Ultimate Spider-Man 2

Growing Pains
November 2000
Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Bill Jemas

The issue begins the next day after Peter finds he can now crawl on walls. While in class, he has an episode and breaks a desk. He now finds out that his muscles have grown drastically. During gym class, Peter notices Flash moving on Mary Jane, but it doesn't look like she is interested. When he tries to push it more, Peter ends up throwing a basketball at Flash. Mary Jane thanks Peter but now Flash wants to fight him after school. During the fight, which Peter wants no part of and dodges all of Flashes punches, Peter ends up breaking Flashes fist when trying to stop him. While Flashes buddy recounts the events that evening to Harry, his father overhears the conversation. He then tells Harry that he would like him and Peter to come by the labs the next day, to which Harry is grateful since he would like his dads approval.

Back at the Parker house, things are getting worse since the Thompson's are threatening to sue unless Flashes hospital bills get paid. The Parkers decide to pay it with a credit card and this will leave them maxed out. Peter listens from the next floor in emotional pain. That evening, Peter sneaks into an abandoned warehouse and lets loose with his new powers, noticing something wrong with his wrists. The next morning, Peter apologizes to May and Ben and is off to the Osbourne Industries, where he meets the brilliant Doctor Otto Octavius. Octavius stealthily gets a blood sample from Peter, who then runs out the emergency exit. Octavius then lets Norman know that Peter is perfectly health and free from an possible life threatening problems. Norman, relieved, tells his assistant that he would like to subject himself to the same exposure as Peter to see what could happen to him.

I liked this one more than the first issue. It was a darker than I expected it to be and I especially liked the scene where Peter was listen on the steps, hurt. I am still getting used to the art style, but I did like the pacing of this story compared to the first one. Looking forward to the next issue.

Score: 4 / 5

Titus - S1E07

Mom's Not Nuts
First Aired: Monday May 8, 2000

Titus' mom Juanita has just recently been released from the mental health care facility and came to Titus and Erin's home. While Dave, Tommy, Erin and Ken all believe her to be fine, Titus can't give up his suspicions so easily.

After arriving home, Erin and Titus are surprised to find Titus' mother cooking dinner. Titus' first reaction is to panic and call the police. As the episode unfolds, Titus holds on to his feelings about his mother. The rest of the gang does not and eventually, even Ken convinces Titus that everything is fine. After they had finished their meal, the gang appears to have been drugged. Juanita had done this so that she could attack Ken unabated. The episode ends with the closing monologue wrapping up that she was recaptured and sent back to the mental health care facility.

I think this was a very good episode, above average for the last couple in terms on continuing a good storyline. I remember hearing his stand-up not too long ago and finding out his mother was this crazy. She had eventual killed herself. That had a little bearing on my thoughts of the episode, but not by much. Again, I enjoyed the flashbacks, specifically the ones with Ken. I felt that the closing was also very touching and sad, the way he answers the phone and all. This was one of the best episodes so far, in my opinion.

Score: 9.4 / 10

Titus - S1E06

Red Asphalt
First Aired: Monday May 1, 2000

On the way to meet Ken in order to give him a car for his birthday, Titus gets into a highway race with someone. When he over indulges, however, the man chases the gang with a gun.

Titus begins the episode by narrating how he has learned to control and use his anger at will. One of the things we transforms it into is spite. So, for his fathers birthday, he has created a car for Ken. Now, Titus, Erin, Dave and Tommy are on their way to meet Ken for dinner. It is revealed that Tommy picked this place because he had sex with the waitress at one time. Titus is passed by a very fast car and his male ego is inflamed so that he must race back up to the guy. When he accomplishes this, the other driver becomes angered and tails the car. Eventually, the two cars pull over so that Dave and Titus can get out and confront the other driver. They quickly return to the car when they find out he has a gun. Once Dave reveals that his present to his dad is a cell phone, the group calls the cops. The cops get the guy and the gang get to the diner right as Ken is leaving. He comments on the crappy car and walks away with the waitress that Tommy was looking forward to seeing.

I like how, so far, none of the episodes have been in the same area. I am sure that that will have to change soon, since they will need a re-occurring motif, most likely Titus' home and the garage. While some of the main story was a bit lacking, I still enjoyed some of the comments, especially those directed at Tommy. The flashbacks were good as well, especially the one about everyone having guns. Overall, it was an average episode with its good and bad moments, but a good change of scenery then a typical sitcom.

