Cathy's Top Ten Good (and Bad) Things From Season Four (LONG, like this subject)
Catherine J. Blatz
Well, after the "Mulder is dead!!" frenzy has died down, and before the
pre-season-premiere fever begins to rise, I present my own pair of top
ten lists - one for good stuff that happened, and one for bad. I know a
*real* top ten list is supposed to go from 10 down to 1 (yes, I watch
Letterman too), but, well, I just didn't feel like doing it that way, I
guess. In the interests of attempting to promote optimism, we'll do the
bad one first...
As always, this is all My Humble Opinion.
As if it weren't obvious, some SPOILERS for Season Four below.
TOP TEN BAD THINGS ABOUT SEASON 4
On The X-Files itself and in the XF universe in general
1. *Gore and violence.* They've gone over the top, I fear, and it's
getting tiresome. The constant chopping-up and slicing and slashing and
shooting and burning alive and bee-stinging and mass suicides and plane
crashes are beginning to be a bit repetitive. CC has pummeled the
message home sufficiently: nobody is safe on the X-Files. OK, Chris, we
get it. One of the things that attracted me to XF in the first place was
that every death seemed to matter greatly. Now they serve only to create
a climax for the commercial break (or if you're a semi-regular, you get
updated to "episode cliffhanger"). Being "scared" is more effective when
there is suspense and atmosphere than when we are doused with gore and
body parts.
2. *Fewer scenes with both Mulder and Scully.* Yes, I know David and
Gillian have ridiculously long hours and that separating them gives them
some time off, and I sympathize. But it's gotten frustrating - they used
to be more of a team, and now, though there's not so much of a
perceivable "rift" here, they alway seem to be doing separate things.
Worse is that, almost without exception, it's Mulder either ordering
Scully to do something or leaving her in the dust. I don't know what to
do about it - I know they'd be miserable if they both had to be in every
scene - but I wish there were a way to fix it without it having such a
negative impact on the show.
3. *Joan Rivers.* Hard to believe that it was less than a year ago, at
the '96 Emmys, that Joan launched her apparently unprovoked attack
against Gillian Anderson. What did she do wrong again? Not smile? Have a
bad hairdo? Look nervous? Well, it doesn't matter; what matters is that
Joan's enjoying herself, apparently seeing reason enough to (a) refer to
GA as a "bitch" on at least three separate occasions following the
Emmys, (b) insinuate that she is not a nice person and has no friends,
(c) refer to her breasts as "two pigs in a blanket, on a third pig," and
(d) utterly lose control and screech, "Look at her ass!!" Most
remarkable is how she manages to kiss DD's ass almost at the same moment
she is insulting GA's. The upside: At least she can pronounce Gillian's
name now.
4. *"The Field Where I Died."* Everyone has a favorite and a least
favorite, and my least favorite is this (IMO) overblown, overacted,
out-of-character, non-sequitur mess of an episode. I'll cut to the
chase: Mulder's having a "soulmate" whom we've never heard of before and
never (hopefully) will again gives us no dramatic satisfaction. David's
histrionics were over the top and got boring. The whole regression thing
came *far* too easily, and the cult story, which could have been
intriguing, did not deserve to play B plot to the revealing of Mulder's
entire cosmic history. This episode made me very angry and I choose to
ignore it. :P
5. *Marita Covarrubius.* A far cry from Mulder's first informant, the
lovable yet ambiguous Deep Throat, Marita cannot be described in any way
other than "pointless." They've had a year now to develop her, and all
she does is show up with no apparent motivation when Mulder calls her,
stare vapidly at him while wearing a short skirt (such talent, to be
able to do those two things at once), have no idea of what's going on
(or alternatively, spout some kind of nonsense about "bee husbandry"),
and then disappear again. Except that Mulder knows where she lives -
she's in his damn Rolodex. And now - HUGE surprise - she's working for
the Dark Side. Without a doubt the silliest character ever to recur on
the show. May she die a vapid and unobtrusive death.
6. *The deflowering of David and Gillian.* It's truly amazing how, in a
year, they've gone from engaging to evasive, from kidding around with
the press to barely tolerating them. Gillian went from rambling at
length about her previous alcohol problems and painful early sexual
experiences (FHM, April 1996) to curt non-replies ("Well, I won't give
any" [examples of how she and David have supported each other] - US, May
1997). David, who used to come up with the most wonderful and
off-the-wall, made-to-be-quoted quotes ("Do you know what dolphins want?
Pussy. That's what they want." - Details, October 1995), now spends most
of his media time complaining about what other magazines have said about
him and how miserable he is on the show (not to mention chucking coffee
at reporters). The fact that "news" shows report on Gillian's being a
former porn star (she was topless for a few seconds, visible only from
the side, in one movie) and David a drug addict (which, of all things,
came out of a story he himself told in Movieline) show that you can
hardly blame them. Fame obviously has its downside.
7. *Fox Broadcasting's war on the fans.* I know, technically their side
is right. But the methods they've been using to eliminate all
possibility of the slightest whisper of copyright infringement seem a
little harsh. Aggressively threatening to shut down web sites, even
going over people's heads to have their Internet accounts suspended - I
know they have a right to protect their own interests, but XPhileBob
from Oklahoma putting up a picture of Mulder and Scully on his home page
hardly seems like a threat to one of the largest media conglomerates on
earth. Lighten up, guys. Come on. Really.
8. *Jumping the gun into Movie Mania.* Maybe it's just me, but why can't
they just wait until the show is *over* to start making the movie? I
feel awfully nervous about Chris ("Continuity is for wimps") Carter
trying to plan that far ahead. It just seems like they're jumping the
gun. Why not wait? Afraid David and Gillian will have killed each other
by then? I know, I know - strike while the iron is hot. I'm sure they'll
make loads and loads of money from it. I just hope they don't
over-saturate everyone in the process.
9. *Millennium.* I wanted to like it. I did. I tried. I smiled tightly
when the logo was plastered all over every bus in Boston. I gritted my
teeth when it unceremoniously kicked XF (almost) all the way into next
week. But the show just didn't quite deliver. As they're fond of saying,
every episode is like a movie - a well-written, well-acted, scary movie
- but the same movie every week, with very slight variations. Aside from
that, it's gratuitously violent (can someone *please* remind CC of the
meaning of the word SUBTLETY?), and it strays uncomfortably close to
glorification of violence against women, not to mention children, which
I find extremely distateful. Not to mention the fact that Chris Carter,
creator of one of the most well-rounded, colorful, *human* female
characters in the history of the medium, gives us as the second lead
Catherine Black, whose sole purpose seems to be to give Our Hero Frank
something to protect from the dark forces. Even Homer (the bard, not the
Simpson), hundreds of years ago, gave his "wife left at home while hubby
goes adventuring" more of a part. Come *on*, Chris. Girls watch TV too.
This one has long since tuned out.
10. *The US article.* I know, they were tired and cranky, they're sick
of doing interviews, and it was the end of the year. But I still found
the May 1997 US article depressing. Everyone seems to have lost the will
to go on. David's gripes about how it would not "be a happy set" next
year if they didn't get the movie "over with"; Gillian's confession that
she was "so ready to walk" at the beginning of the fourth season, and
the apparent fact that they pretty much can't stand to be in the same
room, all combine to make this a real downer. Hey, next time make
something up, OK?
All right, all right, it's not really all that bad. See why I saved the
good stuff for last?
