Stephen King's The Tommyknockers (1993)

The Tommyknockers (1993)

Dir. John Power | 2 episodes, approx 90 mins each

(There's also a heavily cut 120 mins edition)

A TV miniseries based on Stephen King's 1987 novel of the same name. It's a little unusual for the author because it's science fiction, not horror.

More accurately it's a throwback to the kind of stories that were plentiful in the 1950s, with some additional ideas from the 1970s, both of which were eras when science fiction had something important to say. The main difference is that this version of King's story has very little to say about anything, as far as I could tell. If there was some deep, hidden message, then I missed it.

The set-up is why I continually return to these cheap TV adaptations, even though they rarely ever work out. The potential that exists as the story opens and the ways in which King builds drama, by drip-feeding the viewer just enough interesting content to keep them in their seat, is always the best part. In The Tommyknockers' case, when it focuses on the effects more than the cause, it's enjoyable. That enjoyment is both heightened and tainted by the most prevalent unknown factor: when exactly is it all going to turn to shit?

The third act? Twenty minutes before the end? Experience says that 'never' is rarely an option.

Tommyknockers keeps it together longer than I'd imagined it would, or maybe I'm just more forgiving of something that was so deeply referential to the kind of stories I loved as a kid.

Alongside the classic era sci-fi structure is something akin to a kid's television drama from the 1980s. That wasn't such a surprise, though, there's almost always a reference to childhood concerns in King's work. It's not just homage, it's a nostalgic longing that forms part of the makeup of his characters, and quite often it enriches them. Normally it'd be the kids that dig up something mysterious in the forest, have a secret adventure, and hide their new discovery from the townspeople, but herein it's the parents, which is an interesting and fun reversal.

It's not a miniseries that's bursting with story. I could easily give the entire plot in one sentence with all the subplots in one additional paragraph, but that doesn't mean it's dragged out for length. There are enough entertaining moments to make it worth watching for a fan of the author or a fan of classic era sci-fi in general. Just be prepared for a traditionally lame ending.

- Of course there are green lights. Was there ever any doubt? -