Millwood City engineer Scott Daniels, moved from Houston, investigates a series of mysterious fires. Scott's and Lourie Harper's only son Jesse, who hated the move or dad's youth home, fakes a fever and invites his new girlfriend Carmen. She's reporter Allison Saunders, Scott's high-school ex's, daughter and finds Jesse unconscious, overtaken by fumes. The sewers are full of dead rats. Cracks appear in various buildings. Gass leaks start explosive fires. Mayor Walker, who only care for politics and publicity, overrules Scott's call for a mass evacuation. Scott and city administration friend Kenny Barrows later discover the link is steam pressure drilling by Talbot's oil exploration firm, but fire chief Patterson is in league with Talbot for years, covers their tracks and undermines Scott's credibility. Written by KGF Vissers
Acting
Joe Lando's concerned engineer face carries this entire production.
Practical Effects
Charming 2004 fire effects that aged like fine cheese.
Production
Kathryn Joosten elevates every scene she's in.
Director
Kelly Sandefur
Gabrielle Carteris
Lourie Harper
Christine Lakin
Carmen
Joe Lando
Scott Daniels
Michael Gregory
Chief Patterson
Michael Gross
Talbot
Kathryn Joosten
Miss Knight
Susan Walters
Allison Saunders
Lisa Banes
Mayor Walker
Stephanie Hodge
Stella
Carlos Alazraqui
Kenny Barrows
Johnny Pacar
Jessie Daniels
Henry Polic II
Dr. Watson
Ralph P. Martin
Earl
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was one of four TV movies Gabrielle Carteris starred in during 2004, proving the Brenda Walsh alumni network remained strong.
The steam pressure drilling disaster premise accidentally predicted real-world fracking controversies, making this oddly prescient for a 2004 basic cable flick.
US