TOP TEN GOOD THINGS ABOUT SEASON 4
On the X-Files itself and in the XF universe in general
1. *GA - Equal Pay.* Yes, though the actual paychecks have yet to be
issued (presumably), it appears that Fox has finally joined the rest of
us in the late 20th century and deemed GA worthy of a salary equal to
DD's (at least for the movie). Sure, it took four years, two SAGs, a
Golden Globe, an Emmy nomination, a summer of promotion and countless
magazine covers, but they've finally seen the light. Now they can all
get in their horseless carriages and go home to their patient wives who
will no doubt be happy to provide a glass of sherry and a foot massage
while congratulating them on their selfless act of charity.
2. *Vince Gilligan.* The man who gave us "Pusher" last year more than
lived up to every exalted expectation we had of him. "Unruhe" was
unnerving, "Paper Hearts" heartbreaking and "Small Potatoes" easily
among the top 10 of all time. Gilligan has proved himself to be a master
of both heavy drama and wicked comedy, and most importantly, he never
for a moment forgets to make Mulder and Scully people with hearts, souls
and weaknesses.
3. *"Memento Mori."* There were a lot of rotten eps this season, a lot
of so-sos, and a lot of "pretty goods." "MM" - the best of Season 4
(with "Small Potatoes" as a close second) and one of the best ever -
shimmered far above them all. It showed us Scully as a human being,
frightened and vulnerable yet still strong, and Mulder frantic and
grief-stricken, running in every direction at once but finally ending up
at his partner's side. From the exquisite teaser to the final, cathartic
embrace, this was a jewel of an episode and a worthy sequel to "One
Breath."
4. *David and Gillian.* After four years it's still plain that these two
are the soul of the show. I know they're winding down and burning out,
but they're both incredibly gifted and have grown perfectly into their
roles. David was fantastic in "Paper Hearts," "Memento Mori," "Small
Potatoes," "Demons"; Gillian shone in "Unruhe," "Never Again," "Memento
Mori," "Elegy." His subtleties draw you in, force you to be quiet and
pay attention; her face and voice project intense emotion with barely a
flicker. We are awfully lucky to have them, and I wish them all the best
when X is over.
5. *Emmys and GGs and SAGs, oh my.* This was the year when, finally, the
outside world began to pay attention. A much-deserved Emmy nod to GA as
well as to the show for Best Drama - we didn't win those, but Darin
Morgan's Best Writer win for "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose" more than
eased the disappointment. A sweep at the Globes, of course, with awards
for David, Gillian and the show. And Gillian was awarded her second
Screen Actor's Guild award in a row; and even if David didn't win, at
least he acted happy for her this time. I'm pulling for another sweep at
the Emmys in September.
6. *Mulder and Scully getting "cozy."* I know Entertainment Weekly
doesn't agree, but IMO this was one of the best parts of the season.
Baby talk in "Home," a SMAK in "Small Potaoes," and hugs in
"Herrenvolk," "Terma," "Paper Hearts," "Momento Mori," "Demons"...did I
miss any? all made me happy. It's OK for them to be friendly, even
affectionate. It doesn't hurt anyone. They've known each other long
enough and are close enough that it's bizarre when they're not.
7. *Margaret Scully.* She was only in two episodes this year, both so
briefly that we almost saw more of her hugging Darin at the Emmys. But
even in those short scenes, Sheila Larken managed to make a huge impact,
as usual. She's a wonderful actress and Mrs. Scully is a wonderful
character - perhaps the only one left alive unconnected to any
government conspiracy or alien invasion. She's refreshing and comforting
and a worthy parent for Dana Scully. My usual insert: If they kill her
off, I will think twice about loving the show so much. If there's no
room for *any* light or comfort, there may be no room for me.
8. *David and Gillian spread their wings.* I know this is exactly what I
complained about in the last list. But they do both deserve a chance to
do something different, and it's gratifying that the scheduling was
worked out without too much heartache for anyone. With a starring role
for David in one feature, and supporting roles for Gillian in two
others, let's hope these two can show the world that they're a lot
*more* than Mulder and Scully. I for one am glad to have "met" these two
artists and plan to follow their work wherever it takes them.
9. *The redemption of John Shiban.* We yawned through "The Walk," hooted
at "Teso dos Bichos," grumbled "I told you so" at "El Mundo Gira," and
refused to believe he had anything to do with "Memento Mori." But
"Elegy" showed us a Shiban who had, it seems, learned from his mistakes.
Sure, the plot was a little shaky. But the characterizations and
dialogue had improved tremendously. I think we can give him another
chance - if he has more stories to tell, I'd like to hear 'em.
10.* The last five minutes of "Leonard Betts."* Up until the second half
of the last act, it was a slightly-above-average MOTW ep. It was only at
the very end that we realized the whole thing had been a setup for one
moment: Betts' line, already spoken to other characters just before he
killed them for the cancerous cells in their bodies which he needed to
consume to survive - "I'm sorry...but you've got something I need." The
utter shock value of that moment, IMO, surpasses any other in the show
to date. To quote the XF leading lady, I was knocked off my socks. And
that was only the beginning...
THE END
Hope you enjoyed. The show and everyone associated with it bug me at
times...but for the most part I love it lots, or I wouldn't be here.
Here's to a kick-ass fifth season.
Cathy
--
Catherine J. Blatz
============================================================
Mulder: "That's a pretty extreme hunch."
Scully: "I seem to recall you having some pretty extreme hunches."
Mulder: "I never have."
- "Aubrey"
============================================================
cja...@ix.netcom.com
XFileLuv
<<Hope you enjoyed. The show and everyone associated with it bug me at
times...but for the most part I love it lots, or I wouldn't be here.
Here's to a kick-ass fifth season.
>>
Cheers, Cathy!
jennifer
Turtle1019
In article <33B9BB...@ix.netcom.com>, "Catherine J. Blatz"
<cja...@ix.netcom.com> writes:
>3. *Joan Rivers.* Hard to believe that it was less than a year ago, at
>the '96 Emmys, that Joan launched her apparently unprovoked attack
>against Gillian Anderson. What did she do wrong again? Not smile? Have a
>bad hairdo? Look nervous? Well, it doesn't matter; what matters is that
>Joan's enjoying herself, apparently seeing reason enough to (a) refer to
>GA as a "bitch" on at least three separate occasions following the
>Emmys, (b) insinuate that she is not a nice person and has no friends,
>(c) refer to her breasts as "two pigs in a blanket, on a third pig," and
>(d) utterly lose control and screech, "Look at her ass!!" Most
>remarkable is how she manages to kiss DD's ass almost at the same moment
>she is insulting GA's. The upside: At least she can pronounce Gillian's
>name now.
Wow - what a bitch. There are somethings in life I just don't need to
know, and that drum skinned, collegin injected hag's opinon of GA is not
one of them.
Turtle
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I did not design this game,
I did not name the stakes,
I just happen to like apples,
and I'm not afraid of snakes - Ani Difranco
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Megadee406
>1. *Gore and violence.* They've gone over the top, I fear, and it's
>getting tiresome.
I have to agree, somewhat. There has been a lot of EXTREME violence this
season. What we're missing is the flrsh-crawling creepiness of early
episodes. What happened to episodes like "Ice" where it was fun to be
grossed out? Or how about "Irresistable"- an episode that still makes me
shiver when I think of it.
