Journey step started: Sept 21, 2022
Journey step ended: Jan 9, 2023
Click the Google sheet to the right to see every item covered on this step of the journey.
The Book — The 1994 miniseries — The 2020 miniseries — The Graphic Novels — Misc
The 1994 miniseries
Day 316: Nov 12, 2022
Now I reach the point in this step of the journey where I get to watch the 1994 TV miniseries adaptation of The Stand.
I’m particularly fond of this work (and especially of Molly Ringwald š). It’s been about a decade since I last watched it and I can’t picture any other cast in these roles. They are the faces I had in mind upon my most recent reread of the book.
I didn’t know who Mick Garris was at the time, but having recently seen his TV adaptation of “The Shining” (which I thought was terrible), I’ll probably be watching this adaptation of “The Stand” with a more critical eye.
Still, I’m very nostalgic about this and it’s probably my 4th or 5th time viewing it.
Excellent opening title shot! This quote isn’t in the book, but it so easily could have been.
Absolutely classic opening sequence. The distinctly American guitar twang and the crow. Perfection!
Blue Oyster Cult was perfect for this opening credits sequence.
There is no better Stu Redman out there!
Oh yeah – Ed Harris as Gen Starkey. Couldn’t imagine anyone better!
Gonna pick me up some “Flu Buddy” for this winter! š
Fascinating!
“Baby Can You Dig Your Man” – I wonder who was tasked with actually coming up with the music for this? Did Stephen King have to approve of it first?
I had a major crush on Molly Ringwald back in the early 90s (and I was in my early 20s). How could you NOT fall in love with this face?
Nick Andros’s first dream encounter with Mother Abigail is magical!
The Ratman! Now that’s not stereotyping in the least bit! š
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shouting “Bring out your dead!” like he wandered away from the set of Monty Python’s Quest for the Holy Grail!
The makeup effects on those in their last stages of dying from Captain Trips is quite realistic!
I had no recollection that Kathy Bates was in The Stand as a radio announcer! As soon as I hear the voice, I knew it was her right away.
This was several years after she played that career-making role in “Misery”. So cool that they got her in this series.
The Walkin’ Dude finally makes his appearance as does the twangy guitar from the opening scene!
Well, that’s it for Episode 1 of The Stand (1994). A picture-perfect opening, if you ask me.
Tomorrow, I’ll listen to a couple of podcasts about this episode and then it’s on to Part 2!
Day 317: Nov 13, 2022
I thought Part 1 of the 1994 miniseries adaptation of The Stand was perfect. Do The Losers’ Club agree? Here’s their take on the matter.
I see now why they called this “revisited”. They were in the midst of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic when they made the decision to go back to The Stand miniseries.
George A Romero was supposed to direct a The Stand adaption in the mid-80’s?
The Losers’ Club pointed out the guy who died from Captain Trips while playing ping pong. That’s hilarious!
“Mother Abigail pisses me off.”
That’s the BEST line from this Losers Club episode! š
Next up to discuss Part 1 of The Stand (1994 miniseries) is Dark Tower Radio.
The voice of the DJ who introduced Larry Underwood on the radio wasā¦ Jeff Goldblum??? šÆ
Day 318: Nov 14, 2022
I’ll be wrapping up The Stand over the next two months (watching the two miniseries & reading the comics adaptation).I’m now planning ahead for the next book, The Dead Zone.
Beside the book & famous movie, there’s a 6-season TV series with 80 episodes. Normally, I’d watch an episode a day, but I really don’t want to be stuck in this for nearly 3 months. Thinking about parallel tracking & maybe picking up Firestarter while I work through the TV series.
Now watching Part 2 of the 1994 miniseries adaptation of The Stand. I think I’ll only be able to get halfway through it today.
So far, I give the first episode a solid A-. Casting has been perfect so far, and we haven’t even gotten to half the characters yet!
One of the podcasters mentioned that Molly Ringwald turned in one of the weaker performances in The Stand, but I disagree. I thought she was just fine.
I’m glad they dropped the subplot of Frannie’s broken relationship with her mother. While it made for compelling reading, it definitely didn’t add anything to her character.
I do agree with those same podcasters that Corin Nemec as Harold Lauder didn’t turn in the strongest performance.
The juxtaposition of one of my favorite 80’s tunes over this depressing montage of the end of civilization was just downright depressing!
Laura San Giacomo as Nadine Cross. So gorgeous!
Matt Frewer knocked it out of the park as Trashcan Man.
Almost impossible to believe he’s the same guy who turned in such a lousy, Jim Carrey rip-off performance in Lawnmower Man 2.
“Pleased to meet you, Lloyd. Hope you guess my name.” I really liked Jamey Sheridan as Randall Flagg!
My Favorite Martian as Glen Bateman! He’s perfect!
But he’s like the 5th person to be singing “Baby Can You Dig Your Man?”. It’s as if that were the only song on the radio in this universe.
Bill Fagerbakke as Tom Cullen. M-O-O-N – that spell’s “perfect casting”!
Day 319: Nov 15, 2022
Finishing up Part 2 of the 1994 ABC adaptation of The Stand. I left off at the start of the buddy road trip with Nick & Tom!
Shawnee Smith as Julie Lowry is quite the looker. I looked up her filmography and other than being in a bunch of Saw films, she never seemed to strike it big. I’m surprised.
What a beautifully captured shot!
Interesting switch from the book – to place the kid Joe with Lucy Swann instead of with Nadine Cross.
Ruby Dee’s reaction as Mother Abigail to Nick’s declaration that he doesn’t believe in Godā¦ Absolute perfection!
And that concludes Part 2 and brings me to the halfway point.
I know adaptations can’t cover every plot element from the source material – but this seems like its moving the story along and 10x speed, having just spend the last few weeks reading The Stand!
Day 320: Nov 16, 2022
To help me make sense of Part 2 of the 1994 TV series adaptation of The Stand is The Losers’ Club with their typical nonsense!
Next up is Dark Tower Radio with their 2 hr+ analysis of Part 2 of The Stand (1994).
One of the hosts of Dark Tower Radio listened to the commentary track of The Stand (1984) and mentioned that several big-name actors were pursued to play Randall Flagg. Names like: Christopher Walken, James Woods, Willem Dafoe and Jeff Goldblum.
Can you imagine?
Day 321: Nov 17, 2022
I pressed PLAY on Part 3 of the 1994 miniseries The Stand. It opens on a confusing scene with a bunch of new characters (the Judge, Dayna) in addition to Stu, Frannie abd Glen. If you hadn’t read the book, this could have been very disorienting.
Beware of Peeping Harolds.
Harold’s skin really cleared up between Episodes 2 and 3.
This cutaway to what he sees outside of the window – very disjointed use of bad CGI. Doesn’t even seem to have been necessary. Probably would’ve been better off with a matte painting, or even nothing at all!
Hey look! It’s a cameo from Sai King himself!
Ruby Dee should have won ALL the awards for her performance.
That’s a LOT of extras for a made-for-TV miniseries!
Well, this wouldn’t have been MY first reaction if a gorgeous woman begged me to make love to her…
Day 322: Nov 18, 2022
Finishing off the second half of Part 3 of the 1994 miniseries The Stand. The Boulder Free Zone is getting established, Nadine is making eyes at Harold, and Las Vegas is operating as efficiently as Twitter under Elon Flagg’s rule.
Tom’s hypnotism was one of the more memorable scenes from the book. “I’m God’s Tomā¦”
I’ve been to some long-ass church services before, and yeah, this is what it felt like.
