloods is rarely the main focus, serving more as a source of mystery or underlying tension.

Horns, on the other hand, places the supernatural at its very core. The protagonist, Ig, sprouts devil horns, granting him access to the dark desires and hidden secrets of those around him. This supernatural element drives the plot forward, forcing Ig to confront his own demons and those of his community. The supernatural is not a subtle undercurrent; it is the very engine that propels the narrative.

Exploring Themes of Power and Corruption

While vastly different in their execution, both Blue Bloods and Horns delve into the complexities of power and corruption. Blue Bloods explores these themes primarily through the lens of the Reagans, a family deeply entrenched in the New York City Police Department. The series showcases the ethical dilemmas inherent in wielding authority, the temptations of power, and the delicate balance between justice and personal ambition.

Horns similarly examines these themes, but from a more visceral and fantastical perspective. Ig's newfound power allows him to manipulate those around him, exposing the hypocrisy and corruption within his community. This exploration, however, is deeply personal, forcing Ig to confront his own complicity in the cycle of power and deceit.

Distinct Narrative Styles

The narrative styles employed by Blue Bloods and Horns are also starkly different. Blue Bloods, as a procedural drama, utilizes a serialized structure with each episode focusing on a particular case. The overarching narrative is unfolded gradually, with recurring themes and relationships evolving over time.

Horns, however, is a self-contained novel with a clear beginning, middle, and end. The narrative focuses on Ig's journey of self-discovery and revenge, unfolding through a series of interconnected events that propel the story towards its dramatic climax.

Conclusion

While not directly connected, Blue Bloods and Joe Hill's Horns share a common ground in their exploration of power, corruption, and the subtle (or overt) presence of the supernatural. However, their respective approaches to these themes, as well as their narrative structures and styles, showcase the diverse ways in which these elements can be incorporated into compelling and engaging stories. Ultimately, both offer unique and captivating explorations of the human condition and the darker aspects of our world.