Episode Description:

Johnny's disturbing vision of his psychic friend Alex sends him to a small town in an attempt to save her, but he needs rescuing himself after he is accused of murder. Meanwhile, Sarah decides to move out of Johnny's house and confides in Stillson, who has important information on the investigation into Walt. - TV Guide

Episode Review:

Alex: "That's why I always see pink spoons on my birthday."

I like Alex.  She's as freaky and gifted as Johnny is.  They even sort of communicate in shorthand. He showed up in handcuffs, wanted for murder, and Alex acted like it happened every day.  And I really liked the way she resolved her own inescapable death by car trunk.  I was thinking that, if I
were in that situation, I'd duct tape a crowbar to my leg -- so when she pulled out the flashlight, screwdriver, and goggles, I laughed out loud.  Wanda turning out to be Alex's mother was predictable, but nice.

When they first introduced Alex a couple of seasons ago, I thought that she would be a good love interest for Johnny -- but not now.  I'm officially reinvested in Johnny finally reuniting with Sarah.  Why did Johnny run away instead of confronting Sarah and getting their issues out in the open? Maybe it's just been too many years since they were separated.  Maybe he's comfortable interfering in other people's lives, but finds it difficult to handle his own.

This whole Greg/Sarah thing gives me the shudders. I suppose I can't blame Sarah for her escalating flirtation with Greg Stillson. What woman wouldn't be flattered by the attentions of a young, handsome, single vice president who treats her like gold?

The scene where Alex saw Walt sitting next to Johnny in the car was touching.  I've missed Walt.  We just learned that Walt inherited money from someone named Brian Meeks, and Greg managed to fix things with Sheriff Turner.  I'm sure they won't stay fixed, because this whole Walt thing isn't going away.  The "Walt's secret" subplot hasn't done much for me; it had better turn out to be something cool.

Bits and pieces:

-- Just as with John L. Adams last week, Chris Bruno was listed as cast.

-- Last week, annoying Visa product placement.  This week, annoying Tylenol product placement.

Quotes:

Alex: "We should plan on getting together when there's not, you know, a big crisis."  But that would be so dull.

Johnny: "Where'd you find the handcuff key?"
Wanda: "Old boyfriend. Long story."

Alex: "I can't believe I'm going to die on my birthday. Whenever anyone sees my gravestone, it's all they're going to talk about."

Johnny: "What about how to break out of a car trunk?"
Alex: "I've been in a couple of bad relationships."

Three stars

Bille Doux reviews episodes of 'The Dead Zone' for her website.
She reviews individual episodes of science fiction & cult TV shows
for her website, located at http://www.billiedoux.com/

Behind The Scenes:

Cast & Crew:

Written by: Richard Hatem.
Directed by: James Head.
Guest Starring: Chris Bruno (Walt Bannerman), Sean Patrick Flanery (Greg Stillson), Jennifer Finnigan (Alex Sinclair), John Topor (), Alan Fawcett (Sheriff Victor Lambert) & Lois Dellar (Wanda Purcell).