I’m glad they dropped the whole Frannie’s diary/Harold’s journal subplot from the book.
“You’re a virgin, aren’t you? Well, I am too and I’m gonna stay that way.”
That has to rank up there with one of the most mood-killing sexy talk I’ve ever heard. š
DON’T SCREW WITH MY DISCO, NADINE!
Once again, Ruby Dee knocks it out of the part with the key line from the film
“Be true… STAND!”
Day 323: Nov 19, 2022
Kicking off this morning with The Losers Club and their review of part 3 of 1994’s The Stand.
Opening line: “We’ve been in the midst of a rewatch to honor and celebrate the current pandemic.”
One thing that just about everybody agrees on is that the evolution of Larry Underwood as a human being was one of the strongest themes of The Stand.
But those types of character developments were completely set aside in the 6-hour miniseries adaptation, and the delineation between good and evil became very obvious once everyone arrived in Boulder.
Even the complexity of a character like Harold was lost in favor of turning him into a mustache-twirling villain.
The gang pretty much panned the Stephen King cameo in The Stand miniseries. Said that it was too distracting and that he was a terrible actor in it. Thought he would have made a better dead body in the church than having played an actual speaking part.
One comment that I totally agree with is that if you hadn’t read the book prior to seeing the series, so much about the storyline will not have made sense.
For example, it isn’t exactly clear that Stu is not the father of Frannie’s child. Also, the character development is still fresh in my mind from having read the book. Watching this series on its own merits, I find how it can be tough to care about any of them given such little time spent on true character moments.
Now listening to Dark Tower Radio covering Episode 3 of the 1994 miniseries The Stand.
One guy called this The Empire Strikes back of the series given the non-stop tragedies and other downers.
Day 324: Nov 20, 2022
I’ve reached the final episode of the 1994 TV miniseries, The Stand. There’s a lotta plot still to cover in these final 90 minutes. I also have a vague recollection that it was hokey as hell. Let’s see!
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like (a) Harold launched from his motorcycle well before he hit the guardrail and (b) he flew way to high & far – like he was launched from a catapult!
Welcome to the Flagg Treatment & Rehab Center.
A well regulated militia…
Flagg’s office looks like it came right out of a Doom boss level.
Good effects or bad effects? For 1994 television, I suppose it’s not so bad.
So Trashcan Man blows up the air hanger just because of the voices in his head?
I liked the motivation in the book better where he was triggered by a fellow worker’s offhand comments. Why did King change that in the teleplay?
Typical of men. They act one way to get you in the sack, but afterwards, they completely change – don’t they?
A brilliantly creepy performance!
“We. Are. Deadā¦
And this is HELL!”
Day 325: Nov 21, 2022
I’ve finally reached the end of the The Stand miniseries from 1994.
My nostalgia had this of higher quality than it actually was, but still – it was really good for the time period in which it was released.
I settle in now to watch the second half of Part 4.
Here Stu. I know your leg bone has shattered into a hundred pieces, but have a Coke, some pills, and a smile!
This here is a piece of masterful filmmaking!
“I will fear no evil”
“We made such a business of you!”
Glen’s mockery of Flagg was captured PERFECTLY!
“DISCO’S DEAD!”
Boy, don’t let Harold Lauder hear that blasphemy!
Don’t know who Flagg hired for his Creative Team, but the logo they came up with ain’t half bad!
The makeup effects for Trashcan Man are amazing!
The Hand of God was an uncredited cameo.
The ending was captured well, but this final piece was a bit too cheesy for my tastes.
And that wraps up the watch of all 4 parts of the 1994 miniseries, The Stand.
Overall rating: I give it a B+, with some considerations for the year it was produced. I thought the acting was top notch with a couple of exceptions. Very faithful to the story (not surprised since King himself wrote the screenplay). I think it’s held up well!
Day 326: Nov 22, 2022
I finished watching The Stand (1994) yesterday. It looks like a video uploads are working again on this server, so I will fill in yesterday’s thread with the conclusion of this incredible series.
This morning, I turn to The Losers’ Club for their review of the great stand in Vegas.
When Harold shot himself after his accident, many miles away Stu reacts psychically, tasting “gun oil” in his mouth.
I agreed with The Losers that this made no sense. Stu never exhibited psychic powers before, and even if he did why is there a link between him and Harold and not between anyone else who met their fate in Vegas or elsewhere?
That definitely felt tacked on and unnecessary.
Good questionā¦ Why did Larry Underwood decide that carrying a šø was necessary for a 1,000 mile journey by foot? Seems like it would’ve been so uncomfortable to carry that distance and take up precious space that could have been occupied by a tent, medical supplies, etc. š¤
This podcast episode was recorded in 2020 before the release of the more recent adaptation of The Stand.
“I hope they update it, and replace the Rat Man with something more modern, like The Tiger King.” š
The Losers’ Club ends with a well-deserved mocking of Stephen King’s acting skills.
“Stu!”
Next up is Dark Tower Radio and their review of the final segment of The Stand (1994)
I missed it the first time, but here’s Sam Raimi’s cameo as the guy who shoots up the Judge.
Tom Cullen is the “Samwise” of The Stand?
Interestingā¦ š¤
Day 327: Nov 23, 2022
With a long road trip ahead of me, it’s a great time to listen to a bunch of takes on The Stand (1994) miniseries.
First up is one of my favorite groups of Stephen King podcasters, Derry Public Radio.
“Toothless bullshit.”
That’s how they opened up in describing The Stand (1994).
I’ll be honest, I didn’t see that take coming!
Interesting piece of trivia I learned about this episode:
Production of The Stand was supposed to have been in Colorado, but it was switched to Utah because in the early 90s Colorado passed legislation that removed #LGTBQ protections. So Stephen King and other producers picked an alternate location to film.
In The Stand (1994), there is a change from the book in how Nadine meets her demise.
In the book, Nadine provokes Flagg into a rage and he throws her from the top of the tower.
In the series, she just casually wanders over to the ledge and then jumps off.
Perhaps the original scene would have been too violent for network television, but it certainly would’ve been more powerful.
Every single podcast found this clip to be the funniest part of The Stand (1994).
Indeed, it was such a dumb way to go out.
Next up is The Losers’ Club with an interview that I’m genuinely excited to hear!
The interview with W.G. Snuffy Walden (composer of The Stand’s soundtrack) was fascinating.
He shared how tight the budget was for the production and how they had run out of money for the music, endangering Part 4.
Stephen King wrote Snuffy a personal check for $10,000 to get the music completed. Good man!
Day 328: Nov 24, 2022
Now listening to Chat Sematary‘s review of the miniseries The Stand (1994).
Day 329: Nov 25, 2022
Happy Black Friday! While I’m out and about spending “quality time” with my family, I’ll have an earpiece in listening to the Stephen King Cast review the miniseries The Stand (1994).
This is the first one to criticize the realization of the song, “Baby, Can You Dig Your Man”
I thought it was fine, but the host is adamant that it would never have been a hit.
Surprised to hear someone so critical of The Stand (1994) but Stephen King Cast backs it up with some solid reasoning. Here’s Part 2 of his review.
Another common theme among the podcast reviews is that the Lincoln Tunnel segment of The Stand miniseries was a disappointment when compared to the book.
I agree, but I think the techniques of filming “dread” have advanced a lot since 1994, and especially in the past 10 years with Japanese horror. Did the 2020 series improve on what Mick Garris did? I’ll find out shortly!
The final (?) word on The Stand (1994) miniseries goes to the Kingslingers who have been side by side with me as I read the book recently.
