Tuesday, December 5, 2006

The 4400 bringing Sci Fi to mainstream watchers

When USA Network’s limited series The 4400 premiered in the summer of 2004, the opening teaser said a lot. A little girl abducted; a soldier in Korea disappears; 4,400 abductees get dropped off by a comety ball of light. The Seattle branch of Homeland Security had its hands full, and over 7 million fans tuned in-setting records as the highest-rated and most-watched original cable series premiere to date…

So far, several key characters have come and gone on The 4400, and both the first and second seasons haven been nominated for Emmys, including Best Writing for a miniseries, Cinematography, and Outstanding Miniseries. Despite its fantastical elements and the revelation of where the 4400 have been, the series’ core is its realistic approach to our current society’s troubles. Interracial relationships, prejudiced, and reintegration into society are just a few timeless subjects on which The 4400 focuses. Recent issues such as terrorism, genetic engineering, quarantine, and government involvement are also addressed.

The 4400’s awards and ratings success show there is still a viewing need for ‘mainstream science fiction’. Sci-fi shows that don’t glaze over our problems but instead hold up a real mirror to our society are becoming few and far between. Season One of The 4400 is essential for tried and true, but not hard-core SF fans. You won’t find any spaceships or little green men, and special effects on the show are limited. What makes The 4400 worth your time is its character, story and in-tune allegories.

Consider catching up before Season 4 hits tv screens everywhere this summer:

  1. The 4400 - The Complete First Season
  2. The 4400 - The Complete Second Season
  3. The 4400 Season 3 not on DVD yet


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