Silence
First Aired: Friday May 21, 2004
In the season one finale, Joan becomes sick and it is revealed that the past year that she may have been hallucinating.
The episode begins with Helen dreaming, first about the accident with Kevin and then about seeing God in a church. The version of God that Helen sees is the same God that Joan sees for the very first time on the bus. The next morning, she brings it up to everyone at breakfast, though Joan is busy adhering to a rash on her leg. As the day progresses, Joan gets sicker and sicker, becoming delusional in her visits from God. Finally, she passes out and is taken to the hospital where it is discovered that she had Lyme disease which may have been dormant. While all of this was transpiring, Helen was seeking answers at a church before she had a feeling to go to the hospital. Will had been at the station during a hostage standoff. It was ended after the man accidentally kills his mother. Will goes to visit the woman at the hospital and he ends up seeing Helen. Kevin notices them as well and lets them know what was going on. Before they tell Joan what is going on, various God incarnations visit Joan but she asks them to go away when they get to cryptic. Adam becomes worried because when Joan gets better, he doesn't know how she will be. Luke walks Grace home and they argue about their feelings before kissing passionately. Joan tells Adam that she has been talking with God and doing what he asks, but when Adam doesn't believe her, she asks him to go away as well. The episode ends with Will and Helen discussing God with Joan saying that he doesn't exist before falling asleep.
This was a very good season finale for this show. It puts Joan, and the audience as well, to the test as to whether she is seeing God or not. The subject is handled very well in a logical way. I especially felt bad for Adam, since he didn't know Joan before the supposed sickness kicked in. It will be interesting what happens between them the next season. I was also very happy when Luke and Grace got together finally. Looking forward to that as well. Overall, I think this was a good way to leave a cliffhanger for this show and look forward to what happens next.
Score: 9.1 / 10
Monday, August 6, 2007
Joan of Arcadia - S1E22
The Gift
First Aired: Friday May 14, 2004
God asks Joan to give Adam a gift. After she finds a condom in his backpack, she begins to worry that this gift is related to sex. Also, as Kevin begins his new job as court reporter, he makes a bad call that challenges Will.
It is getting near the end of the school year and the group has to cram for finals. Adam in particular seems distracted, having to juggle school, studying, and work. God appears to Joan and tells her to get Adam a gift. She begins to mull and fret over what Adam could possibly want, ultimately trying to enlist the help of Grace and Luke. During this time, Luke has joined the group to study because he wants to keep away from Glynis, who he broke up with the previous episode. He had bought a geode for Grace, but is worried about giving it to her. During a discussion with her about Adam and Joan, he does give it to her, and that story is left for now. When Joan finds a condom in Adam's book bag while looking for clues, she wonders if sex is the gift she needs to give. She decides to go to Adam's job at the hotel and possibly have sex with him. During the course of their conversation, he reveals that he feels he is nothing since he has work his job to pay his dads bills, which has cut into his time to work on his art. In the end, all Joan needs to give Adam is faith in him.
The other story involves the fact that Kevin has become a court reporter. Will and his partner had collared a guy who had committed theft to keep his daughter. During the arraignment, Will asks for a softer sentence. Kevin is appalled by this and writes a scathing article. This in turn destroys the plea bargain setup for the guy and Will is furious because Kevin didn't take into consideration facts outside his sight. The two end up reconciling over the boat and coming to a sort of agreement.
Overall, I felt this episode was average. I think the hemming and hahing that Joan goes through is a bit heavy-handed. I understand why it would be such a hard decision for her, but I felt that storyline was lacking a bit. The storyline involving Kevin and Will was pretty good, but faltered at the end because it seemed like too easy an out for Kevin. My favorite moments of the episode were between Luke and Grace, especially when he gave her the rock and she blushed a bit before they went back to studying. I am hoping for a real good finale to end this great season.
Score: 7.8 / 10
First Aired: Friday May 14, 2004
God asks Joan to give Adam a gift. After she finds a condom in his backpack, she begins to worry that this gift is related to sex. Also, as Kevin begins his new job as court reporter, he makes a bad call that challenges Will.
