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Post by Pixi on Oct 27, 2005 6:53:43 GMT -5
May I plagarize you in my review? Not sure what's worth copying, but feel free. Mi Pluma Es Su Pluma. Or something. So...if Jackie is telling the truth with regard to Lily, just what in hell was that supposed to be? The phony psychic actually picked up on something, even though Jackie paid her off to reveal Veronica's once-slathered boobs? Hold on, I just lost focus for a sec... I keep going back to that kitchen scene. That's where Veronica made Wallace secret snickerdoodles. Which wasn't my original point. This episode showed us something very different from the norm. Wallace was always cute, funny, loyal and fundamentally decent. Just what Veronica - and thereby the show itself - needed. I might just be speaking for myself here, but whenever Wallace was in a scene, it was a refreshing respite from the layers of high emotion and mystery. No matter how ugly things got, Wallace didn't change. Tonight, his own pain went to the forefront for the first time...and it was severely jarring. From an acting perspective, this is also the first episode where RT asks Percy Daggs to bring a lot of intensity...and whoa, did he bring it. You have to be pretty damned good to hang with Kristen Bell in an emotional scene; up to now, Jason Dohring and Rico Colantoni were the only ones who have done it believably - and on an equal footing, IMO. Maybe I was just caught up in the shock at the raw emotion Wallace displayed when Veronica snarled at him to "pick a side," but...in that moment, Percy shifted into a gear I didn't realize he possessed. Talk about intensity... I'm about to watch it a 2nd time, which is when I generally analyze things more critically, so perhaps I'm overstating it...but I don't think so. Did you see Veronica's face when Wallace really started going off? Kristen Bell can give so much to her fellow actors just by her reactions. So far, that was one of the best-acted scenes of the year. Rob I agree that was very well-acted by Percy. Bravo! And KB did an excellent job with her facial reactions. I kind of liked the way RT acknowledged that TD is just there for his pretty face. (Okay - stop throwing things at me Duncan fans, he was okay tonight, not great, just not mind numbingly bad). But hee, hee - just there for the pretty. See UPN - RT got the message.
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Post by Pixi on Oct 27, 2005 7:08:37 GMT -5
Interesting episode. Again I want to echo Rob and say wonderful job Percy. Wallace completely sold me on his hurt and great, great confrontation with Veronica. Everything he said was spot on and rang with hurt, pain and confusion.
I haven't really processed all my thoughts about this episode yet. But briefly my things I liked list:
Lamb - Oh how I love Lamb. Michael Muhvey rocked his scenes. Evil, evil debate comeback, blackmail, snark - more Lamb please.
Keith - EC does so much with his eyes in his reactions. Oh God I hurt for both him and Alicia during this fight. I was spoiled in a general sense for this episode in that I knew there would be two breakups. The writer - Cathy Belben posted it in her writer's blog - before the PTB found out she was leaking info and shut her down. Many people speculated that Keith and Alicia would be one of the breakups so I was expecting this after last week's revelations but this was so sad. I hurt for both of them.
And how great was Keith to do the right thing and not use his knowledge to score political points. I love you Keith.
Jackie - can I both hate and love her at the same time? I'm still meh on her acting (it goes up and down) but this was, as Erin said (hi Erin - new name I see, should I bow?) deliciously evil. But um Jackie - get your hands off of Logan this minute. Got it? Okay - moving on then. Still - the mammomax (hee, hee) was wonderfully humiliating.
Corny/Mandy/Mr. Wu/Backup - continuity I love you. Nice to see you guys. How is your dog doing Mandy? And Backup - where the heck have you been?
Loved the line Veronica gave to Duncan that you're just here for the pretty. My thoughts exactly although - yech, I just don't see the pretty.
Loved Veronica's list of things she needed for Homecoming that included Kane software stationary. And the Bug! And the Exterminator! Hee, hee.
Loved Duncan and Logan making up. I was also spoiled for this scene and I must say there was general confusion everywhere over the ass waxing line. But they are just cute together. Everyone needs a friend.
Loved the out of nowhere Lilly line. Wow! And everyone's face.
Loved the kicking up the bus mystery. It sounded like gunshots to me - not an explosion but I'm not techy that way so what do I know. But yikes - nice!
Loved Percy's voice. Bravo! Now you and Kristen need to have a duet. Let's have a MOTW during the school musical.
Okay - I'm sure there's more but these are my initial loves.
I really felt that this episode was well-acted. Everyone brought their acting chops to this one. I've felt that KB has been phoning it in a few times this season but she did a terrific job last night.
And - I have heard in a general way by those who are spoiled that when we get back from the rerun episode - that the November sweeps episodes are going to blow us away.