>2. *Fewer scenes with both Mulder and Scully.*
2a. Fewer scenes with supporting characters.
>3. *Joan Rivers.*
I opened a magazine a few days ago and came face to face to her...I
screamed and dropped it like a hot potato. They're scared of me at the
bookstore.
>5. *Marita Covarrubius.* A far cry from Mulder's first informant, the
>lovable yet ambiguous Deep Throat, Marita cannot be described in any way
>other than "pointless."
I SO miss Deep Throat & X...both were such treats to watch, especially
Deep Throat. I flinch whenever I see Marita- she's been no help or hurt
this season. She truly is a pointless character.
>6. *The deflowering of David and Gillian.*
That's sad.
>8. *Jumping the gun into Movie Mania.*
I'm especially worried at the rumors that the show and movie will be
totally seperate from each other. Is this going to be an actionfest for
non-fans?
>All right, all right, it's not really all that bad. See why I saved the
>good stuff for last?
Yay!
>
>
>TOP TEN GOOD THINGS ABOUT SEASON 4
>On the X-Files itself and in the XF universe in general
>
>1. *GA - Equal Pay.*
WHOO HOO! 'bout time. :)
>9. *The redemption of John Shiban.*
I may end up eating my words about the loveable Mr. Goat. But you have to
admit- Shibanbashing is great fun for parties.
>10.* The last five minutes of "Leonard Betts."*
Oh, yeah. This was amazing...you could HEAR jaws dropping around the
country.
>THE END
>
>Hope you enjoyed. The show and everyone associated with it bug me at
>times...but for the most part I love it lots, or I wouldn't be here.
>Here's to a kick-ass fifth season.
Excellent post, Cathy...:)
I am not who I am!
Meg
~
"I'm not in-sane! I don't even know where that is!"
X-Ville's Juvenile Delinquent, Part-time WIB, and Evil Music Director
My website: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Set/2080/
Krycek's Lair: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Hills/4226/ <:8 )--
Autumn T
>TOP TEN BAD THINGS ABOUT SEASON 4
>On The X-Files itself and in the XF universe in general
>
>1. *Gore and violence.*
What I think is funny is that the folks at 1013 seem perplexed at this
reaction. They say they've always had violence. Sorry, but that doesn't
wash with me. Compare Morgan and Wong's first wonderful X-Files outing
from season 1 "Squeeze" which was scary and in which the violence was
implied and off camera with their first outing this year "Home" in which a
baby was delivered with a fork. The X-Files is a show that deals with
violence. Our heroes investigate death. However there was a time when it
wasn't necessary to rub our noses in cut off faces.
>2. *Fewer scenes with both Mulder and Scully.*
The funny thing is that if they have to do this it can be done well.
Witness that Darin Morgan classic "War of the Coprophages" which had some
of the best phone since "Sleepless". If they have to be apart at least
make it interesting.
>3. *Joan Rivers.*
The most annoying thing this woman says is that Gillian is rude to fans.
Well she was not rude to this fan and the friends I have who have met her
she has been gracious to as well.
>4. *"The Field Where I Died."*
What can I say. I really liked it.
>5. *Marita Covarrubius.*
You are right. This pitiful excuse for a woodenly acted plot device has
got to go. One of the good things about the departure of Howard Gordon is
that he seemed to rely on her more than the other writers. Maybe he shoved
her in his bag with her when he left. The conversation with Skinner in
"Zero Sum" was painful to watch.
The only joy I get out of this woman is a laugh everytime she says "bee
husbandry", but I'm laughing at her and CC not with them.
>6. *The deflowering of David and Gillian.*
It is indeed sad the way these two have been viciously attacked by the
tabloids. What is even sadder to me are the "fans" who seem to buy into
this nasty unfounded gossip and revel in spreading it.
>8. *Jumping the gun into Movie Mania.*
It will be a sad thing indeed if everyone returns to film season 5 already
fried. They'll be even more miserable than usual next spring.
>9. *Millennium.*
I can't help but blame this show for some of X-Files' woes this year. I
have tried and tried to watch this show, but I find it a combination of
the worst things about the X-Files.
---
To your list I would have to add:
-*The great cancer fumble*. God knows I am one of those fans who pleaded
and begged for them to follow up on Scully's abduction. I loved "Memento
Mori" and the promises it held for Scully to save herself and then ...
nothing. What we were treated to was not a Dana Scully saving herself it
was a character slowly bleeding away through her nose. A victim.
Surrounded by men who were trying to save her while she passively
undergoes blood tests. ICK. Sure, Gillian Anderson still delights us with
breathtaking performances making the most out of the scripts she is given,
but the character has been slighted. It's OK for Scully to have moments of
weakness, but I want my Action!Scully back and I want her to save herself
damnit.
-*The Season Finale*. What in the hell was that? Was it supposed to be
clever? Am I the only one who really hopes this is a 2 parter and not a 3
parter so we can get this "believe the lie" sillyness behind us quickly.
You want to make folks stress out over the summer? Don't kill one of the
leads *again*. Kill that partnership. That would give us pain. Major pain.
I don't even like typing it. Then give it back to us next season as they
rebuild what they had. Oh, and the flashback stuff worked wonderfully in
"Colony" and was clever in "Jose Chung" now it's just annoying. How many
times did they have to drag that out this year?
>
>TOP TEN GOOD THINGS ABOUT SEASON 4
>On the X-Files itself and in the XF universe in general
>
>1. *GA - Equal Pay.*
I really hope these rumors are true. It was a disgusting thing to see the
best actress on television slighted in this manner.
>2. *Vince Gilligan.*
Nothing delighted me more than the Starlog interview where Vince talked
about how much he loved his job on the X-Files. No moaning or gnashing of
teeth. Folks could take a lesson from this man.
>3. *"Memento Mori."*
One of many reasons Gillian will win an Emmy.
>5. *Emmys and GGs and SAGs, oh my.* I'm pulling for another sweep at
>the Emmys in September.
I would be shocked if the show swept the Emmys. DD will be a longshot no
matter what we think here of his talent.
>7. *Margaret Scully.*
I'd almost put this on the bad things list because this wonderful actress
was so underused this year. She has yet to pull off anything less than an
inspired performance given next to nothing to work with. There is an
interview with her in the April edition of "DreamWatch" magazine that
talks about the scene from "Memento Mori" - it was, as written, another
Maggie Scully in tears scene. It was this actress who decided to go
against the stage directions and play it with that angry honesty that we
saw. She was nervous about going against what was written, but we all know
once again she made the right choice and we all benefited from it.
>9. *The redemption of John Shiban.*
Well, I think you're jumping the gun here. I'd love to have him write
well. I hope I can eat my words.
>10.* The last five minutes of "Leonard Betts."*
I'd been spoilered to death on this episode months before we saw it. I
knew exactly what was going to happen and it STILL blew me away. Plus,
Action!Scully was there.
Autumn Tysko
"Mulder, they're worms" / Sister of OBSSE
My episode reviews available at (email me for mailing list info):
http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Vault/1411/main_rev.html
Rufie710
In article <01bc86dd$b9a194c0$23d2...@jnybny.ix.netcom.com>, "Nick
Pedicini" <jny...@postoffice.ptd.net> wrote:
>
> Some years back, many of us anxiously awaited the filming of "Catch-22."
