(S06E11) This episode didn't tick me off the way last week's did (and several more have this season). It actually had a context, some neatly turned connections, and not too much obnoxious product placement. The only thing I really noticed was the closeup of Johnny's Tylenol bottle and I groaned and thought, "Here we go again," but there must not be many places to use your Visa card in Indiana, because it wasn't bad from there. I did go take two Excedrin, though, just to counteract the Tylenol ad.

(S06E02) Well, it would seem that the folks who predicted last week that the apocalyptic storyline featuring Greg Stillson was over are right. At least for now. The tagline for this season is "The Season That Changes Everything." I think they are telling us loud and clear that we are headed in a new direction. I think this might be a good thing. After all, Johnny stopping Stillson ends the movie and the book. The TV show has made many departures from the book and movie, so why not take that further? I was very frustrated last season because I thought the show had really lost that focus and was now disparate, unconnected episodes in which Johnny did nothing more than solve cases. But if the show changes its focus to having that happen, then fine.

(S05E11) Well, after nine episodes of nary a mention of Greg Stillson's name, he's baaaaaack. Of course, this is to prepare us for what is coming in Season Six. I keep telling myself that all of these other episodes that are seemingly disconnected are somehow designed to show us things about John's character-- what he believes in, what he will and won't do, with what he finds important. We know from five seasons that John Smith is ultimately not corruptable. It would almost be more interesting if there was some chance that he were, you know?