Heaven and hell clash as Ouija board prophecies and biblical references start trickling into The Stand. Back stories continue coming thick and fast as the use of judicious flashback gives audiences a deeper understanding of Nadine Cross. Elsewhere Stu Redman, Fran Goldsmith and Harold Lauder fleetingly cross paths on their way to Boulder. Such is the meandering nature of this expansive narrative that nothing happens hastily. Elements are unpacked, epiphanies metered out with care and threat creeps up unannounced. Central to that sense of menace is Randall Flagg played with a sinister swagger by Alexander Skarsgard. A dealer, a devil and manipulator of destines, there is a sense of the old-fashioned outlaw in this creation. Making deals, constantly bargaining and never likely to lose out, Randall Flagg personifies everything sordid about humanity. His lascivious intentions work on some, while the restoration of genetic defects tempts another. This embodiment of ill-gotten gains plays fast and loss with human nature, always stacking the odds in his favour. Alexander Skarsgard embraces the seedy side and manifests menace through literal possession. His contribution to ‘Blank Pages’ flies in direct opposition to those selfless acts of salvation metered out by Mother Abagail Freemantle.