A lot of people seem to be under the impression that this adaptation of the original tv version has been neutered, but I’d disagree. There’s a very strange undertone to it, aside from its terrifying, cartoon surrealism thanks to brilliant set design, cinematography and amazing effects by Rob Bottin, and it’s all in Kathleen Quinlan’s performance.
Right at the end she says very quietly, and a little slyly, “I want to be your teacher…and your student.” In other words she wants his power. It’s not reassuring at all, despite the syrupy music and blooming day-glo flowers as they drive off together. What kind of collaborative future are they imagining? World domination perhaps? shiver (I don’t think the studio was paying attention to what Dante was up to at all. They had far more serious matters to attend to)
