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Post by Blue Sunflower on Apr 14, 2009 16:51:15 GMT -5
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Post by pacejunkie on Apr 14, 2009 20:20:42 GMT -5
This was probably my least favourite episode of the season. The Sock/Kristin plot as usual was cringeworthy and incredibly badly written. I'm so glad she's gone. Horrible all around.
I don't like the way they glossed over the house issue and the parents just seemed to hand it over to them with everything in it. Last season Sock's mom kicked him out and turned his room into a pottery studio. Now he moves in with his friends and she returns from vacation and just rolls over? Do they now have to buy a new house? It just seemed way too easy and was obviously nothing more than a plot problem that they resolved awkwardly because they couldn't have the guys move again. But it was piss poor in the way it was handled. And what was with Morris? Last year he was an Asian cowboy with a Texas accent. Now he's straight off the island Japanese. Is he even being played by the same actor?
And I was bored by the whole Ben/Nina thing this week. I don't know, I just found it boring. And they never really resolved it. She scared the crap out of him and now everything's good?
And this Ender thing. The problem with it (besides the fact that I didn't really get it. So it's a death without either heaven or hell? Just nothing? Isn't that preferable to hell?) is that why was it never mentioned before? Sam seems to refuse or give up all the time. The Devil just forces him to do it. And if the soul was still capturable (by Morgan) then why even use this Ender to begin with? Why didn't Morgan just go after him when Sam failed? It looked really cool when the Ender showed up at the house but when it stopped cold at the bedroom door it was majorly anticlimactic. And then Morgan captured him with the vessel easily so I don't get the point.
So those were my hates. But fear not, I had loves. Loved Dad in the freezer dispensing advice. So random and bizarre. Loved Sam getting boxes thrown at his head. Loved Sam trying to sweet talk Andi and asking for her help. Loved Gladys glaring at Morgan. Loved the Alan chase in the graveyard. And at least they attempted to explain the whole go to hell for breaking a commandment, any commandment thing. It was interesting to see a soul who really wasn't evil, since that was how Sam justified what he did way back in the day. Harder to do that now. I liked how upset he was over the Devil winning this round.
Overall an average episode. For all the problems, I gave it a C+.
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Post by Blue Sunflower on Apr 14, 2009 20:39:19 GMT -5
If you want to chat, pace, I'm over at the ABC Studios site. I know you have problems here.
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Post by wdpender on Apr 14, 2009 21:33:08 GMT -5
Pace, although you mentioned it in your first paragraph, you forgot to put the best thing about this episode in your summary of "good things". It looks like (and I hope they are not dangling a bone just to pull it back) "No Josie" may finally be gone!!!!!
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Post by Blue Sunflower on Apr 14, 2009 23:41:16 GMT -5
And what was with Morris? Last year he was an Asian cowboy with a Texas accent. Now he's straight off the island Japanese. Is he even being played by the same actor? Yeah, it was. The Texan thing was probably his Vegas-persona that got him laid and married. Probably just an act, and not really *who* he was. In my better days, I would have said the whole thing was a set-up by the Devil. Ray certainly seemed to play it that way. But as usual, no follow through, so we're left to fanwank it on our own. I will point out though, that if Sam's dead-body-plan actually worked, then it would be the first time a soul got off scot-free. Hence, the Ender as the fail-safe. But since Morgan could still get the soul, I'm back to fanwanking it's all a stunt by the Devil to mess with Sam. I really fricking hate that, considering according to the show, I am totally on my way to Hell. My Dom-love alone is damning me. I really do wish the writers would think through these things. Any moron can ask "uh, do we really want to say just the thought sends you to Hell?" Oh well, at least I'll have JFK as company. Yeah, as much as I don't like it, sometimes Sam's got to lose. The Morgan twist was rather cool. It looks like (and I hope they are not dangling a bone just to pull it back) "No Josie" may finally be gone!!!!! I'd eat before the next episode if I were you, wdpender. Somehow I don't think it will be that easy. [/sigh] |
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Post by cko on Apr 15, 2009 0:29:32 GMT -5
I don't really have much to add. Liked the little moment of Sam talking with his dad, and while I agree with pace that the Ben/Nina storyline seems to have stalled a tad, them playing catch, and Ben in general--well, all in all I voted B. As always, I like the review from Zack Handlen at AV Club:By the way, I'm still promoting people to support AV Club in their support of Reaper, and go post there! |
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Post by cko on Apr 15, 2009 0:49:00 GMT -5
Pretty accurate review, not too positive, at zap2it.com; also a little poll that people should vote on so we have a good showing. |
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Post by Blue Sunflower on Apr 15, 2009 1:28:54 GMT -5
I so wish Sam would fight back - or at least attempt to - with his own powers.
