I am not (generally) a mecha fan. Robots and mechanical anime creatures usually don’t do it for me; I dislike having to strain to make out what and where the action is, and the constant metal-bashing and yelling can get tiresome. Not to mention being unable to tell which part of which robot belongs to who! Nevertheless, I’ll give any anime of any genre a chance to simply tell me a good story, and look good in the process if possible. Since I’d heard so much about Evangelion, I knew I had to give it a chance. Plus, any anime with the genre-combination of “action, drama, psychological, (and) science fiction” that is joined with themes of “self-identification, post-apocalyptic, (and) military” has GOT to grab my attention. So what if it also has mecha and real robot themes as well?
(can you tell where the robot is?)
Well, I just finished watching both of the Evangelion movies and was greatly impressed with the stunning makeover of this storied yet long-in-the-tooth franchise. Indeed, when one mentions “anime” to anyone old enough (i.e. BH -Before Haruhi), Evangelion’s mere mention evokes knowing nods of acknowledgment (or in some cases cursing and the gnashing of teeth).
The original 26-episode Neon Genesis Evangelion, long considered a classic whether you loved or hated it, was one of my first anime and was so convoluted and action-heavy that most of the memories have sadly been lost in the blurring of time. Not helping any was the crash of an old harddrive that EVA and around 30 other of my proto-anime were kept and so I was never able to rewatch it to clear up the confusing story. (Like many titles, EVA was one well worth viewing again, preferably marathonned, in order to better understand the plot and uncover the numerous bits missed during the first go-round.) This crash also explains why it never made my ratings on My Anime List along with Cowboy Bebop and others, since I prefer rating a show right after watching it, and I hadn’t joined MAL yet. When I eventually buy the original series I’ll finally rate it
(Shinji's cold, complex father is center left; a great "heavy")
It was fun being reunited with the main cast once again, including the young pilots of the EVAs, Shinji, Rei, and Asuka, and the supporting cast as well. The updated graphics were a welcome sight, and the animation and facial expressions were noticeably improved even with my faulty recollections of the original. The jump from the technologies of 1995 to present day/present time were dazzling to me. The differences between 1.0 and 2.0 were just about as equally significant, but the direction in 2.0 was incomparable! The creative team really outdid themselves; I was stunned at the fluidity and razzle-dazzle of the combat scenes, the movements of not only the characters but the shifting of scenes and focus as well. BRAVO!!!
I’d heard that the first movie, Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, was just an alternate retelling of the series, and so put off watching it, figuring that the updated graphics wouldn’t be enough to justify such a reduced amount of time (it’s around 1:45 or so compared to the 13 hours of the series). However, it was a blast to watch again, even though it apparently only covers the first 6-8 episodes, and continues in the second movie, Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance. Here is where the franchise is really turned on its head… and the best (apparently) is yet to come! Two more movies will follow in “The Rebuild of Evangelion,” and judging from the previews, NO-ONE will know what to expect after the ending of 2.0…
Unexpected delight: Mari, the new Pilot
I’ll confess to something up front: While the original’s highly-regarded sequel/alternate ending The End of Evangelion purported to answer critics’ complaints about the ambiguity of the series, it pissed me off so badly that I never gave it its due credit. Frankly, the first scene was SO off-putting and offensive that I blanked the whole thing out, because all I can recall is that loathsome and unecessary opening scenario. I think I was enraged the whole time watching LOL
(Asuka cooking and NOT enjoying it)
I never really liked Asuka in the original; she was annoying, mean, self-centered and highly-aggressive; not traits that I like watching in anime girls. But she didn’t deserve what Shinji did “to” her while she lay in her hospital bed. I won’t go into it, except that it was the single most unlikely and deliberately provocative scene I’ve ever witnessed. As messed-up as Shinji was, he’d never do what he did in that odious scene. EVA’s gifted creator, Hideaki Anno, delivered what I felt was a deliberate slap in the face to the fans of the show, similar to Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters spitting in the face of that fan in Toronto. I’m sure that EVA fans know exactly what I’m referring to, and you innocents are better off not knowing.