Day 1262: Jun 15, 2025
***circling back***
The Year of the Underrated Stephen King attempts to conquer the entirety of The Stand in a single episode!
Day 1263: Jun 16, 2025
***circling back***
Finished off this poetic praise of the Stand from The Year of the Underrated Stephen King!
The 2020 miniseries
Day 331: Nov 27, 2022
I now move my attention from the 1994 miniseries adaptation of The Stand to the more recent, 2020 CBS All Access remake.
I watched it when it came out and was very underwhelmed. However, at that time, I hadn’t read the book in decades and had watched the original TV series about ten years prior.
Will my opinions change at all?
Before I watch the first episodes those, there were a few podcasts released based on merely the *trailers* promoting this series.
The Losers’ Club had an early preview of The Stand (2020) based on a “teaser” trailer.
Interesting complaint they had from watching the teaser-trailer of The Stand (2020): The main cast is too “good looking”.
Even Glen (Greg Kinnear) is too pretty.
Next up is The Losers’ Club with an hour-long dissection of the New York Comic Con trailer.
It was noted that director Josh Boone did not appear to the panel discussion of The Stand (2020) which featured most of the extensive cast. They described Boone as possibly being toxic after the failure of “New Mutants” and some comments he made that angered some of its cast.
The Loser’s Club spent over an hour discussing a 2-minute trailer.
They truly teased everything they could out of each second!
It was fun to hear the hosts “guess” that based on the very brief view of Trashcan Man that it was Ezra Miller (apparently, it wasn’t known or announced at that time yet). Up to that point, they assumed that Marilyn Manson would be playing that role.
They also reported Ezra’s recent dramas (which were coming out as far back as 2020), along with Marilyn Manson’s and Amber Heard’s controversies.
Day 332: Nov 28, 2022
Just two more podcast episodes previewing the 2020 CBS All Access remake of The Stand.
The excitement among the podcasters was certainly palpable. I almost dread hearing the reviews they published after the series dropped.
I have to say, the Zoom call with two of the producers and most of the key cast was a bit… disconcerting! All those floating heads – such a stark reminder of those times.
Day 333: Nov 29, 2022
With the book & the 1994 miniseries fresh in my mind, I now start with the 2020 adaptation of The Stand.
I remember being underwhelmed by it the first time. Will I feel differently this time around?
The opening words are Whoopie Goldberg’s. Words that weren’t heard until 80% of the way through the book. An interesting start.
I knew that this series took an interesting approach, starting the story in Boulder, CO and using flashbacks liberally to tell the story.
A controversial decision, for sure. But since I know the story inside and out, I don’t think it would be a problem. I wonder what is was like for those new to The Stand to see it told this way?
There’s a lot of focus on Harold Lauder’s backstory.
A rejection letter from Cemetery Dance is a cool bit of detail thrown in!
The King Crimson album cover poster was a cool touch. An obvious reference to the “Crimson King”?
“Pretty boy” Stu Redman makes his first appearance.
By now, we’ve lingered in the past for quite a while and I bet “newbies” forgot all about the opening Boulder scene by now. I can see how this could be confusing.
And now a flashback to the flashback.
This has the plot construction of a Family Guy episode.
This exchange between Stu and the CDC doctor is quite good. I especially liked Hamish Linklater as Dr. Ellis. I last saw him as the messed up priest in Midnight Mass (which you MUST see if you haven’t already!)
Have to admit, the makeup effects crew captured the impact of Captain Trips on the body quite gruesomely!
So it’s Frannie who is first shown to have the dream of the cornfields and of Mother Abigail. Wonder what that signifies!
I like Whoopi, but she doesn’t hold a candle to what Ruby Dee did in the 1994 series.
I’m 30 minutes into this episode and haven’t seen Larry yet. That’s odd.
Frannie attempting to OD on pills?
WTF?
Not happy with that artistic license to the story.
Ozzy Osbourne’s “Changes” playing in the background is haunting and perfect!
I do like how they kept General Starkey hidden in the background, adding a mysterious vibe to his role in the whole thing.
I was worried that whoever played General Starkey would not live up to what Ed Harris did with that role in 1994.
But I had complete forgotten they got the legendary J.K. Simmons to play this part! Perfect!
Episode 1 ends with the mother of all flashbacks, all the way to Campion and the accident at the military base letting loose the virus.
Seriously, if you hadn’t read the book and known these key events, you must’ve been so damn confused right now!
So the door that got stuck, allowing an infected Campion to escape, was held open by Flagg’s booted foot?
Unnecessary, man. Unnecessary.
And the episode ends with Billy Joel’s whistling in “The Stranger” – nice. Not as inspired as the Ozzy song earlier, but still nice.
And that wraps up Episode 1.
Overall, I thought the acting was a bit stronger in this remake compared to the original. Film & effect quality were certainly superior.
I don’t like how Harold is still being overacted – but I guess that’ll pale in comparison to how Trashcan man is handled later.
Day 334: Nov 30, 2022
First up to review The Stand (2020) Episode 1 “The End” is The Losers’ Club.
A compelling case was made that this should have been stretched out over five seasons, not just nine episodes.
There would have to be a lot of filler plot to stretch it out that long, of course. But in good hands, it really would have made compelling television!
One downside to the flashback technique is that you’ve now introduced multiple threads in different times on top of the many characters who are already geographically spread throughout the country.
That’s an awful lot for a person unfamiliar with the story to handle.
“Stu’s escape from Stovington was one of the best parts of the Mick Garris series. Here, it felt like they didn’t even try.”
I’ll be honest, I don’t really remember that scene from the 1994 series. How impactful was it really?
Next up to review Episode 1 of The Stand (2020) is my personal favorite podcasters, Derry Public Radio.
I totally missed that the voice of the President, a character you never saw on screen, was that of Bryan Cranston!
This is the most eagle-eyed, bonkers observation from a blink-and-you-miss-it scene. As Frannie is dressing up her father’s dead body, she’s holds a family photo in her hand. If you’re paying attention, you can see Frannie’s brother (who died at some point in the past) with a cochlear implant.
From this, one of the hosts of Derry Public Radio surmised that Franny will know sign language and help expedite communications with Nick Andros later.
Mind. Blown.
Day 335: Dec 1, 2022
Happy December!
I’ve made it to the final month of my first year on this Stephen King journey. I only missed one day all year (due to major surgery) and I still have quite a few more years to go!
I kick off this morning with yet another review The Stand (2020) Episode 1 “The End”. This time, it’s the Stephen King Cast.
The host has serious issues with the flashback format of the narrative. He criticizes it not for being confusing but rather because it deprives the viewer from experiencing the character growth of the key players that he thought was the backbone of The Stand.
And he’s right. It’s impossible to see the evolution of a character when that character is being portrayed simultaneously in three different time periods.
He also felt strongly about the decision to have Flagg directly intervene in the release of the virus from the military bioresearch facility. On this, I completely agree.
He viewed Flagg as an agent of chaos, someone who takes advantage of a situation, rather than one who directly manipulates.
At the same time, when it comes to Harold and Nadine and others, he does directly manipulate them, so it’s a little more complex than that I think.
Next up is Dark Tower Radio and their take on the first episode the the 2020 adaptation of The Stand.
The gang at Dark Tower Radio were like me when I first watched The Stand (2020): Too far removed from the book and the 1994 series to fully appreciate some of the subtle nuances.
For example, they’re trying to figure out who will be featured in Episode 2 “Pocket Savior”. Had they remembered from the book that this was the name of Larry Underwood’s album, it would have been obvious to them. But no, their guesses are waaaaay off.