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Post by trixiestixs on Apr 15, 2009 2:05:17 GMT -5
Yes i see where you all are coming from this ep. really gave us a lot of unanswered questions? It seems they have been hinting at a way sam could get out of his contract the whole season without really saying much.  This is worse then when they hinted about the details of the contract in the first season.  And i really wish they whould bring back Jessica Stroups... then again I only say that because I think she is super hot.  |
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Post by Blue Sunflower on Apr 15, 2009 2:28:52 GMT -5
It seems they have been hinting at a way sam could get out of his contract the whole season without really saying much. I have a feeling we will be getting more about this, based on spoilers and episode titles. Heh. They really wanted to, but then she upped and got the job on 90210 and didn't have anytime to return. |
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Post by bec on Apr 15, 2009 4:11:19 GMT -5
Yeah, that ender stuff doesn't really make sense. But it was cool looking. I was actually hoping Sam would use the nerf gun to send it to hell. But maybe if he did that, it would just pop back up again and do its thing.
Oh, Blue, it would have been so cool if Sam fought back. Or maybe blocked the boxes with his mind like what he did with the washing machine. I kind of get sick of watching Sam get pelted with stuff as if he's a cartoon. It was funny in the pilot when Sock threw something at his head to test him (and at least he was bruised after that, and Andi had to get him an ice-pack or something, which was unlike a cartoon), it ceases to be funny when it's done a lot.
I'm kinda glad all that "soulmate", "true wuv" stuff was ultimately just the boys' theories and had no real power to keep a soul out of hell. It would be too sappy if it really worked that way.
OMG, Kristen said Sock made her a woman? I guess it was supposed to be a moment to show her character growth, but that was just... who wrote that? A bunch of 13-year-olds who got pregnant because they were too stupid to work a condom, who now think that makes them sooo mature? Besides, contrary to popular belief, Asian guys are super horny. If all it takes to become a woman is to get laid, there are plenty of guys who want to get laid at home also. No need to go half-way around the world for that. Especially when your expectations are that low.
Who is that guy who played Billy and why does he look so familiar? Maybe it's because he's kind of a Jake Gyllenhaal look-alike from certain angles.
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Post by beatrixkiddoe on Apr 15, 2009 7:34:52 GMT -5
It wasn't a great episode but I didn't hate it, I kind of have to like any episode that contains the end of the Sock/Kristin story.
ITA, Why would they just give Sock their house? it seemed like such sloppy writing.
My favourite part was Sam getting the boxes chucked at his head, it cracked me up. I also loved Sam's "I'm having snacks" line, something about the way he said it was adorable.
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Post by bec on Apr 15, 2009 8:06:27 GMT -5
Hey, come to think of it, I have another complaint. Why are we getting so much shirtless Sock this season, but absolutely no shirtless Sam? [Sam]NO! DAMMIT! IT'S NOT FAIR![/Sam]
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Post by pacejunkie on Apr 15, 2009 10:43:26 GMT -5
Hey, come to think of it, I have another complaint. Why are we getting so much shirtless Sock this season, but absolutely no shirtless Sam? [Sam]NO! DAMMIT! IT'S NOT FAIR![/Sam] I know. Being the CW I really thought they were going to raise the Sam is sexy quotient this year and I was all for it. Instead, he seems like even more of a dork. |
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Post by loandbehold on Apr 15, 2009 14:03:09 GMT -5
I get the problems people had with Ben and Nina this episode, but I still enjoyed their story with one exception. Playing "fetch"? Not catch, but fetch. Fetch is something you play with your pet, not your significant other. If I were Nina, I might have forgotten to catch Ben after dropping him off the roof.