Score: 7.9 / 10

Joan of Arcadia - S1E21

Vanity, Thy Name is Human
First Aired: Friday May 7, 2004

God tells Joan to take a make-up class that is really about make-up. Adam doesn't seem to be noticing her changes. Will busts a Russian teenage prostitution ring and Kevin sees his old girlfriend from right before the accident.

While at the supermarket, the kids encounter Beth, Kevin's girlfriend from around the time of the accident. He makes sure to act really cold towards her even though she is civil. The next morning at breakfast, Joan reveals the meeting and Kevin becomes further angry. Also, Helen had painted through the night, creating a piece that everyone expect for Will finds good. On the way to school, Joan meets up with God and He tells her to take a "make-up class", to which she says she hasn't missed any classes recently. In chemistry class, however, it is revealed by the teacher there is a cosmological class being given for extra credit. As this turns out to be the "make-up class", Joan joins, as does Friedman and Glynis.

Elsewhere, Helen's art gallery friend sees her painting and promises here a showing if she could produce more. Will busts up a prostitution ring involving Russian teenagers. When he comes home to tell Helen, she becomes angry that what he does is simplistic but he can't "get" her painting. The next day at school, Joan and Glynis are both turning heads for the way they look, though Adam and Luke both don't seem to really notice. Joan then comes to revelation that she doesn't need to preen herself and gives up on the make-up. Back at home, Beth visits Helen as she is trying to paint. Kevin arrives home and tells her to leave, but not before making some snide remarks.

Joan reveals to Kevin that had been coming to the hospital when he was injured, which he didn't know. When he confronts Beth about it, it turns out that he had dumped her the night of the accident, but didn't remember doing so. He apologizes for everything he had done because he didn't know that little fact. When Adam doesn't notice that Joan has gone rank and without make-up, she becomes frustrated that he is trying to hard to look like he is not trying. Later, he shows up to her house to explain that he is just as shallow as she is due to his recent movie collection. Will and Helen work out their storyline when Helen decides to torch the painting since it was too much not like her. Also, Luke and Glynis call it quits since Luke no longer likes the same girl he started out with.

Overall, this seems like more of a downer episode despite the resolutions at the end with Joan/Adam and Helen/Will. We are still left withe Kevin and Luke being at odds. I am sure this will work into the season finale somehow. I liked Joan's storyline, because I remember feeling/being the same way she was in school after the realization that looks don't matter (ie. I am not the best looking person, haha). I think I liked Kevin's storyline the best because I feel he is such a good dramatic actor, as much as he is a comedic one as well. I am also glad Luke and Glynis are done ... bring on Luke and Grace!

Score: 8.3 / 10

Picket Fences - S1E22

The Lullaby League
First Aired: Thursday May 6, 1993

A blues vocalist comes to town and has Zach Brock play on stage with her. In the process, she collapses and it is found that she has a serious health problem. Also, Maxine and Kenny deliver a baby, which is given to Maxine by the fugitive mother.

Being the last episode of the season, I was hoping for a bit more than what I got. There were two story lines with about equal screen time. The first one involved a pseudo-famous blues singer named Naomi (played by Della Reese), who suffers a heart attack during her performance with Zach Brock in front of the town. When Jill sees no other option, she puts a temporary transplant of a pig liver into the woman until they can find a suitable donor. After the woman finds out, she flips out and worries about her legacy should she die. She wants the liver out. The courts do not relent and Naomi is left at hating Jill for dishonoring her. By the end of the episode, she grudgingly decides to have a human liver transplant in Chicago.

The other storyline involved Maxine and Kenny chasing a speeding car and finding a woman in labor when it pulls over. Maxine has to deliver the baby before the paramedics show. The following day, the mother skips town after Kenny questions her because it turns out she is wanted by the government. She left sole custody to Maxine until a proper home can be found. In the process of caring for the baby, Maxine decides to adopt. However, the woman turns herself in and agrees to testify against her husband so that she may keep the baby in a half-way home. Needless to say that at the end of the episode, Maxine is heartbroken.