(Asuka and Rei, in an unlikely pose)
All that aside though… I have to say that 2.0 is Anno’s redemption and salvation. (Technically, I watched 2.22, more or less “the director’s cut” of 2.0, as my version of 1.11 was to 1.0) From start to finish I was kept firmly in his grasp; the story was much better explained yet still gauzy enough to maintain that sense of wonder at this post-apocalyptic world and its flawed humans and incomprehensible other-worldly inhabitants. The main cast was SO much more palatable; for instance, Shinji seemed such an angsty little self-pitying crybaby in the series; here he was toned down to great effect, and seemed much more realistic. Well, as realistic as a 14 year-old twenty-story-high robot-pilot can be LOL Rei was somewhat warmer, Asuka not such a bitch, and the new girl Mari suitably mysterious…
(l-r: Rei, Asuka, Shinji, and Mira)
Anno and his co-director Kazuya Tsurumaki kept the action moving forward even when there wasn’t any, and the character development was noticeable and significant, even in this abbreviated form. I could swear that I actually saw Rei Ayanami smile! In the first incarnation of this series I didn’t much care for her; the silent type doesn’t do much for me neither. But careful, clean, and quick scenes of her alone in her “dwelling” (such as it is) drove home her plight in ways the original didn’t, at least to my recollection. Have to admit that I’m now firmly in her camp
(note re: “Fly Me to the Moon” music in the above clip: The original series used it for the EnDing Theme… with (I think) 14 different versions!)
The action was amazing; the many battles between the EVAs and the Angels was at times breathtaking. I suspect that Tsurumaki was responsible for directing the action scenes, but I’ll need Max to verify The redesigned Angels took on many new (mecha-nical) forms, and the updated visuals really improved on the originals, continually morphing into some new and more dangerous form, as each successive Angel became ever-more powerful. Now I know for sure that piloting an EVA is at the very bottom of the “things I’d like to try” list!
The only flaw that initially kept me from giving it a “10-Masterpiece” rating was the inclusion of two insert songs that sounded wayyyy too childish for the furious action on screen. Not the thing I want to hear: kindergarteners singing a pretty song while heavymetalthunder-ing is going on! But I relented, figuring that that one issue wasn’t enough to detract from the overall spellbinding effect of this anime. Besides, the OST is incredibly good and tasty! So, in light of Anno’s obviously hard work, dedication, and successful resurrection of this legendary franchise, I gave it a 10 after all
The ending of 2.0 does offer about as much closure as the first and is typically (for Evangelion) open-ended, until at least the next movie comes out, which promises to add a completely new chapter to this enduring franchise. The preview for 3.0 looks awesome! Long may it run
(l-r: back of Asuka?, Rei, Shinji... and The Mysterious Pilot of EVA .6)
Sort of an update to the Anime Spring Season post (far) below, or here, I thought I’d give a progress report and also serve up a few of the more unusual and eye-catching OPening and EnDing Themes for the more unusual and eye-catching series currently airing. You might refer to that previous post for links to more info about the titles discussed.
First, the sad news: I dropped Senkou no Night Raid, and am gutting through Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan, which I’m still trying to maintain an interest in. But when a series goes unmissed for a week it indicates that the story’s hooks haven’t snagged me, and as intrigued as I am by the plot, it isn’t really grabbing me. Quite unlike all of the others mentioned below! Let’s examine why, and use a few clips to demonstrate what separates the winners from the not-so-win… (be sure to use the Full Screen option, and HQ if available; detail is everything!)
I’m still enjoying Angel Beats! (more details in previous posts below) and Working! , both of which are still sustaining their creative energies. The former title will definitely be a keeper, but the latter one I’m not sure; it’s a bit too repetitious, though likable enough. It does have a lot of funny moments, and the characters have grown on me quite a bit, so a lot depends upon how memorable the ending will be, and how much the characters develop. Working!does have one of the catchiest OPs from this season:
That song sure has a subversive way of sticking in your brain… Hours later for no apparent reason you’ll catch that “One! One! Some-one one!” chorus eating away at your grey matter, just you wait and see!
