Under the Dome

Adapted from Stephen King's bestselling 2009 novel, the CBS summer miniseries Under the Dome—essentially a small-town melodrama with a sci-fi twist—was a ratings hit. On a bright autumn day, the 1,976 citizens of Chester's Mill, ME, suddenly find themselves trapped under a gigantic clear dome: no one can enter or leave. Although it differs from the novel, the small screen version of Under the Dome still pits individual citizens and groups against each other as loyalties and rivalries form over precious resources like water, food, and firearms. Over time, a military presence forms outside the dome, but the dome's origin and purpose (alien, or supernatural, or military?) remain shrouded in mystery as tensions escalate beneath it. Appealing to all demographics, the series features both teenagers and a suitably soapy variety of adults vying for control, with the ensemble cast capably led by Mike Vogel as a mysterious outsider hiding a scandalous secret, and Dean Norris as the town's corrupt and power-hungry mayor. Compiling all 13 episodes from the 2013 debut season, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, and a gag reel. Recommended. (J. Shannon)