Day 336: Dec 2, 2022
I discovered a new King-focused podcast recently: “Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came”.
While they were indeed focused on The Dark Tower series, they have spent considerable time on other novels, including The Stand.
This review of The Stand (2020) Episode 1 “The End” is my first impression of these guys. I hope it’s a good one!
The gentlemen from “Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came” are good at their craft. They noticed some things about The Stand (2020) Ep 1 that I had missed.
Of all the movie posters in the history of film that could have appeared on a bedroom wall, why THIS one of the film “Darkman”? š¤
Right after Harold wakes up from his “dream” of Randall Flagg, they noticed how the eyeglasses on the table reflect a light making it look like an eye “watching” Harold.
I don’t know if it was intentional, but on second view, it was indeed eerie.
They also noticed a Dark Tower reference when Dr. Ellis shares how many hours it’s been since they heard from General Starkey. The screenwriters could’ve picked any value, but they specifically chose…
Harold peeping through the hole in the fence was so DUMB!
First, the size of the hole is so big. You can practically see his entire head through it.
Second, how exciting is it to “peep” into someone’s back yard, especially when it’s an old guy digging in a garden? If you wanted to make Harold creepy, do something more modern like have him use a hidden camera in her bedroom or hack her iCloud for pics.
Third, peeping from outside by a road? Too public!
The hosts of “Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came” also disliked the addition of Frannie’s suicide attempt. They felt it was added solely to expedite the relationship between Frannie and Harold, putting him in a position to save her life.
I already mentioned I didn’t care for it as I thought it weakened her character, one of the few female protagonists of the story.
In all, “Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came” made a great first impression and I highly recommend subscribing to them for deep analyses of King-related work!
Day 337: Dec 3, 2022
I’m settling in to watch the second episode of The Stand (2020). The first was was, for the most part, praised by the podcast reviewers.
I have to admit, it was better that I had remembered when I gave it a second watch. I still don’t very much care for the Harold Lauder portrayal – it feels too cartoonish to me – but everything else was very strong!
Now this makes TOTAL SENSE!
If I survive the complete collapse of society, I’d probably join a tent community at Home Depot as well.
Looks like we’re in for another flashback-y episode, this time with Larry Underwood.
It starts of with Larry, Nadine & kid in a caravan of other cars pulling into Boulder Free Zone and meeting Stu.
And then it almost immediately flashbacks to this:
And now here’s Lloyd Henried. As much as I loved seeing Miguel Ferrer in 1994’s version, I think this young, cocksure portrayal is a better representation of the text.
That Lloyd and Poke robbery scene was vicious! You definitely can tell you’re not on network television any more.
I cracked up at this dialog when I read it in the book.
I laughed out loud when I saw it on the screen!
They really notched up the gore here in Episode 2. From a shopper’s brains blown out all over a clerk to a prison guard flinging flu mucous onto a prisoner’s face to a raven plucking an eyeball from a dead horse.
Intense!
I’ve always been a sucker for Sigur RĆ³s. Hearing one of my favorites songs as part of this episode’s soundtrack? It notches my rating for it up quite high.
So they’ve replaced the Lincoln Tunnel scene with a trip through the sewer? That was weak.
Oh, and this was Rita, not Nadine, as I had thought from the opening scene.
In the 1994 series, they combined the two characters into Nadine. I supposed they’re doing the exact opposite here?
Waif-like Rita has the strength to pull off a man-hole cover with her bare hands? When did SHE get Hulk-like powers?
This scene of a post-apocalyptic NYC was really cool!
Another flashback within a flashback – this time into Nadine’s (Rita’s?) deep backstory from college.
My 2nd major complaint about The Stand (2020) aside from the nested flashbacks:
Alexander SkarsgƄrd as Randall Flagg is simply not very good. His first lines here are mumbled. His second set of lines are delivered weakly and devoid of any personality.
According to IMDB, Larry’s hit “Baby Can You Dig Your Man” was part of the soundtrack of Episode 2, but I don’t recall hearing that at all. Did I miss it? Where was it?
Day 338: Dec 4, 2022
The Losers’ Club has their review of second episode of The Stand (2020).
So one thing is cleared up in my mind:
Nadine Cross and Rita Blakemoor are indeed separate characters in this series. But even I, experienced in the story, got confused by the constant flashbacks with Larry and these two characters and the fact that Amber Heard and Heather Graham look too similar.
The gang at The Losers’ Club had big issues with Larry and Rita looking so close in age and with Rita being so self-assured – it rips out a lot of what made their relationship so impactful early on in the novel.
Their dysfunctional relationship, an act of desperation to have human connection immediately in the aftermath of billions dying, was completely thrown away.
They praised the meet-up between Harold Lauder and Larry Underwood.
I also noticed how subtle & controlled Owen Teague’s facial expressions were, showing a more in-depth portrayal of Harold compared to his over-the-top performance in the first episode.
Next up is Derry Public Radio who opens with a fake news blurb about Larry Underwood’s album “Pocket Savior” being number one on the charts and breaking all records for being the longest lasting on the charts, primarily because there will never be another album made.
Hilarious, but harsh!
I’m glad to see I wasn’t the only one that got confused by Nadine and Rita looking so similar.
Rita’s suicide indeed seem to come out of nowhere, while in the book you were given a solid foundation in drug addiction and her needing to be taken care of by somebody. It was also a major motivator for Larry’s personal journey, which is now completely absent from the miniseries.
The gang at Derry Public Radio thought this clip of the winking smiley face was awesome.
Not I. I found it to be a bit trite.
Day 339: Dec 5, 2022
Dark Tower Radio weighs in on the second episode of The Stand (2020).
They had a lengthy debate over replacing the Lincoln Tunnel with the sewer escape and the George Washington Bridge.
Given how weak the Lincoln tunnel scene actually was in the 1994 miniseries, I was impressed at the feeling of dread that the sewer scene in this series was able to evoke. I thought it was just fine.
They had a lengthy debate over replacing the Lincoln Tunnel with the sewer escape and the George Washington Bridge.
Given how weak the Lincoln tunnel scene actually was in the 1994 miniseries, I was impressed at the feeling of dread that the sewer scene in this series was able to evoke. I thought it was just fine.
A “Linear Cut” of the 2020 The Stand miniseries?
Please, tell me somebody has done that already. I would rewatch all 9 episodes again if they respliced all the scenes in chronological order.
Finally, I tune in to “Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came” as they go over The Stand (2020) Episode 2 – Pocket Savior.
Another complaint about the flashback nature of The Stand (2020):
I have always said that one of Stephen King’s greatest strengths is when major characters finally meet for the first time after hundreds of pages of character building.
Those dialogues are among the best I’ve ever read. But with this miniseries, the characters are shown together right off the bat. So you lose that big meetup that you would normally anticipate for a long time. It’s deflating.
Day 340: Dec 6, 2022
I hear there’s an election happening somewhere. No matter. I’m settling in to watch Episode 3 of the 2020 rendition of The Stand.
Episode 2 took a beating from the podcasters compared to the enthusiasm generated by Episode 1. Will the 3rd one be redemptive?
This was a funny exchange. This definitely is an improvement over the Harold & Frannie of 1994.
Take the dimples! Take the dimples!
Flagg coming to Nick Andros in a dream in order to make an offer to make *him* his right-hand man?
That just doesn’t make any sense? Why would they write that in?
So sad that Brad William Henke (Tom Cullen) passed away just this past week. š
Flagg is able to possess someone from thousands of miles away and THIS is what he chose to say with the opportunity?
