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Spot Inspection: 'The Dead Zone'

Jul 30, 2007, 01:36 PM | by Michael Slezak

Categories: Spot Inspection, Television

Dead_l What's good on TV this summer? That's the question I've been hearing from family, friends, and coworkers since the end of May sweeps, and to be quite honest, I'm still not sure how to answer. I keep hearing good things about Lifetime's Army Wives, but after missing the first three episodes, I figured the ship had sailed without me. The third season of Kathy Griffin's My Life on the D List was both hilarious and touching, but — bam! — it's already finished. And while I've got a backlog of The Closer, Ice Road Truckers, and MI-5 on my DVR that I'm hoping will tide me over till my network favorites return in September, I decided last night that it was time to broaden my TV horizons — or run the risk of waking up in a cold sweat on my couch and discovering that I actually care about who wins season 2 of America's Got Talent.

That terrifying premonition prompted a trek over to USA to check out The Dead Zone, a show that I'll freely admit I haven't watched since its first season. Unfortunately, last night's episode found Anthony Michael Hall's psychic hero Johnny (pictured) in a coma, which left his not-quite-charismatic love interest Sarah (Nicole de Boer) at the center of the action. How is it that this woman freely admits Johnny's premonitions are almost always right, and yet, as she brings him into the ER of a nearly abandoned (and very creepy) hospital to treat a late-night bout of appendicitis, she ignores his groans of "I can't stay here, I'll wind up in a coma"? Sure, there were a couple nifty moments — like Johnny's cryptic babblings of "freezing in Reno" eventually pointing Sarah to an icy storage unit in a hospital wing marked off for "reno-vation" — but there wasn't a single twist in the story arc that wasn't telegraphed from the very beginning. Well, except for that painfully pat denouement where the lonely patients woke up in the solarium and fell in love. Still, I'm wondering if I ought to give The Dead Zone one more chance to redeem itself (with an episode that has its main character in the foreground). And, more importantly, back to my original question: What's good on TV this summer?

Donna Newman Thu, Nov 29, 2007 at 07:07 PM EST

It is now November 29, 2007. I just want to say that even though I'm a senior citizen, I still like "The Dead Zone". I will be watching for future episodes. Incidentally, it is much better than "House". That show is the one that needs to be taken off the air. I hope those in charge read this. Thanks!

Jingle Tue, Aug 14, 2007 at 10:54 AM EST

Burn Notice *****
Damages ****
Dead Zone ***
Armey Wives ****

bailey Sat, Aug 4, 2007 at 01:00 AM EST

Last Comic Standing's a good one. And funny.....obviously.

angela Fri, Aug 3, 2007 at 07:33 AM EST

hello,
I Love My life on the D-List, and i am sooo sad is over! Kathy rocks!

mwrightsoika Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 02:06 PM EST

Hi Michael,

You really should try to catch an "Army Wives" marathon if it ever comes on again...you won't be disappointed. Obvious choices are entourage, big love, and damages. I'm rewatching the O.C. on the soap network. But I echo the person below who mentioned making the band four. sooo funny. Diddy truly is the queen.

Nick Thu, Aug 2, 2007 at 10:07 AM EST

Why isn't ANYONE talking about THE NINE. this show is AMAZING and didnt deserve cancallation.......it has new episodes on wed's at 10! c'mon Sleazek!

Jen Tue, Jul 31, 2007 at 11:52 AM EST

For great summer viewing see...

The Closer
Monk
Burn Notice
Doctor Who
Eureka
Damages
Mad Men

I'm also looking forward to Jekyll (BBC America) and The Company (TNT)which should start soon.

Jgonzalez Tue, Jul 31, 2007 at 11:29 AM EST

Now that Kathy Griffin's "My life on the D list" is over, I really recommend "Psych" and "Top Chef". Two very entertaining shows.

