The Dead Zone has managed to keep its episodes fresh over the years and that has made it interesting to watch. The way the lead character's "psychic" ability is limited allows stories to unfold in unpredictable ways.The series is basically about a man who wakes up from a long coma with a new ability. He can touch people and things and get flashes of their background - often things that deal with something important that has or will happen to them.This gives him a reason to pursue finding out more so he can make a positive difference. What keeps the stories interesting is that his flashes are limited and uncontrolled - he can't just "get the answer" to something. He gets bits and pieces which are also sometimes not in sequential order. It's a little bit like the "CSI" shows, but with a little more novelty.The F/X used are really interesting too. During his flashes, he's sometimes able to get them to 'freeze'. Then he can actually walk around the whole scene while all motion is stopped (including things in midair). Nicely done.The only part that is a little bit of a negative is his bizarre extended relationship with his former girlfriend, her (and his) son and her husband; it's a little too weird and adds nothing to the show. If you like good stories dealing with "psi" (short for psychic) or "CSI"-type shows where bits of evidence take the stories in unpredictable directions, you should check out this series.

*The Dead SPOILERS* Johnny Smith (Anthony Michael Hall) wakes up after six years of coma to find out that the whole world around him has changed; his girlfriend Sarah (Nicole DeBoer) has had a kid from him, but she's moved on and married another man, the town sheriff Walt Bannerman (Chris Bruno), his mother is dead...Everything's changed.Himself included.Because he seems to have acquired the power of precognition; by simply touching a thing or a person, Johnny can see into their past or future, a gift which he uses to help Bannerman whenever he can, but which sometimes can weigh a lot on him...I'm surprised by the high level of quality kept by 'The Dead Zone' after five seasons in writing, acting, directing and FX; it manages to never be banal and always fascinating.Of course, coming from a source material such as King's book...Anyway, don't miss it! The Dead Zone: 9/10.

This is one of those shows where the main characters are driven to put aside the problems they have with each other because they know that there are more important things. Those are the kind of characters I can enjoy watching. In this case they all know that Johnny (Anthony Michael Hall) has real visions not crazy visions or psychic hotline visions, but real visions. And that they can help him thwart the events that would otherwise lead to deaths or disaster if they trust each other and work together. This leads to the compelling stories that aren't about his visions. Sarah (Nicole de Boer) and Johnny were engaged before his car accident turned 6 year coma. However, during that coma she married the local sheriff (Chris Bruno). So watching as Johnny and the sheriff become friends is very interesting. Rev. Gene Purdy (David Ogden Stiers) as the man in charge of Johnny's inheritance is also an interesting study in suspense because the viewer can't tell if he is an imperfect man trying to do good, or someone with malicious intent. Johnny's best friend Bruce (John L. Adams) is someone he can share all his secrets with and their conversation is also where some of the quality humor of the show comes through. This show is definitely one to watch.

I saw this at blockbuster and figured "what the hell." It's Stephen King and about psychic stuff, so I figured I was pretty safe. All in all it was good. I haven't seen any of the series, though after seeing the pilot I may try to tune in. The story was good, but what I really liked the best was the visions flashes, especially when Anthony Michael Hall would sort of freeze frame on a vision and explore it. I'm a sucker for good effects and this movie had it (again, can't say anything for the series) but I was impressed with the level of detail in these freeze frame vision scenes, like rain drops and bomb fragments suspended in air, cool stuff. The `Movie' or pilot itself was well rounded in that it had a start, plot, and a finish, as to not leave you with a cliff hanger ending. If you're into Sci-Fi's & effects, check it out.