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The Stand (CBS All Access) Episode 1 Review: A Bit Confusing?

The Stand episode 1 is now available to watch on CBS All Access and for those who don’t know the book, it could be a bit confusing.

the stand poster

The Stand miniseries has finally arrived on CBS All Access and as a massive Stephen King fan, and fan of The Stand, I am hyped! The first episode came out yesterday and YES I purchased CBS All Access so that I could watch it. So what did I think about it? Well, there are definitely some issues, especially for those that haven’t read the book. But man, I am excited to see one of my favorite stories come to life.

This is one of my favorite Stephen King books, although really, I love them all. I did not watch the previous miniseries so I have been really looking forward to this one. Honestly, the opening scene took me by surprised. I had no clue they were going to start this series off toward the end of the story. Not necessarily a bad thing, especially for those that know the book, but an interesting take on the tale.

The Stand jumps back and forth between the present and the past, which is is something I have never been a giant fan of in shows. I do feel that it could work for this one though, as they seem to be focusing on certain characters and not the whole lot of them.

The first episode introduces Harold Lauder, Frannie Golsmith, and Stu Redman. Probably my three favorite characters from the book. Of course we also have quick glimpses of Mother Abigail and Randall Flagg – the two figures that represent good and evil.

My main concern with the jumping back and forth — especially revealing something major that happens between Stu and Frannie — is going to confuse some people who don’t know the source material. There is something to be said about telling a story in a linear line. You can develop relationships with the characters, and understand the relationships and connections they make. Although I will say, The Stand is sure to suck people in from episode 1 and have them guessing how everyone got exactly where they did.

the stand harold frannie

The Acting

Everyone did a great job portraying the characters I feel I know so well, however the real standout here is clearly Owen Teague, who plays Harold. He is so great at showing us that Harold has some serious mental problems, but that he also tries to hide them. Tries to burry them, deep inside. He has an internal struggle through most of the book, and Teague has done a great job bringing that to the screen.

We have only seen a little bit of Alexander Skarsgård as Randall Flagg, but what we have seen literally gave me chills. I cannot wait to get more of him because I think he is going to crush this role. Just like his brother did with Pennywise.

the stand

Overall Thoughts

The Stand episode 1 kicks off this miniseries with a bang! They do a great job of showing those who aren’t familiar with the books how this disease, the “Super Flu” or “Captain Tripps” was released on the world. They were smart to not introduce too many characters at once, which could muddle up the story. I think they chose the exact right ones to feature. 

However, I am a bit concerned that the jumping around might be a bit too confusing for those that are not familiar with the source material. But as someone who is, this wasn’t a problem for me at all. An interesting way to tell this story, and I can’t wait for more!

the stand

The Stand Episode 1 Easter Eggs

I noticed a lot of Easter Eggs in this first episode of The Stand, so I thought it would be fun to list them. If you saw any that I missed (I am sure there are some!) let me know in the comments and I will add them!

  • Derry and Sons store – Derry is the town from IT.
  • Harold references T2: Judgement Day.
  • Harold has an Eraserhead poster in his bedroom.
  • A Darkman poster in one of the clean up scenes.

About The Stand

“The Stand” is author Stephen King’s post-apocalyptic vision of a world decimated by plague and embroiled in an elemental struggle between good and evil.

The fate of mankind rests on the frail shoulders of 108-year-old Mother Abagail and a handful of survivors including Stu Redman, an ordinary working-class factory man; Nadine Cross, a deeply conflicted woman; Frannie Goldsmith, a pregnant young woman; and Nick Andros, a young deaf and mute man.

Their worst nightmares are embodied in a man with a lethal smile and unspeakable powers: Randall Flagg, the Dark Man.

Watch The Stand on CBS All Access.