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Come on! The absolutely horriblest of all time TV shows has got to be Scifi Channel’s late, unlamented “Black Scorpion”. The only reason that show existed was to display bosoms and thighs in faux leather gear. Nudity would have been preferable.
We went to visit my mother in Texas one year. Bear in mind that I’m a native of Texas, and my Other is not, so this wasn’t so shocking to me. One afternoon we were sitting in the living room watching TV with my mother, me on the couch, and the Other on the floor leaning back against my knees. I thought I saw something move on the carpet. Then I spotted it, and very calmly told my Other to get up, there was a scorpion coming toward him. I thought we were going to have to pry him off the ceiling.
My mother killed the scorpion with a shoe. She wasn’t upset by the scorpion so much, as she was that my Other would think she often had bugs in the house. We think it came down through the chimney.
After that, I told him he better shake out his shoes in the mornings before putting them on. Living so long away from Texas, I had forgotten that we needed to do that. He couldn’t wait to leave.
Very interesting review indeed. I wish now they had showed the original pilot first, because it sure would have cleared up some stuff.
I’m just convinced now that TV execs don’t have a flippin’ clue about what audiences want or can handle.
I agree this episode had a lot to recommend it. I think they’re being overly coy about the sexual longings between Mal and Inara, though. That can get to be pretty annoying after a while; you get to the point where you want to say, “just shag each other and get it over with already!”
The silent shot in space was actually very impressive. Sometimes sound or music can make a point (what would Star Wars be without sounds-in-space and music?). But when an explosion in space is done well — as this one was — the silence just underscores the shock, and makes a point of its own. I hope that made sense.
I did find myself wishing that Mal would sound a little less Buffyish, though. I can’t remember the exact line, but I remember when he said it, I could almost hear Sarah Michelle Gellar’s voice.
Oh, and YES, the “country bonnets” at the beginning just about made me turn the TV off (I’m glad I didn’t). I also hated the opening dialogue. OK, using primitive technology to tame new planets makes a kind of sense, but where in the universe will anybody EVER AGAIN talk in an exaggerated Southern accent and say something like: “It ain’t yor’n”???? Joss, Joss, Joss, PLEASE, don’t ever do that again!
[ 08-10-2002: Message edited by: dgrequeen ]
All what favorite shows? They already got rid of all of mine.
I read also that Scifi is premiering “Tremors” as a series in January. I liked the first movie, thought the other one stunk, and I can’t even imagine a series.
Fox and UPN, baby.
[ 03-10-2002: Message edited by: dgrequeen ]
I liked it too. I wasn’t put off by the “cowboy” elements, because at heart, that’s all most space opera is anyway. Just a retelling of the old adventure tales. The difference here is Whedon’s quirky take on human relationships and his sneaky command of language.
I see now why Fox decided to hold off on the original two-hour pilot, although I’m not sure I agree with their decision. The idea had to be to grab the largest number of viewers immediately, and then show the pilot movie later (by all it accounts it’s a more leisurely examination of the characters). They’re a mysterious bunch, with lots of potential for exploration, IMO. I’ve always liked Adam Baldwin, Ron Glass, and Gina Torres, but I never heard of any of the others. They’re obviously talented and hard-working, however, and I’m eager to see what they can do.
The CGI was impressive, and used sparingly to further the story. I like that (CGI used for its own sake is boring when it overwhelms the story). I wasn’t grabbed by the music (Dead Zone has a better score, as do many of the other new shows this year), but it seemed to fit with the type of story this is. Anything else might have clashed.
I don’t miss the aliens. I’m a bit sick of knobby foreheads and blue skin, myself, especially when otherwise they look just like us. I think the humans on this show are going to be alien enough to hold our interest.
Hopefully Whedon has enough clout to keep this series going until it finds its footing and rewards us with his usual insights into what makes people tick, and, oh, yes, some slam-bang fun adventure too.
[ 22-09-2002: Message edited by: dgrequeen ]
The part I find most encouraging is that Whedon focuses on story and character development. He always takes a formulaic story and turns it on its head, and his characters grow and change just like real people. It’s nice the special effects are good, but he doesn’t depend on that to carry the show, like some others I could mention.
I’m not too upset that there aren’t any aliens. Like special effects, some other shows depend on latex and weird costumes to carry the show. I’m more interested in what human beings would do in space.
The actors may not look very interesting right now, but it looks like Whedon is using relative unknowns for the most part, and that can be a very good thing. Unknowns try harder. Once we’ve seen them in action, we may like them a lot. I’m keeping my fingers crossed anyway.
I KNEW IT!!!!
TV Guide has announced that Scifi will air a new “reality” game show, called Scare Tactics. It will feature hidden-camera footage of pranks inspired by famous sci-fi movies and series. Shannon Doherty is going to be the MC.
So it’s going to be a mixture of Candid Camera, the Twilight Zone and Crank Yankers, I guess. How wonderful.
