I have not read the book nor do I know anything about it. Coming into this show completely blind, I thought it was great. This first episode sets up the story, the world and the characters nicely. It hints at the coming conflict.
Cinematography and music was spot on. Excited about seeing more of this series.
P.S watching because of Alexander Skarsgård and damn that man is still hot af at 44 years old.
31 Reviews
Waiting to see the next episodes
poinla3718 December 2020
I'm familiar with Stephen King novel and the 90's miniseries, which I really liked (maybe from nostalgia?).
This episode was alright, people not familiar with the story might get a bit lost though. To my mind, the sinister/ominous/fantastic vibe is not developped enough, but this is just the first episode, so let's wait and see!
Good start
pkarlson17 December 2020
Stumbles at first, but eventually grabs you
CMTempest17 December 2020
After waiting all year in excitement to see one of my favorite books come to life, I found this series pilot to be a frustratingly mixed bag. Fortunately, it did get much better towards the end, so I'm still holding out hope. To start, the opening was incredibly lame, and it was followed by several more weak scenes and some really spotty directing. The acting from one of the dudes bullying Harold was unbelievably bad. However, Teague quickly won me over as Harold. He's definitely got some acting chops, which is great since his arc is my favorite from the book. It's too early to say with Fran, but at the very least Young seems much better cast than Ringwald.
Marsden does a commendable job as well, and I liked his take on Stu much more than I expected to based off the trailers. His storyline was actually very well handled for the most part, albeit too rushed. In fact, that was my biggest issue with the whole episode. The structure and pacing were horrendous! It was constantly jumping all over the place, to the point where it frequently made it unclear when each scene was happening. Whoever decided to scramble the chronology should be smacked! Also, why not slow it down and let some of the moments breathe a little? The breakneck pace prevented the story from establishing tension and stakes. The best part of King's book was the opening chapters with the steady spread of the disease and seeing the characters react to it without knowing who would live and what would happen to them. That suspense is now completely absent, and for no apparent reason.
It's so frustrating, cause there are individual scenes of brilliance throughout. I really hope the show finds it's footing and corrects the pacing issues, as it's definitely got potential. For now I'd give it a 7/10. Looking forward to next week.
Marsden does a commendable job as well, and I liked his take on Stu much more than I expected to based off the trailers. His storyline was actually very well handled for the most part, albeit too rushed. In fact, that was my biggest issue with the whole episode. The structure and pacing were horrendous! It was constantly jumping all over the place, to the point where it frequently made it unclear when each scene was happening. Whoever decided to scramble the chronology should be smacked! Also, why not slow it down and let some of the moments breathe a little? The breakneck pace prevented the story from establishing tension and stakes. The best part of King's book was the opening chapters with the steady spread of the disease and seeing the characters react to it without knowing who would live and what would happen to them. That suspense is now completely absent, and for no apparent reason.
It's so frustrating, cause there are individual scenes of brilliance throughout. I really hope the show finds it's footing and corrects the pacing issues, as it's definitely got potential. For now I'd give it a 7/10. Looking forward to next week.
It's... Okay
Gislef21 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I consider the 1990 mini-series better, based on the first episode seen here. For one thing, that's a linear story. The flashbacks are understandable, sort of. Until the end, when we cut back to way before anything else that happened in the "past" we've seen, when Campion escaped after being contaminated. With Flagg helping things along a little, which is a cute touch.
The acting that we see is okay. I've never been that impressed by Jason Marsden, and neither are the legion of Cyclops anti-fans. He's not actively bad here, but doesn't have too much here to do except react as things happen around him. Odessa Young doesn't make much of an impression one way or another. Owen Teague is good as Harold, and we don't see enough of Goldberg or Skarsgard to get an impression on way another.
I liked the "guest stars" better. I'm not a big fan of Hamish Linklater from 'Legion' and 'Monsterland'. But he's good here as the self-effacing Dr. Ellis. J.K. Simmons does his usual sterling work as the doomed General Starkey.
Because of the non-linear nature of the episode, it's not very clear what's going on. What's the city Harold sees in the distance behind Flagg? What's going on in Boulder. I pity the folks who aren't familiar with the original story, either from the novel or the previous mini-series. I know it, because I've read/seen the sources. If you haven't, too bad.
As others have noted, showing the full plague outbreak "in person" would have come across as tasteless given the current pandemic. But this sanitized version of Captain Trips isn't better for it.
Overall, there's enough going that I feel drawn back. But that's what I do: I watch a show to the bitter end no matter how bad the premiere is. Hello, 'Monsterland'. And there's nothing bad in "The End". It's just not that great, and part of it is the choice to go non-linear.
But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong. What do you think?