Like I mentioned, I was hoping for a bit more, since the last couple of episodes have been very charged in their acting and writing. While both of the storylines, mostly Maxine's, were interesting to start with, I felt they petered off a bit at the conclusion. Of particular note for me, when Judge Bone showed up to console Maxine, I was disappointed because it felt too sugary. I still can't wait for season two, because I hope it starts off better then this left off.

Score: 7.5 / 10

Titus - S1E05

Titus Integritous
First Aired: Monday April 17, 2000

Titus High Performance has just finished their latest creation for a internet mogul, but when he requests one last modification, Titus can't bring himself to do it because it would make the car look like crap.

This is the first episode that takes place wholly in the workplace of Titus High Performance and it was a good one at that. The episode begins with Titus, Dave and Tommy finishing up a hot rod with a millionaire internet mogul. When the guy shows up, he states that he would like a wing on the roof. Titus sees this as a blight on the car and argues with the group about adding it. Eventually, he decides that he wants to take apart the car, but becomes trapped underneath it when the jack breaks. While not seriously hurt, he is trapped and, at Ken Titus' suggestion, Tommy and Dave add the wing. Erin shows up and demands that Titus be relieved from the car, but it is already after they added the wing. Tommy states he wants his dream to come true to of having a successful business, but Titus doesn't want to do collision and other stuff. The mogul shows up, likes the roof, and cuts the guys a check. Tommy, in a turn of heart, changes his mind and refuses the check. However, Titus sees the check and ends up selling out anyway.

Like I mentioned, it was a great episode with good all around humor between the present and the flashbacks. There were a lot of good one liners as well as some shtick among the friends. I think any episode is good when Ken (Keach) has to interact with the others in the present. I am not sure if I liked the ending or not, since it seems little out of character for Titus to sell out.

Score: 8.6 / 10

Ultimate Spider-Man 1

Powerless
October 2000
Written by Brian Michael Bendis and Bill Jemas

I have decided to fully dive into the Marvel Ultimate Universe (also known as Earth-1610) after having read a little bit of a Ultimate Fantastic Four title. I then researched what was the first title and I found out it was good ole webhead himself; huzzah.

This first issue begins in Osbourne Industries where Norman Osbourne is hard at work with his genetic technicians. They are using various subjects, such as spiders, on the OZ project. As Norman hastily has to talk with his lawyer over the phone, his assistant fails to cap the container on the spider case and the arachnid escapes. Elsewhere, in Queens, readers are first introduced to nerd Peter Parker as he is reading a science book in a mall food court. As he tries to study, some rowdy teenagers pester him by throwning food. A sympathetic red-head (Mary Jane Watson) looks on with sadness. Before the other teens can stir up more trouble, Peter's uncle, Ben Parker, shows up and wrangles Mary Jane into a conversation with Peter and him.

The next day at his public school, Peter is further instigated by Flash and his big friend, but Harry Osbourne shows up and helps the guys to leave Peter alone. Peter and Harry are friends even though Harry is on the team with the other lugs. Later that evening, Ben and May Parker discuss the possibility that Peter may have S.A.D., but Peter just shrugs it off. Harry comes by so they can study and it is revealed Peters parents had died in a plane crash. When Peter trails off about an adhesive invention his father had worked on before dieing, Harry ends up leaving. Norman is too busy to be bothered with Harry when he tries to remind his father his class will be in the lab the next day. As the class is going through Osbourne Industries, Peter is bitten on the hand by the same spider shown at the beginning. Even though he has a seizure, he recovers after blacking out. Norman has a meeting to discuss what to do about Peter, decides to pay his hospital bill, and notes that we wants to keep an eye on the boy.

In school the next day, the heckling continues but as Flash's pal Kong is about to trip Peter, Peter reacts instinctively and flattens him onto the ground. Peter faints again and is taken to the hospital. He has blood taken, but the sample is replaced by one of Osbourne's men. As Norman examines the blood, he notices the toxins will kill Peter. He decides to send his goon Shaw to kill him before that happens to that no one finds out he will die because of his Industries. When Shaw tries to run down Peter with his car, Peter reacts for some reason (spider sense), and leaps over the car. When Shaw reports back in, Norman aborts the kill so that he may study the boy further. Peter begins to research and realize the spider has affected him somehow. After a confrontation with May and Ben, Peter wakes up in the middle of the night and tries to climb the wall. The issue ends with Peter hanging upside down from the ceiling.