Since we’re in “light ‘n’ fluffy mode” we might as well check out theK-ON!!(Season Two) ED, since it’s just as catchy a song, and has that notoriously magical artistry from Kyoto Animation to enjoy as a bonus. This series (and its first season) are wildly popular worldwide, almost as well-known as the Haruhi Suzumiya franchise, also by KyoAni. I like to ask myself about any well-regarded series, “why is this show so popular?” and then go watch it for myself, usually alone so that no snide comments or mockery can work its poisons on me. I’d much rather rely on my own capacity for appreciation than someone (one! one! -agh, STOPPITT!!!) else’s biases and hates.
K-ON!’s a good case in point. You catch a lot of jaded and cynical fans complaining about the show’s “moe-overload” for no other reason than the girls are cute. That’s it. *rolls eyes* Mostly unreasoning elitists, they fail at being able to enjoy a show simply based on its visual appeal and storytelling, focusing instead only on perceived negatives as spread by others of that ilk. When encountering their bitching and moaning, don’t let them influence you; simply judge a show based on whether you like it or not! There’s a difference between an honest critic and a howling monkey
As an example of how critical High Quality video is, check out the expressions and animation as you watch the following ED (click the FullScreen button), entitled “Listen!!” THIS is the level of detail that you want in your anime!
Now that we’re suitably fluffed, we can ease out of our comfort zone and check out some truly interesting shows with considerable depth to them. Studio SHAFT’s Arakawa Under the Bridgehas turned out just as delightfully quirky as I expected, and there’s no telling which way the plot will go in its last three episodes. And, what a cast to twist that plot! (This is assuming that it does have a plot, of course.) I’ve really come to enjoy each of the zanies, each wildly distinct and funny in their own rights. While our main cast members Kou and his “Venusian” Nino monopolize the OP, the others all have cameos in the ED that follows it:
And now for something completely different: Saraiya Goyou, or “The House of Five Leaves”. I’m really pleased with this liesurely-paced and beautiful show; the subtle sense of menace that lies beneath its unique and placid face is delicious; focused more on its characters than any cohesive plot, it’s definitely not for the action-junkie. The timid and starving samurai Masa has found himself in the company of a gang of apparent kidnapers, but there is more to the story than meets the eye in this superb character study. Yaichi, the white-haired “boss”, has hired Masa to be his bodyguard, even knowing of his evident withdrawn nature, yet keeps him on and in the care of his cohorts, all seen in this promo that incorporates a more traditional-sounding soundtrack that is typical of the great atmosphere of this show.
Here’s a higher-quality trailer that features the very pretty opening theme song “Sign of Love”, and showcases Studio Manglobe’s distinctive character designs for this Edo-era (I think) anime. While taken aback at the initial impression of these wide-mouthed and almost crudely-drawn characters, I found that they very quickly grew on me, and I am now thoroughly enjoying this unique show, always wondering just where the next episode will take us…
The House of Five Leaves is available to watch streaming for free on Funimation’s official anime site (along with a BUNCH of other titles)! Get thee hence
Okayyyy… what to say about The Tatami Galaxy(aka Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei)? My God, this has to be the most unsettling, hilarious, intriguing, confusing, and metaphorical series ever! There is NO WAY that I can describe it for you. But I’ll try My “synopsis” in the previous Part of this essay was, as it turns out, premature. It was based on the first episode, and the whole thing RESETS at the end of each, thereby revealing new predicaments in the next, and indeed, even twists the personalities and roles of its cast. Except for Watashi (”myself”), the main character, who is doomed to repeat his mistakes until he gets the right outcome. Ozu, the demonic-faced companion, is more of a Satan (which means “adversary” rather than “evildoer”), whose motives seem to be a catalyst/influence for Watashi, and foiling (or is he enabling?) his dream of a “rosy-colored campus life” in his much-anticipated first year of college. The prize appears to be Ms Atashi… or is she?