My main criticism about this episode was just how dreadfully BORING it was!
Day 341: Dec 7, 2022
A third of the way through the 2020 miniseries of The Stand and what do The Losers’ Club have to say?
They shared the exact same complaint that I had: How The Stand (2020) showed characters meeting each other before you even had a chance to care about them individually.
“It’s like getting the dessert before the meal.”
I couldn’t have put it in better words myself.
The Loser’s Club is praising Eion Bailey’s performance as the minor character Teddy Weizak, while destroying Amber Herd’s effectiveness as Nadine Cross.
I’m almost getting the vibes that they would have preferred Eion as Nadine Cross.
They are also panning Whoopi Goldberg’s performance as Mother Abigail.
“It’s just Whoopi in a wig.”
Some of it is her performance, but a good portion is the writing that really gives her no true substance over the course of three episodes so far.
They played “Baby Can You Dig Your Man” in the third episode? I completely missed it! That’s just how out of tune I was with this episode given its lack of anything remotely interesting.
Next to review the third episode of The Stand (2020) is Derry Public Radio.
Nadine Cross coming close to “finger blasting” herself is a topic that can only be found when listening to a Derry Public Radio episode. š
Day 342: Dec 8, 2022
The exploration of The Stand (2020) continues with Dark Tower Radio and a discussion about Episode 3.
The consensus from all of the podcasters so far are that the best performances go to:
* Owen Teague as Harold Lauder
* Brad William Henke as Tom Cullen
* Greg Kinnear as Glen Bateman
* Gordon Cormier as Joe (the little boy)
I’m surprise about the accolades Kinnear is getting. I thought his portrayal of Bateman was quite flat. But I’m in the minority opinion here!
The last review of Episode 3 of The Stand (2020) goes to Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came.
They promised this would be the last time they complain about the flashback format, but they made a great final point:
Flashbacks need to be GROUNDED in the present (or whatever the main time is). The writers of The Stand (2020) spent too little time in Boulder to establish any anchor to the flashbacks.
With so much time spent in in the past, they might as well have told the story in chronological order!
Day 343: Dec 9, 2022
Celebrating this holiday season by watching Episode 4 of The Stand (2020).
So far, we’ve covered the backstories of Stu, Frannie, Harold, Larry, Nadine, Lloyd and a bit of Nick.
Mother Abigail and Randall Flag are mere side-characters so far.
I wonder who we’ll get in this episode?
This episode opens with a Town Hall and I like the change-up where Stu doesn’t do so well on stage and Larry has to jump in to save him with a nudge from Frannie: “Remind me, who has more experience working a crowd?”
That just makes so much SENSE!
Teddy & Harold becoming really close friendsā¦ I don’t know if I buy this, especially given how Harold ends up betraying Boulder.
It worked better with Harold being a loner and getting maybe a small taste of belonging. But to develop a strong friendship seems really out of character.
I’m interested to see where this goes.
Call me old-fashioned, but I miss the scene where everyone in the Town Hall sings the National Anthem.
But I guess that only has emotional power if you lived through the loss of society and loved ones via each character’s journey.
With this flashback narrative style, you get none of that. So maybe we’re better off without here. It would’ve rang hollow.
Yeah, I’ve heard this line once or twice (or dozens) of times in my life.
The truck roadblock scene (which was left out of the 1994 series) was well acted and intense.
And something I’ve seen in every episode of The Walking Dead over the past 11 years.
I hate to admit it, but Odessa Young as Frannie is a true improvement over my teenage heartthrob, Molly Ringwald.
I really felt her performance here.
I guess learning about the explosives via a brochure found in a coat pocket is an improvement over being told about it directly by Flagg in a dream.
Speaking of which – I bet most viewers have completely forgotten about Flagg by now. He hardly has made any appearances in almost 4 hours.
There’s BARELY BEEN any Tom Cullen shown in these four episodes for this idea to carry any gravitas whatsoever.
But, I have to give Greg Kinnear his due: His portrayal of Glen Bateman is really growing on me.
And now they flashback several months earlier to Tom & Nick to establish some more character building.
No, just no. You can’t retroactively add major stakes to the meeting about sending spies to Vegas like that!
I do believe we have a Sai King sighting here in this ad for Hemingford Home! š
What – no Tom Cullen hypnotism?
But I loved that scene in the book and in the 1994 series.
“This is God’s Tom.”
That was one of the best parts in the whole damn thing!
I guess this is what replaced the singing of the National Anthem back at the Town Hall.
It’s ok – but doesn’t rouse any emotions.
Day 344: Dec 10, 2022
And now for the various reviews of Episode 4 of The Stand (2020).
I thought there were great character building moments scattered incoherently throughout. However, Harold’s flip to acquiring explosives to murder a bunch of people seem to be quite an unearned plot contrivance.
Let’s see what The Losers’ Club had to say.
They start off wondering what the episode title, “House of the Dead”, had to do with what they just watched.
I have the same question.
Nadine shooting Harold’s best friend Teddy, while he stands there holding his pal as he diesā¦ You’d think Harold would have been a little more upset by that.
But he didn’t seem to blink an eye. That didn’t sit right with me.
Derry Public Radio delved into the intricacies of The Stand (2020) Episode 4.
They spend about 25 minutes laughing at the Stephen King photoshop into the Hemingford Home ad.
I noticed it yesterday when I watched the episode but I had to go back and take a closer look.
Yeah, King’s head is about 5x the size of the body frame to which it was attached. š
Teddy’s obsession over “The Rock” was a favorite moment for the Derry Public Radio gang.
Day 345: Dec 11, 2022
Episode 4 of The Stand (2020) was reviewed by Dark Tower Radio.
They thought it was the best episode since Episode 1.
Next up was Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came with their review of the fourth entry of The Stand (2020).
When discussing the grossest moment of this episode, they pointed to “The Zoo” scene when the crazy guy, who had kidnapped women locked in in a tractor trailer, shot one of those women in the face.
For me, however, this little ear bite was the grossest moment!
All four podcasts claimed they cried at this scene where Tom Cullen departed for Las Vegas and he & Nick were wearing matching coats. š
Day 346: Dec 12, 2022
I’m multitasking tonight, watching Episode 5 of The Stand (2020) while addressing and stamping a massive pile of Christmas cards.
Nothing brings the holiday cheer like an epic post-apocalyptic tale of good vs evil!
“You know Mr. Flagg’s ruleā¦” I actually CAN get on board with this rule.
Automatic citizenship for everyone sounds soā¦ American!
Not sure I’m a big fan of Lloyd the Party Animal.
I really liked Nat Wolff’s performance in the jail cell.
But here in Vegas? I’m really missing Miguel Ferrer’s “accidental boss-man” take on this character.
The tongue-lashing Mother Abigail gives Nick over sending spies out to Vegasā¦
I actually found myself getting mad at Mother Abigail! She’s really had very little to do with anything so far (at least according to the script) so I found myself wanting to tell her to shut up & sit down!
I chalk that up to poor character development.
I guess they dropped the “No Drugs Upon Penalty of Crucifixion” aspect of the Vegas rules & regulations.
It’s a shame. Part of Flagg’s persona was extreme rulemaking. There was the additional reason that he wanted everyone’s head clear so he could constantly be monitoring their thoughts.
OK – there was a quick elevator booty scene which definitely lets you know you are not on broadcast television…
The Vegas dress code is rather odd.