I am not sure what I think of this issue. I know it is suppose to be a re-imagining of the comic, using some of the first movie as the basis mixed in with the original Amazing Fantasy comic as well. However, it felt like it was a bit of a struggle to get the story into the pages it did. Some of the plot points were done on one page, with the next going to a later time. While they have Pete playing the angsty teenager right now (at 15), the character I like the most so far is Mary Jane. She is the beautiful and smart person she is meant to be, but you can see how she is sort of infatuated with Peter as well. Anyway, I hope the story of the next issues flow a bit better than this one.

Score: 3 / 5

Runaways Vol 1 Issue 6

Pride and Joy, Part 6
November 2003
Written by Brian K. Vaughn

At the Hayes' residence, Molly is no angry at Nico after Nico had knocked Mrs. Hayes out with the Staff of One. Gertrude and Old Lace join them. Molly ends up freaked out about Old Lace while Gertrude is freaked out about Molly being a mutant. Alex comes into the room while Gertrude tries to fill Molly in on what has transpired over the past couple of hours. It turns out that Karolina and Chase had shirked their duties, though, and all of the kids are attacked by Mrs. Dean in Molly's room. She subdues Gertrude, but Molly then becomes angry and hurtles Mrs. Dean out of the house and into the pool.

The kids decide to leave after Nico and Alex go to get Mrs. Dean out of the pool, just in case she might drown. As they remove her, she attacks Nico again, but Alex hits her with the Staff. The van is making it's way through downtown Los Angeles with Alex trying to use the ring he swiped from Mrs. Dean to decode the book they stole. It doesn't work because it only translate some of the words. Geoffrey Wilder then calls Alex's cell phone and informs the kids to turn on the radio. A news bulletin has gone out that Alex and the others are wanted in connection with the murdered girl, now identified as Destiny Gonzales, as well as the kidnapping of Molly. Alex hangs up on his father in frustration and Chase suggests they fall off of the radar of everything.

Back at the Hayes residence, the Pride makes a startling discovery. A note was left by one of the kids, pledging their loyalty still to their family. It is unsigned. Meanwhile, the kids have arrived at Chase's hiding spot, Bronson Canyon in Griffith Park, which is a place Chase likes to call The Hostel. The kids then discuss having new names, with everyone choosing one except for Alex, who vows to redeem his for however long it takes.

The ending of the six-part beginning for the series left me a little more wanting. With the last three being as good as they were, I was expecting a bit more revelation or resolution with the Pride. I figured that Mr. Wilder would pin the murder on the kids in order for them to submit, but he underestimated his son's will. I was surprised, however, by the note from one of the kids. I have a feeling it will be Alex, just by the way he makes a point not to "change his name" like the others. I still think it will be interesting to read the next couple of issues, since I want to see how they go about surviving now with such notoriety.

Score: 4 / 5

Runaways Vol 1 Issue 5

Pride and Joy, Part 5
October 2003
Written by Brian K. Vaughan

The comic begins with the Steins and Yorkes' watching over Molly Hayes as they wait for the rest of the children to show up after the parents had threatened Molly's life. However, Molly starts to come out of the trance. As her mother talks to her, Molly says she hasn't been feeling well and that she had been bleeding. Her mother thinks this has to be due to her hormones and her growing into a woman, so she soothes her daughter back into the trance. The comic then breaks to the teens one the side of the road trying to discuss what to do. In the course of the discussion, Chase unknowingly activates the fistigons he stole from his parents[1], which shoots a spray of fire. They all decide then to assault the Hayes' residence and extract Molly.

Back at the Hayes residence, Leslie Dean shows up from New York City, though without her husband Frank. Outside, the teens are getting into position with Alex Wilder leading the group through walkie-talkies. He and Nico then discuss the plan, but she ends up kissing him just in case things go wrong. The both then approach the house and ring the doorbell. As Dr. Hayes lets them in, he is attacked from behind by Old Lace. Alex, Nico and Gertrude then try to carry out the rest of the plan but are waylaid by the Yorkes. Nico, who becomes frustrated, lunges at the Yorkes and is cut by a battle ax. Due to the spilled blood, the Staff of One emerges from her body and she takes care of the parents before heading up to Molly's room.

