Nov. 11, 2026
By Henry Keefe
Staff Writer
The seven-episode Netflix adaptation of John Steinbeck’s family saga “East of Eden” shocks viewers with its twists and turns.
The limited series follows protagonist Adam Trask (Christopher Abbott) as he endures tragedy while his family fractures. Set on a farm in an unnamed town in Connecticut, Adam is born to a Civil War veteran and is raised with his younger brother, Charles (Mike Faist), whom he leaves to join the Army.
After Adam is discharged from the Army, he returns home and finds a wife, Cathy Ames (Florence Pugh). Unfortunately, she uses him and everyone around her to advance during a period when women could only progress with the help of powerful men or through illicit means.
The series spans six decades and shifts perspective from Adam and Cathy to their sons, whom they neglected. The plot is enriched by each character’s varying worldviews. Adam believes in the Biblical term “Timshel,” which means choosing to be good or bad. Meanwhile, Cathy believes in using manipulation to get ahead. These conflicting ideas and personalities add drama and tension.
Furthermore, the instrumental pieces and direction are incredible. The music is often melancholic or somber, creating a sense of calm after dramatic moments.
Director Elia Kazan created many powerful scenes without needing words. At times, silence is all the audience needs to understand what the characters are going through.
Viewers will soon find themselves trying to predict what will happen next and eager to watch the next episode.
The acting is strong, with Pugh and Hoon Lee as the standouts. Pugh perfectly embodies her character, conveying Cathy’s manic and cunning nature. Lee plays the character Lee, the Trasks’ servant who helps raise their boys. As a Chinese American, Lee faces many challenges and frustrations that deepen his emotional arc.
The show’s dialogue is well-written and realistic. Most arguments have valid claims and counterclaims, leaving some interpretation up to viewers. Often, characters bicker over conflicting ethics, and their actions are usually morally gray, making it hard to take sides.
The main weakness of the series is its pacing. The first episode is slow, but then it picks up. Viewers will soon find themselves trying to predict what will happen next and eager to watch the next episode.
Overall, “East of Eden” is worth watching because it offers many surprises and thought-provoking themes. The show teaches viewers to embrace different perspectives and make peace with their complicated pasts.
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