So I know that last week I went on a bit of a rant on ECW and, more specifically, its rose-colored glasses wearing fans, and I stand by what I said. However, I do have to criticize the recent decision to make all matches, unless specifically mentioned, WWE-rules. To me, that decision completely misses the concept of ECW, and considering WWE just released a book which delves into this very topic (i.e. doing away with lame disqualification/count out finishes, and instead offering a product unlike anything else being presented) really makes me scratch my head. Unlike most people I really don’t have any problem with them focusing their pushes on WWE-related superstars, but THIS, in my opinion, is a terrible idea.
Anyway, with the wrestling stuff out of the way, let’s get to the television!
WINDFALL:
I really can’t decide what I think of this show. I’m not the only one drawing comparisons to Reunion, but I kinda feel the same way about Windfall as I did Reunion. The premise of the show has so much potential, but it’s almost as if the powers that be can’t quite nail the execution. Like I said last week, they need to look at the Lost/4400 model, where you have your central characters, but not every single character is featured in every single episode.
Anyway, the Sean storyline is a bit strange, given how seemingly nobody has ever tempted the possibility that the chick ran off with his money. And I understand that he’s probably upset about the fact that somebody he cares about was murdered (because of him, no less), but doesn’t he seem awfully indifferent to the fact that he lost $20 million?
I enjoyed the stuff with Luke Perry’s family realizing that bigger is not always better, and that, deep down, they really are just ordinary people who enjoy living an ordinary and simple lifestyle.
That’s pretty much all I have to say about this show at this time.
THE 4400:
Always good to see Ryland, as he’s become an amazingly diabolical protagonist this past season, which is very surprising considering his seemingly noble role in the first season.
I have to admit, though, that Tom’s plea to Ryland that they’ve known each other for over 20 years, and that he should help him because of that, was pretty ballsy. I mean, honestly, where was this friendship when the roles were reversed?
I really like Alana, so I’m disappointed to see her go. I also found her overall behavior this past episode very uncharacteristic. Alana has always been there for Tom, emotionally and verbally. As far as I can remember, never in the past has Alana gotten so involved in one of Tom’s investigation, never mind the fact that she was helping a known terrorist. Anyway, I was surprised that they wrote her character off, even if just temporarily.
This episode also did an effective job of creating sympathy for Gary’s character. They’ve flip-flopped Gary so many times that making people actually care about his plight is no easy task, but I feel like they pulled it off quite nicely. I particularly enjoyed his argument that he was just a baseball player who wanted nothing more than to play Major League Baseball, and that if he never met them he’d be catching grounders. At times he does seem to blame all of his problems on other people, but I felt this was a fair complaint. I also appreciated his praying while in the car with Ryland, as it really added a sense of desperation and despair to the scenario.
Isabelle is downright dark now, and I love that progression in her character. I think it’s great that even Richard, her own father, is afraid of her and what she might do. She’s most definitely a twisted character, and I can absolutely see her trying to destroy the 4400 just because of her obsession with Shawn. It’s also great how Shawn has caught onto her dastardly ways as well.
Speaking of Shawn, I found his reunion with Lauren quite touching, although I also would have appreciated him mentioning his reconciliation with Danny. I also liked how he’s using his pretty significant ability to help the people in his life.
THE DEAD ZONE:
Alright, I have to admit it, I was really hoping that we’d see the flashback of Johnny touching the relic. That said, I thought that us NOT seeing it, in fact Johnny refusing to even touch it, worked much better.
Geez, that JJ really knows how to get himself into sticky situations, doesn’t he?
I really liked the switcheroo, where we were led to believe that the lead thief was a bad guy, when in reality he was actually a priest attempting to protect a relic close to his heart. I also appreciated the difference of faith, where Purdy so desperately needed Johnny to reaffirm his faith, whereas he knew in his heart that it was real.
While on the subject of Purdy, I must go on again about what an interesting and deep character he is. Is he perfect? No. Is he even completely moral, from a subjective point of view? Not entirely. But, in his mind, he honestly does believe he’s doing what’s best for God.
Anyway, that’s all I’ve got for this week. Until next Monday, Case Closed!