Outside Leslie Dean confronts her daughter and Chase, but Karolina strikes her mother with the bracelet that keeps her alien powers at bay. This in turn also harms her mother and allows Leslie Dean to be knocked out. Back in the home, Nico has confronted Mrs. Hayes but their conversation is cut off when Molly awakens and it dawns on her mother that Molly is showing signs of being a mutant. Nico knocks out Mrs. Hayes with the Staff and Molly then threatens to hurt Nico, ending the comic.

A little bit of a let down on par with the previous issue, but a more action packed issue than any seen so far. It was good to see Alex start to move into a leadership type role. The kiss was expected between him and Nico. I like how the confrontation worked out but was a little surprised at how powerful Nico currently is after only starting to use whatever power she has. It must somehow be infused already into the Staff, making it easier for her to wield the power. I also like the little trick Karolina played on her mother; a sort of kryptonite thing. I was waiting to see what sort of powers Molly would bring to the table and it certainly is interesting that she is a mutant. Looking forward to the conclusion to see what the teens will now end up doing.

Score: 3 / 5

Runaways Vol 1 Issue 4

Pride and Joy, Part 4
October 2003
Written by Brian K. Vaughan

After being alerted by his minion Lieutenant Flores of the LAPD that his son reported a murder, Geoffrey Wilder, leader of The Pride, visits Alex's room to discover he is nowhere to be found. Alex is actually at the Dean residence about 11 miles away where Karolina Dean is still reveling in her newfound discovery of her alien power to fly[1]. The rest of the group tries to decide what to do with their discoveries. They decide to find and reveal to Molly Hayes, who they had left out until this point because of her age, what they have found out about their collective parents. However, Chase Stein persuaded the rest to stop by his home first in case there is anything there that he is meant to receive or learn. As they leave, Gertrude Yorkes senses someone watches but decides to dismiss the fact. She is right, since Old Lace has been following them since they left the genetically altered dinosaur at the Yorke's residence.

The kids arrive at the Stein residence and go to inspect Chases parents' work shed, which turns out to be deceptively small on the outside but large inside. They find a variety of mechanical weapons and experiments before being confronted by the Steins and Minorus. As Chase puts on some robot gloves (fistigons) and X-ray goggles, his father uses a device to subdue him. Alex then removes Karolina's bracelet, unleashing her alien luminescent powers, before they are both attacked by the parents. Nico Minoru's mother tries to stab Nico with the Staff of One, which is absorbed by Nico to her mothers amazement. Old Lace makes an appearance and occupies Mr. Stein while Nico assaults her father, breaking his hold on Karolina, who then shoots a beam of energy at him.

With the Steins and Minorus subdued, the group pile into Chase's van and Karolina drives them towards the Hayes' residence to get Molly. However, on the way Gertrude's phone rings. The comic ends as the Hayes and Yorkes threaten to kill Molly unless the teens surrender.

This was the first issue with an action scene and I was pleased overall. It seemed to be over a bit to quick and easy, but the kids did want to get out of the place ASAP. It was fun when Old Lace showed up and the reaction by Chase in the van afterwards. We start to get a bit of information on the Pride, and I really like where it is going. Again, we end on a bit of a shocker that begs the reader to keep going. A solid effort, but a little less engaging near the beginning.

Score: 3 / 5

Runaways Vol 1 Issue 3

Pride and Joy, Part 3
September 2003
Written by Brian K. Vaughan

The comic begins with the group of Runaways being confronted with a giant lizard reminiscent of a velociraptor (Old Lace) that was being confined begin a secret passage in the Yorkes residence. The kids contemplate what to do with the watchful beast as Chase Stein takes the initiative and attacks the creature, which retaliates. However, at the command of Gertrude, the creature becomes docile. As the kids ponder this turn of events, a holographic image of the Yorkes materializes and reveals they had left the creature as protection for Gertrude if they had died. Old Lace is a genetically alerted dinosaur from the 31st century, since the Yorke parents are time travelers.

