The 4400 Blog

Written by Frederick Rappaport
Directed by Morgan Beggs

With only a few episodes left for the season, the writers are doing everything possible to avoid any sense of predictability. Matters are coming to a head, but week to week, the status quo appears to shift. This is a stark contrast to the third season, which succeeded using steady execution of a well-telegraphed plot arc. I have every reason to think that this season was equally well-conceived, but I’m finding it a lot harder to predict where the story will go next.

The title of the episode refers directly to the p-positive behind the attack on Drew Imroth’s software company. But the title pertains equally to Tom’s “marked” personality. The implanted personality drives much of the drama in the episode, enhancing the tension within NTAC more than the situation would otherwise suggest. Diana and Meghan take a little too long to figure out the problem, given their access to medical information, but a confrontation (both personal and professional) is on its way.

Two major plot elements spring to mind. First, the decision regarding Drew Imroth and his “marked” personality. This is an audacious move, to say the least, and one that would change the game even more than Tom’s conversion. There are questions of access, but this could lead to an unusual alliance between Tom and Shawn. Shawn is desperate to force the promicin genie back into its bottle, and he could find himself operating in Jordan’s moral territory if he continues down that road.

Meanwhile, there’s the second major plot element: Isabelle’s restored abilities. Assuming that the “Future Elite” did their job with the “kill switch”, Isabelle is once again a walking timebomb. She has a mission to destroy the powered, and if the restoration process worked, she has the means and opportunity. It’s more a question of motive. I think it’s just as possible that she’ll review her choices and elect to eliminate herself rather than kill Kyle.

All of this will likely converge in Promise City, as one would expect. Collier has abducted Kevin from Shawn’s facility, this halting the research that could prevent the deaths of thousands. Collier expects this to place the odds in his favor. Shawn is ready to bring Tess and his own followers on an assault of Promise City. Isabelle is already there on a mission of destruction, in perfect position to implement Tom’s plans. Even Maia has been drawn into the crucible, thus putting Diana’s personal stake in the situation if things explode (as they must).

More than ever, Shawn’s vision of the future, as seen at the end of the third season (“The Starzl Mutation”), appears to have long-term implications. Much of his vision played into the third season finale, yet elements seem to mesh equally well with the coming confrontation in Promise City and beyond. This is a great example of a talented writing staff. Given that the producers openly admit to adjusting the story each and every season, this kind of continuity is impressive.

I will reiterate what I’ve said before: with so little time left for the season, and no assurance of a fifth season pickup, the writers have left themselves quite a tangle. This episode manages to complicate matters further, or so it appears, so I have to wonder if two episodes will be enough. It would be a shame if this series came to an abrupt or rushed conclusion.

Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 2/4

Final Rating: 8/10