1x06 Leon

[cko]

Rasing this episode because I'm on the pumpkin theme. This is the ep that, at the old TWoP thread, first began the spec about Devil-as-Dad by Stinger.

My main thing was liking the development of Sam's character:

His acting is really hitting its (?) stride in this ep. So confident with Leon at the end, and with the Devil. When Andi agrees to be his friend again, he looks sooooo happy. No matter how mixed I feel about whether their 'ship is working at this point, being able to see his reactions to her, and to what is going on between them, is great.

Him "falling on the sword" for her (this time not literally) and agreeing to wear the pumpkin costume. Underwear Man. Crappy CGI. And Shower Sam.

Devil: Sam, if I can impart to you one piece of knowledge, just one kernel of truth that I’ve gleaned over the entirety of my existence, it would be this. Betrayal is the defining trait of humanity. Your friends will always let you down. The girl will always leave.
Sam: That’s not true.
Devil: Yes it is. And your so-called friends have proven my point. You know, you’re not angry at Leon. You're just upset because you’re realizing the weakness of your species. The most untrustworthy, unreliable creatures on this Earth. (pause) Except for bears.

Devil: Sam, I invented therapy. Okay? So that the wicked could justify their actions.
Sam: I’m starting to be able to figure out when you’re lying as well.

[pacejunkie]

Leon was the first small break from formula when they opened the episode in the middle of a capture and then used that soul to help bag another. I liked Leon and the questions it raised about whether these souls have lost the chance to redeem themselves.

[flyingcircus]

This episodes aired yestered as a repeat in Germany. The first time I saw it, I absolutely hated Leon. But now after x repeats on my dvd player, I'm beginning to like this episode. For one, it raised questions that are quite interesting. Perhaps there was at one point a plan to answer all those questions in later seasons. *sighs*
Anyway, it was the first time I actually saw "Leon" on TV. The times before ... well, I haven't And it was a right decision to do so. The responsible channel/network (we don't have such a separation over here) decided to cut roughly 4 minutes from the episode. Some things didn't even makes sense that way. Quite some time I'd love to ... have a nice talk with the people in charge

[cko]

Ooh, flyingcircus, what are the questions it raised?

I have a special love for Leon because of Badass Sam in the therapist's office, and because of all that Patton Oswalt had to say way after cancellation about all that he picked up about the show and its intentions from that one guest spot. Here's the thread for that interview:

reaperdmv.com/index.cgi?board=talk&action=display&thread=333

[flyingcircus]

Aug 29, 2011 23:50:51 GMT -5 cko said:

Ooh, flyingcircus, what are the questions it raised?

1. Can a once damned soul redeem itself? If I remember correctly, the same question is raised in Dante's Inferno.
2. The Devil said no one believed in him on Halloween, so there isn't anyone to tempt. How strong is he really on that night?
3. Why does the Devil give his demons a day off? He isn't know for that kind of behavior.

[cko]

So, I'm not the best at Reaper Mytharc, but...

1. Can a once damned soul redeem itself? If I remember correctly, the same question is raised in Dante's Inferno.
--This is a theme/thread that meanders through both seasons. Most particularly the Boxing one, the title of which I already forgot. Given how vengeful this Devil is....I'd say no.

2. The Devil said no one believed in him on Halloween, so there isn't anyone to tempt. How strong is he really on that night?
--Oooh. This bears some thinking about.

3. Why does the Devil give his demons a day off? He isn't know for that kind of behavior.

--One thing I loved about this show is how they mixed the everyday in with the truly creepy/scary.