The group decides to head for Karolina Dean's home, which is empty since her actor parents had gone to New York City. Leaving the dinosaur behind despite Gertrude's pleas to bring it, the kids make their way to the Dean residence. While there, they discover that Karolina's medical alert bracelet has significant meaning. A piece of paper found with a crossed out picture of the bracelet leads Karolina to rip off the trinket in a huff, revealing her to be a luminescent being. The group then contemplates the possibility that Karolina is an alien after she discovers she can fly. The final scenes of the comic show that the detective the kids contacted in Runaways 2 has taken the complaint to his superior, Lieutenant Flores. The comic ends with Flores contacting Alex Wilder's father, the apparent leader of the Pride, to inform him of the possible situation his son has brought about.

A good follow up to the second issue, we see the characters begin to find their powers/characteristics. I kind of figured that Old Lace wasn't threatening since it was on the cover of the next issue with Gertrude hugging it. I do like the conversation about what to do with it and how Chase reacted. Also, for the first time in awhile, I was really amazed at the interior artwork in relation to Karolina's coloring as her alien form. Very beautiful. Jo Chen's cover is exquisite as well and was my background for a week or two after reading this.

Score: 4 / 5

Runaways Vol 1 Issue 2

Pride and Joy, Part 2
August 2003
Written by Brian K. Vaughan

The issue begins right where Runaways 1 left off; The Pride had just killed a young woman while being spied upon through a secret passage by their children. Having heard a noise coming from behind the two-way mirror, the Pride is torn between thinking it is something/someone sinister or just "psychic residue from the sacrifice", according to Alice Hayes. While Geoffrey Wilder sends two members to check his secret catacombs, he sends his wife Caroline to check on the children in the game room. The rest of the Pride discusses the possibility that it may have been the children who had found them out. Leslie Dean then mentions that they are "suppose to protect them from all this until they're eighteen", which Tina Minoru says is what the "Abstract dictates."

As Caroline Wilder approaches the game room, she hears commotion, but though alarmed, it turns out that the children were just playing a game of Twister. As she leaves, the children stop the ruse and try to discuss what they just witnessed, filling in Karolina who missed the killing in order to escort Molly back to the game room. Alex Wilder suggests that they try to take their parents out, but the discussion ends when the parents arrive and request two of them, Nico and Alex, to carry a trunk out to the Yorkes' car. While doing so, Alex and Nico ponder that perhaps the body of the girl is in the trunk. Alex then resolves to have the other kids to meet later in the evening in order to discuss their possibilities.

Later in the evening, they all meet (except for Molly, who still doesn't know) at the Griffith's Observatory. Alex thinks that they should contact the Los Angeles Police Department and report the murder and is sided with by Gertrude. Chase and Karolina opt to just forget what they saw and chalk it up as a performance piece. The deciding vote comes down to Nico, who sides with called the police. Alex makes the call after the decision is made, but the cop at the precinct is unbelieving and refers him to the Avengers. Alex then figures out the only way to make the police believe is to bring them the body of the girl, now thought to be hidden in the Yorke residence.

At their home, the children explore the basement and discover a keypad hidden behind a painting. Nico says that the password must include the numbers "3", "4", and "7" since they are show wear and Alex suggests, after learning there are also letters, that the password is "Pride". Despite the skepticism from the others, Nico inputs the code and a secret wall slides away to reveal, in the final panel, what appears to be a large, angry looking lizard (Old Lace).

This is exactly what I was hoping for. It was fun to see how the kids reacted and how they went about finding out the truth. I think one of the things I enjoyed was how, for now at least, the comic is down-to-earth in the sense of what one would do if faced with this problem. The knee jerk reaction is the police, but of course that doesn't work. I also enjoyed the end, especially the surprise behind the wall!

Score: 4 / 5

Runaways Vol 1 Issue 1

Published July 2003
Written by Brian K. Vaughan

The very first issue in the Runaways series of comic books. I heard good things about this comic, and since Joss Whedon is set to take over the writing duties very soon from creator Vaughan (and Vaughan will be taking over Buffy for Whedon), I thought I would give the comics a try.

The comic starts with Alex Wilder playing a computer game before being interuppted by his parents, Geoffrey and Catherine Wilder. They ask him to be ready when their party guests arrive to their home in Malibu, CA. Every year, the Wilder's hold an annual gather of the same five families. The following pages introduce those five families; Gerturde, the whiny yet intelligent daughter of Dale and Stacey Yorke; Karolina, the light-hearted vegan daughter of actors Frank Dean and Leslie Dean; Chase, the rebellious jock son of Victor and Janet Chase; Molly, timid daughter of Gene and Alice Hayes; Nicole, the goth-like daughter of Robert & Tina Minoru.