Interesting points, Aleck. That sounds entirely plausible to me, but what a downer for fans. Looks like it’s a Fox fall for me.
Thanks, all, for wishing me well. I want to say before I go for good, that Saddy has been a wonderful host. I hope you’ll all continue to post and support him and make this the best cult TV site on the net.
If this is the case, then Scifi should be asked to delete the nick, so that no one can use it, and make you look bad.
Maya, elfie, doffy, please let it go. I know, it’s hard to be continually called foul names and constantly baited for no other reason than just wanting to play a silly game, but this solves nothing. They are never going to change. The name calling is never going to stop until you do as I do, ignore them, don’t read the posts, pretend they dropped off the earth. They are needy people, and that’s the worst thing you can do to them.
I suggest you follow doffy’s link to the Scifi board and SMX’s rant and Slopmaster’s answer before you judge too harshly.
But I agree, there is no point in starting it all over again, and certainly not here. *sigh* Some people just can’t seem to let it go. It might be best to delete the post after all.
[ 17-05-2002: Message edited by: dgrequeen ]
Ahem! About the worm…
Tequila is made from the heart of the mescal plant, which is a kind of aloe or century plant. The worm or grub is often found in the plant, but why these were added to the liquor I have no idea. Possibly the sugar in them helped with the distillation? Nowadays they just put it in certain brands of tequila to carry on the tradition.
Now that I’ve seen them all, I guess you could say that Season 3 is my favorite (and no, it wasn’t my first experience). Partly it was the look and feel of it. I loved the Planet Fire, the ambivalence of Prince (he wanted to be good, he wanted to be evil, he had a specific job, but he wasn’t sure about all the details), the fact that Xev grew from her kittenish sex-slave beginning to become a mature, real woman, and the fact that Stan began to examine his relationship with her (i.e., there *was* one that didn’t have to do with his wanting to have sex with her).
But I just liked the series overall, even though every season was completely different from whatever went before. Each one had something to recommend it, enough so that I didn’t focus on the clunkers.
Sometimes I reveled in Lexx. Sometimes it made me laugh out loud, and sometimes it made me downright uncomfortable. To me, that’s great television.
Yo Way Yo and Brigadoom vie for most favorite episodes, but I have a special fondness for Nook, as that was my first one, and Mantrid just because I loved the villain and the story. Midsummer Nightmare remains my least favorite, along with Prime Ridge, but that may because they’re the freshest. I’m sure I’ve forgotten the ones I didn’t care for in previous seasons.
You smell? Are you speaking of your circumstances or the act? Because if it’s the act, I think we pretty much all do that.
My first full episode was a rerun of “Nook” on Scifi. After that, I started watching, and eventually saw every episode. But I have to admit that the thing that first hooked me was the bun. I kept thinking: “What the heck IS that on that guy’s head?” The camera wouldn’t stay on him long enough to get a good look at first. Then my next thought was: “It’s hair. Why does he wear it THAT way?” Then I started getting into the story, the music, the weird black humor, the guy in the red suit, the lizard woman, everything.
I did notice a certain discontinuity between Kai’s expression when he kissed Xev and the next closeup shot of his face. So you might be right.
I’m impressed with the work you’ve put in. It’s awesome. As for Xev’s face, you’ve done a great job. I would reduce the lower lip just a tiny bit, flesh out the upper lip a tiny bit, and make them a little less pouty. Her nose has a tiny bit more flare at the end, and a little upturn. Otherwise, she’s great and you wouldn’t really have to change her. Those changes I’ve suggested (if you choose to make them at all) should be miniscule anyway.
I’d like to help, but there’s just too much flash on the site. All it gives me is a blank, blinking screen.
S1 – Eating Pattern, my least favorite because it didn’t seem to fit in with the other three movies, which had a story arc to them. It felt like filler, and it always pains me to see Rutger Hauer deteriorating ever more.
S2 – White Trash. Just too conventionally stereotypical. A waste of Maury Chaykin, although he did his usual creditable job.
S3 – I liked Season 3. But if I had to choose, probably Girltown was my least favorite. The parliamentary argument among the “boys” and Queen’s lip-licking scenes dragged on too long, IMO.
S4 – Midsummer Nightmare. Titania was just too gross, apologies to the actor. I was disappointed in the setting, too. After traveling all the way to the UK, it seems like they could have done better than a tent and a parking lot.
I hasten to add that I rewatched even the episodes I wasn’t particularly fond of, for those little nuggets among the dreck that surprised and delighted.
Also, interestingly enough, his son (whose first name escapes me) plays Nigel on Relic Hunter. I always wondered what happened to Tony, though, after Space 1999. Possibly he went on the stage in the UK?
Hiya, Saddy. I’ve been on vacation for the last nine days myself, but, alas, am back at work, and hooray, back online.
