The Stand Episode Four

I am trying to avoid spoilers, but I can't help but drop a few. I would think most everyone is familiar with the story of The Stand.

I am starting to get used to some of the performers in their roles. I don't think I'll ever love Henry Zaga as Nick, but I don't hate him as much as I originally thought I would. My first impressions of Brad William Henke as Tom Cullen were mixed, but he has won me over. I still like the portrayals of Stu, Larry, Glen, and Harold. Whoopi has yet to impress me. She has none of Ruby Dee's poise or dignity. It feels forced. I have seen cucumbers with more emotional depth then Odessa Young as Frannie.

The filmmakers continue to escalate the situations, generally to the detriment of the story. It enters the realm of socio-politics with the addition of a rural working class white guy exercising his alpha superiority by capturing and raping women. Okay, this is 2021 after all. But here is what did not work for me about it.

Harold and Frannie are detained by the quasi Proud Boy. Neither lift a finger to defend themselves. Even when the guy's back is to Frannie while he is kicking snowflake Harold's ass. I buy Harold's actions, or non-actions, as it is integral to his character. But Frannie sat there simpering and crying and did absolutely nothing. I wouldn't have liked seeing her as a badass superheroine, but she is supposed to be the mother of the future. It would have been nice to see more strength from her. Instead she was portrayed as weak and helpless.

And why, for God's sake, did they have to have Glen vaping? It feels way out of character to me.

And then there are various WTF? decisions, such as Hemingford Home being a retirement community rather than an isolated cabin.

I don't completely hate this new Stand, but for every moment I think is effective there are two that have me cringing.

To be continued...

Written by Mark Sieber