A Brighter Day

[andrewmck]

I feel a lot better today. The sun is shining and the Chiro has already cracked my neck, shoulder and pelvis back into place.

Thanks to those who sent their thoughts and words of wisdom.

In the end I settled down and watched season one of The Dead Zone. I'd never watched this show on TV. I'm a big Stephen King fan, which also means I can be pretty dubious and cautious about any film or tv adaptations. There have been a few really good ones (including Dead Zone (film), Stand By Me, The Shining, Shawshank, Green Mile and I'm looking forward to The Mist) but there are many bad adaptations too - Children of the Corn, Maximum Overdrive, The Runnning Man, The Lawnmower Man and Salem's Lot (both TV adaptations).

Fortunately 'The Dead Zone' is not one of the bad ones. In fact, compared to similar TV series (Supernatural, Medium, etc) it is downright brilliant! There are a few changes away from the plot of the novel (who Sarah marries etc, and why rename him Walt Bannerman instead of George?) but in the end they are minor changes or changes made to create links throughout episodes of the series. The stories are very good, and willing to experiment with the concept of John Smith's abilities. The acting is also pretty top-notch and Anthony Michael Hall (Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles) is great as the lead. He plays John Smith his own way, but still retains a passing nod to Christopher Walken's previous big screen portrayal.

I can't believe they're about to film the final season - season seven - and that I missed it all! I have a lot of catching up to do with this one, and I'm kicking myself that I didn't watch it sooner. It definitely cheered me up yesterday.

Comments

[ashamel.livejournal.com]

I haven't heard anything about them filming season 7 -- I thought it had been canceled at the end of 6.

I really like the show, although have only watched up till the end of S4. I've heard it goes downhill from here, but I should give it a go when I get the chance.

[gillpolack.livejournal.com]

I was watching it on TV and they changed its time to 3 am at one stage and skipped episodes occasionally so I gave up - I want to watch it on DVD too!

[ph8.livejournal.com]

Glad you're enjoying! Not sure where we got up to with our viewing... I think we made it to season 5 but don't quote me on that. Will have to go back and see it through to the end! :) I wanted to slap Sarah from time to time but mostly I like the characters. It rarely felt fomulaic to me, which given the premise and number of seasons is actually quite amazing!

[eneit.livejournal.com]

better days are good things.