The acting that we see is okay. I've never been that impressed by Jason Marsden, and neither are the legion of Cyclops anti-fans. He's not actively bad here, but doesn't have too much here to do except react as things happen around him. Odessa Young doesn't make much of an impression one way or another. Owen Teague is good as Harold, and we don't see enough of Goldberg or Skarsgard to get an impression on way another.
I liked the "guest stars" better. I'm not a big fan of Hamish Linklater from 'Legion' and 'Monsterland'. But he's good here as the self-effacing Dr. Ellis. J.K. Simmons does his usual sterling work as the doomed General Starkey.
Because of the non-linear nature of the episode, it's not very clear what's going on. What's the city Harold sees in the distance behind Flagg? What's going on in Boulder. I pity the folks who aren't familiar with the original story, either from the novel or the previous mini-series. I know it, because I've read/seen the sources. If you haven't, too bad.
As others have noted, showing the full plague outbreak "in person" would have come across as tasteless given the current pandemic. But this sanitized version of Captain Trips isn't better for it.
Overall, there's enough going that I feel drawn back. But that's what I do: I watch a show to the bitter end no matter how bad the premiere is. Hello, 'Monsterland'. And there's nothing bad in "The End". It's just not that great, and part of it is the choice to go non-linear.
But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong. What do you think?
Other the Obvious
pelegirl528418 December 2020
So, putting aside the very bold choice to utilize this non-linear approach... the casting is perfect, and the performances are dynamite. So good in fact, I quickly became less distracted by the nonlinear story telling and now pretty psyched for the next episode.
I am thankful that I already know the story, as I'm pretty sure I would have walked away from this first episode feeling utterly lost and frustrated. I'd like to hear some feedback from a total newcomer, and if they have a good hold on the plot, having no prior relationship with the book, '94 miniseries or the characters.
There's one one major issue-and unfortunately it's pretty obvious one. In this Golden age of Television, how the hell wasn't this given the 5 season treatment?
THE STAND is literally based on a Stephen King EPIC. It has been waiting for an epic adaptation, and yet, here we are AGAIN trying to squeeze a 1000+ page epic into 9 hours. This could have been the Leftovers 2.0. Its all there. And these incredible performances only emphasize this lost opportunity.
I am thankful that I already know the story, as I'm pretty sure I would have walked away from this first episode feeling utterly lost and frustrated. I'd like to hear some feedback from a total newcomer, and if they have a good hold on the plot, having no prior relationship with the book, '94 miniseries or the characters.
There's one one major issue-and unfortunately it's pretty obvious one. In this Golden age of Television, how the hell wasn't this given the 5 season treatment?
THE STAND is literally based on a Stephen King EPIC. It has been waiting for an epic adaptation, and yet, here we are AGAIN trying to squeeze a 1000+ page epic into 9 hours. This could have been the Leftovers 2.0. Its all there. And these incredible performances only emphasize this lost opportunity.
So Far So GREAT!
daleover128 December 2020
"The Stand" Is and will always be my favorite Stephen King book. I am more often than not disappointed in movie and t.v. adaptations. Based on this first episode though I'm very impressed.
You see, the reason I'm usually disappointed is they never give me the feel I got when I read a particular book. This show gives me the same feelings of fear and disgust. Especially since what's going on in the COVID world right now.
I love the way it's all represented and acted.
If you loved the book when it came out back in 78 like I did. ( I've read it at least 6 times, like the original edition better than the revised.) You'll love this adaptation.
I'm not the least surprised by the negative reviews on here. It's sad now much the trolls get together and smear boards when something popular comes out. ( Just check out all the troll on WW84) Ignore them. If you check their user names you'll see that many of them are the same person, and it's their first and only review. Why do they do it? For fun I guess.
What was the need for the non linear/back n forth method? Jus to b different?
Fella_shibby18 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
But i liked the way they showed how the devil played a part in the escape of Charles D. Campion.
I also liked the disappearance of the mullet hair n the inclusion of a cool denim jacket.
The convulated idea took away the tension n suspense which is kinda bad for new viewers. This review is for the 1st episode. After watching the 90s series almost a month back, i was anticipating this series thinking they might start this new version with a bang but alas.
The first one and a half hour of the old version is the best from its 6 hr runtime, the pandemic, the arrest of civilians n the after effects, all looked scary and pretty relatable cos of the current covid situation. But this 1st episode from the new series took away all the tension n mayhem. For a new viewer who hasn't read the book or hasn't seen the old version, they might not feel the tension n suspense as the new viewers will already kno that the survivors will eventually meet n nothing's gonna happen to em.
In the old version, Glen Bateman's house is straight outta poetry with trees, grasses, a small bridge n a flowing river which can be used for keeping the cans cool. Now lets wait n watch. In the old version, the camaraderie between Nick Andros n Tom Cullen reminded me of Of Mice and Men. Now lets wait n watch. Hope they don't ruin Trashcan man.