After all of the family's arrive at the Wilder's home and the family's mingle in the hallway, the parents head to the library while they send the children into the game room. Boredom ensues for the kids and so Alex suggests that they spy on their parents by way of a secret passage he found when looking for Christmas presents. Upon finding a two-way mirror into the library, the kids discover their parents dressed up and believe them to be superheroes; The Pride, as Alex's father calls them. However, as they watch, Catherine Wilder escorts in a young woman and the children begin to question their parents actions. The Pride proceeds to prepare a device as Geoffrey Wilder thrusts a blade into the womans stomach, stating that she is helping to forge a better tomorrow for their children. Before the meeting can continue, The Pride detects a noise from behind the mirror where the children are located and the issue ends.

A nice little set-up issue that gives the impression that everything may seem alright, but there is something going on in the background here. I am sure after the shocker of an ending in this issue, the second one is primed to be the real starting point for the series.

Score: 3 / 5

Picket Fences - S1E21

Sugar and Spice
First Aired: Thursday April 29, 1993

After an experimental kiss, Kim questions her sexuality and whether she is attracted to her friend Lisa Fenn. Also, Jim decides he has to find an under-sheriff. The result of his decision will take him to court.

The episode begins while Kim and her friend Lisa Fenn are going to sleep after a study session. Her friend talks about kissing and broaches the subject of kissing another female. He and Kim decide to do so with each other. This leads Kim to question her feeling about sexuality. The problem becomes compounded when Matthew, being curious about his sisters weird behavior, overhears her and Lisa's conversation the next day about the kiss. He then goes to tell Jill, who tells Jimmy, and they both try to "steer" her back to heterosexuality. Shortly, the whole town gets wind of the possibility of Kim and her friend, leading to Billy breaking up with Kim. Lydia also shows up after Kim reveals to her father that Lydia had a lesbian experience in college. As the three parental figures try to figure out how to handle the situation, Kim and Lisa try to come to terms with their feelings. In the end, Kim figures that she is heterosexual while her friend seems to be leaning towards homosexuality.

The other storyline involves the Rome police department needing a new under-sheriff. Mayor Pugen and Jimmy pick Kenny over Maxine, which angers her. Jimmy tries to reason with her that because she is a gung-ho female deputy, there might be the possibility of revolt by the machismo station. She then takes Jimmy and the county to court, leading to Judge Bone ruling in her favor and in turning revoking Kenny's promotion. This storyline ends as Jimmy tells Maxine and Kenny that he will re-evaluate them in a few months. He scolds Maxine, but she scolds him back by saying she has lost faith in him.

Another very forward thinking episode, this maybe one of the first prime time shows to really deal objectively with the question of homosexuality and a family trying to deal with it. The main story was good, especially because of the acting of Holly Marie Combs. It seems like the stories that usually deal with her deal with sexuality in someway (ie the Christmas episode). As for the other storyline, I think Jimmy was right with his decision, though he probably decided it through the wrong filter. I really had a dislike for Maxine in the way she handled herself, but it made sense for her character to fight it like she did. Of particular merit was the Judge's chambers conversation between Pugen and Bone. Strong, powerful acting. Another well written and acted episode.

Score: 8.8 / 10

Frisky Dino - S1E01

Meet Killface
First Aired: Monday October 16, 2006

The first episode of the Adult Swim show, Frisky Dingo, introduces the main villain, Killface, and his plan to destroy the world.

From the people behind Sealab 2021, one of my favorite shows, comes Frisky Dingo. Of course, I had high expectations and I was honestly disappointed with the first episode. The episode begins with a monologue by the prime villian, Killface, explaining his plans to destroy humanity. It turns out that he is working with marketing in order to get his message out, but they keep failing him. Finally, Valerie comes up with a postcard mailing campaign within the budget of Killface.

Like I said, I was really looking forward to this show, because I felt Sealab was really taking off at the end of the series for them, despite the loss of one their main characters. This episode had it's moments, but the second episode had me laughing out loud. Killface is just getting primed here for the hilarious character he becomes. Again, though this episode wasn't great in my eyes, the ones after fully make up for it.

Score: 7.9 / 10