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
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
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
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
Monday, July 30, 2007
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
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
Sunday, July 29, 2007
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
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
Friday, July 27, 2007
Titus - S1E04
The Breakup
First Aired: Monday April 10, 2000
Due to Titus' upbringing, he believes the only way to be happy is to have something fall apart in order to make it whole again. And so it goes with his relationship with Erin.
A bit of a prerequisite for situation comedies, especially ones dealing with relationships, is the breakup episode. Titus looks to get it out of the way early. In no so typical fashion, Titus is actually looking to have the relationship end so there can be something to fix. He has become too happy with Erin and, in his eyes, this is so very wrong. Titus accomplishes this feat by talking about how great his ex-girlfriend was, leading to Erin dumping him. In response, Titus ends up sleeping with a waitress at a diner. Returning home to pack, Erin grovels in order to get him back and Titus relents. However, in his joy to "seal the deal", the waitress calls and Erin gets the phone. She and Titus go at it again, with Titus being the one to grovel now. Before it can go further, an ex-boyfriend of Erin's calls and it revealed that she had slept with him. After 12 hours of fighting, the two agree to end the relationship, but Titus actually ends up prosing with Erin saying yes.
The thing that saves this episode from the typical mediocre breakup episode is the one-liners from Titus and the flashback, especially Ken's where he deals with past wives. I really like the little twist at the end. I had expected that, with how messed up the two are, that they would come to the conclusion to end it, but Titus would say something like "We staying together". I didn't expect him to propose though. It was very sweet, in a very Titus-like way.
Score: 7.9 / 10
First Aired: Monday April 10, 2000
Due to Titus' upbringing, he believes the only way to be happy is to have something fall apart in order to make it whole again. And so it goes with his relationship with Erin.
A bit of a prerequisite for situation comedies, especially ones dealing with relationships, is the breakup episode. Titus looks to get it out of the way early. In no so typical fashion, Titus is actually looking to have the relationship end so there can be something to fix. He has become too happy with Erin and, in his eyes, this is so very wrong. Titus accomplishes this feat by talking about how great his ex-girlfriend was, leading to Erin dumping him. In response, Titus ends up sleeping with a waitress at a diner. Returning home to pack, Erin grovels in order to get him back and Titus relents. However, in his joy to "seal the deal", the waitress calls and Erin gets the phone. She and Titus go at it again, with Titus being the one to grovel now. Before it can go further, an ex-boyfriend of Erin's calls and it revealed that she had slept with him. After 12 hours of fighting, the two agree to end the relationship, but Titus actually ends up prosing with Erin saying yes.
The thing that saves this episode from the typical mediocre breakup episode is the one-liners from Titus and the flashback, especially Ken's where he deals with past wives. I really like the little twist at the end. I had expected that, with how messed up the two are, that they would come to the conclusion to end it, but Titus would say something like "We staying together". I didn't expect him to propose though. It was very sweet, in a very Titus-like way.
Score: 7.9 / 10
Picket Fences - S1E20
Rights of Passage
First Aired: Thursday April 15, 1993
The local Chippewa tribe takes the county to court over plans to expand a golf course on the ground where their ancestors had been buried. When things don't go in their favor, the Chippewa take over the courthouse in an act of war.
The last couple of episodes are really taking big strides in this show. After the local Chippewa tribe fails to get Judge Bone to rule in their favor about a golf course, sixteen tribesmen take over the courthouse in a formal declaration of war. The golf course would unearth the ancestral remains of Chippewa people and the chief has had enough of being bullied. Jimmy at first defies the city council by not trying to violently take back the courthouse, but after negotiations don't work out, both by him and then by Judge Bone, he has no choice. The Rome sheriff's station, much to their misfortune, must reclaim the courthouse. Just as the police after about to win, the chief comes out, trying to invoke the officers into shotting him. Kenny wounds him, but the chief suffers a stroke and dies at the end.
Also, in a side story, a classmate of Zach's is getting bullied, most likely due to his small size. The mother of the child requests that Jill try using the hormone enhancing drug to speed up his grow process. Ginny takes an exception to this, however, and rallies a group of little people in protest. In defense of his brother, Matt decides to fight the bully and ends up winning.
Like I mentioned, the last couple of episodes have ended on very dramatic scenes, and this one is no exception. The writers again take another subject which is a tough one and tackle it head on. They try to evoke emotion for both sides of the argument and allow the viewer to make their own decision instead of shoving something down their throat. As always, Judge Bone and Wambaugh play their characters with grace and dignity. This was more or less a Jimmy-centric main story, and Skerritt does it again, making it easy to see the problems facing Jimmy. While certainly nothing this extreme has ever happened, it shows what could possibly, and maybe should, happen.
Score: 9.1 / 10
First Aired: Thursday April 15, 1993
The local Chippewa tribe takes the county to court over plans to expand a golf course on the ground where their ancestors had been buried. When things don't go in their favor, the Chippewa take over the courthouse in an act of war.
