The First Power 1990
Directed by
Robert Resnikoff
Made by
Orion Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The First Power (1990). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Patrick Channing, infamously dubbed the Pentagram Killer, instigates a terrifying spree of ritualistic murders, all in the name of Satan. His heinous signature involves inscribing a pentagram symbol onto the skin of his victims before delivering the final blow.
On the other side of this horror, we find Russell Logan, a determined detective in Los Angeles, who is fueled by an unwavering commitment to halt the Pentagram Killer. He receives a cryptic phone call from the clairvoyant Tess Seaton, who ominously warns him that Channing’s fate is not to be decided by the law. Tess provides Logan with pivotal information about Channing’s next target. As the clock ticks down for the would-be victim, Logan decides to heed Tess’s warnings and embarks on a tense stakeout, leading him to Channing’s hideout. Their confrontation ends with Logan managing to apprehend Channing but not without suffering a severe stab wound to his torso—a toll paid for his pursuit of justice.
After a period of recovery, Logan, breaking his promise to Tess, pushes for the death penalty for Channing. Yet, Tess makes another desperate call to Logan, urging him to reconsider his decision regarding Channing’s fate. Despite her pleas, Logan’s resolve remains ironclad. The grim consequence of his choice becomes apparent as Channing meets his demise in the gas chamber.
However, a jaw-dropping twist occurs; owing to his dark devotion to Satan, Channing seemingly achieves the “First Power”, enabling him to resurrect—a prelude to gaining two more supernatural abilities. Emerging from death, Channing can now manifest or vanish at will and possess others. Driven by a burning desire for revenge against Logan, who disrupted his sinister plans, Channing embarks on a ruthless series of killings specifically targeting Logan.
As the plot thickens, Channing zeroes in on Logan, who had previously arrested both him and Tess, creating an intense cat-and-mouse dynamic. Logan narrowly escapes from Channing’s vengeance while striving to protect Tess. In his quest for answers, Logan revisits his childhood home, where his grandmother brings up a haunting memory linked to a victim of Channing. Both Logan and Tess begin experiencing disturbing psychic visions, unearthing a horrifying family secret: Channing’s grandfather is actually Logan’s father, a product of incest involving his own daughter. The grandmother, in her silence, had been complicit in this gruesome legacy.
This shocking revelation propels the narrative toward its climax at a desolate water treatment facility, where Logan confronts Channing after Tess has been abducted from their apartment. In a dramatic twist, Channing, possessing the body of a nun, battles Logan fiercely. To vanquish this malevolent force, Logan plunges a hidden knife within the crucifix into Channing’s chest. As this fierce struggle reaches its frenzy, a misinterpreted gunshot from a police officer lands Logan in serious condition.
In the aftermath, Tess’s visit to Logan in the hospital takes a terrifying turn when he awakens only to attack her. When she comes to herself, she realizes another psychic vision has surfaced, this one showing Channing now taking possession of Logan. The grim story concludes with Channing’s spirit still at large, looming over Tess with foreboding words that imply a paranormal legacy continues to linger and torment them.
Timeline
Track the key events of The First Power (1990) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The Rise of the Pentagram Killer
Patrick Channing becomes known as the **Pentagram Killer** as he embarks on a series of ritualistic murders. Each victim bears the chilling pentagram symbol carved into their skin, establishing his gruesome signature and horrifying the city.
Detective Logan's Dilemma
Russell Logan, a dedicated detective in Los Angeles, is determined to track down the infamous killer. He is relentless in his pursuit, fueled by the terror inflicted upon the innocent by Channing.
Tess Seaton's Ominous Warning
Logan receives a mysterious phone call from clairvoyant Tess Seaton, who warns him that Channing's fate is beyond the law's reach. She provides critical information about Channing’s next intended victim, prompting Logan into action.
The Intense Stakeout
Following Tess’s tips, Logan conducts a tense stakeout to prevent another murder. The situation escalates, leading to a surprising confrontation with Channing that takes a harrowing turn.
Confrontation and Injury
Logan apprehends Channing amidst their brutal encounter but suffers a life-threatening stab wound to his torso. This injury underscores the violent nature of his pursuit for justice and sets the stage for the ensuing conflict.