It is getting near the end of the school year and the group has to cram for finals. Adam in particular seems distracted, having to juggle school, studying, and work. God appears to Joan and tells her to get Adam a gift. She begins to mull and fret over what Adam could possibly want, ultimately trying to enlist the help of Grace and Luke. During this time, Luke has joined the group to study because he wants to keep away from Glynis, who he broke up with the previous episode. He had bought a geode for Grace, but is worried about giving it to her. During a discussion with her about Adam and Joan, he does give it to her, and that story is left for now. When Joan finds a condom in Adam's book bag while looking for clues, she wonders if sex is the gift she needs to give. She decides to go to Adam's job at the hotel and possibly have sex with him. During the course of their conversation, he reveals that he feels he is nothing since he has work his job to pay his dads bills, which has cut into his time to work on his art. In the end, all Joan needs to give Adam is faith in him.
The other story involves the fact that Kevin has become a court reporter. Will and his partner had collared a guy who had committed theft to keep his daughter. During the arraignment, Will asks for a softer sentence. Kevin is appalled by this and writes a scathing article. This in turn destroys the plea bargain setup for the guy and Will is furious because Kevin didn't take into consideration facts outside his sight. The two end up reconciling over the boat and coming to a sort of agreement.
Overall, I felt this episode was average. I think the hemming and hahing that Joan goes through is a bit heavy-handed. I understand why it would be such a hard decision for her, but I felt that storyline was lacking a bit. The storyline involving Kevin and Will was pretty good, but faltered at the end because it seemed like too easy an out for Kevin. My favorite moments of the episode were between Luke and Grace, especially when he gave her the rock and she blushed a bit before they went back to studying. I am hoping for a real good finale to end this great season.
Score: 7.8 / 10
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Ultimate Spider-Man 3
WannabeJanuary 2001
Written by Brian Michael Bendis & Bill Jemas
This issue begins with Norman Osborn reiterating the incident with Peter that happened at Osborn Industries to his board of directors. He wishes to sway them so that they can do the same thing to him, but with his own DNA instead of that of a spider. Elsewhere, Peter and MJ are attending a local professional wrestling match where Crusher Hogan is willing to take on all-comers. When Flash's pal Kong tries to take on Hogan, he is stopped since he is not 21. A confrontation between Flash and Peter then happens, but MJ gets disgusted and leaves before anything can develop. That night, Peter, wearing a makeshift costume, goes back to the arena to fight Hogan for the money. Peter handles him with ease, gets the money, and is invited by the manager to come back on Monday to fight for more money. At home, he secretly gives the money to Ben and May with an anonymous note that says the money is from a special collection at the school.
At school, Peter is approached by his gym teacher who used to berate him. He is looking for Peter to join the basketball team to help fill Flash's spot. Peter does so with relish when Flash protests and he quickly becomes the star player, thanks to his powers. Later, he has to blow off being with MJ studying so that he could go wrestle Crusher Hogan again. He does so with ease and the announcer gives him his stage name of the amazing and spectacular Spider-Man, though Peter asks just to be called the Spider. While the manager is pissed about Peters anonymity, he asks Peter to come back again and gives him a better get-up. It turns out to be the familiar red and blue costume, sans spider and webbing which Peter remarks it needs. Elsewhere, Norman is shown being strapped in for the experiment by Doctor Octavius (with his metal arms). Harry walks in, but is escorted out before it begins. However, he returns and hears his father scream right as the issue ends.
This was a very good issue with my only real problem being with the way Peter is acting, so cocky and full of himself. I am sure with the death(?) of Ben, this will change as in the movie, but he is a very crass character right now. Some of the things I did like were the pacing of the issue and the look of the comic itself. It is a touch more cartoon-y then the main universe Spider-Man, but still had a dark edge to it. I also liked how it was the manager of the wrestling event that gave him his first red and blue suit.
Score: 4 / 5
Friday, August 3, 2007
Ultimate Spider-Man 2
Growing PainsNovember 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
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
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
Thursday, August 2, 2007
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
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
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