This will explain it better: an offical and subtitled trailer that introduces us to the main concepts of it all, including the “deity” running the game, the fortune-teller who knows more than she lets on (along with her ever-escalating prices), and a few glimpses into this insane world. At the start of each epsiode, Watashi, in his never-ending quest for that rosy campus life, chooses an after-school club through which he means to encounter the girl of his dreams; the title of each ep is the name of the club-du-jour. Check out the speed-speaking that Watashi’s seiyuu rattles off… man, I’ve never heard anything so fast! You may have to utilize the “pause” button to read, unless this flash-dancing of the mouth incapacitates you, and it may! But just absorb the full effect of this crazy show first:
If you enjoyed the brief snippet of the ending theme at the beginning of the trailer, next up is the full ED with its Tom Tom Club-like music. (The vocalist, Etsuko Yakushimaru, also performs the OP for Arakawa Under the Bridge.) Note the little “winged-cube” design? There’s more to it than meets the eye… more later:
So… that little square is actually a “top-down” view of the story’s ”Tea Room”, including the tatami mats that are laid upon the floor and the “wing” that represents the entrance. Supposedly there are 4 and a half mats set out in the story’s Tea Room; the title is literally translated to: “Four-and-a-half Tatami Mythological Chronicles”. Honestly, I’m still working it out LOL! Here’s the Wikipedia on Tatami Galaxy, but beware of spoiling yourself reading the chapter synopses. It is definitely a wild and crazy show! And deeeeeeep…..
If you’re curious (and who wouldn’t be LOL), Tatami Galaxy is available to watch for free on Funimation’s website!
Finally, we have Rainbow (or is it RAINBOW ?)… as I mentioned in the earlier post, it is a little overly-dramatic and sort of manipulative of the viewer’s emotions as these seven young men endure their harrowing prison ordeal with varying degrees of success (and failure). This one’s not for the kiddies, definitely, with its sickening portrayal of the sadistic and perverted detention facility’s leaders, and the torturous existence of the characters. I’m hoping for something redeeming to come out of all of this as it’s been something of a slog through the deepest levels of human cruelty, and it’s somewhat depressing. But then it’s supposed to be. You’ve got to survive!!!
The following OP gives glimpses of each character’s backstory, showing how he came to be in this hellish place, a 1950’s youth detention facility. It also has the lyrics to the song in both English and Spanish, so enjoy! Oh… and fasten your seatbelts
RAINBOW is also available to watch streamed on Funi’s site!
That about wraps it up; now all that’s left is to watch the remaining three or four weeks’ worth of shows remaining in this superlative Spring season.
THEN it’ll be time for the Summer Season to start! Hoping it’ll be awesome, but it’s going to be really tough to top this one…
Thought I’d take a moment to make it easier to comprehend the Comment sytem on Alastor’s Reflection, since more than a few times folks have asked me how to leave a Comment.
My Comment: …
IT’S REALLY EASY!!! All you need to do is click on the “Comments” link beneath the Title of the Post you want to reply to! Then type away
Don’t be put off by the “Approval” necessity; I have it in place NOT to censor Comments but to keep out the damned spammers. The downside is that it won’t appear immediately; there’ll be a slight delay until I notice the alert that it needs my Aproval, which I’ll quickly grant, assuming I do ;-) The Approval screen also helps me to net the spam that might pass through Akismet and show up immediately in the Comments were it not in place. This is for the Visitor’s well-being as well as mine: Nearly every one of those generic types of comments (typical = “I like this topic! I agree with you and want to share with you this:” -bad link follows) are merely tricks to get Readers to click on malicious links, and I won’t subject my Visitors to that. So, if I see that a prospective Comment makes no mention of content relating to a particular Post (or any other element of the BlogSite), I’m going to assume they haven’t actually read anything, treat it as spambot and delete it. I like doing that *evil grin*
Alastor’s welcomes all Comments that reflect that you’ve actually read the Post (or anything here), and have a thought about it to share. I won’t delete, edit, or censor your thoughts; that’s not why the Approval routine is used here. BUT: Let’s just say that asshattery won’t be tolerated encouraged. Obvious jerks aside, I’ll approve Comments of fair criticism or disagreement. As long as the exchange goes on and remains (mostly) civil, anything goes, really. Bearing all that in mind, please feel free to leave your Comment!
