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Reviews
Eli Stone: Flight Path (2009)
Flight Path: The Final Episode review
I'm a huge fan of the show, & although it's over after tonight (July 11th), I thought the show ended on a good note. No musical number, but they did play a George Michael song at the beginning as a nod to past episodes.
Great episode in my opinion. I enjoyed seeing Jaime Murray from "Dexter" on Showtime guest star as the atheist who needed a heart to live. She adopted an American accent this time instead of her native UK one.
Good courtroom case, too, one that made you think. People questioning & in the process learning about their faith was a central theme. I'd probably rate this case as being in the Top 5 of all those presented by the show.
The vision that Eli had to piece together about the plane crashing was well-written. Basically, everything & everyone's connected. Grace (Katie Holmes) was mentioned repeatedly, although she didn't appear. Turns out she needed the heart after Jaime Murray died on the operating table.
It was particularly touching when Eli woke up in his hospital room to see Maggie sitting next to him. I really care about their on/off again relationship. They're meant for each other, but it's taken them awhile to realize that.
You got the feeling that they would eventually get back together like one of his earlier visions predicted during the 1st season (showed them married with kids as Eli was about to announce his candidacy for a public office).
Forward to Eli walking through the hospital corridor, where he comes upon a snow globe. He has another vision, & his dad (Tom Cavanagh) appears, beginning a conversation with Eli on everything that's happened to him in this episode. I found it very moving, especially when his dad told him that he was passing his "test" with flying colors & how proud he was of Eli.
His dad also mentioned how Eli still loves Maggie & how we wonder why God gave man free will. Once again, very well written & acted by all concerned. The show's emotional content often makes me think of "Highway To Heaven" that Michael Landon starred in in the 1980s.
The show then forwards to Eli back in the law firm, probably about to get another vision & case to win. He has pictures of all the people he loves, including his dad, brother, & Maggie. I wish there was more, but everyone involved with the show should be proud of how it ended.
Back to Bonanza (1993)
Back To Bonanza
When this NBC 1-hour special aired in November 1993, I had just turned 10. The only Bonanza episodes I'd seen were "Rose For Lotta" (1959; debut episode) & "The Underdog" from 1964 with Charles Bronson. Out of 431 episodes, that seems very minute, but even then I knew Bonanza was something special.
Today (July '09) I found a copy of this at my local video store, much to my surprise. A company called Vidmark Entertainment apparently only released it on VHS shortly after it first aired in 1993.
Coming 2 years after Michael Landon's death, the special was certainly bittersweet to many fans. Michael Landon, Jr. & Dirk Blocker, Hoss's real-life son, hosted the special. It was basically put together in order to let younger viewers learn about the show, which had been off the air exactly 20 years since its cancellation in January 1993.
Backpedaling a little bit, in 1987 a made-for-TV movie, Bonanza: The Next Generation, aired. By 1993, NBC decided to make another one, & this special also served to re-introduce the original show to viewers. In 1995 a 3rd & final TV movie aired. By the way, actor Ben Johnson took over the Ponderosa for the 1993 & 1995 TV movies.
Now, back to the special. It's excellent in my opinion. The show focuses on 1959--1965, the Adam (Pernell Roberts) years. It also incorporates scenes from the 1963 episode "The Legacy," the one where Ben's shot & his sons separately go after the guys who did it.
In that episode, after Ben is shot, he's rescued by a peddler, & Ben proceeds to tell him about his 3 sons. These scenes do an excellent job at weaving together just exactly who & what the Cartwrights stood for in the special. Dirk Blocker & Michael Landon, Jr. are in less than 5 minutes of the special, with the special letting Ben (Lorne Greene) do the talking.
It was very surreal to watch this special after nearly 16 years, & this time recognize the episodes that the various scenes came from. After all these years, I still remembered the scene with Adam & Lee Marvin in the desert & the guest stars shown at the end (The Crucible episode from 1962).