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Post by Lola m on Oct 27, 2005 7:48:39 GMT -5
You know what I loved most about this episode? How well it depicted people who care deeply for one another, but don't always express that feeling properly. The best BTVS episodes did the same exact thing...showing us a character's inner words, then having them do a less-than stellar job with the outer actions. **nods nods nods a lot** Oh, gosh yes!! I love a show that doesn't need to make it's main characters perfect at things, like communicating. Loved all the instances of things that are not just one thing or another. Keith and Alicia come to mind as well. Both not being completely honest (she about Wallace's dad, he about snooping) and each was a bit right and a bit wrong. Just like how real life is, usually. RT really makes us feel it, doesn't he? Feel it as hard as the characters do. You see how they didn't quite know how invested they were either - didn't know how much power they had to hurt each other. I've been having that feeling about V since the start of this season. Lot's of instances of her not being quite herself, floundering, trying to be someone she's not. I very much believe that she hasn't dealt with all the events of last year and it is causing her some serious problems. As Wallace said to Jackie: "you don't know what she's been through". Because it wasn't the boob cream that was the real painful element of the false psychic trick - much as Veronica tried to pretend it was. It was using Lilly. Having Lilly say hurtful things to her. Even as a con job that she saw through quickly, that had to just be a punch to the stomach. Yep.
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Post by Lola m on Oct 27, 2005 7:52:50 GMT -5
You know what I loved most about this episode? How well it depicted people who care deeply for one another, but don't always express that feeling properly. The best BTVS episodes did the same exact thing...showing us a character's inner words, then having them do a less-than stellar job with the outer actions. The best example is that (incredibly painful) argument toward the end; Wallace was being a little unfair with Veronica, but he would have no way of knowing it. She WAS a little short with him when they discussed it...but she wasn't necessarily wrong, either. There's something fishy about his biological father waiting so many years to seek him out. I never realized just how invested I was in Veronica and Wallace's friendship until I saw them seriously fight for the first time. They were both so hurt...it's kind of messing me up, like whenever Buffy and Xander quarreled back in the day. Even worse, I see a serious downward spiral for both of them...especially Veronica. When things go to hell with Duncan (which they will), she won't have anyone to turn to. Man, this one really got to me. I suppose that means this was a great episode. May I plagarize you in my review? Well, I better stop reading before I get too many ideas from other people. But I need to rewatch and probably do an outline/recap just for myself so I can figure out all the different things that were going on!!! My head is still spinning. It was a head spinny episode! So many ouchie moments! As Rob put it, the miscommunications were painful to watch. Veronica and Wallace. Wallace and Alicia. Alicia and Keith. Ow, ow, ow! Quite the dilemna. And even if she is no longer as worried about hurting Jackie, I think she'd not want to hurt Mr. Cook just on his own. So, it's like Lamb's blackmail is almost as effective against her as the intended target. Except that now Veronica knows exactly what Lamb is doing, so perhaps she can get him another way.
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Post by Lola m on Oct 27, 2005 7:58:51 GMT -5
May I plagarize you in my review? Not sure what's worth copying, but feel free. Mi Pluma Es Su Pluma. Or something. So...if Jackie is telling the truth with regard to Lily, just what in hell was that supposed to be? The phony psychic actually picked up on something, even though Jackie paid her off to reveal Veronica's once-slathered boobs? I guess I'm not quite at the believing Jackie stage . . . but perhaps I'm being too harsh because of how she hurt Wallace. It could also be that the psychic has other sources at the school and in town that feed her info. Veronica has to be rather well known in some circles now, so it would probably not be hard to take gossip and use it to hurt her. ;D Yup. And I loved how it showed us that Wallace is still Wallace (witness the way he let Jackie know that what she did was not acceptable), but we got to see Wallace under stress. And frankly, the other characters have come to depend on Wallace being the calm dependable one too much, (like we have), and did not pay enough attention to what he was going through. **nods very vigorously** Yep.
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Post by Lola m on Oct 27, 2005 8:00:58 GMT -5
Cora.. was she the chick who she was hanging with? Huh.. wow... I like that aspect: "I want to prove that she didn't" Yes, you stole them, Keith. Own up to it. Ouch.. " You are giving me parenting advice?" "All ya did was postpone it!" yep. Yep!!! That scene was just . . . ouch! Painful and real. Brainshare! That's what I was thinking! Man - it's so not fair - I have to work now! But I'll return to see what else has been said later today . . .
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Post by Pixi on Oct 27, 2005 8:29:43 GMT -5
Here is what Rob Thomas posted on TWOP last night after the episode:
Hey gang,
Just wanted to pass along a bit of behind the scenes info. I love our series regulars. I'd use each of them in every episode if I could.