Perkle Tue, Jul 31, 2007 at 10:32 AM EST

The Closer
Burn Notice
Monk
Top Chef
Standoff

My faves right now.

wintersux Tue, Jul 31, 2007 at 05:15 AM EST

I continue to flog in any public venue possible that I still miss CBS's Rock Star!!!!

Raven_Moon Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 11:21 PM EST

I still like the "Dead Zone." It's not as good as it once was, but I still enjoy it.

Other shows to watch in the summer:

"Rescue Me" (one of my favorite shows, in general)
"Kyle XY"
"Monk"
"Psych"
"Burn Notice"

Also, I know this isn't a summer show, but I've been catching up on "House." (I started watching it mid-season.)

Richard Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 10:17 PM EST

Mike-Zak, I'm pleased that you noted that the D-List show was full of giggles and tears and more giggles. Why so few episodes? There has to be more next time. And there will be a next time, yes? Re: her guy assistant Tom, am I the only on who thinks he has Charles Manson type eyes? Tom is not ugly at all, but when he stares into the camera, I want to go hide under the bed. Summer TV for me is mostly about catching DVD watching of TV series that I've missed out on before, and of course, Dr. Who on Sci-Fi. And I'll cop to the fact that I'm watching Big Brother After Dark on ShoToo, though I hate to admit that fact. Happy viewing MZ.

The train wrecks ... Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 10:14 PM EST

"Scott Baio is 45 and Single" and "Hey Paula" for their sheer "how pathetic can these so-called celebrities be" value!

My Summer TV Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 10:10 PM EST

Has been mostly reality TV. So You Think You Can Dance has been the best for it's entertainment value and, dare I say, a more universally talented cast than American Idol 6. I also list Big Brother as a guilty pleasure this summer for a cast of interesting train wrecks (Love vapid Jen & Amber please stop crying). Also, HGTV's Design Star is a poor man's Project Runway, but is amusing for design show enthusiasts like me.

Mike Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 08:50 PM EST

I thought Dead Zone made the right move by ending that long-running Sean Patrick Flannery storyline. Walt was a great character, but his death opens up a lot of possibilities.

I'm liking a lot of new shows. Flight of the Conchords, Burn Notice, Greek, Mad Men. And still watching the old. Dead Zone. Top Chef. Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares. Psych. I'll probably be into Damages for the season if it stays good.

Here's a question for other blog readers. Are any of you fanatic movie fans who used to watch 4-5 movies a week and now stick mostly to TV?

bored Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 06:01 PM EST

monk, psych, and burn notice are good

Chaddogg Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 05:59 PM EST

No doubt, this summer is all about Flight of the Conchords - by far the most surprisingly hilarious show of the summer (particularly when it got no hype, and everyone expected big things from Entourage and John from Cincinatti, both of which have been disppointing).

Special non-HBO honorary mention goes to The 4400, which is like a lighter, summery version of X-Files: no really dark stuff, just some cool sci-fi that you don't have to be too attentive to. Perfectly entertaining summer television...

Maya Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 05:50 PM EST

Doctor Who! I hear the Sci-Fi channel cuts out quite a bit, though, so try to catch it on a PBS station.

Dduellman Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 05:48 PM EST

We haven't made good use of our summer Blockbuster membership because we've been watching So You Think You Can Dance, Burn Notice, Dr. Who, State of Mind, Side of Life, Kyle XY and Army Wives. Damages is very intriguing. A show we wouldn't miss, no matter what time of year it'd be on, The Closer.

Snsetblaze Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 04:42 PM EST

Burn Notice is great.
Other good shows: State of Mind w/ Lilli Taylor is the only Lifetime show I watch. I tuned in at first because she was in it.