I see that a lot of Visitors arrive here from points all over the world; welcome! If moved to share your thoughts please feel free to use your own language and I’ll try to translate (as I did in the NANA post’s Comments, below). I like “the International Feel”
…and Thank You for your Visitation, Consideration, and Comments :-)
“24″ is no more. Jack Bauer has staggered off of the grid and into the sunset, not to be seen again, or at least until the promised movie premieres. For now, Jack is finally free, and unbound from his latest ordeal(s). Following a superlative run of eight seasons, the creative minds behind the scenes (and in them) decided not to pull the plug, but to go out on top and finish with the class and integrity that defined the show from its start.
Teri, Kim, and Jack from Season One
I rarely watch television, mainly because of the annoying, inane and innumerable commercial interruptions and the week-to-week wait for the next episode to continue the story. “24″ ran several season premieres without commercial interruption, and eventually even insisted on running its episodes without any breaks in between. That really made an impression on me, as it showed that the creators cared enough about its fanbase to not interrupt what was such a riveting and suspenseful joyride. Early on, it was extremely aggravating to have to wait three weeks sometimes for the next episode, as the hooks so cleverly inserted through the viewers’ lips became loosened with the break in continuity. Once they went to a week-to-week schedule and faithfully stuck to it, we all were snagged for good! It really was not only a masterpiece of suspense, but also in how it hooked its fans mercilessly. Just like Jack would have done
No mercy...
The “events occur in real time” format was a stroke of genius; no other show had ever attempted such a risky gamble. If Jack needed to get across town, then the other characters needed to pull their own weight while Jack drove and/or carjacked a vehicle and kept in touch via cellphone as he drove. This brought the supporting cast to the fore, where for the most part they performed admirably and with purpose. Rarely were there any wasted minutes of the allotted sixty!
I began watching with the second or third episode of its first season, which was in late September of 2001. In order to complete my novel in peace, I’d just moved from San Francisco to Washington State where I pretty much isolated myself in order to work on it. Rarely with any visitors (not knowing anyone up there), “24″ would become my weekly surrogate companion for the next nine years, and it rarely disappointed. The Event of the 11th contributed much to the feeling of general insecurity and the possibility that danger could erupt at anytime, at anywhere. After settling into my new home, and finally catching my first episode, I never missed a minute afterwards. (Well, almost a minute, as detailed below.) In that first scene that I witnessed,Mandy, played by the foxy Mia Kirshner, who was to become one of my favorite “love-to-hate” characters of the show, was with her associate (and girlfriend) near a campfire, awaiting their employer. For some reason, she had decided to remove most of her clothes while they waited. Okay, I’ll admit that this caught my attention The events in the episodes that followed certified it; I was hooked bad! And that’s good
Mandy from Season Four...
The show also led to some unexpected and significant benefits outside the realm of entertainment. After a few episodes, I joined the official FOX 24 Forum (as “Titan”) where I enjoyed the company of (and sometimes aggravated by) an extremely diverse group of fans from across the political spectrum, not to mention the mental-stability spectrum, I might add. What a fun and crazy (and invigorating) place that was, in those early days. This was the very first Forum I joined, and let’s just say that it was “educational” and kinda leave it at that. You know how Forums are, right? ‘k…
...and now of course we need a Mia Kirshner pic...
Early on during my time there I was fortunate enough to meet with a Forum member who expressed an interest in my novel (UNBOUND, the site of which is here), and then offered to proofread, critique, and give critical feedback, which she did over a number of years (and seasons), going over its 700-plus pages three gruelling times! With recognition rendered for services well over and above the call of duty (and friendship), I owe a lot to Samantha, and would like to express my appreciation right here, right now, IN REAL TIME! Which is, you know, where “events occur” Thanks, Sam
Due to my periodical withdrawal periods (where I pretty much sink into a shell of reticence, avoiding everyone and everything), and events in Sam’s life, we spent a few seasons apart, but happily were able to get back in touch in recent years. And, she asked to read Lily’s story again, this time for pleasure. I can’t tell you how complimentary this is to an author’s ears, especially given her knowledge of the publishing industry and the requirements of a good story! (A published author whom I met on another forum also proofed it thrice, and then asked to read it again just for fun, which proves to me that this story has triple-barbed hooks of its own.)