> Given the turns of the V-war in those days, we were primed and ready for a
> cinematic rendering of this most dark service comedy. That film went round
> and round with script changes and cast changes and budget changes and so
> on. In the meantime, Robert Altman and a bunch of odds and ends whomped up
> a movie called M*A*S*H*. By the time Catch-22 made it to the screen it was
> a confusing tugid hash of a good book.
>
Never have i agreed with you more, Mr. P.
I have always wished that Altman had directed "Catch-22" ( I also wish he
had directed "Ragtime " and a number of other films........
It was my favorite book and I was so dissapointed..the only thing they got
right was castin Alan Arkin as Yossarian.
Ruth , who is over her psychosis and is waiting nervously to see how
Zemickis handles Contact.-which I hear is being sneak previewed this
saturday ..anyone know of this?
--
rufie710
"I tried Reality once, I found it too confining"
Sister OBSSE
Nick Pedicini
Catherine J. Blatz <cja...@ix.netcom.com> wrote in article
<33B9BB...@ix.netcom.com>...
> TOP TEN BAD THINGS ABOUT SEASON 4
> On The X-Files itself and in the XF universe in general
>
> 1. *Gore and violence.* They've gone over the top, I fear, and it's
> getting tiresome.
I suspect that this was probably came out of a combination of things
starting with the fact that they *could* do it. We've heard a lot over the
years about how Carter refuses to let the Fox censors dictate to him. This
season he was faced with a burgeoning audience and major networks which had
latched onto his basic idea. He wanted to push the envelope and I'd think
that Fox, with a real ratings success story, went along. I know his basic
mission is to scare the daylights out of us, but I think he aimed a little
low sometimes.
>
> 2. *Fewer scenes with both Mulder and Scully.*
God help us if we get to the "Moonlighting" camera technique. I've heard
that in the last seasons of that show the two principals were not even at
the studio at the same time for most of their work together. Am "over the
shoulder" shot with a stand-in would be done and when cut together it would
look like they were actually talking to one another....
>
> 3. *Joan Rivers.*
Sad to say that her opinion of GA appears to be permeating the media. As I
said somewhere else, it must be very heady having so much success so
quickly. One might forgive a little bit of ego under the circumstances.
Still and all, this schmoozing that the media expects is rather annoying
but if it's any comfort to us, Rivers (and a good part of the media) think
*we* are pretty strange as well. Somewhere in there, I smell fear...
>
> 4. *"The Field Where I Died."* Everyone has a favorite and a least
> favorite,
I like the ep for what they tried to get at even if I think the execution
was unfortunate. This would have been a better stand-alone non-X show or an
"observed" phenom ala "Kaddish." Most emotional feelings on television
shows are pretty tightly and plainly set out. I think it's good that
somebody gets slobberingly romantic occasionally even if I do have to wipe
the screen when DD spits all over it.
>
> 5. *Marita Covarrubius.*May she die a vapid and unobtrusive death.
Just not bleeding all over Mulder's doorstep, ok.
>
> 6. *The deflowering of David and Gillian.*
This is one of those things that goes to the "be careful what you wish for"
category. When I joined up with this bunch of misfiX's the show was, while
not teetering on the bring of cancellation, still under some danger of
being cancelled. The stars and creators were recognized only by this merry
band and a few saavy critics as being in the top rank of tvland. Now I walk
down the street and I see "X" shirts on potbellied old men. People at work
had "X" mugs. A local newspaper dubbed its governmental investigative
series the Scranton "X" file. The bookstore has two shelves of "X" books in
the media section and on any given month SOMEbody from the show is staring
out from a cover on the magazine rack.
I think of that Shirley MacLaine movie "What A Way To Go," wherein she
played a naif who buries five or six husbands while amassing a huge
wealth--(The late great Robert Mitchum was in there somewhere)--One, Pinky
Somethingorother played by Gene Kelly--is an unknown and aspiring singer
who is catapulted to fame and fortune and a huge ego. In his self-love for
his fans, he can't bear to be away from them and is eventually torn to bits
when his adoring minions stampede him at a premiere. A cautionary tale.
> 8. *Jumping the gun into Movie Mania.* Maybe it's just me, but why can't
> they just wait until the show is *over* to start making the movie?
Some years back, many of us anxiously awaited the filming of "Catch-22."
Given the turns of the V-war in those days, we were primed and ready for a
cinematic rendering of this most dark service comedy. That film went round
and round with script changes and cast changes and budget changes and so
on. In the meantime, Robert Altman and a bunch of odds and ends whomped up
a movie called M*A*S*H*. By the time Catch-22 made it to the screen it was
a confusing tugid hash of a good book.
I fear that something like that may happen here. What with MIB and Contact
and so on. This ain't Star Trek and an initial dud movie can't be gotten
around. I, for one, am not going to fork over eight bucks to watch a two
hour tv episode in some drafty sticky cinder block theater.
>
> 9. *Millennium.* I wanted to like it. I did. . Not to mention the fact
that Chris Carter,
> creator of one of the most well-rounded, colorful, *human* female
> characters in the history of the medium, gives us as the second lead
> Catherine Black, whose sole purpose seems to be to give Our Hero Frank
> something to protect from the dark forces.
I think that the "family" wasn't meant to be more than a kind of anchor and
that CB was supposed to be most a sounding board for Frank. Except that he
did most of his sounding against his MM partners. I think there were some
very good episodes and some very poor ones as well. I question some of the
choices the creators made though I find Hendriksen's rendering of Black
obsession infinitely more convincing that DD's higher pitched truth
talking.
> 9. *The redemption of John Shiban.* We yawned through "The Walk," hooted
> at "Teso dos Bichos," grumbled "I told you so" at "El Mundo Gira," and
> refused to believe he had anything to do with "Memento Mori." But
> "Elegy" showed us a Shiban who had, it seems, learned from his mistakes.
> Sure, the plot was a little shaky. But the characterizations and
> dialogue had improved tremendously. I think we can give him another
> chance - if he has more stories to tell, I'd like to hear 'em.
>
Why do I think that by the end of season 5 those of us who have *not* been
in Mr. S's corner will be eating some of our past (often very humorous)
words?
>
>
> Hope you enjoyed. The show and everyone associated with it bug me at
> times...but for the most part I love it lots, or I wouldn't be here.
> Here's to a kick-ass fifth season.
>
>
Thanks for the great post, Cath.
Nick
KHinsman
>3. *Joan Rivers.* Hard to believe that it was less than a year ago, at
>the '96 Emmys, that Joan launched her apparently unprovoked attack
>against Gillian Anderson. What did she do wrong again? Not smile? Have a
>bad hairdo? Look nervous? Well, it doesn't matter; what matters is that
>Joan's enjoying herself, apparently seeing reason enough to (a) refer to
>GA as a "bitch" on at least three separate occasions following the
>Emmys, (b) insinuate that she is not a nice person and has no friends,
>(c) refer to her breasts as "two pigs in a blanket, on a third pig," and
>(d) utterly lose control and screech, "Look at her ass!!" Most
>remarkable is how she manages to kiss DD's ass almost at the same moment
>she is insulting GA's. The upside: At least she can pronounce Gillian's
>name now.
Who's Joan Rivers? Didn't she used to be on TV a long time ago? Doesn't
Gillian Anderson make more $$$ in a week than Joan Rivers ever made in her
life?
