Obscure Christmas Part 4: Mysteries Wrapped In Enigmas.

(The "Obscure Christmas Series" is a continuation of some of the more lesser-known films inside the holiday canon and/or just movies that failed to ignite the box office and disappeared into a snowy oblivion.)

The great Lance Henriksen with Brittany Tiplady from the MillenniuM Christmas episode, "Midnight Of The Century".

Yes, I know. It's a TV episode, not a movie, but this is my blog and I'll make the rules....

14 years ago, a show debuted on the FOX network involving the story of ex-FBI profiler Frank Black (not from The Pixies) and his "ability" to see what serial killers see. He worked with an organization of people known only as "The Millennium Group" who were out to stop the conspiracies and evils of the world before the year 2000.  The show, created by Chris Carter of The X-Files, was simply called MillenniuM.
 
An episode that aired during the second season in December of 1997,  was entitled "Midnight Of The Century", and directed by Friday The 13th vet Dwight H. Little. There's so much that can be said about this episode, but if you are not familiar with the series at all, then it's like trying to teach acting lessons to Megan Fox.  There will be no understanding...

The show MillenniuM was a lost enigma.  It was up and gone before anyone gave it a chance.  It lasted 3 seasons, but each season was very different in the fact that production credits changed so much.  Nevertheless, I enjoy watching this Christmas episode every year, as dark as it is, because it's a testimony to family and the trouble and pain that can be healed during the holiday season.  Frank Black was in essence a good man and father who just wanted to protect his family from the evils of the world.  (With some help from LOST's Terry O'Quinn).

Even Frank Black couldn't figure out the mysteries of that damn island.

The Old Man's secret weapon against The Bumpus Hounds.

What makes this episode special is the presence of The Old Man himself, A Christmas Story's Darren McGavin.  He plays Frank Black's father, and it's great to see these two actors play off each other. Interesting still is the fact that McGavin is also famously known for playing Carl Kolchak, from the 1970's series The Night Stalker, which Carter has stated was an inspiration for MillenniuM. 

So much would be wondered had MillenniuM lasted longer, but we must appreciate what we have.  And on this cold Christmas Eve (at least here in Georgia), that's a good lesson for all of us. Merry Christmas.


I will now dispense with the warm and fuzzy talk.  Go drink some damn egg nog.


MillenniuM episode #2.10 (1997),
"Midnight Of The Century"
Grade: A