Many moons ago the multi-night mini-series was a staple of entertainment for the broadcast networks, producing such classics like "Roots", "V", and "The Beast". As a kid growing up in the 90's, I was fortunate to experience the last hurrah of that era and some of the best ones that I remember came from the brilliant mind of Stephen King. 1999's three part mini-series "Storm of the Century" was one of those.
Through the narration of Constable Mike Anderson (Tim Daly), we're introduced to a small island town off the coast of Maine, a town whose people--like many island people--know how to keep a secret. It just so happens that a viscous storm is rearing its ugly head toward the island but as they will soon learn, that's the least of their worries. With the simple but creepy phrase "Born in lust, turn to dust. Born in sin, come on in", a mysterious stranger murders a hapless old lady and then waits for the cops to come. Andre Linoge (Colm Feore) is his name and right from the start we know there's not a thing normal about him. He has retractable fangs, eyes that can glow red, and a sliver, wolf head cane that seems to appear anywhere he wants. He also demonstrates an uncanny ability of knowing the darkest sins of every man and woman. Soon, with several random suicides and killings, it becomes obvious that no matter if Linoge is locked up or out and about, he's in control. The only reason he gives for all the havoc is the unforgettable quote, "Give me what I want and I'll go away".
So many things make "Storm" what it is. The first has to do with writing of King, who, unlike many of his television productions, did not adapt this from any story. Because he could just write it for television, "Storm" comes across as more direct than any of the other famous King mini-series such as "The Stand". With his ever amazing ability of combining horror and character development, King is able to take the fantastic and make it seem real. Credit has must go to the many good actors, such as Tim Daly as Anderson, who desperately tries to keep the town on the course of good in spite of Linoge's corruption, Jeffery DeMunn as slimy town manager Robbie Beals, and Deborah Farentino as Anderson's devoted wife as well as many others who I don't have the space for.
However, the one who really steals the show is the talented but underrated Colm Feore as the devilish Linoge. Whether he's causing death and destruction through storms and suicides, singing "I'm a Little Tea pot" nursery rhyme, or just making a cold stare, Feore is nothing short of charismatic and terrifying. Of course, one needs to congratulate the writer for the creation of a great character and for Linoge, Mr. King should be congratulated all the way. Perhaps the biggest factor that makes Linoge such a fascinating (and spooky) character is the fact that even when Linoge reveals what it is he wants (which I won't say here to avoid spoiling the movie) we never really find out what he exactly is.
He has fangs yes but he doesn't seem to be a vampire since he has no interest in sucking anyone's blood as well as the fact that his powers go way beyond that of a creature of the night. In the end, all we can really be sure of is that he's some powerful being or entity from the universe of Stephen King. In other words, he's way beyond our understanding. I should also give credit to the director, Craig R. Baxely and the production staff for being able to create an epic winter nightmare for the town, complete with tons of snow, crashing waves, and desolate landscape, all with a television budget.
Sadly, though we didn't realize it at the time, grand productions like "Storm" were in the twilight of their existence. There weren't too many more treasures after this one, of King's or anyone else's for that matter. It's for this reason that it holds a special place in my heart because it was still a time before shows like "Big Brother" took over the airwaves. I can't help but wonder how we went from this to that. Ugh, why did it all have to end??!! Despite what modern TV has become, I urge you to watch and enjoy "Storm" on DVD or you tube. And take care to remember Linoge's warning: "hell is repetition".
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