The Dead Zone
Okay so I'm a bit behind on my TV tape watching.
Last year on DZ:
Johnny Smith crashes his car.
Johnny Smith is in a coma for 5 years.
When he comes out his fiancee is married to the sheriff.
His mother has killed herself.
His son is being raised as another man's.
Oh yeah, and he's psychic.
He sleeps with Dana a reporter.
He sleeps with Sarah his ex-fiancee.
And has a vision that political candidate Greg Stillson will cause Armegeddon.
No big.

This week on Valley of Shadows:

Number one Johnny has a terrible haircut. Minor point but it bugged the crap out of me, its the little
things that are distracting. He's very obsessed over the Stillson thing, following him around at
appearances, etc. It's caused him to lose his visions. He's ignoring Sarah and Dana. Even his bud
Bruce is concerned. When a child is kidnapped Johnny has no visions. But the kidnapper is counting on
Johnny to save the boy. The kidnapper Francis is cool. Religious nut but well characterized not overplayed as
a stereotype. Johnny's visions return. With one of little Johnny and Sarah-does it mean something?
Francis tells Johnny that he is daniel and he has a duty to teach the people. Then francis goes out and
does suicide by cop. Ooh mysterious. The DeadZone seems to specialize in likable bad guys. I guess
trying to show the complexity of human existence. (No coincidence considering the writer/producer worked on
all the star trek incarnations as co-creator, writer, and producer). The show's often good
humor was gone, unfortunatately this episode was very grim. I do have to say that Anthony Michael Hall is perfect for
this role. He has really matured as an actor and and I think this show has not only proved it but may be a
true second chance for one of the few brat packers who didn't move on to more adult roles after the heyday.
Libby
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I am Rabies. Grrrrrrrr!