This could’ve been such an iconic scene – one that becomes part of common pop culture and seen for years in parodies and other referencesā¦
If only the series had been much stronger than it actually was.
When Dayna kills herself in front of Flagg, denying him the name of the third spy, he just flops down on the couch and lets out a sigh.
Where’s the frustration and fury? Where’s the tantrum that he throws when things don’t go exactly the way he wants?
This Flagg is such a WUSS!
They just committed the biggest sin: An inappropriate callback to the rather famous opening of the original 1994 mini-series.
Use of “Don’t Fear the Reaper” is so out of place here and uncalled for. I’m embarrassed for the producers of this episode.
Day 347: Dec 13, 2022
Was Episode 5 of The Stand (2020) such a masterpiece that it warranted a two and a half hour podcast from The Losers’ Club?
Right out of the gate, the gang criticizes the oversimplified depiction of evil in New Las Vegas. They also rightly called out that the only depiction of LGBTQ in the series is in the context of debauchery in Vegas.
“Have we learned nothing in 25 years?”
They wondered how New Vegas held it together for as long as they did, especially since they consisted of groups of people who would naturally be at war with each other.
“You can’t put people in fetish gear right next to people who would normally beat them up for wearing fetish gear.”
Next up is the hilariously creative Derry Public Radio who opens their review of The Stand (2020) Episode 5 with:
“I knew new nude New Vegas news would be coming soon!”
Regarding Lloyd Henried:
“He has the enthusiasm of a man who’s never gotten dressed before.”
š
I totally agree with this comment about Alexander SkarsgĆ„rd’s portrayal of Randall Flagg:
“He goes for this really cool acting technique of not reacting at all to somethingā¦ It’s great!”
ššš
“Boulder Lingerie Free Zone”
“Give. Me. The. Fucking. Trashcan. Man.”
Agreed. Five episodes in and no Trashcan Man yet? That’s a real poor decision on the part of the screenwriters.
Day 348: Dec 14, 2022
Two more deep dives into Episode 5 of The Stand (2020). First up is Dark Tower Radio.
Interestingly, Episode 5 was originally titled “Suspicious Minds”. The switch to “Fear and Loathing in New Vegas” apparently was last minute.
The “Rat Man” has been replaced by the “Rat Woman” whose role is to emcee the debauchery in New Vegas.
She is played by Fiona Dourif, daughter of “Graveyard Shift’s” Brad Dourif (who ironically played a rat catcher in that film!)
Wow – this is interesting:
In the book: “Mother Abagail”
In the 1994 series: “Mother Abagail”
In the 2020 series:
Day 349: Dec 15, 2022
I’m more than halfway through The Stand (2020). Now watching Episode 6: “The Vigil”.
And we start right off with Ezra Miller as Trashcan Man.
First – it’s far too late in the game to be introducing a major new character like this.
Second – I recall this portrayal to be the most controversial aspect of the series aside from its heavy reliance on flashbacks.
Trashcan Man was probably considered “controversial” because of how he mumbled all of his key lines. You can’t understand what he’s saying!
Tell me if you would have known he was saying, “My life for you!” if you hadn’t already read the book!
When The Stand meets The Simpsons! š
In the book, you never new exactly what transpired with Mother Abigail when she took a “leave of absence”.
Here, however, the screenwriters decided to take a stab at a direct conversation between Mother Abigail and Flagg.
It fell flat, in my opinion.
The entire middle portion of this episode looks like this. The cinematographers must’ve gone to the same film school as the Game of Thrones producers.
There’s taking liberties with source material and then there’s completely pulling confrontations out of thin air that don’t make any sense.
Franny discovering Harold’s explosives stash and then having a long chat with him about it.
Why was this necessary?
And lets throw in a final conversation between Larry & Nadine while we’re at it!
After Nadine made her final plea to him and received rejection in the last episode, why would they have a friendly chat afterwards?
These writers really lost the thread of these character.
I don’t recognize the clip playing in the background – but it’s a little forced in this scene, don’t you think?
Day 350: Dec 16, 2022
I’m looking forward to the reactions of the introduction of Trashcan Man in The Stand (2020) Episode 6.
The Losers’ Club didn’t really have much to say about Episode 6 – even with a two-hour podcast episode.
So now onto Derry Public Radio for their take.
The guy playing the short-lived Bobby Terry (Clifton Collins Jr.) looks like he could be Willem Dafoe’s brother!
Gotta admire his chutzpah in standing up to Randall Flagg – a dude who supernaturally appeared in everyone’s dreams to lure them to New Vegas.
Day 351: Dec 17, 2022
Now listening to Dark Tower Radio review The Stand (2020) Episode 6: “The Vigil”.
“The swing for the fences was a foul fuckin’ ball”
Dark Tower Radio describing Ezra Miller’s portrayal of the Trashcan Man.
Day 352: Dec 18, 2022
Just got back from seeing Avatar 2 – what an incredible movie (IMAX in 3D)!
I get to follow that experience up with the 7th episode of The Stand (2020).
And with that opening high-pitched squeal from this rendition of Trashcan Man, I almost said f-this and skipped watching this episode.
But no – I’m in this journey for better or for worse EVERY step of the way.
How Ezra Miller didn’t win all the Emmys for this is beyond me.
This has to be the greatest pickup line in all of history! š š š
Potato sack!
Somehow they turned Mother Abigail’s death scene into something in which I literally yawned during.
Harold’s death scene was a lot more visceral in the 2020 series than it was in the 1994 one.
So who’s that lady in the group?
I wish they had spent more than five minutes building up the Ray (formerly Ralph) character so that I could care she was part of the group heading to Vegas.
Some Alexander SkarsbĆ¼tt for the ladies.
They completely ruined the Nadine character.
Instead of the brilliant performance of a wrecked Nadine after the Flagg coupling (like Laura San Giacomo did in 1994), here they treat it almost like a joke.
Day 353: Dec 19, 2022
Nearing the end of The Stand (2020).
Here’s The Losers’ Club with their review of the seventh episode, “The Walk”.
Of course it’s Jenn from The Losers’ Club who watches this scene and says “The trail of petals leads straight to his dick.”
OMG š š š
I totally missed that this statue was Flagg and that the laborers (slaves) were getting whipped.
So cheesy!
The Losers thought that this rendition of “Baby Can You Dig Your Man” could actually have been a hit in today’s charts.
What are they smoking?
Now Derry Public Radio gets to take a crack at The Stand (2020) Episode 7: “The Walk”.
“That walk montage felt like it took up half the episode!”
They’re not wrong.
Day 354: Dec 20, 2022
Dark Tower Radio reviews the seventh episode of The Stand (2020).
The climax hinges on Trashcan Man’s absolute devotion to Flagg. “My life for you!”
The entire nuclear warhead storyline was a surprise to Flagg, another piece of evidence of the dark man’s waning powers.
But Trash’s motivation to acquire that nuclear weapon was as an act of contrition to make up for destroying the air base after mentally snapping. His desire to please his master is what brought everything down.
You get none of that in this series.
One common thread among all the podcasters was the observation that the intimate, humorous moments between the characters were a strength of the series – and that there should’ve been far more of them!
Here’s a prime example of Stu & Glen saying goodbye – showed a true depth of the relationship built between the two of them.
Another clip here from Episode 7 showing Ray (a character not really fleshed out before) having a likeable side. Given her fate in the next episode, having more moments like this would’ve created more connections with her and the viewer, making the climax more impactful.
I had heard Marilyn Manson was being considered for a role in The Stand (2020)). People were speculating he was going to be Trashcan Man, but after it was announced that Ezra Miller had the role, all discussion of Manson seemed to stop.
