STREET DATE: MAY 23
Official Synopsis:
Over the last century, thousands of people have gone missing. Suddenly and inexplicably, 4400 missing people are returned, all at once, exactly as they were on the day they vanished. Unclear what this world-altering event means, the government investigates the 4400 to piece together where they've been and why they've been returned. It quickly becomes apparent that their presence will change the human race in ways no one could have foreseen.
Our Take:
The 4400 is hands-down one of the best show on television.
I watch a lot of science fiction television, and I enjoy a lot of it. I'm a huge Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis fan, I've always loved Star Trek, I watched the X-Files and Buffy and Angel religiously. And still, The 4400 ranks up there with the very best of them. The show deserves to be in the highest ranks of the science fiction pantheon, right up there next to all the rest of the greats.
Of course, the fact that it airs on the USA Network has kept it from becoming a household name. Its ratings are terrific for a smaller network, which keeps it coming back for rabid fans like myself, and that's a good thing, but it has yet to become a mainstream hit.
What you have here is a show with a fascinating concept that is well scripted, well acted, and features some amazing stories. There's an episode in season two ("Life Interrupted") that does something truly impressive. I don't want to give too much away, but it radically changes one character's world and introduces a new character at the same time in a very cool way. It's not something that's never been done before in science fiction, but it comes from out of left field and then weaves itself into the tapestry of the show so seamlessly, it's one of the best of many great moments in the show.
Joel Gretsch and Jacqueline McKenzie are terrific as the show's leads, and even though there's a definite Scully/Mulder vibe there, they have such a great chemistry onscreen and the characters are so in synch that it never feels derivative. Also look for standout performances by Billy Campbell as billionaire Jordan Collier, one of the most interesting characters on any TV show in recent years.
Unlike the bare bones Season One release, The 4400: The Complete Second Season comes with a handful of bonus features.
* Creating the Ball of Light (9 minutes) - The show's producers talk about the genesis of the show.
* Return of the 4400 (11 minutes) - The producers discuss the new directions in season two.
* A Stitch in Time (10 minutes) - A look at the time-travel aspects of the show.
* Commentaries - There are three commentaries that feature lead actors Jacqueline McKenzie and Joel Gretsch, and producers Craig Sweeny and Ira Steven Behr.
The 4400 is an amazing show that is underrated and underappreciated. If you like good sci-fi television or just great drama, then you can't afford to pass this show up.
The 4400 returns for season three at 9 PM on the USA Network on June 11th. Also look for a 13-hour marathon starting at 9 AM on Sunday, June 4th, followed by a recap show at 10 PM. I recommend you start with season one before you try watching season two, especially since as a 6-episode miniseries, the DVD is fairly cheap and it's quick to watch. Take a chance and discover what great television is all about.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Overall Picture:
Show: A
DVD: B
- Mike Spring
Editor
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