The complexity and interweaving of “24″’s multiple plotlines also helped me to construct Lily’s story when things become complicated and entangled. At first the various and divergent paths of my many characters felt a little too much to deal with during the latter portions of the story where they all begin to come together,. After experiencing the labyrinthine yet tightly-woven and simultaneous adventuring of Bauer and his buddies, I was taught how to interpose and intercut scenes occurring almost in real time. (It is a book, after all!) But this lent an air of urgency and immediacy to those latter portions of the story, and likely wouldn’t have come off as well as they do were it not for the influence of “24″.
Bauer and Buddies from Season Seven
Even though I’m sure that the creators won’t read them, I’d like to offer these heartfelt words of Thanks to Kiefer and the various directors, producers, and writers (not to mention the awesome cast!), who enriched my life so well. The sadness at the show’s passing is mitigated by the remains of the continual joy that this series brought me better than any other television show, ever. It was my adrenaline fix, my faithful and expected guest every week (once they began airing consecutive weeks), and my entertainment while I labored alone on my novel. It was inspiring, thought-provoking, horrifying, moving, and so suspenseful; I felt such a delight in experiencing its genius week after week. Being a huge and longtime fan of Donald Sutherland, I had a strong feeling that Kiefer had inherited his daddy’s genes, and in that I was never let down. Like father, like son! Thank you Kiefer, ya did good, man
Proud papa Donald Sutherland with son Kiefer
Oh, about that almost-minute I missed… It was a mandatory condition of friendship that NO-ONE was to call or drop by on “24″ night. EVER. And, for the most part, my friends complied. I guess. I never answered my phone when the show was on, so I wouldn’t know about that. This “no popping-in” rule was rather easy to enforce too, as I was like 900 miles from home and so didn’t have to suffer unwanted guests. EXCEPT ONCE, grrrr!
In Anacortes Washington, where I spent 2005-2009, I met a friend of my neighbor. I wasn’t into socializing, since I was still finishing up final drafts of the novel. But I was trying to be sociable. So, I casually mentioned that he could drop by anytime, as long as he called first, and that it wasn’t on “24″ night. In fact, I mentioned it twice! Just to be sure….
Wouldn’t you know… at Season 5’s finale, at a crucial point in this last episode, at 9:35PM (events occurred in real time) an insistent knock came from my back door. I was on an unfenced property and was disinclined to just ignore someone tromping around my property (and possibly checking if anyone was home, since the lights are off for cinematic effect during “24″). This was right at the about-to-be-disgraced-President Charles Logan’s ”comeuppance” scene (if I recall correctly); the whole season had been leading up to this! Uttering a profanity I leapt up and RAN to the back door, peeked through the curtain and saw the neighbor’s friend. Then I saw red. Like Jack. Uh oh…
I yanked open the door to his suprised expression, yelled, “I TOLD YOU, MAN!” and then just as quickly slammed it in his face. BANG! Poor guy; he totally looked stunned from the very brief glimpse I caught of him. I knew it was uncharacteristically rude of me, and I sort of regretted it but… 24 IS ON!!! Then I ran back into the living room, having missed less than a minute. Just like Jack always did, I convincingly shouted ”DAMMIT!” to the TV. I apologized to the guy later, but had to remind him of what I’d warned him about earlier, twice. He thought I was rude. Guess he’s right (in that instance)! But ya gotta ask yourself… What would Jack do?
...probably the first thing Jack would do...
I guess he’s lucky that I didn’t do as Jack would have LOL!
