“Numbers” introduces a very intriguing plot element: a set of mysterious … numbers. But what makes the episode, and the numbers, so compelling, is that they are introduced by way of character development for Hurley. The result is not only a plot twist, but a character twist – with the themes of fate, destiny and chance playing out in the background.

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A new review of a G1 Season 2 episode, Enter The Nightbird, is now available:

Enter The Nightbird is a strong episode due to its action and themes. But most importantly, It’s memorable. Plausibility issues aside, the creation of a ninja robot, by human scientists, was handled exceptionally well. And it allowed for all manner of action and intrigue.

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In whetting our appetite for Battlestar Galactica Season 4, Sci-Fi aired two half-hour specials here in the U.S. on Friday, March 28, 2008. The first half-hour focused on a very brief summary and highlights from the past three seasons, as well as an interview with Ronald D. Moore and David Eick. The second half-hour features interviews with pop stars such as Seth Green (Robot Chicken), Scott Ian (Anthrax), and Joss Whedon (Firefly). On the whole, if you were already an avid fan of the series, there were only a few tidbits worth your time. For those looking to get on board for the fourth, and final, season, this was a decent launching point, though you’ll want to tune in next week to watch the two-part conclusion to Season 3. If you missed either special, you can watch them over at scifi.com. And I’ll upload a few screen caps up a little later this weekend.

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There is a new X-Files Season 1 review available:

“Ice” isn’t perfect, and I can’t say that it’s going to rank as one of my favorite X-Files episodes, but to give credit where it’s due: this is an episode that is relentless in its suspense. In fact, the mystery of the episode (essentially of the “monster of the week variety”) is secondary. The mood and tension take center stage and, as such, this episode can be riveting.

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In many ways, Heroes continues to confound me. In one scene it will do something I absolutely enjoy and in another it will do something that is utterly insignificant. And while the premise of the series, as well as the introductory voiceovers from Mohinder, are intriguing, there’s very little else within an episode that provokes any measure of deeper thought. Thus far, the series is shaping itself up to be a kind of television fast-food meal, with a small dash of something … a spice, maybe? You consume it. Once in a while a bite seems enjoyable. You feel a bit full afterwards. But you certainly aren’t satisfied or impressed. And nothing represents this dynamic better than “Better Halves.”

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There is a new X-Files Season 1 review available:

Ghost In The Machine is a small step backward for the X-Files. Of course, that doesn’t mean that the episode is a failure. It simply means that the X-Files has experienced uncanny success thus far in its initial season. And this episode is merely average, showing the usual rough edges associated with the first season of a series. The story, the writing, the acting … they’re all merely average and, just occasionally, a little below average.

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In Translation is an intriguing episode by way of its final resolution. However, as the episode unfolds, it alternates between plodding exposition and over-the-top aggression and conflict. The effect is an episode that, while it is quite touching and revealing, is also quite flawed.

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Director Alfonso Cuarón said about his 2006 dystopian film, Children of Men, “I didn’t want to make a cautionary tale, because I don’t believe there’s time for caution.” And the movie is, if nothing else, immediate in its visual and emotional impact. Cuarón is clearly a master artist — especially when it comes to cinematography, framing, color palettes and the like. And Children of Men is chock full of symbolism. But there is something missing from the overall production that is, I believe, worthy of criticism: Cuarón simply leaves too much unsaid and open ended.

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A new review of a G1 Season 2 episode, Day of the Machines, is now available:

Day of the Machines is another episode that is heavy on the action, and fairly light on the characterizations. And, too, there are a few contrivances and flat out plot holes that can be very distracting. What helps this particular episode is that the overall story is more than engaging enough. And, too, the action is nearly non-stop — which tends to put a shiny gloss on the more questionable parts of the episode.

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A new review of a G1 Season 2 episode, Atlantis, Arise!, is now available:

Atlantis, Arise! is fun, pure and simple. It’s one of the best constructed episodes thus far, with plenty of action and double-crosses from the Decepticons and their new allies, the Sub-Atlanticans. And even though the plot is exceedingly fanciful, it works — perhaps because Nergill, the leader of the Sub-Atlanticans is a very strong supporting character. Add in another iconic performance from the Dinobots and you have one of the best Transformers episodes thus far.

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A new Young Indiana Jones review is now available:

Princeton, N.J. & Mexico, 1916

Spring Break Adventure is the first chapter to feature Sean Patrick Flannery as Young Indy. There is a definite improvement in quality due in large part to the change in actors. And while Flannery is certainly a better actor than Corey Carrier, the shift to an older actor itself also opens up a wider array of possibilities within an chapter. The result is that a greater amount of action can help compensate for continued poorly written and paced chapters. Spring Break Adventure is a perfect example.

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Series Overview

As I reflect on the seven season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the most prominent thought I have is that this series is greater than the sum of its parts. I have analyzed, reviewed and evaluated every episode. And yet, if you averaged out each episode’s grade, I am certain that the result would not represent the measure of success that this series achieved. Which means, of course, that there is something more to TNG – something that mere statistics cannot tell us. So what is it? What distinguishes Star Trek: The Next Generation? (more…)

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A new review of a G1 Season 2 episode, The Autobot Run, is now available:

The Autobot Run is a decent episode. Megatron’s plan is uniquely villainous and the way he takes advantage of the Autobot’s generosity is particularly nefarious. The Constructicons are around — which means, of course, an always enjoyable appearance of Devastator. And Chip Chase once again saves the day (maybe he’s a distant ancestor of Wesley Crusher).

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“Mars has become a kind of mythic arena onto which we have projected our earthly hopes and fears.”

– Carl Sagan

 

Carl Sagan uses humanity’s exploration, and obsession, with Mars as a kind of mirror for humanity. To do so, Sagan includes references to such works as H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds, the novels of Edgar Rice Burroughs, and an excerpt from Gustav Holst’s composition, Mars, from his suite titled, The Planets. Sagan also provides a number of scientific and historical contexts for Mars, including Percival Lowell’s preoccupation with the idea of canals on Mars and Robert Goddard’s dream to invent a machine that could take people to the Red Planet.

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Hiros is a decent, if uneven episode. As a whole, the series fairly perplexes me. There are moments that are a spectacle of special effects and nuanced writing. And yet there are other elements that range from merely pedestrian to downright annoying. And as a whole, that encapsulates Hiros – an episode that provides some fantastic scenes interspersed with mind numbing moments of mediocrity.

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