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For those looking to a successor for "The X-Files",
"The 4400" is currently one of the most intelligent fantasy/
science fiction shows running. Playing in the USA Network,
the show details 4400 people that were abducted by humanity
from the future and these individuals return just the age
they were when they abducted often with unusual gifts. They
will somehow save the future (sound familiar fans of "Heroes"?
This show came first) of humanity but we're not exactly
sure at this stage how. There are those that want to exploit
them for their own gain and National Threat Assessment Agents
Tom Baldwin (Joel Gretsch) whose son and nephew were abducted
and returned along with his partner Diana Skouris (Jacqueline
McKenzie) who has adopted the youngest returnee. ***
Both Gretch and McKenzie do a terrific job in the Mulder
and Scully roles of the show each providing elements the
other doesn't have. Both suspect an ultra wealthy returnee
Jordan Collier (the excellent Bill Campbell) who plans on
using Tom's nephew Shawn to heal others so as to spark interest
in his movement which comes across like a cult. Collier
uses Shawn's gifts demanding high payment for Shawn's services
in return for beyond money. ***
Some of the returnees have not had it so lucky; these
return disturbed with what has happened to them and are
locked up in mental institutions like Tess (Summer Glau
from "Firefly" and the film "Serenity"). Her memories are
filtering to as to what was done to them and why creating
additional emotional havoc for her. ***
Now Isabelle Tyler (Megalyn Echikunwoke) of two returnees
conceived at an unknown time while they were taken has grown
into adulthood with mysterious powers. Jordon may be dead
now and the Nova group is perpetrating all sorts of mayhem.
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Image & Sound:
Nice vivid colors and a sharp presentation are a highlight
of "The 4400". Skin tones look natural while digital flaws
are minimal. Audio sounds fine with 5.1 and 2.0 surround
tracks. The second season showed a marked improvement over
the writing in the first and the image quality of this set
likewise looks slightly better than the previous set. ---
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