Just wondering ;-)
Kathy
Catherine J. Blatz
Nick Pedicini wrote:
> Catherine J. Blatz <cja...@ix.netcom.com> wrote in article
> <33B9BB...@ix.netcom.com>...
> > TOP TEN BAD THINGS ABOUT SEASON 4
> > On The X-Files itself and in the XF universe in general
> >
> > 2. *Fewer scenes with both Mulder and Scully.*
>
> God help us if we get to the "Moonlighting" camera technique. I've heard
> that in the last seasons of that show the two principals were not even at
> the studio at the same time for most of their work together. Am "over the
> shoulder" shot with a stand-in would be done and when cut together it would
> look like they were actually talking to one another....
God, the scary thing is, I can SEE this happening. The next US
interview: "So David, how's Gillian?" "Gillian? I haven't seen her in
two months. She comes in on Tuesdays and Thursdays."
> > 3. *Joan Rivers.*
>
> Sad to say that her opinion of GA appears to be permeating the media. As I
> said somewhere else, it must be very heady having so much success so
> quickly. One might forgive a little bit of ego under the circumstances.
> Still and all, this schmoozing that the media expects is rather annoying
> but if it's any comfort to us, Rivers (and a good part of the media) think
> *we* are pretty strange as well. Somewhere in there, I smell fear...
And what a sweet smell it is...The thing that really infuriates me about
the Rivers deal is that she talked to GA for a total of about 30
seconds, and from that encounter she's drawn all these conclusions that
have given her material for nearly an entire year. I *know* this is her
schtick, and I can handle digs at her clothing (though I thought the
"two pigs" remark was uncalled for), but it was when she joked that she
had written an XF script in which "Gillian Anderson plays a nice person
with lots of friends - of course, they rejected it" (or something to
that effect) that I started to feel that she'd lost it.
It completely baffles me, too, because EVERY time I see GA in public she
is smiling, and usually laughing in that off-the-wall way which some BBC
radio guy described as sounding like Yogi Bear. I just don't know how
you could *miss* it. It's like making fun of Michael Jordan for being so
short. She even laughed in the infamous and ill-fated Emmy interview
(but not in the half-second clip they showed over and over again,
naturally).
> > 6. *The deflowering of David and Gillian.*
>
> This is one of those things that goes to the "be careful what you wish for"
> category. When I joined up with this bunch of misfiX's the show was, while
> not teetering on the bring of cancellation, still under some danger of
> being cancelled. The stars and creators were recognized only by this merry
> band and a few saavy critics as being in the top rank of tvland. Now I walk
> down the street and I see "X" shirts on potbellied old men. People at work
> had "X" mugs. A local newspaper dubbed its governmental investigative
> series the Scranton "X" file. The bookstore has two shelves of "X" books in
> the media section and on any given month SOMEbody from the show is staring
> out from a cover on the magazine rack.
I remember when David was on the cover of Details for the first time. It
was SUCH a big deal and so very exciting. Now he's on Details,
Movieline, and Playgirl in the space of a month, not to mention
interviewed in GQ and Cosmo. And in every interview he complains about
the lack of privacy and then proceeds to plug his movie. I don't want to
start up the whole "do celebrities deserve it" debate again. Frankly, I
don't think they really know what they want. Why should they? They've
never done this before.
> > 8. *Jumping the gun into Movie Mania.* Maybe it's just me, but why can't
> > they just wait until the show is *over* to start making the movie?
>
> Some years back, many of us anxiously awaited the filming of "Catch-22."
> Given the turns of the V-war in those days, we were primed and ready for a
> cinematic rendering of this most dark service comedy. That film went round
> and round with script changes and cast changes and budget changes and so
> on. In the meantime, Robert Altman and a bunch of odds and ends whomped up
> a movie called M*A*S*H*. By the time Catch-22 made it to the screen it was
> a confusing tugid hash of a good book.
It's like Hercules - I've seen so many previews and sneak previews and
special behind-the-scenes events and parades and videos of the song,
directed so many eager little kids to the tie-in books at the bookstore
where I work, that on Friday night I was SHOCKED - and I do mean shocked
- to realize that it hadn't even OPENED yet. I felt like I'd already
seen it three times. (I don't plan to see it, by the way.) I hope
Fox/CC/whoever don't hype the flick so much that we get sick of it
before it comes out. Not to mention that DD and GA might actually,
clinically go insane before the end of Season 5.
> I fear that something like that may happen here. What with MIB and Contact
> and so on. This ain't Star Trek and an initial dud movie can't be gotten
> around. I, for one, am not going to fork over eight bucks to watch a two
> hour tv episode in some drafty sticky cinder block theater.
I'll fork it over. I'm not gonna lie. But I won't be happy about it.
> Nick
Catherine J. Blatz
Rufie710 wrote:
> Ruth , who is over her psychosis and is waiting nervously to see how
> Zemickis handles Contact.-which I hear is being sneak previewed this
> saturday ..anyone know of this?
That's what I heard too...previewing the 5th, opening the 11th, I think.
I saw a "making of" special on HBO last night and I'm *really* excited
to see it. The book is one of my favorites of all time...it gets a
special place on the *top* of my bookshelf, along with the X books, my
Irish name dictionaries, and Yeats.
Looks like they've changed a lot, of course, but you have to expect
that...Bob Z, apparently trying to outdo the "JFK handshake" from
Forrest Gump, has dumped the (very cool, I thought) female president and
digitally inserted Bill Clinton, among other changes...I am NOT kidding.
Still, though, it looks good. I'm cautiously optimistic. It's Jodie
Foster, so how can you go wrong.
> --
> rufie710
> "I tried Reality once, I found it too confining"
> Sister OBSSE
Cathy
--
Catherine J. Blatz
============================================================
Stoner: "Dude, what's wrong with you, you made me drop my toad!"
- "Quagmire"
============================================================
cja...@ix.netcom.com
AGemini527
I HAVE A PLAN!!! Why dont we all go to EOnline and email Joan and tell her
off. its at www.EOnline.com i believe, ill get the email adress for you
all. i just hate that bitter old witch who has no talent whatsoever and
has to sit around criticising what people are wearing!!! Can you spell
pathetic? This hag sits around and reports what people are wearing and
whether we should like them or not!! She's just jealous because she is a
has-been-wannabe that will never and has never looked half as good or
acted half as well as gillian has on her worst day.
i think all that bleach has gone to her brain. and have you ever seen the
dresses she wears to these awards shows? talk about pig. wheres your SAG
award, Joan?? and your golden globes?? oh, thats right, you dont have any.
COme on, bring it on. Dissing my gillian grrrl means death!!
~~~AnnaBanana
People call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments
that differentiate me from a doormat or a prostitute.
~~~Rebecca West
There's just something about an anatomically correct
rubber suit that puts fire in girls eye
~~~PoisonIvy
Gareth Wilson
Catherine J. Blatz wrote:1th, I think.
> I saw a "making of" special on HBO last night and I'm *really* excited
> to see it.
>
> that...Bob Z, apparently trying to outdo the "JFK handshake" from
> Forrest Gump, has dumped the (very cool, I thought) female president and
> digitally inserted Bill Clinton, among other changes...I am NOT kidding.
> Still, though, it looks good. I'm cautiously optimistic. It's Jodie
> Foster, so how can you go wrong.
I'm amazed and delighted that a movie of this book was made. It's a good
sign that someone is Hollywood has realised "science fiction" doesn't
mean "stuff blowing up".