*sigh* This is all too typical troll behavior, and it’s everywhere. Unfortunately, we’ve been dealing with the same kind of thing on the scifi bboard as long as it’s been up. The difference there is, they can’t delete what they’ve posted, so the evidence is always there. But, incredibly, they turn right around and deny that they meant anything by it, and insist that we’re all stupid for taking it the wrong way, when the insult is there in plain English.
You’re right, Flamegrape, it is a game to people like this. I don’t understand the mentality at all, but there are people who revel in picking fights online. I assume it’s compensation for having little or no ability to relate to others in any meaningful way in RL.
so please do not imply that the term terrorism is relative; even the terrorists know that it is murder of innocents, that’s why they do it…be they muslim, ira or whatever…
*sigh* I wasn’t going to touch this one, but I have to weigh in here and agree with FX about what terrorism really means. Let’s not split hairs and try to justify what was a simple, brutal act of murder. I’ve heard all the arguments about why the Sept. 11 terrorists felt justified in doing what they did, why the Palestinian suicide bombers feel justified doing what they’re doing, why the Israelis feel justified pushing people out of the homes they’ve lived for generations, etc. etc. etc. In my opinion, there is no justification for murder. Not as long as there is still opportunity to talk (and yell), both in the court of public opinion and in a world court of laws and civilized behavior.
I enjoyed this ep a lot! It felt like a Season Two Lexx!
In my opinion, the fact that the cryopod controls were destroyed is the motivation for them to return to Earth. Xev will want to find some way to repair the controls, or replace the cryopods, so that Kai can be frozen, I think. I don’t think destroying Lyekka and saving the Earth would be their first priority, since it’s a Type 13 planet doomed to destruction anyway (and they’ve never been very good about saving people before). Of course, we all know where they’re headed, but it’s a plot point to think about anyway.
Oh, darn! I’ll be out of town that day! Pooey!
Oh, well, have fun chatting with him, and tell him dgrequeen says hello.
I’m sure the Beans would love the maiden-filled penthouse suite part, but somehow, I really doubt this is *quite* the ending they would have had in mind. I have to admit, though, it’s Lexxy enough.
trust me. I generally can’t be bothered with trowsers and just ware my boxers all day [except for the periods of time spent outdoors in public].
I have to say, I’m disappointed. Where’s yer kilt, man??
As usual, I come late to the discussion.
Sad, Mary Beth, et al, your points about free discussion are well taken, and I abide by your decisions, but I’m afraid I have to agree with Flamegrape on this one.
This is a community with many disparate folks in it, and there is already too much potential for flaming and war without throwing gasoline on the fire. I know Muslims want to defend themselves against defamation, who can blame them? But there are ways to do that without getting into a full-blown debate which can escalate into a flame war about tragedies that none of us have any control over. Personally, I come to Sadgeezer’s and other such places to get away from that stuff.
But, as you say, people here are free to discuss what they like. I just say, if it does get out of control, locking the thread with an explanation that it’s too controversial and hurting too many people is an acceptable tactic.
I agree that people may be expecting too much from the final episode. In order to explain the beginning of time again, and the rebirth of the Light Universe, the Divine Order, et al, they would need a whole LOT more than just one hour-long episode (commercials extracted). So while they might hint at the cycle of time, I don’t think we’re actually going to see it.
Micromary gave the most succinct possibility. The very first Lexx story (IWHS) did start with Kai’s death. And since Prince has promised Kai his soul so that he can go at last to the Dream Zone (a bargain I think he’ll keep), it’s probable that the final episode will end the story with Kai’s death, his real death. And in a few million years, time stops and then begins again, and it all plays out as before.
As the Master of Ceremonies in Brigadoom said: “Kai’s story is the most important story in the universe.”
Happy anniversary to the parents, SJY. Btw, you look totally fetching in pink, I must say.
OK, now here is where I embarrass myself. I have been married to the same man for 34 years this upcoming September. Regretfully, I have no Secrets For a Successful Marriage to pass on to you. It hasn’t been all love and roses by any stretch of the imagination, for either one of us. In fact, it’s been a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. But we are still together, and not too unhappy about it. And that’s pretty much as good as it gets for anybody.
Oh, yeah, Prax? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
[ 09-04-2002: Message edited by: dgrequeen ]
Well, since Canada is taking over, I believe Kai will have to be Prime Minister rather than President. No Lexx goo at state dinners, though. Although, come to think of it, I guess there’s not much difference between that and poutine.
It’s your anniversary? Happy anniversary! Gosh, time flies. I remember seeing your pictures at Burntimes’ site back when you first got married. Ack! Have I been hanging around that long?
The chat was a great success! Lex G. was very chatty and quite charming. He doesn’t hold out much hope for a spinoff or followup movie, but other than that, it was a hoot talking with him. Those who missed it, the log will be well worth the wait.
Thanks for the info, Sad. It’s always interesting to see what the behind-the-scenes people *really* think. It must have been disappointing to them to see the fans’ reaction to Midsummer Night’s Dream, but they should bear in mind that there were fans who liked it (I didn’t, but I’m only one opinion).