The convulated idea took away the tension n suspense which is kinda bad for new viewers. This review is for the 1st episode. After watching the 90s series almost a month back, i was anticipating this series thinking they might start this new version with a bang but alas.
The first one and a half hour of the old version is the best from its 6 hr runtime, the pandemic, the arrest of civilians n the after effects, all looked scary and pretty relatable cos of the current covid situation. But this 1st episode from the new series took away all the tension n mayhem. For a new viewer who hasn't read the book or hasn't seen the old version, they might not feel the tension n suspense as the new viewers will already kno that the survivors will eventually meet n nothing's gonna happen to em.
In the old version, Glen Bateman's house is straight outta poetry with trees, grasses, a small bridge n a flowing river which can be used for keeping the cans cool. Now lets wait n watch. In the old version, the camaraderie between Nick Andros n Tom Cullen reminded me of Of Mice and Men. Now lets wait n watch. Hope they don't ruin Trashcan man.
There is NOTHING wrong with this adaptation
justcarlsen26 December 2020
Is the Amber Heard drama really getting people riled up enough to bury this show before it even starts????? The non-linear approach may not be for everyone but it works here. Instead of demanding or expecting a shot for shot remake of the old mini-series, just go watch that and try to enjoy this as something new.
Ouch
bakodel102317 December 2020
Great cast. Wish they would have stayed in order because I had to rewind to make sure I didn't fall asleep and missed something. I am sure it will get better. Adding some other information made somethings somewhat clearer that we never saw in the first series.
Disjointed mess
shamus-mcdougal7317 December 2020
I'm not sure who made the decision tell the story out of order, while also skipping months between key scenes. I can only assume they didn't want to make a scene for scene remake of the original TV series. Unfortunately, if I wasn't already so familiar with the book and original series, I don't think I would have understood what was going on. Characters are just suddenly on the other side of the country.
Maybe they want to introduce all the characters and then use each episode to flash back to how they managed to make it to Boulder? It's free, so I'll keep checking it out, but not impressed so far.
Maybe they want to introduce all the characters and then use each episode to flash back to how they managed to make it to Boulder? It's free, so I'll keep checking it out, but not impressed so far.
The Start.
mf281218 December 2020
What can I say. The storyline starts off perfectly, although a little slow to begin with, but so does the novel. It picks up really well later on in the episode, and I think it's far too early to be judging the whole series on one episode. This looks promising 🤞
Too many timeline changes
eefootballfan20 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
One of the best parts of The Stand novel was that gradual nature and character development. Obviously a tv series cannot do everything the same but showing their eventual reunion in Boulder so soon is an injustice. Some of the best parts in the novel involve the destruction of humanity (theater shootout, anyone??) and that was barely shown at all. Harold's writing/voiceover sequence at the end should never be in episode 1; being that it is is a spoiler in and of itself.
Overall I think it is a good start, and I'll definitely keep watching. The casting is good so hopefully that can make up for the scattered timeline. I'm hoping for a deeper view into the madness of Captain Trips in later episodes, but so far there is not enough.
Unfortunately, sometimes it hurts to read a story before you see it.
Overall I think it is a good start, and I'll definitely keep watching. The casting is good so hopefully that can make up for the scattered timeline. I'm hoping for a deeper view into the madness of Captain Trips in later episodes, but so far there is not enough.
Unfortunately, sometimes it hurts to read a story before you see it.
Meh.
withyoualways-4152715 April 2022
I had no issue with most of the casting - and no offense to fans of the 1990s series, but Skarsgard is a MUCH better Flagg than Sheridan. But the script is a mess. The back-and-forth between the past and the present is confusing even for someone who has read the book a dozen times.
The major issue I had with the script is its written in a way that robs much of the characters' growth. We don't see their arc at all. This particular episode gives away a lot of information that should be discovered on the journey from the beginning to the end. The richness of the story that King meticulously built in his book is flattened in this chop job.
I don't know why I'm surprised - I'm rarely thrilled with a King book adapted to film. I just had higher hopes and feel this book deserved a better treatment.
The major issue I had with the script is its written in a way that robs much of the characters' growth. We don't see their arc at all. This particular episode gives away a lot of information that should be discovered on the journey from the beginning to the end. The richness of the story that King meticulously built in his book is flattened in this chop job.
I don't know why I'm surprised - I'm rarely thrilled with a King book adapted to film. I just had higher hopes and feel this book deserved a better treatment.
Decent Start to a Show We Probably Don't Need
infinitetyler2 March 2024
This story has been around for a while, so at this point it's difficult NOT comparing it to either the book or the tv mini series. Why did they feel the need to make another version of the exact same thing? Basically it comes down to someone wanting to make a Walking Dead show, but not tie it to one of the 30 existing spin-off series. The original miniseries seemed like the ideal format because the book is pretty long, but I would think that the amount of filler you would have to add to make it 9 episodes would drag the story down-- which it does.
