http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/06/25/The-4400--Fear-Itself.aspx THE 4400 is one of those rare commodities in the television world: a summer hit. Not only is it a hit, it’s worthy of being put up against the — oftentimes overhyped —  fall lineup on the major (non-cable) networks. In the first three seasons, writer-creators Scott Peters and Rene Echevarria brought us an amalgam of sci-fi, mystery and human drama, and from the looks of it, the fourth season will be much of the same. That’s what makes this show so compelling to watch. Better yet, the show provides answers to its mysteries along the way, as opposed to other sci-fi shows that never leave the viewer feeling satisfied … can anyone say LOST, or perhaps remember THE X-FILES? In this week’s installment of THE 4400, Tom (Joel Gretsch) and Diana (Jacqueline McKenzie) are reunited when Diana comes back from her sabbatical in Spain, and they are on the hunt for a person who has the power to make people’s phobias come to life. The episode opens with scenes of people falling victim to some of life’s common fears — claustrophobia and a fear of clowns. (This is what makes THE 4400 so great! A fear of clowns? Come on, you have to admit the writers have tapped into everybody’s psyche and fleshed out a storyline that just about anyone can relate to. Well, at least anyone who’s seen POLTERGEIST can relate to it.) en-US Critics Rant info@criticsrant.com Subtext Version 1.9.4.0 http://www.criticsrant.com/images/default_gravatar_bullhorn.png http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/06/25/The-4400--Fear-Itself.aspx 77 60