The fact is, they all have different episode contracts. I have to budget and spread them out. There are only three actors I'm able to use in every episode.
As is my normal habit, I'm checking out the east coast reaction while I wait to watch the show here in L.A. Thanks for both the love and the papercuts.
Rob
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Post by Sara on Oct 27, 2005 8:31:44 GMT -5
<snip> Jackie's stoned out of her gourd, isn't she? Yeah, she's smashed. <snip> I'm with Matthew--I think Jackie was most definitely on something when she went to the dance, whether it was pot or something stronger (as that brief scene of her holding a pill bottle would imply). Not that it excuses her behavior--just making the observation.
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Post by SpringSummers on Oct 27, 2005 8:42:20 GMT -5
Damn - Jackie was doing it to torture V!! Something tells me, though, that V didn't actually share her truest deep dark secret. Ooooh. Wallace strikes out. How about doing me a favor? I just live in your world. I'm going thru all this stuff and you don't care. But then, he also calls Jackie to call her on her behavior. It wasn't just a funny trick - she wanted to hurt V. She's jealous and doesn't want to say. And in turn, Veronica doesn't go for the payback. Walace and Veronica for-evah, baby!! Bravo, Keith! I'm not gonna use the deaths of 7 kids to leverage an election. On the other hand, that tape does need to be made part of the investigation. Don't listen to Duncan and his "he'll be alright" - go after Wallace! Go, Keith, again!!! Telling Lamb off and then taking V's bug so she doesn't get in trouble. Wallace ran off with his dad. Damn. Veronica - you did mess that one up! OK, now I'm scared for Wallace...and next week is a rerun! Damn it! Poor Wallace, man. The boy's got massive integrity...and Jackie is so messed up... Yes, that's my take on Wallace too: Integrity is one of his most basic and noticeable qualities. But he's also very caring and loyal and it's hard for him to deal with the fact that some of his loved ones aren't nearly as trustworthy as he is, himself. I loved how straightforward he was with everyone, and how he stood up for himself. I don't really trust his dad though, so I am worried about him. I do think he'll be back fairly soon - Alicia isn't going to just let this ride. She & Keith will go full blast at trying to find him and get him back.
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Post by SpringSummers on Oct 27, 2005 8:48:31 GMT -5
Can I both pity and hate Jackie at the same time? She's a seriously messed-up, insecure and spoiled girl, but I have to hand it to her drug-addled brain...she had it dead-on at the end. Veronica would've been outraged and protective of Wallace either way, but Logan as the other guy surely cranked things up a few notches. There were...layers, and Jackie picked up on them immediately. That was very well done. Yes, Veronica's reaction to spotting Logan & Jackie dancing was just a touch over-the-top. Jackie was right not to buy it as being all about "protecting Wallace." After all, all they were doing was dancing - at a dance. My memory is that they weren't doing anything but smiling and talking to each other, while dancing (i.e., no necking and such). For all Veronica knew, it was one dance with Wallace's knowledge and consent. Jackie was right to tell her "Pick one!" and she was including Wallace in that, though she's wrong to think Wallace is interested "that way " in Veronica, I think. ROB - a Xander comparison for you - give me your thoughts here - I think this is one of the biggest difference between the Veronica/Wallace dynamic and the Buffy/Xander dynamic: Wallace doesn't have a crush of any kind on Veronica. That's why, unlike Xander, he's much, much more able to just confront her with the "imbalance" in their relationship, very early on. Wallace is a more "secure/mature" character overall, too, I think, not having that "abused child of alcoholic" background.
