IT STARTED WITH A SHOW CALLED “THE 4400” on USA NETWORK.  Fans watched and enjoyed - and then in December it was cancelled.

Never underestimate the power of fans. They are protesting by sending network executives sunflower seeds, the favorite snack of a character named Dr. Kevin Burkhoff.

Most fans are ordering them online through Giants Sunflower Seeds, a small company with eight employees, based in Wahpeton, N.D.

“We thought they were loony tunes at first,” said Jay Schuler, head of Giants Snacks LLC. “But it has been a wonderful thing.”

About 1,700 bags had been ordered from Giants by mid-February.

As if retailers don’t have enough competition for sunflower seeds, they now have to contend with sci fi fans. As of press time, USA Network has not offered comment on the effort.