Also love Dr. Who, Ghost Hunters, The 4400, Eureka, Who Wants to Be a Superhero, The Closer and Rescue Me. The jury is still out on State of Grace, Damages and Kill Point since I've only seen one episode. I like them enough though to tune in again.

monica Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 04:39 PM EST

forgot to mention:
sundays: side order of life, state of mind, kill point, entourage
mondays: closer, kyle xy, greek, my boys
tuesdays: eureka, damages
thursday: burn notice
friday: psych, monk

idigress Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 04:25 PM EST

My summer favorites:

Burn Notice
The Closer
Mad Men
So You Think You Can Dance
Top Chef

monica Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 03:54 PM EST

i just got hooked on Kill Point. i'm not allowed to eat dinner in my room; i was mid-premier episode and i literally inhaled my meal and ran right back to finish up. john leguizamo is better than ever and..that's a wahlberg right?..the negotiator's chemistry with him is on point, but his annoying need for perfect grammar is stupid...beyond stupid...and horribly executed.

chris Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 03:36 PM EST

what about "The Kill Point" on Spike TV?

Dave Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 03:36 PM EST

I'm watching Entourage and Big Love on HBO, The Closer and Saving Grace on TNT, Damages and Rescue Me on FX, and have also checked out Kyle XY on ABC Family. All I can say is, thank goodness for cable and DVR to get us through the summer doldrums of network TV, otherwise known as reruns and reality shows.

Steve Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 03:23 PM EST

As much as I still watch (and enjoy) The Dead Zone, I think it's by far the weakest of the USA Big 4 (as I like to call them). Much more compelling and interesting are Monk, Psych, and the 4400 (although the 4400 may be a bit tough to jump into now... but the last couple of episodes have been some of it's best yet). And as others have mentioned, Dr. Who is great - it's one of the strongest sci-fi series in recent memory, imo. Oh - and Eureka is always some fun. And if you're willing to put up with some extreme Dorkitude, Who Wants to Be a Superhero remains an intereting twist on the superhero genre with a good heart.

Tim Lade Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 03:16 PM EST

Dude I have been wondering that myself. I have already burned through three seasons of Lost and Battlestar Galactica and right now pretty much the only thing I've been watching is Top Chef, Kathy Griffin (Dammit it only have 7 episodes...the woman is a genius!), and Hell's Kitchen. But having now been introduced to MI-5 I will have that to indulge in...thanks man!

Bill Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 02:51 PM EST

Flight of the Conchords, Big Love, Top Chef. That's about it.

Tipper Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 02:36 PM EST

"Eureka" on Tuesdays, "Rescue Me" and "Top Chef" on Wednesdays, and I've been taping "Monk", "Psych" and "Doctor Who" on Fridays (yes, tape. I don't have a DVR. Weak!) to watch over the weekend. I love all of them. Also, I adored Kathy Griffin this season--ended up watching every week when it reran on Thursdays. Otherwise, I've been trying to get outside more...

C C Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 02:32 PM EST

I've been sucked into Big Love this summer. Like the poster below, I didn't think a show about a suburban polygamist would be my cup of tea. Big Love isn't really about polygamy. It's about clans and their dynamics, which is something I'm familiar with having southern roots. It's similar to The Sopranos in certain ways-both series deal with the dicey mix of family, business, and living lives "outside" of what is considered the norm.

Jen Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 02:27 PM EST

The only good things on TV this summer are Doctor Who (Fridays on Sci-Fi) and Hell's Kitchen. And I'm not too upset if I miss Hell's Kitchen, either. Other than that, it's pretty much whatever crap is on and not completely unwatchable.

More often than not, I read a book instead.

Solsbury Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 02:27 PM EST

Flight of the Conchords, Rescue Me, Burn Notice, Kathy Griffin (probably her best season), Big Love, Scott Baio. Damages had a great episode 1 and Mad Men sits on my DVR at the moment.

Torin Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 02:25 PM EST

Survivorman and Man vs. Wild (even with the possible "cheating" scandal that's brewing) are both amazing shows. I'm not sure if I should be amazed or disgusted that there are so many edible things in nature, regardless of their taste.