The acting and production aren't bad and the story is a classic, but I feel like it deviates from the source material in order to adhere to some disingenuous corporate agenda hoping to establish a The-Stand-a-Verse or something.
A 7/10 is being generous, it could easily be a 4-5.
The acting and production aren't bad and the story is a classic, but I feel like it deviates from the source material in order to adhere to some disingenuous corporate agenda hoping to establish a The-Stand-a-Verse or something.
A 7/10 is being generous, it could easily be a 4-5.
Faithful To The Source And Adapted Well To Modern Times
yund-417 December 2020
I'll start by candidly saying I love the novel and respect the 90s TV Miniseries despite its many flaws. This first episode of the 2020 edition was spectacular, in my opinion. Great cast (LOVE the choice for Starkey), well-scripted, and doesn't hold the viewer's hand by going chronologically. That might be its only flaw for someone who is unfamiliar with the source material - the first episode does jump around to the various time periods and geographical settings, but I can see where it's headed and I have faith it will all be tied up by the final episode. And the first episode really only focuses on three of the major characters. I cannot wait to see what they have in store for the rest of the series!!
Missing Things?
waynerpratt15 July 2021
Read the book and love it.
kaladinstormblessed-3788018 December 2020
I don't understand why people expect tv show adaptations to be exactly the same as the books.
I'm a big Stephen King fan and I absolutely loved the first episode. That's also not something I say about almost all adaptations of his works. Not because they aren't adapted exactly as he wrote them, but because - generally - they are horribly acted and scripted.
Not so with the first episode of The Stand. I highly recommend ignoring the super low ratings. They are obviously trolls. Either hypercritical individuals that expect a word for word adaptation or probably super right wing folks that for whatever reason think this show has an agenda.
If you're a fan of the book, I am positive you'll like the first episode.
I'm a big Stephen King fan and I absolutely loved the first episode. That's also not something I say about almost all adaptations of his works. Not because they aren't adapted exactly as he wrote them, but because - generally - they are horribly acted and scripted.
Not so with the first episode of The Stand. I highly recommend ignoring the super low ratings. They are obviously trolls. Either hypercritical individuals that expect a word for word adaptation or probably super right wing folks that for whatever reason think this show has an agenda.
If you're a fan of the book, I am positive you'll like the first episode.
How am I this confused about a story I know so well?
mmccann823722 December 2020
This felt like they assembled the scenes in random order. I can do non-linear storytelling, but it's got to make at least some narrative sense! It felt like they just taped it all together and the tape was cheap, dollar store crap.
Plus, why are we centering so hard on Harold Lauder, the creepy incel? Those people do not need more heroes.
Plus, why are we centering so hard on Harold Lauder, the creepy incel? Those people do not need more heroes.
Awful
JICNZ20 January 2021
After a few minutes of watching this first episode, I stopped it to check that this was actually the first, and that I hadn't by mistake come into the series halfway through. This was utterly ridiculous. We suddenly have conversations between people we don't know, in places we have no idea where they are, about things we don't understand. The acting is pretty dire throughout, especially by the lead girl Frannie. It's just weird, apparently shot on a budget and boring. To make The Stand boring is quite an achievement.
Following in the footsteps of it's predecessor...?
colin26026619 December 2020
Why?
raygunwould-3-97705819 December 2020
They ripped up the book and blindly reassembled it in an illogical order. I imagine if you haven't read the book, the story would be a little confusing. I'm just glad I just watched it for free on a 7 day trial. I will not be paying to watch CBS screw up Stephen King.
Not impressed at all.
DannX6817 December 2020
Weird tonal shifts, weird editing choices, like, jumping back and forth between past, present, and future to a degree where you get lost to as what is happening when, switching between scenes too often so you never get a feel of the urgency or danger they're in, and in a way that you never really get to know - or care about - the characters.
Even the handful of actors I normally like are horribly miscast, as is almost everyone, and especially the girl playing Fran Goldsmith (Odessa Young, the first I've ever seen of her) is atrocious.
I may give it an episode or two more before deciding if I want to finish it.
Completely disjointed
gjkoeppen19 December 2020
This first episode was completely disjointed. The last scene with a man his wife and child escaping from a military base where the virus started was how this started. How backwards is that? There was way to much stuff that happens prior to when the good survivors reach Boulder that has been just skipped over. This first episode jumps between past present and future to much without any hints before doing it making this hard to follow. I'm not impressed at all and right now I'm trying to decide whether I want to watch future episodes or not. So far not a single actor in this version is as good as the actors that played the characters in the original version. I was being generous giving this only 1 star.
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