After eight seasons, “24″ does leave me with a bounty of entertainment riches. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the wonderful casting. Sure, there were some flops among the secondary characters, but for the most part they were the best part of the show, following Kiefer. I was disappointed in the U.S. Presidents who followed in David Palmer’s huge footsteps; once his term (and time) ran out, no-one but the complex villainy of Charles Logan (played by the incredibly talented Gregory Itzin) came close to Palmer’s gravitas and dignity, and that in direct 180-degree opposition. As the country’s first black president, Palmer (played by Dennis Haysbert) seemed the prototype for Barack Obama, and may have eased the way into the voters’ acceptance for this historic accomplishment. And as positive an iconic figure as Palmer was, his direct and polar opposite was the duplicitous Logan. What an amazing feat Itzin pulled off; when he first appeared, I thought he was not very good, to be honest. His Nixonian expressions and mannerisms seemed directly ripped off from that disgraced president, and over-the-top; at least, in his first episodes I felt that way.
Then an amazing thing happened… with his subsequent appearances the actor’s ingenuity really came to the fore, and I found that these mannerisms and treacheries were Logan’s and only resembled Nixon’s in comparison. Logan was one of the most complex “24″ characters, and Itzin kept unpeeling his layers as the seasons went on; soon the Nixon side-by-sides were forgotten in Logan’s evil glory. Well, there was the “pray with me, Mike” scene that was pretty funny in its apparent Nixonian reference. Talk about a headdesk moment… Taken that distracting and rather unfair comparison away, Itzin’s talents really blossomed (if I can use that word for Logan LOL). I enjoyed every minute that he was on the screen. Bravo, Mr. Itzin! *applauds*
Gregory Itzin's masterful portrayal of Charles Logan
There are so many others, way too many to mention. But me being me, you know I’ll give it a try
hmm... I am strangely compelled to add another Mia Kirshner pic
*ahem* Sorry, it seemed time.
But more importantly: Chloe O’Brian was simply awesome, what can I say? Mary Lynn Rajskub totally owned this snippy and annoying sidekick, and as the seasons went on, turned what began as a second-tier character into a critically-important co-star. ESPECIALLY at the end!
ever-faithful Chloe
Tony Almeida, played by Carlos Bernard, from Season One on turned in as complex a character as Itzin did with Logan. I sure hope that he’s in the “24″ movie; he’s too good a character to pass up utilizing one more time. The delicious Nina Myers, as portrayed by Sarah Clarke, was incredible in her scenes and storylines; another excellent character who left the show too soon for my liking. I thought that Elisha Cuthbert’s Kim Bauer was oftentimes criticized unfairly; some fans seemed reluctant to recognize that she was a teenager early on, and prone to the same questionable judgment calls that young people make. Plus, eye-candy never hurts a grim-toned series, does it?
Elisha C. as herself and not Kim
…and have I mentioned Mandy?
Mandy... er, Mia
Oops, sorry, that’s Mia, not Mandy, wait a sec…
THIS is Mandy *sweatdrop*
And a last, tributary nod to my favorite-cast “Ultimate Bad Guy”, the recently-departed Dennis Hopper, who played the Serbian mercenary Victor Drazen in Season One. Ever since watching him in Easy Rider, Dennis was always amongst my favorite actors, ever since that movie’s release. I enjoyed pretty much any film he was in; he was a joy to watch work (and stealing scenery). He, and his talent, will be missed. Rest In Peace, Dennis; you’ve earned it.
Dennis Hopper as Victor Drazen, from Season One
The same goes for “24″, my favorite televison show of all time. And in the end, Jack stands tall, beaten and bowed, but not broken…
Jack at the end of the road... for now
If you’re a fan (or even if not) please feel free to comment; comments are always welcome, even if not readily apparent :-)
on the water
Welcome to Alastor's Reflection, the re-imagining of Fingal's Cave; a much more suitable environment than that poor soul's indwelling. Fingal resumes his journey in the pages of UNBOUND, while another solitary Spirit remains in this Place to muse with his Muse on the pursuit of "Life, Joy, Empire, and Victory," and the beauties therein...
As you know, I’m a total fanboy when it comes to ef. Yes, rly. The...
The redesigned Angels took on many new (mecha-nical) forms, and the updated visuals really improved on the originals, continually morphing into some new and more dangerous form, as each successive Angel became ever-more powerful. Now I know for sure that piloting an EVA is at the very bottom of the “things I’d like to try” list!
