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Common Sense Note

Parents should know that this sci-fi drama based on a Stephen King novel depicts supernatural powers, crime, murder, and conspiracy. Situations can be scary and sometimes involve children at risk. Several characters are shady, including a Christian church leader. Storylines involve intimate adult relationships and sometimes include potentially confusing messages about marriage and sex.

Families can discuss supernatural powers. What would it be like to see the future? What other powers would family members want to have? Would teens be tempted to use their powers for not-so-good reasons? What responsibilities come with having powers like Johnny's?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Sierra Filucci

In this adequate psychological thriller (based on Stephen King's 1979 novel), Johnny Smith (Anthony Michael Hall) uses his psychic abilities to fight for justice while also preparing to save the world from Armageddon.

After awaking from a six-year coma, Smith finds his world changed. His mother has died, and his wife has remarried. But those aren't the only changes he faces. He's gained the ability to foresee the future by touching people and objects. He uses his newfound powers to fight for good, though he struggles with interpreting his visions and sometimes makes devastating mistakes.

The series follows a somber, sensitive Smith as he tangles with politicians, investigates crimes, and tries to piece his life back together. Watching him manage his visions is an exciting aspect of the show, but Hall overplays the seriousness of his role a bit and tends to hold a stoic expression in almost every scene. Also, his face is consistently lit from an angle, adding both an otherworldly and sort of silly melodramatic effect.

THE DEAD ZONE has elements that make it a potential cult hit -- the supernatural, political conspiracy, a mysterious future, and even Smith's tortured soul -- but it also has multiple weaknesses that keep it from being a true success. The one black character (John L. Adams as Bruce Lewis) in the otherwise all-white cast has minimal importance and often just seems along for the ride. And if Smith would lighten up occasionally, it would actually allow viewers to take him more seriously.

With murder, crime, and conspiracy at the forefront, The Dead Zone isn't for younger folks. Some episodes are more gruesome than others, and some involve children being threatened or killed. Most older teens should be able to handle the material.

Mature viewers who like The Dead Zone may also enjoy Medium or The 4400.

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Content
		CS	adults	kids
Sexual Content Kissing; sexual objectification by bad characters. Adults have intimate relationships.
Violence Murder, suspenseful situations, shooting, hate crimes -- not every episode includes graphic violence, but some do.
Language "Son of a bitch" and other lesser cursing.
Message
	Social Behavior The main character uses his powers for good, but some characters, including an evangelical reverend, are morally ambigious, and some are downright rotten. One African American character in an otherwise all-white cast.
	Commercialism Some product placement, like Apple computers.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Bad characters sometimes drink.

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