The second season of Big Love has been great! Great performances all around and no Emmy love which is surprising for an HBO show.

Aeryn Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 02:17 PM EST

The Travel Channel - esp. Anthony Bourdain, Samantha Brown, Bizarre Foods

Bobby Rowe Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 02:14 PM EST

I can't believe more posters haven't said that this is the summer of Flight of the Conchords.

Emacb Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 02:00 PM EST

I'm surprised at how much I'm loving summer TV. Tonight marks the return of "My Boys," which I fell in love with last year. I also adore "The Closer," "The 4400," and "The Dead Zone," though I am annoyed that DZ killed off one of its best characters. USA's "Monk" and "Psych" are usually good for a laugh, but not appointment TV for me. I tuned into Lifetime's "Side Order of Life" this weekend and I am hooked. That new Lili Taylor show "State of Mind" after it is pretty good too--the return of MSCL's Brian Krakow (aka "pink shirt guy" on Felicity) got me to watch.

KingLouieXVIII Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:59 PM EST

This summer, I'm all about PSYCH on USA and MY BOYS (whose 2nd season starts tonight). Dule Hill and the white guy (don't know his name) are hysterical on PYSCH. The show is light and a great way to end the week on Friday nights (and yes I have no life--don't judge me!). As far as MY BOYS, it's another great, little subtle comedy. I just wish TBS would order more than 10 episodes per season.

Chad Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:50 PM EST

I have been keeping up with only two shows this summer....1. Hells Kitchen and 2. Comedy Central's funny funny funny show Lil' Bush (any other Lil' Bush fans out there?)

Court Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:49 PM EST

Oh and though it's only for a week, I never miss Shark Week either. Last night's kick-off episode was terrifying.

est Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:46 PM EST

How about Greek on Monday Nights!?!?!

rls Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:43 PM EST

I've been spending my tv time catching up on shows I never saw during the regular season. For me that's: Friday Night Lights (it's on north of the border), Jericho, and How I Met Your Mother.
Also been enjoying Flight of the Conchords.

pai Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:42 PM EST

Oops, forgot Weeds reruns and the hilarious Scott Baio show.

pai Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:41 PM EST

I feel like I'm watching more stuff now than I did in season.

Dexter (for this reason I'm glad I picked up Showtime in anticipation of Californication)
Big Brother (Thursdays and on Showtime)
Top Chef
The Next Food Network Star (which has reached its disappointing conclusion)
State of Mind
Saving Grace
always Always ALWAYS Late Show with David Letterman
reruns of The Amazing Race

sarah Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:37 PM EST

I agree with previous posters...Hell's Kitchen, Big Love, Top Chef, Rescue Me, Entourage, and Damages had a great first ep. I so badly wanted to love John from Cincinnati, but last night I was just hoping the hour would end already. At least Weeds is coming back to SHO soon! Oh yeah and if you like Hells Kitchen, check out kitchen nightmares on BBC America

Jane Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:36 PM EST

My weekly summer schedule:

Monday: Kyle XY
Tuesday: Eureka
Wednesday: Top Chef
Thursday: Burn Notice (and re-runs of Supernatural)
Friday: Psych
Saturday: nada (what'd you expect?)
Sunday: The Dead Zone (which is, I'll admit, a little off this season).

The irony is, my tv-viewing schedule is actually fuller during the summer than during the "tv season" - I guess I just like quirky counter-programming.

Joe C Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:34 PM EST

Michael, the place to be this summer is BBC America. The GREAT shows I have found there:

Murphy's Law
MI5
Gil Mayo Mysteries
Hex

And for comedy, they have the Graham Norton show. Not for the faint of heart, but it is funny. BBC America rules!

Rich Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:32 PM EST

Burn Notice (!!!!!)
Psych
Dirty Jobs


"Ice Road Truckers" has been a disappointment. Deadliest Catch has yet to be matched, much less surpassed.

