The Dead Zone

Emerging from a six-year coma following a car accident, a man discovers that he has psychic powers that are more of a curse than a blessing. If this sounds familiar, it's because USA Network's most successful original series, The Dead Zone, is based on one of Stephen King's creepiest books (which was also adapted by David Cronenberg in 1983). As psychic Johnny Smith, former Brat Packer Anthony Michael Hall is solid in the lead of this near 90-minute pilot, which--although loaded with leaden dialogue and plot contrivances (there's a limit to how many serial killers Johnny will be able to track)--effectively establishes the small-town “Maine” settings and the characters whose lives Johnny will touch--the ex-fiancée (Nicole de Boer), her sheriff husband (Chris Bruno), and the creepy Reverend (David Ogden Stiers). A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include commentary by Anthony Michael Hall, Michael Pillar, Rob Lieberman, Nicole de Boer, and Chris Bruno; a two-minute featurette; television promo spots; a three-minute alternate ending with introduction by co-creator Shawn Pillar, and a three-minute second season preview with co-creator Michael Pillar. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a popular TV title.] (D. Fienberg)