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Post by SpringSummers on Oct 27, 2005 8:54:49 GMT -5
Interesting episode. Again I want to echo Rob and say wonderful job Percy. Wallace completely sold me on his hurt and great, great confrontation with Veronica. Everything he said was spot on and rang with hurt, pain and confusion. I haven't really processed all my thoughts about this episode yet. But briefly my things I liked list: Lamb - Oh how I love Lamb. Michael Muhvey rocked his scenes. Evil, evil debate comeback, blackmail, snark - more Lamb please. Keith - EC does so much with his eyes in his reactions. Oh God I hurt for both him and Alicia during this fight. I was spoiled in a general sense for this episode in that I knew there would be two breakups. The writer - Cathy Belben posted it in her writer's blog - before the PTB found out she was leaking info and shut her down. Many people speculated that Keith and Alicia would be one of the breakups so I was expecting this after last week's revelations but this was so sad. I hurt for both of them. And how great was Keith to do the right thing and not use his knowledge to score political points. I love you Keith. Jackie - can I both hate and love her at the same time? I'm still meh on her acting (it goes up and down) but this was, as Erin said (hi Erin - new name I see, should I bow?) deliciously evil. But um Jackie - get your hands off of Logan this minute. Got it? Okay - moving on then. Still - the mammomax (hee, hee) was wonderfully humiliating. Corny/Mandy/Mr. Wu/Backup - continuity I love you. Nice to see you guys. How is your dog doing Mandy? And Backup - where the heck have you been? Loved the line Veronica gave to Duncan that you're just here for the pretty. My thoughts exactly although - yech, I just don't see the pretty. Loved Veronica's list of things she needed for Homecoming that included Kane software stationary. And the Bug! And the Exterminator! Hee, hee. Loved Duncan and Logan making up. I was also spoiled for this scene and I must say there was general confusion everywhere over the ass waxing line. But they are just cute together. Everyone needs a friend. Loved the out of nowhere Lilly line. Wow! And everyone's face. Loved the kicking up the bus mystery. It sounded like gunshots to me - not an explosion but I'm not techy that way so what do I know. But yikes - nice! Loved Percy's voice. Bravo! Now you and Kristen need to have a duet. Let's have a MOTW during the school musical. Okay - I'm sure there's more but these are my initial loves. I really felt that this episode was well-acted. Everyone brought their acting chops to this one. I've felt that KB has been phoning it in a few times this season but she did a terrific job last night. And - I have heard in a general way by those who are spoiled that when we get back from the rerun episode - that the November sweeps episodes are going to blow us away. Agree! Really nice ep, well done on all levels. I am not such a Duncan-disliker as you though - I don't think he's right for Veronica (chemistry is non-existent, for one thing), but he - and the whole "keeps it all inside" thing he has gong - creates some good tension and contrast. It's easy to see how he and Logan would become friends. Duncan has a kind of cool and competence that Logan lacks and I'm guessing, admires - and Logan has the fire and fearlessness that Duncan lacks, and probably admires and is attracted to.
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Post by Pixi on Oct 27, 2005 9:36:15 GMT -5
Can I both pity and hate Jackie at the same time? She's a seriously messed-up, insecure and spoiled girl, but I have to hand it to her drug-addled brain...she had it dead-on at the end. Veronica would've been outraged and protective of Wallace either way, but Logan as the other guy surely cranked things up a few notches. There were...layers, and Jackie picked up on them immediately. That was very well done. Yes, Veronica's reaction to spotting Logan & Jackie dancing was just a touch over-the-top. Jackie was right not to buy it as being all about "protecting Wallace." After all, all they were doing was dancing - at a dance. My memory is that they weren't doing anything but smiling and talking to each other, while dancing (i.e., no necking and such). For all Veronica knew, it was one dance with Wallace's knowledge and consent. Jackie was right to tell her "Pick one!" and she was including Wallace in that, though she's wrong to think Wallace is interested "that way " in Veronica, I think. I think Jackie is being very astute by picking up on Veronica's interest in Logan. And make no mistake - Veronica had her claws fully extended and was in sheer jealousy posessive mode when she saw Jackie dancing with Logan. If you could call what they were doing dancing. I got the impression that Jackie was high on whatever pills she had taken and that Logan was drunk and trying to keep her upright and off him. Notice his arms/hands - not around her, either one. Plus sitting there, picking at his jacket afterwards - Logan was wasted in my opinion, not falling down Russkie Business drunk but probably fortified himself before he went to the dance. Jackie is misreading the situation with Wallace though. There is no romantic interest on his part in Veronica whatsoever. I think Wallace, watching this from a distance, was angry at Veronica getting in Jackie's face again. He had just asked her to let it go and from his viewpoint, across the room, she wasn't letting it go.
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Post by Queen E on Oct 27, 2005 10:41:00 GMT -5
So, here's something that occured to me last night.
In "Normal is the Watchword," Dick keeps complaining about the "smell" of the bus, which is easy to dismiss as Dick just being a, well, dick. But...what if he wasn't? What if the bus really did smell off? Could that "smell" be related to whatever time-bomb substance made it explode and crash?
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Post by Queen E on Oct 27, 2005 10:41:26 GMT -5
Pixi: Bowing is never out of line.
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Post by Pixi on Oct 27, 2005 11:08:40 GMT -5
So, here's something that occured to me last night. In "Normal is the Watchword," Dick keeps complaining about the "smell" of the bus, which is easy to dismiss as Dick just being a, well, dick. But...what if he wasn't? What if the bus really did smell off? Could that "smell" be related to whatever time-bomb substance made it explode and crash? I have long thought that. What if there was a body on the bus somewhere? (though I know, kind of hard to hide). I think the "smell" lines were important and not just random Dick jackass lines. And it really sounded like gunshots to me on the message - not an explosion.
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