--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gareth Wilson
Christchurch
New Zealand
gr...@student.canterbury.ac.nz
"Medical personnel pick their noses
three times an hour, on average"
-Nurse, "ER"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cassandra
> As always, this is all My Humble Opinion.
>
> As if it weren't obvious, some SPOILERS for Season Four below.
My God, Cathy, I think you were channelling me! I heartily agree with
*every single item* on your lists! Spooky.
>
> TOP TEN BAD THINGS ABOUT SEASON 4
> On The X-Files itself and in the XF universe in general
>
> 1. *Gore and violence.* They've gone over the top, I fear, and it's
> getting tiresome. Being "scared" is more effective when
> there is suspense and atmosphere than when we are doused with gore and
> body parts.
If I had only one complaint about the fourth season (hah!), it would be
the overall loss of subtlety. Things that would have been "shown" only in
intimation in past eps are now highlighted in gruesome, lingering detail,
whether it be blood and guts, hypnotic regressions or pseudo-orgasmic
tattoo scenes. I much prefer understated techniques that allows the
viewers' minds to create the suspense, rather than in-your-face "horror".
IMO it's cheap shock value which takes the place of good writing.
> 2. *Fewer scenes with both Mulder and Scully.* Yes, I know David and
> Gillian have ridiculously long hours and that separating them gives them
> some time off, and I sympathize. But it's gotten frustrating - they used
> to be more of a team, and now, though there's not so much of a
> perceivable "rift" here, they alway seem to be doing separate things.
> Worse is that, almost without exception, it's Mulder either ordering
> Scully to do something or leaving her in the dust. I don't know what to
> do about it - I know they'd be miserable if they both had to be in every
> scene - but I wish there were a way to fix it without it having such a
> negative impact on the show.
I don't know what the answer is, either, but I wish they could find one.
Their partnership is the heart of the show, and when they're off doing
their own things, the show might as well be called "2 MacGyvers Who
Compare Notes Every Once and A While Over Their Cell-Phones". Much less
engaging than unified teamwork. It was just so *refreshing* to see them
working *together* again in the repeat of "D.P.O."
> 5. *Marita Covarrubius.* A far cry from Mulder's first informant, the
> lovable yet ambiguous Deep Throat, Marita cannot be described in any way
> other than "pointless." They've had a year now to develop her, and all
> she does is show up with no apparent motivation when Mulder calls her,
> stare vapidly at him while wearing a short skirt (such talent, to be
> able to do those two things at once), have no idea of what's going on
> (or alternatively, spout some kind of nonsense about "bee husbandry"),
> and then disappear again. Except that Mulder knows where she lives -
> she's in his damn Rolodex. And now - HUGE surprise - she's working for
> the Dark Side. Without a doubt the silliest character ever to recur on
> the show. May she die a vapid and unobtrusive death.
Hear, hear! And may I add "quickly" to that? <g> She has no personality
whatsoever. Somehow I think they got "mysterious" and "blank" mixed up in
the translation from script to screen. Deep Throat and X made me wonder
about them and their motivations; the UniBlonder is nothing more than a
handy character to mock and a punchline to jokes.
> 9. *Millennium.* I wanted to like it. I did. I tried. I smiled tightly
> when the logo was plastered all over every bus in Boston. I gritted my
> teeth when it unceremoniously kicked XF (almost) all the way into next
> week. But the show just didn't quite deliver. As they're fond of saying,
> every episode is like a movie - a well-written, well-acted, scary movie
> - but the same movie every week, with very slight variations. Aside from
> that, it's gratuitously violent (can someone *please* remind CC of the
> meaning of the word SUBTLETY?), and it strays uncomfortably close to
> glorification of violence against women, not to mention children, which
> I find extremely distateful. Not to mention the fact that Chris Carter,
> creator of one of the most well-rounded, colorful, *human* female
> characters in the history of the medium, gives us as the second lead
> Catherine Black, whose sole purpose seems to be to give Our Hero Frank
> something to protect from the dark forces. Even Homer (the bard, not the
> Simpson), hundreds of years ago, gave his "wife left at home while hubby
> goes adventuring" more of a part. Come *on*, Chris. Girls watch TV too.
> This one has long since tuned out.
I watched three episodes, and I alternated between boredom and laughter at
the ponderous, pretentious dialogue.
I feel so bad for Megan Gallagher -- she was expecting Scully, and she got
Donna Reed with a day job.
> TOP TEN GOOD THINGS ABOUT SEASON 4
> On the X-Files itself and in the XF universe in general
>
> 2. *Vince Gilligan.* The man who gave us "Pusher" last year more than
> lived up to every exalted expectation we had of him. "Unruhe" was
> unnerving, "Paper Hearts" heartbreaking and "Small Potatoes" easily
> among the top 10 of all time. Gilligan has proved himself to be a master
> of both heavy drama and wicked comedy, and most importantly, he never
> for a moment forgets to make Mulder and Scully people with hearts, souls
> and weaknesses.
This man is their crown jewel. That the same man who gave us the affecting
emotion of "Paper Hearts" could give us the ROFL
comedy-with-a-subtle-depth "Small Potatoes" is downright amazing. Now
*that's* talent! His love for the characters just shines through, even
when he puts them in tough situations. Unlike some writers, to him they're
not just action figures to be put in various poses and situations -- they
*are* the situations.
> 3. *"Memento Mori."* There were a lot of rotten eps this season, a lot
> of so-sos, and a lot of "pretty goods." "MM" - the best of Season 4
> (with "Small Potatoes" as a close second) and one of the best ever -
> shimmered far above them all. It showed us Scully as a human being,
> frightened and vulnerable yet still strong, and Mulder frantic and
> grief-stricken, running in every direction at once but finally ending up
> at his partner's side. From the exquisite teaser to the final, cathartic
> embrace, this was a jewel of an episode and a worthy sequel to "One
> Breath."
Too bad the follow-through to the affecting theme this ep introduced was
muffed so badly.
> 5. *Emmys and GGs and SAGs, oh my.* This was the year when, finally, the
> outside world began to pay attention. A much-deserved Emmy nod to GA as
> well as to the show for Best Drama - we didn't win those, but Darin
> Morgan's Best Writer win for "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose" more than
> eased the disappointment. A sweep at the Globes, of course, with awards
> for David, Gillian and the show. And Gillian was awarded her second
> Screen Actor's Guild award in a row; and even if David didn't win, at
> least he acted happy for her this time. I'm pulling for another sweep at
> the Emmys in September.
I've never wanted anyone to win an award as badly as I want Vince Gilligan
to win Best Writing in a Drama for "Paper Hearts". Heck, I don't even know
if they entered it, but IMO it's the best ep the show has ever done. It
blew me away.
> 6. *Mulder and Scully getting "cozy."* I know Entertainment Weekly
> doesn't agree, but IMO this was one of the best parts of the season.
> Baby talk in "Home," a SMAK in "Small Potaoes," and hugs in
> "Herrenvolk," "Terma," "Paper Hearts," "Momento Mori," "Demons"...did I
> miss any? all made me happy. It's OK for them to be friendly, even
> affectionate. It doesn't hurt anyone. They've known each other long
> enough and are close enough that it's bizarre when they're not.
A-freaking-MEN!
