Ep 3. Ascent

Ascent is the third episode of the second season of The Dead Zone. The episode opens with Johnny Smith looking for a break from his visions and constant headaches. He finds peace in a secluded spot in the woods where he encounters a young woman named Alex Sinclair. Johnny discovers that Alex is an extreme sports enthusiast who is attempting to paraglide off a nearby mountain.

As they chat, Johnny begins to experience a vision of Alex falling from the mountain, and he tries to warn her. But Alex is a thrill-seeker and doesn't take his warning seriously. So, Johnny decides to take matters into his own hands and convinces Alex to let him accompany her on her paragliding adventure.

Together, Johnny and Alex climb to the top of the mountain, and Alex explains the physics of paragliding to Johnny. She even lets him try on her wingsuit, though Johnny is hesitant to try it out. However, Alex convinces him to join her on the wingsuit, and they take off from the mountain.

As they fly over the mountains, Johnny begins to feel a sense of freedom and euphoria that he has never experienced before. But suddenly, Johnny has a vision of Alex spiraling out of control and crashing into the side of a mountain. He tries to warn her again, but Alex is too caught up in the moment to pay attention.

Despite his warnings, Alex continues to fly recklessly, and Johnny realizes that he is unable to save her. He is forced to watch as Alex crashes into the side of a mountain and falls to her death.

The next day, Johnny is haunted by the vision, and he realizes that he needs to use his gift to help prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future. He visits Alex's home and meets her grieving parents. Johnny has a vision of Alex's father, Hank, trying to commit suicide, and he realizes that he needs to intervene to prevent yet another tragedy.

Johnny convinces Hank to come with him on a hike to the same spot where he paraglided with Alex. Along the way, Johnny talks to Hank about his daughter's love for extreme sports and her drive to push herself to new limits. Hank realizes that he needs to let go of his anger towards Alex and accept that she died doing what she loved.

As Johnny and Hank reach the top of the mountain, Johnny has a vision of Hank turning away from the cliff and walking away instead of jumping. Hank also experiences a moment of clarity, realizing that he does not need to end his life to find peace.

Ascent is a powerful episode that explores the themes of grief, acceptance and the power of the mind. It showcases Johnny Smith's gift in a way that demonstrates the importance of using it for good and using it to help people find peace during difficult times. The episode also highlights the dangers of extreme sports and the importance of safety in those activities. Overall, Ascent is a poignant and emotional episode that will leave viewers thinking about its themes long after the credits roll.