The Stand

I have the same “problem” with The Stand that I do with LOST (I love both, so take this with a grain of salt) - I want a stripped down story without the supernatural elements.

Some narratives need a gigantic serving of the paranormal to keep the plot moving forward; but, I think King has become accustomed to using it as a crutch for his writing, when he doesn't always need it (or else, it's his “thing” - which I guess is his prerogative).

It boils down to the fact that I feel that the characters are so well-formed and have such a rich history, that this could have been enough for a more grounded adventure. I want to know what really happens if the world is largely wiped out by a virus, leaving only a handful of survivors behind. King offers answers only in the context of the “Big Bad” who exists outside of the natural laws of the earth and thus is contained only by King's imagination. (Similarly, I want to know what really happens if a plane crashes on a deserted island a-la-LOST - do we really need to add polar bears and smoke monsters to the mix?).

I think that either tale could have been equally as riveting without the added ambiguity of “the unknown” - but it is what it is, and both are enjoyable nonetheless. AND, of course, we can't ignore that this is Stephen King who has penned many a novel in which supernatural entities are to be expected and even welcomed. Ultimately, it's King's story, and it's a good one.

The made-for-TV adaptation of The Stand is also worth seeing... as are all six (6) seasons of LOST