> 9. *The redemption of John Shiban.* We yawned through "The Walk," hooted
> at "Teso dos Bichos," grumbled "I told you so" at "El Mundo Gira," and
> refused to believe he had anything to do with "Memento Mori." But
> "Elegy" showed us a Shiban who had, it seems, learned from his mistakes.
> Sure, the plot was a little shaky. But the characterizations and
> dialogue had improved tremendously. I think we can give him another
> chance - if he has more stories to tell, I'd like to hear 'em.
Just no cats & goats, OK?
--
Cassandra
Cult of Vince, High Order of the Character-Driven
"Sometimes I think we buy a ticket to Gilbert & Sullivan, and when we go into the theater, we find the play is by Harold Pinter." -- Bill Moyers
Cassandra
In article <19970702172...@ladder02.news.aol.com>,
aut...@aol.com (Autumn T) wrote:
> What I think is funny is that the folks at 1013 seem perplexed at this
> reaction. They say they've always had violence. Sorry, but that doesn't
> wash with me. Compare Morgan and Wong's first wonderful X-Files outing
> from season 1 "Squeeze" which was scary and in which the violence was
> implied and off camera with their first outing this year "Home" in which a
> baby was delivered with a fork. The X-Files is a show that deals with
> violence. Our heroes investigate death. However there was a time when it
> wasn't necessary to rub our noses in cut off faces.
It's very scary they can't see the difference.
RE: Marita
> The only joy I get out of this woman is a laugh everytime she says "bee
> husbandry", but I'm laughing at her and CC not with them.
That phrase is her only contribution to the XF tapestry -- and it's not
exactly a *positive* contribution! <g>
> >9. *Millennium.*
>
> I can't help but blame this show for some of X-Files' woes this year. I
> have tried and tried to watch this show, but I find it a combination of
> the worst things about the X-Files.
Yes! I've never thought of it in that way before, but that's *exactly* its
problem!
> -*The great cancer fumble*. God knows I am one of those fans who pleaded
> and begged for them to follow up on Scully's abduction. I loved "Memento
> Mori" and the promises it held for Scully to save herself and then ...
> nothing. What we were treated to was not a Dana Scully saving herself it
> was a character slowly bleeding away through her nose. A victim.
> Surrounded by men who were trying to save her while she passively
> undergoes blood tests. ICK. Sure, Gillian Anderson still delights us with
> breathtaking performances making the most out of the scripts she is given,
> but the character has been slighted. It's OK for Scully to have moments of
> weakness, but I want my Action!Scully back and I want her to save herself
> damnit.
ITA. They were on their way to the endzone for the winning touchdown in
the Super Bowl, but unfortunately they left the ball sitting back on the
40-yard-line. Oh, it just makes me physically *ache* to think about the
missed opportunities. They took this incredibly emotional, character-rich
potential and turned it into straight *plot* device. It's become all
machinations and chess moves, not character & emotional development. And
you know how much I hate that! <g>
> -*The Season Finale*. What in the hell was that?
Annoying. Boring. Contrived. And that's just the first three letters of
the alphabet. <g>
> >2. *Vince Gilligan.*
>
> Nothing delighted me more than the Starlog interview where Vince talked
> about how much he loved his job on the X-Files. No moaning or gnashing of
> teeth. Folks could take a lesson from this man.
Cass like Vince. Vince good. <g>
> >5. *Emmys and GGs and SAGs, oh my.* I'm pulling for another sweep at
> >the Emmys in September.
>
> I would be shocked if the show swept the Emmys. DD will be a longshot no
> matter what we think here of his talent.
Just too much competition (i.e., lots of great roles for men on TV).
Rufie710
In article <19970706230...@ladder01.news.aol.com>,
lds...@aol.com (LDShupe) wrote:
> (BTW--The *grossest* show so far was that exploding pus-sore one!!
> (Episode name????) I screamed so much my husband had to come running into
> the room to see what was going on! I was doing the
> "hugging-a-pillow-peeking-through-my-fingers" thing for that whole show!
> Yuck!
> ******************************************************************
f. emacuslata?? or something like that.
very gross. loved it.
Cassandra
In article <33BEA8...@prodigy.net>, NBl...@prodigy.net wrote:
> Here's a thought... Last year Peter Boyle won the Guest Actor Emmy and
> Darin Morgan won the Drama Writer Emmy, both for CBFR. Wouldn't it be
> great if, this year, Darin won the Guest Actor Emmy and Vince won the
> Drama Writer Emmy, both for Small Potatoes?
Yep, I could go for that. <g> I wonder if a writing-Emmy winner has ever
won an acting-Emmy before?
Catherine J. Blatz
Autumn T wrote:
>
> In article <33B9BB...@ix.netcom.com>, "Catherine J. Blatz"
> <cja...@ix.netcom.com> writes:
>
> >TOP TEN BAD THINGS ABOUT SEASON 4
> >On The X-Files itself and in the XF universe in general
>
>
> The funny thing is that if they have to do this it can be done well.
> Witness that Darin Morgan classic "War of the Coprophages" which had some
> of the best phone since "Sleepless". If they have to be apart at least
> make it interesting.
I think it *can* be done well, as in WOTC. But the danger is in making
that the norm. Mulder and Scully check in with each other at the
beginning and the end (maybe), and have their own separate storylines in
the middle. It would be a different show.
> >3. *Joan Rivers.*
>
> The most annoying thing this woman says is that Gillian is rude to fans.
> Well she was not rude to this fan and the friends I have who have met her
> she has been gracious to as well.
Interesting that at the beginning of the Emmys neither she nor her
daughter could remember Gillian's name, and by the end of the Emmys
(about thirty seconds of which Gillian spent in Joan's presence), Joan
had passed her final judgment...
> >4. *"The Field Where I Died."*
>
> What can I say. I really liked it.
Hey, it's OK, I loved "Syzygy." :)
> >6. *The deflowering of David and Gillian.*
>
> It is indeed sad the way these two have been viciously attacked by the
> tabloids. What is even sadder to me are the "fans" who seem to buy into
> this nasty unfounded gossip and revel in spreading it.
This has come to bother me too as I've seen more of it. I was quite
surprised at the way people jumped on that "drug" story about DD. And I
never fail to groan out loud when someone else posts the "news" that GA
used to be a <gasp> !juvenile delinquent! (oh, and don't forget about
how she lost her virginity to a neo-Nazi) (and was that before or after
her porno-flick debut??)
> >8. *Jumping the gun into Movie Mania.*
>
> It will be a sad thing indeed if everyone returns to film season 5 already
> fried. They'll be even more miserable than usual next spring.
That's what I'm afraid of. If, as DD seemed to be implying in the US
interview, they want to get it all done as fast as possible - much like
gulping down all your cough medicine in one swallow, while holding your
nose - then I have a feeling the Season 5 home stretch isn't going to go
smoothly. Maybe they can manage to write an episode that features only
people who've never set foot on the set before?
> >9. *Millennium.*
>
> I can't help but blame this show for some of X-Files' woes this year. I
> have tried and tried to watch this show, but I find it a combination of
> the worst things about the X-Files.
That's a good way to put it...it has lots of repetitive violence, lots
of "life is dark, bad people are everywhere, there is no escape" mumbo
jumbo, and little to no character development or UST (I'm willing to bet
the sprinkler system didn't go off in the casting room when LH and MG
were reading, as it must have for DD and GA).
