Ep 1. Past is Prologue

Set in a world where people have mysteriously disappeared over the past several decades, "The 4400" begins with a pilot episode titled "Past is Prologue". The episode begins with the sudden return of 4,400 people who had been missing for decades. The government tries to figure out what happened and where they have been, and soon discovers that each individual has been returned with some kind of extraordinary ability.

The show follows the story of a handful of these people, including Tom Baldwin, a federal agent who is tasked with investigating the returnees and their abilities. He is joined by Diana Skouris, a Homeland Security agent who also had a sister among the 4400 who disappeared.

The pilot sets up the premise of the show by introducing us to the main characters and the various returnees. We see how each of the 4400 has been dealt a unique hand, as they deal with the ramifications of being away for so long and then returning with incredible abilities they never had before. Some of the returnees are overwhelmed by their powers, while others embrace them and use them to their advantage.

In the pilot, we meet Shawn Farrell, a 26-year-old who disappeared in 2001. He returns with the ability to heal others, resulting in a massive following of people who seek his help. Meanwhile, 9-year-old Maia Rutledge returns with the ability to foretell the future, which makes her a target for those who would exploit her powers.

The pilot also introduces us to Richard Tyler, a self-help guru who encourages others to embrace their abilities and use them to achieve success in life. We learn that his return was treated with great fanfare, and that he is one of the most publicized of the returnees.

Throughout the episode, we see how the returnees are struggling to adjust to their new circumstances, while also encountering resistance from those who fear their powers. Tom and Diana must work to keep the peace and navigate these new challenges, even as they try to learn more about the mysterious event that brought the 4400 back to Earth.

Overall, "Past is Prologue" is a strong pilot that sets up the intriguing premise of "The 4400". With compelling characters, a unique premise, and plenty of action and suspense, it lays the groundwork for a captivating series that explores the question of what happens when people are given extraordinary abilities.