Glad that the Sock-Not!Josie storyline seems to be over. If it's not, please don't ruin my happiness by telling me different.
We finally got good use of the evil Ken doll. Not too much and not the ridiculous long-lost faux brother angst. I really don't care who Dad likes best. Loved Gladys and how she made sure the vessel could fit in the receptacle.
As for why the soul ended up in hell, correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't he actually coveting the woman at the time he was hit by the truck? Which would make it the fact that his final act was a sin that got him sent to hell. And, really, if you're going to cross a busy intersection, shouldn't safety be the foremost thing on your mind? [/PSA]
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Post by cko on Apr 15, 2009 15:30:40 GMT -5
Being the CW I really thought they were going to raise the Sam is sexy quotient this year and I was all for it. Instead, he seems like even more of a dork. With a verrrrry sexy voice. Has he always had that, or is it just me? Ooh, technicality, loandbehold. Good one. That may be the finer point that explains it all. |
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Post by bec on Apr 15, 2009 16:29:31 GMT -5
Well, Sam does come off more sexy a lot more often this season. It helps that he sucks a little less at fighting now. I thought he was pretty damn hot in the episode with all the boxing, even though they had to do the obligatory "haha! Sam knocked himself out. Isn't he such a dork? Hahahaha!" But hey, no more silly slap fights. As for the voice: I think Bret played him relatively more squeaky-voiced for most of last season. Sam is more grown-up this season. Even though he still won't quit with the whining. I really hope they quit it with the naked Sock scenes. At least sweeten the deal with some naked Sam. If that's not possible, then how about everybody keep their clothes on? Under no circumstances should they REPLACE shirtless Sam with naked Sock. That is not a fair trade.  |
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Post by cko on Apr 15, 2009 23:55:10 GMT -5
But this came close:  Quick rewatch, loved the first scene: Ben (earnestly): Hey. I’m sorry Andi broke up with you because you’re the son of the Devil. And even though your Dad’s evil, I thought you guys were a great couple together.
Sam (protestingly): No, don’t be sorry. I’m not ready to give up yet. If I keep pushing…use my charm—I know I can get her back.
Ben (dubiously): Do you really think that’s the right idea? I mean, maybe you should give her some space for a while.
Sam (determinedly): Nooo. Space is the enemy. I’m not done until we get back together.
Ben (cheerily): Well good for you! Sometimes you gotta look reality in the face and say no!Except I missed before, this was the set-up for Sam's supposed "overdoing" it with Andi. And I just realized something else: does Sam have some kind of ethic about informing/warning the Soul before reaping? I remember writing a reaping scene last year and being certain I had to have him speak to her. In this case, why not slide into the booth and throw the damn dodge ball? Why even talk to the guy? |
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Post by Kwyjibo on Apr 16, 2009 0:13:25 GMT -5
And I just realized something else: does Sam have some kind of ethic about informing/warning the Soul before reaping? I remember writing a reaping scene last year and being certain I had to have him speak to her. In this case, why not slide into the booth and throw the damn dodge ball? Why even talk to the guy? I remember he "introduced" himself quite often on Season 1, and I think he began warning the souls that he thinks are not that evil since the boxer soul (Red) and, in this case, well, let's just say that whatever Sock did with his sister was way more go-to-Hell-worthy than what poor Billy did. Going back on topic, this was a good episode. I liked Underbelly more but I liked how Sam felt really bad about the soul after all the trouble he went through to save him. Even Andi couldn't deny that he was hurting (it almost seemed that Sam wanted to cry when Morgan sped-off) but as it was already mentioned, it's nice to see the Devil win every once in a while (although I'm really looking forward to the moment that Sam fights back using his powers). Mr. Oliver enjoying his freezer and offering Sam a popsicle was really funny. They should show that kind of "father-son" activity more often... hehe. |
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Post by bec on Apr 16, 2009 2:30:23 GMT -5
Hee, yeah, it looked like Mr. Oliver pulled that grape pop from his nether regions. I wouldn't have taken it either.
