1x03 
1x14 Original Air Date: October 25, 1996 – May 16, 1997
Season 1 of Millennium introduces viewers to the dark and atmospheric world of the series, created by Chris Carter. The show follows Frank Black, a former FBI profiler who has retired to Seattle and now works as a consultant for a mysterious organization known as the Millennium Group. The season delves into themes of evil, morality, and the nature of human existence, blending elements of psychological thriller and supernatural horror.
Season 1 of *Millennium* establishes the tone and premise of the series, focusing on Frank Black’s struggle to understand and combat the forces of evil in a world on the brink of the new millennium. The show combines investigative drama with psychological and supernatural elements, exploring the nature of human evil and the impact of the approaching millennium on society.
The season features a mix of serialized and episodic storytelling, with each episode presenting a new case while contributing to the overarching narrative. Themes of darkness, fear, and existential dread permeate the season, reflecting the show’s exploration of moral and philosophical questions.
Frank Black, portrayed by Lance Henriksen, is the central character of the series. As a former FBI profiler with a unique ability to understand the minds of criminals, Frank is haunted by his past experiences and his ability to perceive the darker aspects of human nature. Throughout Season 1, Frank grapples with his role in the Millennium Group and his personal demons, seeking to make sense of the world’s increasing darkness.
Catherine Black, played by Megan Gallagher, is Frank’s supportive and caring wife. Catherine’s character provides emotional grounding for Frank and serves as a counterbalance to the dark and often disturbing cases he investigates. Her relationship with Frank is central to the series, highlighting the impact of his work on their family life and their struggles to maintain normalcy amid the chaos.
Jordan Black, portrayed by Brittany Tiplady, is the young daughter of Frank and Catherine. Her character adds a sense of innocence and vulnerability to the series, providing a poignant contrast to the dark themes explored in the show. Jordan’s interactions with her father and her own experiences with the supernatural elements of the series play a significant role in the family’s dynamic.
The Millennium Group is a mysterious and influential organization that Frank Black works with. Composed of individuals who believe in the coming apocalyptic events and seek to influence or control the outcomes, the group’s motives and actions are shrouded in secrecy. Their true intentions and their impact on Frank’s investigations are central to the season’s overarching narrative.
One of the central themes of Season 1 is the exploration of human evil and morality. The series delves into the darkest aspects of human nature, examining the motivations and actions of criminals and the psychological impact of their deeds. Frank Black’s ability to understand and empathize with the minds of the guilty is a key element of the show, reflecting its focus on the nature of evil and the struggle to combat it.
The approaching millennium serves as a backdrop for the series, heightening the sense of existential dread and uncertainty. The season explores the societal fears and anxieties associated with the turn of the century, reflecting the characters’ struggles with their own beliefs and fears about the future. The concept of the millennium as a time of reckoning and transformation is a recurring theme throughout the season.
The series blends psychological thriller elements with supernatural themes, creating a unique atmosphere of tension and fear. The investigations often involve supernatural or unexplained phenomena, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the cases Frank Black handles. This combination of genres enhances the show’s exploration of dark and unsettling themes.
The pilot episode introduces Frank Black and sets up the premise of the series. Frank is drawn back into the world of criminal investigation after a series of murders that seem to be connected to his unique abilities. The episode establishes the show’s tone and themes, setting the stage for the season’s exploration of evil and the supernatural.
"Gehenna" follows Frank as he investigates a series of disturbing deaths linked to a religious cult. The episode delves into themes of fanaticism and the impact of belief on human behavior, showcasing the show’s ability to combine psychological and supernatural elements.
"The Judge" centers on a case involving a vigilante who targets criminals before they can commit their crimes. The episode explores themes of justice and morality, challenging Frank to confront his own beliefs about right and wrong while investigating the vigilante’s actions.
"Dead Letters" features an investigation into a series of murders linked to a mysterious letter writer. The episode delves into themes of communication and the impact of messages on individuals, adding a layer of psychological tension to the investigation.
"Weeds" follows Frank as he investigates a case involving a group of seemingly unrelated murders. The episode explores themes of deception and hidden motives, showcasing the complexities of the cases Frank encounters and the challenges he faces in uncovering the truth.
"Blood Relatives" features an investigation into a series of killings with a familial connection. The episode delves into themes of family and inheritance, exploring the impact of relationships and history on the characters involved in the case.
"Beware of the Dog" centers on a case involving a man with a disturbing connection to a series of violent crimes. The episode explores themes of trauma and the impact of past experiences on behavior, adding depth to the psychological aspects of the investigation.
"The Well-Worn Lock" features an investigation into a case involving a mysterious and dangerous object. The episode delves into themes of obsession and the power of artifacts, combining supernatural and psychological elements to create a tense and intriguing narrative.
"Chinese Box" follows Frank as he investigates a series of murders linked to a mysterious and secretive organization. The episode explores themes of secrecy and hidden agendas, adding a layer of intrigue to the investigation and showcasing the show’s ability to blend suspense with psychological depth.
"Wide Open" centers on a case involving a mysterious and dangerous force that seems to be targeting individuals in the community. The episode explores themes of vulnerability and fear, adding a sense of urgency and tension to the investigation.
"The Judge" features an investigation into a case involving a judge with a dark secret. The episode delves into themes of corruption and the abuse of power, exploring the impact of authority and justice on the characters involved in the case.
Season 1 of *Millennium* received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the show’s dark and atmospheric tone, as well as Lance Henriksen’s performance as Frank Black. The series was noted for its exploration of psychological and supernatural themes, and its ability to create a sense of unease and tension.
However, some critics felt that the show’s pacing and episodic structure could be uneven at times. Despite this, *Millennium* was recognized for its ambitious storytelling and its contribution to the genre of psychological thrillers and supernatural horror.
Season 1 of *Millennium* is remembered for its dark and thought-provoking exploration of evil and morality. The series set the stage for the show’s future developments and established its unique identity within the genre. Despite its challenges, the season remains a significant part of the *Millennium* legacy, contributing to its reputation as a groundbreaking and influential series.
The themes and storytelling approach introduced in Season 1 continued to resonate with audiences and critics, solidifying *Millennium*’s place in television history as a distinctive and compelling series.
