Review: 'The Stand' Tests Endurance for Characters and Viewers Alike

It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel... bored. That could be the theme song for the new CBS All-Access adaptation of Stephen King's classic novel "The Stand."

Releasing a series about a pandemic during an actual pandemic might not have been ideal – especially since it was filmed prior to the real life outbreak, or you can bet the maddening lack of masks shown onscreen would have been rectified. But "The Stand" actually glosses over much of the pandemic, instead preferring to move right into the aftermath where survivors are summoned to Boulder, Colorado, or else to Las Vegas, Nevada, depending on which side is trying to recruit them, as they begin rebuilding society.

Director Josh Boone ("The Fault in Our Stars," "The New Mutants") uses multiple timelines to jump back and forth, rather than using a more linear narrative. Along with showing glimpses of the world as the pandemic first breaks out, following the survivors mid-journey to their destinations, and joining them in the present day, the series also jumps between different groups of characters. All of this leads to the series that is too choppy to gain much momentum from the narrative.

By the fourth episode, "The Stand" finally starts to find its footing. But the initial three episodes feel like a slog to get you to that point. It doesn't help that some of the actors feel miscast. James Marsden plays Stu Redman, and never feels quite right as the Texas resident. Gary Sinise had played the role in the previous, well-regarded miniseries from 1994, and gave a grit and everyman to the role that is lacking in Marsden's portrayal.

Heather Graham appears in a throwaway role that was created just for this new series. Even from her initial appearance – showing up in an all-white outfit, holding an umbrella while sitting on a bench in the middle of a park – she feels out of place. The character never really makes much of an impression and is forgotten as soon as she leaves the screen.

The one highlight of the series is Alexander Skarsgard as Randall Flagg. Boone uses the character sparingly, so when Skarsgard does appear it is a treat. He is devilishly delicious in the role, the one part of the series that will leave you wanting more.

Who would have thought a limited series about the end of the world and the battle between good and evil could be so boring? "The Stand" is a test of patience, but the real question is whether or not it can kick into high gear before viewers tune out.

"The Stand" is streaming on CBS All-Access, beginning December 17, 2020, with episodes released every Thursday.