Sam's tendency to introduce himself to souls that he thinks are not that bad is going to get him in more trouble. Doesn't he remember what happened with Mike Volta? He didn't seem like such a bad guy and the next thing Sam knew, Mike was trying to kill him?
Ha yeah, cko, that did come close to a slap fight. But it was a little less wimpy looking than the slap fight with Greg. It was more evasive action from Morgan's grabby hands. Of course, maybe Sam would have gotten away if he had instincts that allowed him to throw a punch or two. Oh, well, baby steps.
I don't think yelling out "I'm going to find you" at Alan is a wise move. He already thinks Sam is trying to catch him for The Devil. If he could hear that "threat", that's gonna scare him silly, and he'll go deeper into hiding. Also, way to waste your breath yelling Alan's name while trying to run, Sam.
How much do I love that Ben used the word "bromance" to describe his relationship with Sam and Sock? A lot. Hee.
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Post by cko on Apr 18, 2009 14:02:07 GMT -5
Blue linked this podcast in Media Mentions, but I listened, and since it's mostly about this episode, I thought I'd comment here. The guys really like Reaper, so even if you don't want to listen to an hour-long cast for a 5 minute mention (I did it for you!) you might still go to the link and comment, thanking them for covering the show. They cover other shows that people here like, but if you do listen, be warned. They have good stuff to say but they're no Reapercast! (Then again, who is?) Here's my summary: |
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Post by cko on Apr 18, 2009 16:04:32 GMT -5
Terrific recap by novium! I don't want to give anything away if you haven't read it, but some great turns-of-phrase, including a little Latin.
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Post by novium on Apr 18, 2009 16:06:16 GMT -5
hey thanks! It took me forever to write it. I have a new respect for recappers.
On edit: Latin credit goes to Virgil. :) Love conquers all. Except when it doesn't. ;-)
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Post by Blue Sunflower on Apr 18, 2009 16:29:40 GMT -5
I love that look Sam gave.
Snerk.
I wish we could say that too.
Yes, I know. I am constantly amazed by how often Sam does something and I'm all awwww, but if say, Sock did it? He's all kinds of ass.
I know. It's so frustrating sometimes that Sam doesn't seem to look past the Here and Now, when he really should - especially if he wants a continuing relationship with anyone, including Andi. I really love Andi's role as Sam's think-things-through side.
No kidding. It was cringe-worthy even on closed captioning. "I treasured your daughter's virginity all night". Awful.
Aw, I almost teared up again just reading this. Nice job.
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kathyk
Demon
Bounty Hunter Extraordinaire
Posts: 165
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Post by kathyk on Apr 18, 2009 18:16:59 GMT -5
Blue I think Sam is focused on the here and now because that's all he has. He knows that the Devil controls his future. I think your reaction to Sam and Sock are based on the fact that Sam is more sympathic than Sock. I find it hard to imagine Sam as evil when he has felt sorry for Billy and Red. Evil people are incapable of compassion.
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Post by cko on Apr 18, 2009 21:18:28 GMT -5
Wow, lots of activity since I was gone earlier today trying to get YouTube vids embedded into Powerpoint but looking like I was still logged in. Sigh. This is what is great about doing the recaps, we really get a new burst of energy about the show, positive or negative.
Ergh. Glad I missed this.
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Post by Kwyjibo on Apr 18, 2009 23:52:27 GMT -5
Evil people are incapable of compassion. That's what I'm saying, Sam can't definitely be SO evil. An evil person wouldn't almost drop to the ground and cry like Sam did when Morgan caught Billy or when he asked Andi to give him the rest of the day off. |
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Post by novium on Apr 19, 2009 1:04:08 GMT -5
I don't think they're trying to hint that he's really evil. I think though, that what they're trying to show is that Sam is kind of drifting...in a direction that is kind of shady. If I were Andi, I think, I'd be wondering if the cute kitten's clumsy games actually belay that it's going to grow up into a tiger.
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