Watching The 4400

Amy Berg, writer on the “Daddy’s Little Girl” episode of the 4400, talks about writing the episode over on the Writer’s Blog over on the official site, and shares some of her thoughts about the episode.

This episode featured the return of some fan favorites we haven’t seen in a while. We’ve really missed Mahershalalhashbaz Ali. It’s great to have him back. He has such a wonderful presence on screen and his scenes with Isabelle (all three versions of her) were incredibly compelling. In case you’re wondering, the two-year-old Isabelle, the one you saw at the very end? She was played by Jordan Lasorsa-Simon. Jordan was our original baby Isabelle, whom you watched and adored all throughout season two. As for the eight-year-old Isabelle, she was played by Madison Pettis. It was a casting stroke of luck to not only find an amazing actress, but one who looks so much like a young Megalyn Echikunwoke. Both Madison and Megalyn did fantastic work in this episode. I thought both performances were stand-outs.

She also talks about how great it was to have Tess and Kevin back, which I think was actually my favorite part of the episode on review.

Read the whole blog entry here.

The 4400, Amy Berg, Daddy’s Little Girl, Season Four, TV, television, USA

Richard’s really got a screw loose, along with developing his ability to amazing levels. Considering how much he struggled with his ability for so long, it was really cool to see him go from throwing a pylon away like it was nothing around Promise City to the detailed minute ability of cutting off the flow of blood to a person’s brain just for a moment to knock them out.

And, the secondary story of Tess’s 16th birthday party that she never got to have was just beautiful. Summer Glau does seem to have a knack for getting the horribly flawed characters, but in part that’s because she does so well with them. I did love how Shawn slipped in the solution for the two-day-long dance party straight out of the 1950’s by using Tess and Kevin’s love for each other for her to calm down enough for Shawn to heal her.

My favorite part has to be Tom hiding Kyle away from the NTAC agents outside of Richard’s safehouse, and Diana helping him. I love the teamwork from those two, though the explanation of what he was doing was for the audience, not Diana.

What I’m not so fond of? How they’ve done the love interest up between him and Meghan. And this whole “Marked” thing with him. I just didn’t find it worked with the flow of the story this episode, which I hope will turn around next week.

I was actually a little worried when I noticed that Mahershalalhashbaz Ali’s name wasn’t in the credits once the fourth season began, but he talked with SyFyPortal.com’s Alan Stanley saying that Richard Tyler has just gone from full-time cast member to recurring character on the 4400, so he will be showing up in the fourth season.

“When I was approached about coming back, I didn’t necessarily know what to expect as far as what my character was going to go through,�? Ali told UGO. “I had a feeling that it was going to be something rich and it has been so far. It’s kind of nice just popping in and contributing again.�?

Ali, who has been a series regular for the first three seasons, will take some time out this year moving to a recurring status. But just because he’ll be putting in less time than usual doesn’t mean to say the audience should expect any less of him … especially when it comes to his daughter, Isabelle (Megalyn Echikunwoke).

I’m very glad that they’re going to approaching Isabelle and Richard’s relationship this season, especially since they can have a relationship that’s not based on how terrifying your child is that she just can’t die, along with killing your wife and gaining 20 years overnight.

Read the whole article here.

The 4400, Mahershalalhashbaz Ali, Richard Tyler, Megalyn Echikunwoke, Isabelle Tyler, TV, television, USA

Fans of Mahershalalhashbaz Ali (Richard Tyler) take note. There’s a great interview with him at the UnderGroundOnline website. He answers questions and talks about himself. They also have interviews with other cast members. Check it out!

Mahershalalhashbaz Ali, The 4400, UnderGroundOnline