Storm of the Century is a three part mini-series directed by Craig R. Baxley, but more notably, it is a series written by Stephen King himself. It stars Tim Daly, Colm Feore and Debrah Farentino among many others.
We can now enjoy it on Hulu uncut and unrated (in ’99 we got to see a somewhat shortened version, you know…TV slots did not give for more than 50 minute episodes). This is a series with a flavor of yesteryear, and distinct quality of the small town horror stories King so well pieces together, time and again.
Premise
While a massive storm is brewing and nearing Little Tall Island off the coast of Maine, a stranger shows up in town and murders a lonely elderly woman in her house. He goes by the name of Linoge, and has uncanny access to details of the past of the town inhabitants, as well as superpowers that he uses to manipulate people to his hearts desire, making them commit a series of atrocities. The storm isolates the island town, and its inhabitants gather for refuge in the town hall. All the while, Linoge, this supernatural being makes demands that he be given what he wants, if they want him to leave.
Review of the Series
Let’s start by stating that when the author himself assists in the productions of the adaptation of his own work we should expect a great piece of entertainment (see Sandman). On this occasion its The King of Horror himself who says that this series is his favorite of those he has written.
A seminal series that, like the King’s books, love them or not, has the great virtue of bringing many clues to the universe created by Stephen King: the isolation; the supernatural; the madness; the closeknit community that has to face a threat putting their niceness to the test.
It is quite a sociological portrait of the time and place it plays out in, and it marks not only what would influence future productions, but it also gives us brief look into what the horror genre was in the 90’s when the author was the absolute protagonist with his literary adaptations.
It doesn’t surprise us that ‘Storm of the Century’ is so much to his liking, given that the recurring elements in his works, such as the setting – a small town in Maine – has been used various times in his compendium of novels, just to give an example the fictional town of Derry in Maine that has served as setting in many of his works. Another recurring trait in the King narratives is isolating people, and examining how they cope with it. So there you have it, two of King’s trademarks feature in the series, right there.
This series, is first and foremost, really well produced, created and defined. It knows how to unfold the story in a truly engaging way, and it gives us the impression that it knows very well where it wants to go, because it does not drift off at any time, nor does it stumble in its development of the story. This is a piece created by a good writer who also happens to know how TV shows work, making him a restorer of the genre.
Full of characters and stories Storm of the Century covers a lot of terrain, and does so, so well, one wants to see it to its completion. Stephen King has not invented the concept of the being that appears from nowhere to condemn us for our sins, the literary references in that respect are obvious, but what he does do is he updates the premise providing the audience relatable aspects that hooks them to watch. He also knows how to depict, better than any, the relations and interactions in a small community, gifting us a with a portrayal of a wide spectrum of behaviors and nuanced characters.
His sense of horror is so sincere in its portrayal, no one will leave unimpressed – however much critics might snub their noses at his work for being too popular – he knows how to present his characters, both human and non-human, and what he is really masterful at is developing these characters revolving around the story, clearly marked by the collective unconscious of this small island town in Maine.
Storm of the Century is indeed a good series, it is one to remember, and also to keep in mind as one that served as inspiration for future TV productions.
Yes, sir, Storm of the Century is a good TV mini-series.
Interesting Fact about the Series Production
Where to Watch Storm of the Century
Hulu
The Writer
Stephen King
An American author of contemporary horror, suspense, science fiction and fantasy fiction. His books have sold more than 350 million copies, which have been adapted into a number of feature films, television movies and comic books. As of 2011, King has written and published 49 novels, including seven under the pen name Richard Bachman, five non-fiction books, and nine collections of short stories. Many of his stories are set in his home state of Maine. King has received Bram Stoker Awards, World Fantasy Awards, British Fantasy Society Awards, his novella The Way Station was a Nebula Award no… continue reading
Direction
Craig R. Baxley
Craig Redding Baxley is an American actor, director and stunt performer. He is best known for his work in the action and thriller genres. Beginning his career as a stunt performer, he was hired to perform stunts in number of notable television series namely Police Story, Harry O, Rich Man, Poor Man Book II, Gemini Man, Roots, M*A*S*H, The Dukes of Hazzard and The A-Team (his head directorial debut). He also worked as a stunt coordinator and second unit director on the feature films The Warriors (1979), The Long Riders (1980), Reds (1981) and Predator (1987).
Cast
Colm Feore / Andre Linoge (Human & Monster Form)
Tim Daly / Constable Mike Anderson
Debrah Farentino / Molly Anderson
Jeffrey DeMunn / Town Manager Robbie Beals
Becky Ann Baker / Ursula Godsoe
Julianne Nicholson / Katrina Withers
Spencer Breslin / Donny Beals
Casey Siemaszko / Alton ‘Hatch’ Hatcher
Ron Perkins / Peter Godsoe
Soo Garay / Melinda Hatcher
See full credits >>
