Sorry for the late posting, but it was a very tiring weekend and I just didn’t have it in me to write this column Sunday Night. Nevertheless, there’s a lot to say with my summer shows having their finales this weekend, so let’s jump right in!
Oh, but first, the Emmy’s. I didn’t watch it (aside from the first hour), but I checked out the results. I was HIGHLY disappointed that neither Gregory Itzin nor Jean Smart walked away with an Emmy, because they were both a pure highlight in one of the show’s greatest seasons. It was great to see Kiefer walk away with the award, though, because he really deserved it, as did 24 for best Dramatic Series.
THE 4400:
In my view, expectations were high given last year’s incredible finale. However, as a whole, this season has been phenomenal, so I was really hoping that this episode would continue the momentum.
I thought the episode was fantastic, and, as expected, I am anxiously awaiting next season. This show really, really needs to increase its episode frequency, perhaps taking over a similar schedule as Monk (where it has new episodes over the summer, then goes on hiatus until January). This show definitely has enough creative juice to go 20 episodes, without a doubt.
Last year my one criticism of the finale was that it didn’t even seem like Tom cared about Shawn’s well being. That said, Tom’s desire to protect his nephew was one of the strongest aspects of this year’s season-ender. Throughout the whole episode, Tom seemed to have had Shawn’s best interest in mind. When they raided the house to find Shawn trying to save Devin, Tom seemed like a caring uncle first, and an NTAC agent second. He told Shawn to put his hands where they can see them, and then embraced him (opposed to arresting him first). Then during the whole interrogation process, Tom immediately stood by Shawn and demanded that they not torture him. When his life was in danger after Isabelle used her abilities on him, he was the first one to run to his aid. And Tom sitting at Shawn’s bedside at the conclusion of the episode was a very touching scene. I thought Tom’s affection for Shawn was a real highlight of the episode.
Speaking of Shawn, his (paraphrased) “Sweetie, get your hands off of me” was perhaps the greatest line ever uttered on the show. The delivery, the subdued intensity, and the history behind that comment made it great.
Last year I noted how almost surreal it was seeing Shawn and Maia share a scene together, since the two had always been the “poster children” so to speak, but had never really interacted. This year, I felt the same way about seeing Maia and Isabelle together. It was sweet seeing Maia come to the rescue of her friend, and I commend the actress for conveying her emotions so powerfully. I also enjoyed the fact that she used her abilities, telling Isabelle her plot was not going to work.
By that same token, I thought Diana storming into the room and firing upon Isabelle was great as well. Her unwavering desire to protect her daughter has always been a great character trait, and it was exemplified very effectively in this scene.
On top of that, I thought Richard using his abilities to “kill” Isabelle was amazingly poetic, and actually much, much, much more impacting than if Tom had committed the deed. I enjoyed the way Richard first tried to talk sense into her, stating that this was HER decision, and that she was actively deciding to kill people. His emotional struggle as he used his telepathy to press the needle against her neck, and then hesitating before actually injecting it, was fantastic.
The end of the scene, with Tom trying to decide whether or not to shoot Isabelle was great as well. I honestly did not know what he would do, and him ultimately deciding to shoot her, despite the fact that she had lost her abilities, was (pun slightly intended) shot wonderfully. Overall, I think pretty much every single actor and actress did a great job in this emotionally fueled episode.
The stuff with Jordan exceeded my expectations. The cynic in me thought that they were going to reveal that Jordan was actually evil, and while that may still come, this episode continued portraying him as somebody who wants to prevent the future catastrophe. I was especially pleased with his insistence that his disciples make sure people understand the risk of taking the promicin. Indeed, he does seem to care that people recognize what may happen to them if their bodies reject the promicin. By that same token, he genuinely seemed to have wanted Richard to follow him by his own will, and not have to be a mental prisoner to Tess. I’d really love it if Jordan was a permanent character next season, and I’m still holding out hope that he remains a good guy. His absolute confidence and soft toned voice is a fantastic contrast to Isabelle and Ryland.
Speaking of Ryland (I’m doing a great job with the segues today), his character continues to intrigue me, and I’m definitely pleased that he has played such a vital role this past season. It seemed to me that he almost saw the err of his ways after realizing what Isabelle was capable of doing, and how diabolical her intentions are. I’m interested to see how his character will turn next season.
The season did a great job of leaving a lot of question marks regarding some central characters. Perhaps most interestingly, what happened to Alana? That was undoubtedly a very unusual moment, one that makes me wonder what will happen. Has she served her purpose, and is being returned to the future? If so, why hasn’t this happened to any other 4400 (that we know of)? And why now? It’s too bad, because I really like her character.
I’m also curious what will happen with Diana and Maia next season. What catastrophic event will propel them to return? We know SOMETHING will, but what? Also, what will become of Kyle and April, who have both opted to take the promicin?
On top of that, we have both Shawn and Isabelle in stable comas, leaving a big question mark on their conditions as well. Again, overall this was a fantastic closing to an amazing season. EXTEND THIS SHOW’S SEASON PLEASE!!!
THE DEAD ZONE:
It definitely doesn’t seem like this show is ending, considering the non-conclusive ending to the finale. Plus, it was constantly referred to as the “season finale” opposed to the “series finale.” Nevertheless, there’s a lot more fire in this season yet, and it’s not as if the series in holding anybody’s career back (probably the exact opposite), so I say keep it going for another season.
I also want to briefly talk about last week’s episode, which was a real emotional tear-jerker. I’m sure a lot of people probably feel that the relationship between Johnny, Walt, and Sara (and JJ, for that matter) is unrealistic, however I really enjoy the way they get along and genuinely care about each other. Nevertheless, I liked seeing Johnny’s subtle pain that JJ will always recognize Walt as his father, even if he knows, biologically, that Johnny is his dad. It was also touching to hear Walt tell Johnny that he never tried to replace him, and I believe him when he says that. The fact of the matter is, Walt seemed supportive when the decision was made to tell JJ the truth. I thought that the episode was one of the most emotional in recent memory, and a great insight into the relationship between Johnny and Walt, Johnny and Sara, Johnny and JJ, as well as Walt and Sara and Walt and JJ. It’s easy to see that Johnny doesn’t have it easy.
The season finale was a bit underwhelming in a way, so I do hope that this isn’t how the season ends. It seems like it was a great set up to making next season the final one, with Stilson finally achieving the power that has been prophesized the entire duration of the series. If that was the intention, I think the episode did a fine job. If it was a potential way to end the series, I think they came up very short.
Stilson’s character seems to have more depth than the way he is portrayed in the movie and book. He seems reluctant to commit evil deeds, as he clearly needs to be convinced or forced into it. However, once he makes the decision to do so, he fairly easily convinces himself (and others) that it was the right thing to do. His ambition always seems to get the best of him, which could ultimately lead to the apocalypse. This version of Stilson also seems much less in control of the situations he’s in, and much more of a puppet.
Overall it was a very good episode and season finale, but a very weak way to end the series. Actually, as a whole, I felt that last week’s episode was probably better….and a more fitting way to end the series.
Before ending things, just want to say that I am proud of WWE for releasing Kurt Angle, and I really hope he can get his body and mind healed up as soon as possible, because I’d love to see him in the wrestling ring again. He’s truly one of the most amazing athletes and performers certainly in the past decade, and perhaps ever. I’ve also met the guy, and he’s super nice. So best wishes to you, Kurt.
Until next week, hopefully on time, that’s it for me.