The last couple of episodes are really taking big strides in this show. After the local Chippewa tribe fails to get Judge Bone to rule in their favor about a golf course, sixteen tribesmen take over the courthouse in a formal declaration of war. The golf course would unearth the ancestral remains of Chippewa people and the chief has had enough of being bullied. Jimmy at first defies the city council by not trying to violently take back the courthouse, but after negotiations don't work out, both by him and then by Judge Bone, he has no choice. The Rome sheriff's station, much to their misfortune, must reclaim the courthouse. Just as the police after about to win, the chief comes out, trying to invoke the officers into shotting him. Kenny wounds him, but the chief suffers a stroke and dies at the end.
Also, in a side story, a classmate of Zach's is getting bullied, most likely due to his small size. The mother of the child requests that Jill try using the hormone enhancing drug to speed up his grow process. Ginny takes an exception to this, however, and rallies a group of little people in protest. In defense of his brother, Matt decides to fight the bully and ends up winning.
Like I mentioned, the last couple of episodes have ended on very dramatic scenes, and this one is no exception. The writers again take another subject which is a tough one and tackle it head on. They try to evoke emotion for both sides of the argument and allow the viewer to make their own decision instead of shoving something down their throat. As always, Judge Bone and Wambaugh play their characters with grace and dignity. This was more or less a Jimmy-centric main story, and Skerritt does it again, making it easy to see the problems facing Jimmy. While certainly nothing this extreme has ever happened, it shows what could possibly, and maybe should, happen.
Score: 9.1 / 10
Thursday, July 26, 2007
8 Simple Rules - S1E01
Pilot
First Aired: Tuesday September 17, 2002
The pilot episode of 8 Simple Rules follows Paul Henesey through the day as he has to deal fully with his children while his wife Kate works a full day at the hospital. Problems ensue as Carrie gets suspended and Bridget has boy problems.
The other day, I decided to check out this comedy again because I remember it begin really good when John Ritter was a still alive. I was in college at the time, so I didn't get to see them all, so it is nice to see them. In this first episode, Paul has to care for the kids all day by himself while Kate is at the hospital. Of course as the standard for this sort of sitcom, things don't go right. Off the bat, Carrie is suspended from school after skipping school, which seems harsh for missing only one day. Later, Bridget is shot down by the boy she is interested in, though she was just looking at his a replacement to her current Homecoming date. She is then grounded by Paul. During the conversation, it is revealed that Carrie wanted to go to the dance, but no one asked her and she now thinks she is not pretty enough. Paul assures her and things seem to be neutral again in the household. As Kate returns home, Paul is still a bit of mess, but both of the girls come to say goodnight and embrace him.
The pilot episode for the show is good, mostly because of the acting of Ritter. I had only see small bits of his other works before this show and known him as more of a physical actor, ala Threes Company buffoonery. However, his quips and one-liners in this show were very comical. Because of this, the show stays afloat when it might sink without some his acting. While I see the characters progressing further so that the show doesn't have to rely so heavily on Ritter, it is still in its growing phase at this point. That is not a surprise, though, since it is the pilot. Look forward to more good Ritter acting in coming episodes.
Score: 8.2 / 10
First Aired: Tuesday September 17, 2002
The pilot episode of 8 Simple Rules follows Paul Henesey through the day as he has to deal fully with his children while his wife Kate works a full day at the hospital. Problems ensue as Carrie gets suspended and Bridget has boy problems.
The other day, I decided to check out this comedy again because I remember it begin really good when John Ritter was a still alive. I was in college at the time, so I didn't get to see them all, so it is nice to see them. In this first episode, Paul has to care for the kids all day by himself while Kate is at the hospital. Of course as the standard for this sort of sitcom, things don't go right. Off the bat, Carrie is suspended from school after skipping school, which seems harsh for missing only one day. Later, Bridget is shot down by the boy she is interested in, though she was just looking at his a replacement to her current Homecoming date. She is then grounded by Paul. During the conversation, it is revealed that Carrie wanted to go to the dance, but no one asked her and she now thinks she is not pretty enough. Paul assures her and things seem to be neutral again in the household. As Kate returns home, Paul is still a bit of mess, but both of the girls come to say goodnight and embrace him.
The pilot episode for the show is good, mostly because of the acting of Ritter. I had only see small bits of his other works before this show and known him as more of a physical actor, ala Threes Company buffoonery. However, his quips and one-liners in this show were very comical. Because of this, the show stays afloat when it might sink without some his acting. While I see the characters progressing further so that the show doesn't have to rely so heavily on Ritter, it is still in its growing phase at this point. That is not a surprise, though, since it is the pilot. Look forward to more good Ritter acting in coming episodes.
Score: 8.2 / 10
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