Back to some old school DZ. I almost forgot why I enjoyed this show so much. Show after show this season all I would do is complain and vent. I wondered to myself, "If I'm constantly kvetching so much about this series' quality, how is it that TDZ is my favorite show?" Well, this show, as I figured it would be, was my reminder. As expected, we have furthered some of the main Stillson arc and it was done in the way that this program knows how. It had continuation from the season opener and a lot of continuation from Vanguard, as well (Johnny really does care about Alex Connor! He even says his name in this episode!). This show should have been the third episode of the season with Vanguard being the second. It is just weird and seemingly pointless to have these standalones so far into a TV series. I think I overly liked this show because I was desperately anticipating it.
In season one and two, I was accustomed to having the mid-season shows be amazing while the series finales would blow me away. So, in that regard this show was a step down from what I was used to as I was just amazed this time around. Which is why I contend this show should have been number 3 this season. Regardless, it does give me hope that TDZ does have the potential to return to its incredible roots if needed. And all without confusing the heck out of me, too. I understood what happened while not having to rewind a bunch of times, yay! Although he is the Anti-Johnny villain of this show, I really like how they give Greg Stillson a side of him that loves. He really did love Rachel Caldwell and he never really abused Miranda. Stillson has love in him, as pure as can be for a guy like him, and it humanizes him, much like having Gene Purdey's character one that is constantly conflicted on what is exactly the right thing to do rather than being all good or all heartless.
I'm glad I stuck around to see this episode. My new season's resolution is to get over the fact that there will be tuns of standalones and try to appreciate them for what they are, pretty good storytelling. My faith in TDZ is saved.
