Definitely calling #TooSoon on this one! Of course, I had the luxury of knowing the rug was going to be swept out from beneath me come season end, seeing as it was cancelled several years ago now, but still... too soon! Sigh.
So yes, as you can probably tell, I am a fan of Constantine. The pilot was a little rocky, though technically amazing, but once the show hit its stride it achieved a great deal. The plotline rapidly pushed past the possibility of being just another monster-of-the-week setup, largely thanks to the angelic driving force of Mannie. The characters were all well portrayed and interesting, both keeping you guessing whilst constantly revealing little bits that made the pacing feel pretty decent. Matt Ryan was so accurately cast that I truly don't think I'll be happy with anyone else ever playing the titular character again. Plus, a seriously honourable mention needs to go to Charles Halford who played the eminently likeable yet mysterious Chas; Deadpool take note, this is how you script/play the likeable buddy to the wisecracking anti-hero.
The monsters were also great. Again, Constantine was definitely not afraid to try out some of the weirder denizens of the spirit world. Sure, we got possession, soul-eaters and similarly usual paranormal scares, but also Cobylnau and the Brujeria!? Ballsy, Constantine, ballsy indeed. Plus they were all done pretty well. TV effects are constantly advancing, but I still expect the likes of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D's Kree warriors outside of finalés, yet Constantine's critters were consistently top-notch and frequently actually unsettling.
Combined with a genuinely intriguing season finale twist ending and cliffhanger, I'm incredibly annoyed that this is all of the Constantine I'm ever likely to get. It's a damn shame and yet another show that faltered too soon, whilst much less worthy fare gets greenlit year-after-year. Sigh again.