Melanie Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:18 PM EST

This summer we're enjoying:
The Closer
Burn Notice
Entourage
Damages
and I wish I could say 'Deadwood' but HBO was short-sighted and canceled it in favor of that John from Cinncinnati crap. *sigh*

ZF Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:17 PM EST

The Dead Zone had been on a several-season story arc that involved a crooked politician who would somehow cause armageddon. They replaced the writers and abruptly ended that storyline, killing off a main character in the process (Walt), and sort-of shelving another (Bruce). This season has been just okay, but it's better than most of what's on TV. I also watch So You Think You Can Dance, and reruns of How I Met Your Mother.

Gretchen Weiners Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:11 PM EST

Obsessed with Top Chef. Sad that Kathy Griffin is over - her reading the phone book would make me laugh. My guilty pleasure, however, is Rock of Love on VH1. It's got to be the trashiest show ever in life, but my is it good. Even better are the re-caps on the VH1 Celebreality blog!

Elizabeth Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:09 PM EST

Yes, it's lame, but here we go. Making the Band 4 on MTV. It entertains me to no end. Puffy's fight last week with Lori Ann - that was some good tv.

Ceballos Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:09 PM EST

I like the anonymous person's weekly lineup a LOT and it's pretty much what i've been watching most of the summer (with Entourage on Sundays included.)


In fact, one of my favorite random moments on Entourage this season was Anthony Michael Hall showing up at a party at Drama's condo and urinating off a balcony...seems like a better use of AMH than having him in a coma for 44 minutes.

Court Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:02 PM EST

I never miss Big Love. I never thought I'd get into a show about polygamy, but it's just superbly acted and the storylines are very compelling. I missed Jericho the first time around so I'm glad CBS gave it a second chance--it's good too. Doctor Who is a fun bit of escapism as well.

JennT Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 01:00 PM EST

Burn Notice is well worth your attention for the summer. It's amusing, breezy, and filled with fascinating characters.

Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 12:53 PM EST

Here's a weekly lineup for you:

Monday: Hell's Kitchen FOX
Big Love HBO

Tuesday: Damages FX (I agree with you Bussy, it is awesome and I can't wait for the season to unfold)

Wednesday: Rescue Me FX
Top Chef Bravo

Thursday: Mad Men AMC

I'm lost for Friday because I go to the movies. Those shows should tide your DVR for a while. But trust me on Damages...good show!

Pam Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 12:49 PM EST

USA has the best to offer -- "Psych" is my favorite, but I also love "The 4400," "Burn Notice" and "The Dead Zone." If you have to watch just one of them, watch "Psych" -- it's just so much fun to watch, and it's full of pop culture (perfect for EW!)

"Rescue Me" on FX is awesome, but it might be hard to come in as a newbie. I'm also liking "Eureka" on SciFi and "Kyle XY" on ABC Family.

melissa Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 12:43 PM EST

USA's offerings aren't a bad lot. "The Dead Zone" is better than a lot of the reality TV offerings networks are showing. "Burn Notice" is okay and "Monk" is pleasant enough. I like "The 4400" more but at this point it'd be hard to jump into, with its serialized nature. The best of the bunch, though, is "Psych," which really cracks me up. Dule Hill is notably hilarious.

Rani Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 12:42 PM EST

My Boys on TBS is back tonight. Great show! I fell in love with it while watching a marathon of it yesterday.

bussy Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 12:42 PM EST

You already know this Michael but Damages, Damages, Damages. I am hooked after 1 episode. Also, Top Chef..., so you think you can dance and although I disagree, some people seem to like Mad Men.

T Mon, Jul 30, 2007 at 12:41 PM EST

Lots:
Mad Men on AMC
Burn Notice on USA
Kyle XY (ok, not as awesome as the two above, but still) on ABC Family

Heard John from Cincinatti (HBO) is interesting, but it's not for me.

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