THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 25, 1996 TAG: 9610250089
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: LARRY BONKO
LENGTH: 66 lines
``MILLENNIUM,'' the shadowy Fox drama from Chris Carter premiering tonight at 9, was born in the same dark corners of Carter's mind from where ``The X-Files'' sprang four seasons ago. But ``Millennium'' is not a sequel, prequel, Xerox copy or even a distant relative of ``The X-Files.''
For one thing, ``Millennium'' isn't science fiction.
Oh, sure, the hero played by Lance Henriksen has the ability to get into the minds of serial killers, such as the particularly creepy one who shows up in the premiere. It's not psychic powers, says Henriksen's character.
It's a gift. It's experience (he's a former FBI agent specializing in homicide) and something else.
``I'm a good guesser,'' says Frank Black.
Another difference between the shows: No light touches in ``Millenium.'' No snappy, tension-relieveing Scully-Mulder-type banter going on here.
``The X-Files'' has its scary moments, but it's Mister Rogers compared to ``Millennium.'' Fox has allowed Carter to bring to prime time a series with unsettling images, such as a man who is buried alive after his mouth and eyes have been stitched together. For real.
I see the influence of two films (``Silence of the Lambs'' and ``Seven'') in the first episode. No surprise. The art director from ``Seven'' works for Carter. There is also a similarity to the new NBC series, ``Profiler,'' which is accidental, says Carter, because he has never seen the NBC show.
On the baring of flesh scale, the first episode of ``Millennium'' is a 7 or 8 as Black tracks the killer in Seattle's sleaze belt where strippers take it all off in peep shows. And there's the thing about the killer chopping off the heads and fingers of his victims.
``Millennium'' and the V-chip were made for each other.
Be advised, parents, that this show is not for little Tod and Sissy.
``I do show glimpses of horrible things. There are disturbing images. But they are not there only to shock. They are there to show the very dark background against which my bright and interesting hero works,'' said Carter when he met with TV writers recently.
Said Carter, ``I want to do stories of the real world with real criminals who are truly human monsters. I want to present psychological terror.''
Hard to believe he's really an out-in-the-sunshine, California surfer kind of a guy whose hobby is making pottery.
Fox finds room for ``Millenium'' on Friday nights at 9 by moving ``The X-Files'' - now a top 20 hit - to Sunday night at 9 starting this Sunday. John A. Matoian made the move when he was Fox's programmer. He's been replaced, but the change goes forward.
Carter isn't thrilled.
``I've told Fox that I don't like the idea of moving `The X-Files,' '' he said. Carter wanted ``The X-Files'' to continue on Fridays at 9 p.m. with ``Millenium'' on the Fox schedule Saturdays at the same hour.
Fox is so high on ``Millennium'' that this week it booked the series into movie theaters nationwide, including Kemps River Crossing in Virginia Beach on Wednesday night. A spooky sneak preview.
If the move to Sunday depresses the ratings of ``The X-Files,'' Carter may get the scheduling he wants. Matoian canceled ``America's Most Wanted,'' which was immediately un-canceled by his successor. It will be back on the air soon. Fox is again flexible.
Future episodes of ``Millennium'' will have a laugh or two, said Carter.
``There will be funny lines because I intend for humor to work as a safety valve in frightening situations. It won't be the kind of humor you find on `The X-Files,' however.''
``Millennium'' is compelling drama - the best new show of the season - but a little laugh here and there would be welcome. Henriksen has a face of granite that looks like it would shatter if he cracked a smile. by CNB