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33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unique in television history, and one of best shows made., June 24, 2002
"Millennium" was the brainchild of Chris Carter - formerly famous for creating "The X-Files" but not notable for anything else. When it began airing in 1996, it used its X-files link (at the height of that show's fame) to receive some of the highest ratings for a show on debut.Unfortunately, "Silence of the Lambs" every week didn't sell, and ratings dropped. When the show ended after three seasons, it died with barely a whisper of protest. But those brave souls who stayed with the show witnessed some of the best drama, some of the best storylines, and some of the best acting on Television. While the show was not above criticism, Millennium produced some of the most eerie and complex episodes that made its progenitor - the X Files - look like Scooby Doo. Lance Henriksen is perfect as Frank Black - the tortured forensic criminal profiler who has a psychic-like ability to see into the mind of evil. Henriksen's gravelly voice and gravelly face are perfectly linked with the compassion and commitment of the character he plays. Carter apparently "made" the role for him, and no other movie or TV show can show the range of Henriksen's talent. Terry O'Quinn plays Frank's "mentor" Peter Watts. Originally an associate, as the series continues Watts becomes Frank's link to the ever mysterious "Millennium Group". Episodes that feature Peter Watts in a central role are high on the list of favourites for Millennium fans. O'Quinn plays Watts beautifully - the family man committed to making the world a better place, but racked with doubts over the direction the Millennium Group is taking. O'Quinn and Henriksen play off one another exceptionally well, and the character of Peter Watts is never better explored than when he and Frank Black are in conflict, and work to resolve it together. Millennium screened for 3 seasons and each season is unique. The common thread between each season is that the early episodes are quite patchy, but each series ends with a bang. Each season has its own legion of fans, with many declaring "I prefer season two", and so on. Critics of the show have been quick to attack the violence that is depicted. Fortunately, Millennium's message is not glorifying violence, but that its effect is devastating. Moreover, much of the violence that happens is implicit - the viewer is given enough information to work it out for themselves without having to resort to schlocky special effects. This does not mean that the show is not disturbing, and some scenes should be avoided by the weak of heart. At this stage, no one is sure what extra features the DVDs would have. Most fans would be content with deleted scenes, interviews with actors and even some bloopers. Hidden features with Lance Henriksen singing are probably not likely. All Millennium fans are hoping and waiting for these DVDs to come out - nothing would give us more pleasure than to have the entire series sitting on our shelves with the quality and durability that DVDs have to offer. One thing could be better than that - a return of the series to television that is faithful to the original. Given that this is about as likely as a well-written Star Wars film, having the DVDs is enough.
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