After the Millennium is a wonderful, if overlong look back at the groundbreaking Chris Carter’s series that debuted on this day in 1996.
There’s some compelling admissions here; like how actor Bill Smitrovich wanted out because of the grim nature of the series, despite signing on at the outset based on the series’ original methodology. He called the gore “buckets of blood” repeatedly as the reason he decided to end his run at the finish of the first season. It’s a shame because his interplay as Bob Bletcher with the lead character Frank Black worked so brilliantly, was extremely formidable, and something that most of us were looking forward to more of.
It’s great to see Brittney Tiplady all grown-up and sharing stories about being a youth around the varied and legendary cast that also includes Megan Gallagher as her mom. Gallagher contributes her thoughts at the power of the series and also the occasional disappointment at her lack of substantive moments, despite her powerful ending storyline.
I love the input of the writers, particularly Kay Reindl and Erin Maher from the third season, very insightful stuff. Kevin Whitley takes on the combination of humor and grue in his scripts. The lack of mention of Jose Chung‘s Doomsday Defense was a bit disappointing. Especially when you take into account that guest actor Charles Nelson Reilly was nominated for an Emmy for the episode. Considering the length, they could have fit that in. Instead, for the quirky episodes, they elected to go with analysis of Somehow Satan Got Behind Me. Henriksen's take on his initial thoughts on that episode are pretty honest and a tad surprising.
Although I believe the clip they use of Henriksen punching someone in the nards is from Chung, credited to the Somehow, Satan episode.
Leaders from X-Files fame, Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz, had much to say throughout and all of it is deep in emotion, tone and thought. Never lacking to head into cerebral territory. The lack of Terry O'Quinn, whose presence as Peter Watts was such an important factor in Millenium, is noticeable. He does not go without being discussed, however.
Overall, a tad long-winded and perhaps dry to the outsider, but there is plenty of meat on these bones for the Ouroboros fanatic to gnaw on.
It goes out on a terrific “what could be” hashing of ideas, and all involved say what they would love to do to rebreathe life into the series, or even go out on as a coda.
After the Millennium is a pretty good look back at a wonderful series led by Frank Black himself, Lance Henriksen. His reminiscences are of an odd chuckling nature, like a storytelling pater familia, and they are anathema to the grim stone-faced character he played on the show. In many ways, as he was the face of the show, his now gray, weathered countenance overhangs this retrospective with the same power, if not wizened humor.
His walk off as he chortles is something to rewatch.
Happy 30th, Frank Black.
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