> ---
> To your list I would have to add:
>
> -*The great cancer fumble*.
<snip>
Absolutely. I was actually going to add this to my "Bad Stuff" list, but
I had to cut it because I didn't have enough good things. :P
> -*The Season Finale*. What in the hell was that? Was it supposed to be
> clever? Am I the only one who really hopes this is a 2 parter and not a 3
> parter so we can get this "believe the lie" sillyness behind us quickly.
> You want to make folks stress out over the summer? Don't kill one of the
> leads *again*. Kill that partnership. That would give us pain. Major pain.
> I don't even like typing it. Then give it back to us next season as they
> rebuild what they had. Oh, and the flashback stuff worked wonderfully in
> "Colony" and was clever in "Jose Chung" now it's just annoying. How many
> times did they have to drag that out this year?
For one thing, they've already DONE the "Mulder is dead" thing. For
another, I resent Mulder's sweeping in and stealing the plot away from
Scully AGAIN. Just when we should finally be focusing on HER - since she
is *dying of cancer*, for pete's sake - he has to outdo her by BLOWING
HIS FOOL HEAD OFF. Or pretending to. Or whatever. I really don't care -
I am in suspense as to how (or whether) they will be able to resolve all
this skullduggery coherently enough to have a show next year, but that's
about it.
They keep threatening to kill the partnership. But they never quite make
it convincing. If they could do it *without* someone (read: Mulder)
appearing dead, perhaps it would be more effective. Scully puts in for a
transfer. Mulder hits Scully. (Oh GOD, that would be *bad* - I don't
know if I could watch after that, actually.) Mulder shows up at Scully's
apartment to find it cleaned out and a note saying that she's moved to
Canada (then they could get in their Canada scenes) and not ever coming
back because he's ruined her life. Scully finds her damn eggs in
Mulder's fridge. THAT would be angst.
> >TOP TEN GOOD THINGS ABOUT SEASON 4
> >On the X-Files itself and in the XF universe in general
> >
> >2. *Vince Gilligan.*
>
> Nothing delighted me more than the Starlog interview where Vince talked
> about how much he loved his job on the X-Files. No moaning or gnashing of
> teeth. Folks could take a lesson from this man.
Arrrrrrgh...I missed this. I don't suppose anyone has a transcript on
their web site?
> >3. *"Memento Mori."*
>
> One of many reasons Gillian will win an Emmy.
>
> >5. *Emmys and GGs and SAGs, oh my.* I'm pulling for another sweep at
> >the Emmys in September.
>
> I would be shocked if the show swept the Emmys. DD will be a longshot no
> matter what we think here of his talent.
I have to say I'd be surprised too. I'd love to see DD at least
nominated because I think he deserves it. However, I'd be astonished if
he won, particularly since he wasn't even nominated last year.
GA, on the other hand...if there is any justice at all in the world,
this will be her year.
> >7. *Margaret Scully.*
>
> I'd almost put this on the bad things list because this wonderful actress
> was so underused this year. She has yet to pull off anything less than an
> inspired performance given next to nothing to work with. There is an
> interview with her in the April edition of "DreamWatch" magazine that
> talks about the scene from "Memento Mori" - it was, as written, another
> Maggie Scully in tears scene. It was this actress who decided to go
> against the stage directions and play it with that angry honesty that we
> saw. She was nervous about going against what was written, but we all know
> once again she made the right choice and we all benefited from it.
Is that so? Well, that only increases my admiration of her. I remember
when I found out she was Bob Goodwin's wife - I'd thought they had
searched the world over to find such a compelling actress for Scully's
mother.
Those British mags...they get all the good interviews, instead of the
endless rehash of "Prior to 'The X-Files,' DD starred in such films as
'The Rapture' with Mimi Rogers and 'Kalifornia' with Brad Pitt!"
> >9. *The redemption of John Shiban.*
>
> Well, I think you're jumping the gun here. I'd love to have him write
> well. I hope I can eat my words.
I'm being very cautious in my embracing of the Moldy One, believe me.
I've done my share of Shibashing. I'd like to believe he's not all bad,
that's all.
> Autumn Tysko
> "Mulder, they're worms" / Sister of OBSSE
> My episode reviews available at (email me for mailing list info):
> http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Vault/1411/main_rev.html
Cathy
Coleen Sullivan-Baier
In <19970709201...@ladder02.news.aol.com> aut...@aol.com
(Autumn T) writes:
>
>I think DD will be nominated for best guest actor in a comedy series
>for Larry Sanders and it is possible that he will be once again
>overlooked for X-Files.
<sputter, snort>....I just choked on my PeePop.....REALLY, Autumn???
why would you think this?? I was kinda surprised last year, when he
wasn't nominated, but THIS year...oh, my, that would be HORRIBLE.
I DON'T think he'll win, my money is on Jimmy Smits this year..but not
even NOMINATED???
oh, my
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXgizzieXXXXXXXXXXXXX X\%`^(
Autumn T
In article <5q1c26$e...@dfw-ixnews9.ix.netcom.com>,
Rules of the road. TV is still about men. I wonder myself why Eric L. from
ER is consistently overlooked because I think he's much better than
Clooney. Fact of the matter is there are only so many slots. Fill them in.
If Franz, Smits, Clooney, and Edwards take 4 that only leaves 1 slot for
all the rest of the talented actors out there. DD is a good actor with
flashes of greatness not IMHO the other way around. He still does not get
the acting kudos that the others get for whatever reason. It's a tough
catagory. I hope I'm wrong.
Autumn T
In article <86851176...@server.tac.com.au>, C.Y <yap...@tac.com.au>
writes:
>So in your opinion, who would be likely to take the fifth spot? I
>think Smits and Duchovny are on equal footing this year. I don't see his
>performance as any more extraordinary than DD's this season.
>
To be honest, I don't watch enough TV to tell you - perhaps Andre from
"Homicide". Perhaps someone from "Chicago Hope". Perhaps even Lance from
"Millennium". Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying these actors are all
better than DD (though some of them I think are) I'm trying to guess what
will happen with nominations based on the history of the Emmys.
Personally, I would not nominate Clooney, but he seems to be quite lucky
at gathering nominations.
> I like him but I find Duchovny's
>acting quite brilliant this year.
DD had some very good episodes. I don't find him consistently good as I do
GA, and I think that hurts him in these competition things. I liked him in
TFWID (I'm not afraid to admit it), in "Paper Hearts", and esp. in "Small
Potatoes". We will see if the Emmy folks agree with use Philes soon
enough. Thing is the Emmys tend to go for BIG DRAMA, and because of that
DD is at a disadvantage. I remember watching last years Emmy clips for
Best Actress and everyone EXCEPT GA was screaming or crying or yelling.
Spectre
camgib <cam...@mindspring.com> wrote in article
<33C43A...@mindspring.com>...
> (Sorry... this is quite long winded... so flash forward to the sections
> where there's no >!)
> Do me a favor? Don't. Millennium isn't the sort of show that really mesh
> anything out. Just more serial killers. How are we supposed to be
> excited about that?? The only "kinky" part of Millennium is Frank
> Black's psychic ability. And I'm sure we're already sick of the Friends
> of the Pscyhic Network infocommericals. (Well I know I am!!)
> cam gib
I don't think he's psychic. An empath maybe, but not psychic.
>
> (again, I'm sorry for this being quite long winded...)
>
Not anymore it ain't!!
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