But now I hear that he indeed was cast for the role of The Kid in a scene that thankfully was cut from production.
https://ew.com/tv/the-stand-marilyn-manson-rumor/
The last word on this seventh episode of The Stand (2020) goes to Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came.
Day 355: Dec 21, 2022
It’s the final episode of The Stand (2020) that covers the book “proper”. Episode 8 is titled “The Stand”.
The IMDB summary for this episode states: “Larry, Glen, and Ray are put on trial in New Vegas, but God has the last word.”
Well, that pretty much gives away the ending, doesn’t it?
This courtroom scene is new. Seeing all three of the “Fellowship” sitting on trial, I hope they didn’t do away with my favorite scene of Glen verbally confronting Flagg!
By name-dropping characters from Game of Thrones, this version of Glen Bateman just became my favorite character in any Stephen King-related work of all time!
I guess there won’t be a Glen-Flagg confrontation after all. That’s highly disappointing!
OK – that was pretty gruesome. This visual goes right after every mother’s worst anxieties about childbirth.
Instead of being stretched until their limbs detached, the execution method for Larry & Ray is drowning by pool water.
And that little dance Flagg does? Is there no rhythm in Hell?
Trashcan Man is having a serious meltdown.
I know the producers & screenwriters had to thing long and hard how to improve upon the “Hand of God” scene when compared to the 1994 version.
I thought the cloud enveloping the casino effect was pretty cool!
Looks like Zeus is the one true God after all. Pretty bold move on behalf of Josh Boone.
I’m no coroner but I don’t believe I’ve heard of lightning bolts “exploding” people before.
Day 356: Dec 22, 2022
What did The Losers’ Club think of Episode 8 of The Stand (2020)?
Oh these Losers are definitely not a fan of this episode. Even Randall, who has been a positive voice on this 2020 series up to this point, said he’s checked out.
They brought up a point I had not considered:
What was the purpose of the lightning bolts from God zapping random people to bits when the electric ball was going to touch the nuclear warhead and blow up the entire city anyway?
They reminded me of how ludicrous the producers’ vision of “evil” was and this scene of a half-naked man swinging on monkey bars for no reason at all being a prime example.
In a battle between Good and Evil, apparently Cirque du Soleil would be attracted to the dark side.
I wrapped up the day with Derry Public Radio who were a bit more upbeat on the absurdity that was Episode 8 of The Stand (2020).
Day 357: Dec 23, 2022
It’s windy as hell and below freezing in a southern state that puts out advisories every time the temperature drops below 50.
Before civilization collapses, I’m listening to Dark Tower Radio‘s review of Episode 8 of The Stand (2020).
“A pile of shit” is how they opened up this review of the New Vegas-centric episode of The Stand (2020).
They didn’t care for the ending as written in the book to begin with, so it’s not surprising that they panned this episode.
The last word on Ep 8, “The Stand” of the miniseries The Stand (2020) belongs to Two Guys from the Dark Tower Came.
“This episode was a disaster.”
Day 358: Dec 24, 2022
Blissfully, I have reached the last episode of The Stand (2020). This was the episode penned by King himself which added a new ending to this classic story – a postscript to the fall of New Vegas. Will this redeem what has otherwise been a subpar series?
The opening scene with Frannie’s baby getting Captain Trips was quite well done, I thought.
Well, one thing I hoped they would’ve shown was how Tom Cullen took care of Stu and nursed him back to health. I guess they dropped it because the supernatural element of Tom getting medical guidance from Nick’s ghost would’ve felt out of place at this point.
In fact, I doubt any viewers would even remember who Nick by Episode 9.
This scene was quite touching.
“Hey Abby. Meet your Daddy.”
This had to be the dumbest thing I’ve seen in this series so far.
Billy Joel’s “The Stranger” is playing as the camera pans through the rubble of New Vegas. Fine, Flagg is back. š
Not necessary, or even wanted, but whatever.
And then the little smiley face button appears and you hear the little “ding”? That shit belongs back with The Mangler 3.
Utilizing the idea of the tribe untouched by man from the book’s extended edition epilogue, eh?
A lot has been made of the “magical Negro” trope used in Stephen King’s works (think Mother Abigail and Dick Hollarann from The Shining).
And then King doubles-down on it in the last episode of The Stand (2020).
My eyeballs are now sprained from rolling so hard. This is the laziest, most predictable and boring writing I have ever seen.
This did give me a little chuckle.
And that concludes my viewing of The Stand (2020).
While a longer and unconstrained adaptation for the screen was absolutely necessary, this series wasn’t it. Not by a long shot.
Day 359: Dec 25, 2022
Merry Christmas! As I sit here early this morning wrapping some final presents, I’m listening to The Losers’ Club review the final, and least necessary, episode of The Stand (2020).
I really enjoyed the exercise they went through comparing and ranking all of the character portrayals between the book, the 1994 series and the 2020 series.
For me,
Stu Redman: Gary Sinise (1994)
Frannie Goldsmith: Odessa Young (2020)
Harold: Owen Teague (2020)
Nick Andros: Rob Lowe (1994)
Tom Cullen: Tie, Bill Fagerbakke (2020) and Brad William Henke (2020)
Mother Abagail: Ruby Dee (1994)
Randall Flagg: Jamey Sheridan (1994)
Glen Bateman: Ray Walston (1994)
Trashcan Man: Matt Frewer (1994)
Nadine Cross: Laura San Giacomo (1994)
Lloyd Henreid: Miguel Ferrer (1994)
The Losers point out that Frannie’s laughing response at Flagg’s proposition somewhat makes up for the loss of Glen Bateman’s similar reaction to Flagg from the book and the 1994 series.
I completely missed Mick Garris’s cameo in this episode.
Next to review the final episode of The Stand (2020) is Derry Public Radio.
Wow! It was in this podcast that I learned that the scenes between Tom & Stu’s journey home and Nick appearing to Tom in the desert were indeed shot and not included for some reason.
A fair assessment:
“Stephen Kingā¦ He likes wells.”
“And has no idea how they’re designed.”
“There’s also that.”
“Why the fuck is the spout of this well in the fucking middle of the well?”
Day 360: Dec 26, 2022
Presents are unwrapped and everybody is just chillin’ with their goodies.
As for me, I’m spending time with Dark Tower Radio and their unflattering review of The Stand (2020) Episode 9.
And finally, it’s Two Guys to the Dark Tower Came with their take on the final episode of The Stand (2020).
Regarding the Flagg and Frannie confrontation:
“It also didn’t seem like it was a meeting of good vs evil. It seemed like two people at a work picnic having an argument over a parking space.”
Day 361: Dec 27, 2022
The podcasts covering the individual episodes of The Stand (2020) are now behind me. Now I have a dozen podcast episodes to listen to which cover the series as a whole – interviews with actors, showrunners, etc.
Today, I listen to a pair of The Losers’ Club episodes, starting with this one.
This first interview with The Stand (2020) showrunner Benjamin Cavell sounds like it was conducted before the first episode was broadcast, sort of like it was part of a promotional tour.
Of note so far was that Benjamin had been pursuing developing The Running Man as a series.
The last I heard, Edgar Wright was developing a movie on that material, but it seems to be frozen in limbo.
Next up is an interview with the actress who played Julie Lawry in The Stand (2020).
Day 362: Dec 28, 2022
Continuing with the various reviews of The Stand (2020). Starting off today with Chat Sematary.
