The USA original TV series, “The Dead Zone” premiered on June 16, 2002 and it’s first season, 13-episode run was extremely highly rated, allowing the series to continue on through a second, and now third season run. It is based on the characters and story from the best-selling book of the same name by author Stephen King. The show was originally described as being ‘a psychological thriller that combines a rich mix of action, romance, the paranormal, and a continuing quest for justice.’ I’m happy to report it lives up to that description admirably. The 1983 film version, directed by David Cronenberg, starred Christopher Walken in the role of unwilling psychic Johnny Smith. It is still considered to be amongst the best of adaptations of King’s novels. I was a bit apprehensive when I first heard that there was going to be a TV series made of the book, as many TV versions tend to lose the spirit of the source material.

Not to mention the fact that as the book had a beginning, middle and end, I wasn’t sure of how they could translate the story to fit over (hopefully for them) many seasons.

Once I saw the first episode however, my apprehension disappeared. The most important parts of the original story were kept intact, and the production value of the series was high enough to make you buy into the reality behind the fantasy. I have since watched every episode through the end of the second season, and am very much looking forward to the new season that starts up in July.

For those who’ve never read the book or seen the film, “The Dead Zone” follows Johnny Smith (Anthony Michael Hall) who at first leads a peaceful life. He works as a science teacher, loves his work. He also deeply loves his fiancée Sarah (Nicole de Boer), a fellow teacher he's known since childhood. Johnny's life is almost perfect… until his life is interrupted by a near-fatal car crash that leaves him in a deep coma.

Six years later, Johnny finally regains consciousness and finds the life as he once knew to be quite different from what he remembers. His mother, whom he was taking care of prior to the accident, has passed away. His fiancée, Sarah, has gone on to not only marry someone else, but now has a son as well. A six-year old son. But Johnny has also changed as he now finds himself in possession of amazing psychic powers, which allow him to see into the lives of anyone he touches. Before he even leaves the hospital, he helps save the life of a nurse's daughter after having a vision in which he sees the young girl trapped in the middle of a house fire.

With all these changes, Johnny must make a new life for which is incredibly difficult as the life he once knew seems like only yesterday to his memory. He must also come to terms with his new abilities, which turn out to be both a blessing and a curse. Helping Johnny make a fresh start are his physical trainer and friend Bruce (John L. Adams) and Reverend Gene Purdy (David Ogden Stiers), who may or may not be looking out for Johnny's best interests.

The big surprise of the series is the performance by Anthony Michael Hall as Johnny Smith. I always thought Hall was a good actor, but it has been a difficult road for him to shake the stereotype roles he played years ago. Best known as the ‘geek’ in “Sixteen Candles” and "Breakfast Club”, most people only saw him as that character. As he’s grown up, he has had the opportunity to break from that mold, but none of the parts really gave him the fame he achieved at an earlier age.

Now that I’ve been watching “The Dead Zone”, I feel he has found a part that will gain him a new audience of fans. Hall has wisely chosen not to try and mimic Walken’s performance, and has instead re-created the character. Most of the characteristics that made Smith so interesting are there, but he has a whole new persona. Hall is a fine actor and I love his performance in this series.

I mentioned the production value of the show, which is amazing. Everything about “The Dead Zone” looks great, from the location work to the special effects. Considering the supernatural aspect of the series, making Johnny’s visions ‘real’ is a difficult challenge. I don’t want to reveal too much here for those who may be new to the series, so I won’t go into detail. But I will say that the visions are spectacularly pulled off. The shift from reality into the visions is done in many different ways, some dramatic and startling, others quietly beautiful.

So far, the series has successfully taken the characters from King’s book and transported them into a new medium, even being careful to weave the most important plot of the original story into it. Fans of the book will get quite a shock at the end of season 1, with a jaw-dropping revelation that kept me hanging on all the way until the beginning of season 2.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the theme song, “New Year’s Prayer” by the late Jeff Buckley. My wife and I were hooked on this opening theme right off the bat. I had to do some Internet searching shortly after watching the show for the first time to track it down. Of course now I believe it’s much more readily available on the CD soundtrack for the series. It’s a very moody piece that perfectly sets the tone of the show.

The new DVD set from Lions Gate is a must have for fans of the show. Besides offering up all 13 episodes from the freshman season in glorious Widescreen, there’s a bunch of extras spread out over the 4-disc set.

Among them is a lengthy documentary that focuses on the creation of the series. Full of interviews with creators Lloyd Segan, Michael & Shawn Pillar, and Rob Lieberman we learn about the challenges of getting a show like this up and running. There are also interviews with cast members Hall, Nicole deBoer, Kristen Dalton and David Ogden Stiers.

The documentary on the second disc has more interviews but focuses more on the writing of the series, while disc three features a look at the music and special effects. Finally on disc four, there’s an unusual documentary that allows the many guest stars of the series to speak up.

Oh wait, did I say, “Finally?” That’s far from it. This season 1 set also has commentaries on not just select episodes, but ALL 13 episodes. Who could ask for anything more?

One of the more intriguing things about this set is an empty DVD slot. It seems there was an unaired pilot of the series. Folks who buy this 1st season set can send in a coupon with along proof of purchase and receive a DVD of this pilot. Now I don’t currently have a copy of this DVD, but am tracking one down. Once I’ve seen it (and man, I’ve GOT to see it), I’ll add an addendum to this review and tell you all about it. So be keeping a lookout.

All I can say about this set as a whole is GET IT / BUY IT / RENT IT, whatever you need to do. It’s an exceptionally well-made series and I honestly can’t get enough of it.

Episodes:
Wheel of Fortune
What it Seems
Quality of Life
Enigma
Netherworld
Unreasonable Doubt
The Siege
Enemy Mind
Here There Be Monsters
Dinner with Dana
Shaman
Destiny

Starring: Anthony Michael Hall, Nicole deBoer, Chris Bruno, John L. Adams, David Ogden Stiers
Extras: Documentary features that focus on the creation, writing, music, special effects, and guest stars, Commentary on all 13 episodes.
Specifications: Widescreen
Studio: Lions Gate
Release Date: 6/17/2003
Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Dead Zone - Season 1 an A.