Beginning with the accidental release of a devastating sickness that kills an entire army base in a matter of minutes, The Stand is an epic story that follows a large and diverse cast of characters as they make their way to the final showdown between good and evil. In the first half of the 4-hour miniseries, the virus that becomes known as “captain trips” finds roots in a small Texas town, the home of Stu Redman (Gary Sinise), and from there spreads across the American continent, wiping out entire cities and bringing an end to life as we know it. The virus kills virtually everybody, save for select individuals who have no idea why they are immune. Pregnant Fran Goldsmith (Molly Ringwald), teenage Harold Lauder (Corin Nemec), and deaf-mute Nick Andros (Rob Lowe) are just a few of the survivors beset by dreams and visions in the wake of disaster. Some dream of a man in Las Vegas, others of a kindly old woman in Colorado. Eventually, all the survivors will make their way west, choosing sides, and the stage will be set for the ultimate war for the souls of every remaining American.