Interesting take: While they thought Owen Teague did a great job as Harold Lauder, they thought there was waaay too much of him. They felt this was time being taken away from flashing out the other characters.
Both hosts believed that the 9th episode, the “Coda” of The Stand (2020), was completely unnecessary.
Now back to The Losers’ Club and an interview with Owen Teague.
Owen Teague really committed to understanding the character he played.
Throughout production of The Stand (2020) he kept a journal as Harold Lauder. He brought a typewriter to the apartment at which he stayed during filming, started with the journal material as printed in the novel, and carried it forward for several months!
What I wouldn’t give to get my hands on the Teague/Lauder journal!
Day 363: Dec 29, 2022
Continuing with the various reviews of The Stand (2020). Starting off today with Stephen King Cast‘s review of the series overall.
He had reviewed the first episode but then stopped because he really disliked their time-distorted approach. Needless to say, he was not a fan of the end result.
Day 364: Dec 30, 2022
The Losers’ Club speaks again with a showrunner of The Stand (2020). They spoke earlier while the series was in the middle of its run, but now they circle back post series completion.
Here is an interview with Matt Wolff, the actor who played Lloyd Henreid in The Stand (2020).
Day 365: Dec 31, 2022
Here I sit, one full year into my Stephen King journey! š„³
I kick it off with a The Kingcast interview with one of the directors of The Stand (2020), the well-respected Vincenzo Natali. He had also directed the film adaptation of King’s “In the Tall Grass” as well as one of my favorite sci-fi/horror films, “Cube”.
Next is Kingslingers with their very unfavorable review of The Stand (2020).
Day 366: Jan 01, 2023
Welcome to the second year of my Stephen King journey!
I’m nearing the end of my time with The Stand. Today, I start with The Kingcast and a final analysis of the 2020 miniseries.
Welcome to the second year of my Stephen King journey!
Kingslingers returns begrudgingly with a second visit to The Stand (2020).
Day 367: Jan 02, 2023
The final word on The Stand (2020) goes to The Stephen King Podcast. I’ll be relieved to finally move on from this disappointing miniseries!
The Graphic Novels
Day 367: Jan 02, 2023
In this last phase of this milestone with Stephen King’s “The Stand”, I get to read the graphic novel series from Marvel.
Part 1 is called “Captain Trips”.
Putting “graphic” into “graphic novel”!
After months of watching video adaptations of The Stand, with artistic licences being taken left and right and characters dropped, combined, and reinterpreted, it’s kind of nice to see a literal adaptation of the source material for a change.
The beginning of Larry Underwood’s character growth from self-centered & pathetic too one who willingness sacrificed his life is captured nicely here.
To recap this first volume of the Marvel release of “The Stand” is Chat Sematary.
Day 368: Jan 03, 2023
I’m reading Part 2 of the Marvel graphic novel adaptation of The Stand. I really like what I’ve seen so far.
I’m reading Part 2 of the Marvel graphic novel adaptation of The Stand. I really like what I’ve seen so far.
It’s a shame they didn’t include the Yankees Stadium fan in this scene. But as it’s marketed to a younger audience, I get it.
l don’t think they got 16-yr-old Harold Lauder quite right.
This is quite beautiful!
These writers & artists captured the core of Larry Underwood in a way that neither of the TV adaptations even came close to accomplishing!
They included the “(No great loss)” section! Magnificent!
Continuing with their love for The Stand graphic novel series is Chat Sematary.
Day 369: Jan 04, 2023
I’m now on Vol 3 of the Marvel graphic novel adaptation of The Stand. If only the video adaptations came close to this!
For the most part, I loved how the characters were drawn. But there were two exceptions: Harold Lauder (which I previously mentioned) and now Tom Cullen.
Well hello, Julie Lawry!
I think they struggled a lot with faces and expressions. Mother Abagail looks sinister here.
So they went with “Abigail” instead of “Abagail” like it was in the book.
Wait – they just went back to “Abagail”. This annoys me!
What I would’ve given to have seen this scene captured on screen!
I’m at the halfway point through this comic series and what a delightful rendition of The Stand it’s been so far!
Now for a short review of Vol 3 with Chat Sematary.
Day 370: Jan 05, 2023
Starting the second half of the Marvel graphic novel series of The Stand with Vol 4. A perfectly faithful adaptation so far!
Venturing where the TV producers feared to tread!
This really underscores how far the 2020 miniseries diverged from King’s vision of Vegas and the character of Trashcan Man.
Had they filmed this scene the miniseries would’ve been an instant classic.
Oh wow – I had forgotten that the book had given us a brief POV of Kojak, didn’t it?
Day 371: Jan 06, 2023
I was slammed with work today and am just now settled in for my Stephen King hour with Volume 5 of the Marvel graphic novel series of The Stand.
Hah! I had forgotten about the Stu Redman and Jim Morrison scene from the book!
One character they really captured well was Nadine Cross.
Awww….
What an immaculate drawing of the bomb going off during the council meeting!
How much do you wanna bet that “R.F.” are the initials of someone that bullied and tortured Stephen King in grade school?
Day 372: Jan 07, 2023
My journey with The Stand is nearing the end as I pick up the final volume in this 6-part graphic novel series from Marvel.
I had forgotten that every character in the novel was practically a Tolkein professor. But then again, with this novel written back in mid-70’s, perhaps Lord of the Rings was much more in the forefront of pop culture?
This was the nuance about Las Vegas that the 2020 mini-series COMPLETELY missed to its detriment. The TV series had Vegas being full of crazed & evil characters living out their fetishes and impulses – which would never have let that city function!
I fantasize about a series of The Stand novels set in different parts of the world. The Stand: China or The Stand: Russia. Other variants of Flagg pursuing their goals, just like he says in the panel below.
The fall of Nadine was rendered BEAUTIFULLY!
I had heard in advance that this scene was coming. An “Easter Egg” that was far too obvious to be one and just ended up being distracting in such a critical moment.
Stu’s anxiety dream about Frannie giving birth to a baby Randall Flagg was quite… vividly drawn here!
Misc
Day 373: Jan 08, 2023
Now listening to Dark Tower Radio interview Andy Burns, author of āThis Dark Chest of Wonders: 40 years of Stephen Kingās the Standā. It was published just before the release of the 2020 miniseries, but it covers everything up until that point.
Next is an early 2020 episode from The Losers’ Club titled “Is the Coronavirus Captain Trips?” in which the following question was asked:
“Do we think the coronavirus is something to worry about?”
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Day 374: Jan 09, 2023
I’ve reached my final step in this milestone of my journey! The last podcast episode about “The Stand” goes to The Kingcast and an exploration of this story with comic writer Karen Kilgariff (Mr. Show).
What an amazing journey “The Stand” has been! Here’s some stats about this step:
Started: 9/21/2022
Ended: 1/9/2023
Pieces of media consumed: 130
Total time spent: 204 hours (that’s 8.46 straight days spent reading, listening & watching).
Favorite character: General William Starkey
Biggest surprise: The Marvel graphic novels
Biggest disappointment: The 2020 CBS All Access miniseries
Best podcast: Kingslingers’ read-along
As for next steps: During this step, many podcasters have released eps on books I’ve already finished. I’ve also come across new podcasters whose back catalog includes those same books.
So I’ll spend the next month circling back & catching up. And then onto the next book in the journey: “The Dead Zone”!
Oh… I neglected to provide my book rankings. Here’s how I rank them so far (judging just the books along and not any related adaptations):
1. The Stand
2. Doctor Sleep
3. Night Shift
4. The Shining
5. Carrie
6. Salem’s Lot