Logan's Recovery and Decision
After a long recovery period, Logan seeks the death penalty for Channing, breaking a promise to Tess. His determination, however, is tested as Tess contacts him again, imploring him to reconsider his choices regarding Channing's fate.
Channing's Gas Chamber Execution
Channing meets his demise in a gas chamber, a grim conclusion deemed by Logan as justice served. Logan feels a fleeting moment of relief, not knowing the dark truth of what Channing’s death would trigger.
Channing's Supernatural Return
Channing manifests the **'First Power'**, granting him the ability to resurrect after his execution. This supernatural return sees him gaining additional powers, elevating the stakes of his vendetta against Logan.
Channing's Vengeful Pursuit
Driven by rage, Channing begins a series of targeted killings against Logan. The vengeful killer’s rampage extends into a cat-and-mouse chase as he seeks retribution for his past.
Unearthing Family Secrets
Logan uncovers a dark familial connection linking him to Channing, revealing that Channing’s grandfather is also his father, born from a twisted lineage. This shocking revelation complicates Logan's motivations and adds layers to their encounters.
The Climax at the Water Treatment Facility
The narrative climaxes at a desolate water treatment facility where Logan faces off against the now-possessing Channing. The stakes are high as both men confront each other in a battle fueled by their intertwined fates.
Final Confrontation with Possession
In a dramatic showdown, Channing, having possessed the body of a nun, fights Logan fiercely. Logan, fighting back, plunges a hidden knife within a crucifix into Channing's chest, attempting to bring an end to the nightmare once and for all.
The Aftermath of the Confrontation
As chaos unfolds, a police officer’s misinterpreted gunshot strikes Logan, leaving him seriously injured. This moment encapsulates the mishaps of their intertwined fates, leaving open the door for further turmoil.
Tess's Terrifying Visit to Logan
Upon visiting Logan in the hospital, Tess is met with horror as he awakens and attacks her. The chilling realization dawns on her that Channing's dark manipulation may have even extended to Logan.
The Lingering Paranormal Legacy
The story culminates with Tess encountering Channing’s spirit preying upon her, suggesting that his terror is far from over. Their lives remain entwined in a grim legacy that continues to loom over them, hinting at an ongoing cycle of horror.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The First Power (1990) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Russell Logan
Russell Logan is a dedicated detective whose unwavering commitment to stopping the Pentagram Killer drives him into a relentless pursuit of justice. He faces overwhelming odds and difficult choices, grappling with moral dilemmas that put his and others' lives at risk.
Patrick Channing
Patrick Channing, known as the Pentagram Killer, is a sadistic and charismatic villain who embodies pure evil. His ability to resurrect and manipulate others adds a terrifying presence, making him an imposing foe for Logan as he seeks revenge for his capture.
Tess Seaton
Tess Seaton is a clairvoyant who becomes entangled in the dark events surrounding Channing and Logan. Her foresight places her in a precarious position, providing critical information while also experiencing the burden of haunting visions connected to her family’s past.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The First Power (1990), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film unfolds in a contemporary time setting, reflecting modern urban life where crime and supernatural elements collide. Its themes of justice, vengeance, and personal demons resonate with the issues faced in a present-day society.
Location
Los Angeles, water treatment facility
Los Angeles serves as the bustling backdrop for this intense thriller, known for its vibrant culture and stark contrasts between light and dark. A pivotal setting is a desolate water treatment facility, representing both decay and the climax of the confrontation between good and evil.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The First Power (1990). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
⚖️
Justice vs. Revenge
The film navigates the delicate balance between seeking justice and the thirst for revenge. Detective Logan's choice to pursue capital punishment leads to dire consequences, unleashing a cycle of vengeance that haunts both him and his loved ones.
👻
Supernatural Horror
The supernatural elements of the story emphasize the battle between life and death, with Channing's resurrection blurring the lines between reality and the paranormal. This theme evokes fear and showcases the struggle against an unstoppable force.
🔮
Psychic Abilities
The involvement of clairvoyance adds a mystical layer to the narrative, highlighting how foresight can intertwine with fate and influence critical decisions. Tess's psychic visions serve as warnings yet contribute to the unfolding tragedy.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2025 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.