I would have liked to have seen more emphasis on 1965--1973, the years after Adam. Seems like a Part II needs to be done. Candy (David Canary) is shown in a couple of very brief scenes, that's all, & Jaime Cartwright (Mitch Vogel) doesn't get any mention.
A big plus about the special was that it devoted sections to each Cartwright, featuring scenes that highlighted their personalities. The special was very linear, focused, & the editing was superb. Plenty of dramatic moments along with hilarious ones also underscored why this show is still popular today in TV runs on networks including TVLand.
Even though I'd recommend the special most definitely, I didn't like the cheesy, overly dramatic, annoying early '90s music that accompanied certain scenes. Perhaps the copyrights to the original music cost too much; regardless, they didn't use the original music.
By 1993, Pernell Roberts was already the last surviving Cartwright, & it was unfortunate that he didn't participate in the special. Mitch Vogel & David Canary are still alive, too, & hopefully a new DVD will collect their remembrances before it's too late. Try to find it if you can.
Maverick: The Ice Man (1961)
The Ice Man
From January 1961, the next-to-last season of Maverick, comes this episode. I'm currently watching them commercial free on Encore Westerns. I've read much commentary concerning how the later seasons of the show suffered from the loss of creator/producer Roy Huggins as well as creative writing, but this episode stands with the best episodes from the early seasons with its great story & cast. Also, the title alone dictates this episode might stand apart from the others.
Andrew Duggan, a character actor who seemingly appeared in hundreds of westerns, dramas, action, war, you name it genre, is the guest star, & his name is in the opening credits after Jack Kelly.
This episode has Bart losing his money once again after a robbery in the street. He's found by Duggan, who's running for governor or another political office, mainly due to corruption, with the town sheriff even being bought. Not much emphasis on card playing, which I thought made it better.
After Bart is taken to Duggan's ranch, he starts working for them. This was a change of pace episode, seeing Bart work for his food, even though he was still up to usual conniving ways.
A body is then found, having been frozen for 20 years. It turns out the body has a connection to Duggan, & the other politician knows this info could cause Duggan to lose the election. Also, Duggan's family has secrets to hide.
Basically, a good dramatic episode with funny lines sprinkled here & there. Virginia Gregg, the other guest star I knew, has some great scenes, look out for the one where she sets the barn on fire. She runs out into Bart's arms, screaming & seemingly out of her mind. Very realistic scene & excellent acting.
Another scene in the beginning has Bart (Jack Kelly) realizing one of the bad politician's cronies is the one who robbed him. I enjoyed seeing Bart's sense of cowardice disappear as he let the crony know that you don't steal from Bart Maverick. You also see Bart's brilliant mind during the scenes where Duggan has an bullet still in him (he outwits the corrupt politician along with Duggan when you think about it).
There's plenty of action in this story. Although Bart initially didn't have to stay & help Duggan, I like how his sense of honor dictates that he do so, especially when he learns who Duggan is running against in the election.
Check it out; I think you'll enjoy it.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Signature (2008)
Signature
This is my first review of an SVU episode. I didn't get into the show until about 2 years ago, but it's a great show. One thing that always bothers me is the 1-word episode titles that make it difficult to distinguish between episodes, but oh well.
This episode really moved me. First, Chris Meloni & Ice-T don't appear. Adam Beach gets good face-time, helping Mariska out this go-around.
The FBI agent (Erika Christensen) who teams with Mariska Hargitay is very good. Besides that, the storyline tugs at the viewer's heartstrings.
Basically, a serial killer who specializes in torturing women for days upon days is the centerpiece of the story. He's killed over 20 women. There are especially brutal scenes that show what the killer did to his victims.
I don't want to get into the plot too much, but there's 2 scenes that I want to discuss. First, Mariska (aka Detective Benson) locates a victim who's still alive. I don't know the actress's name, but hopefully she got some more acting jobs based on her performance, because it's excellent, even though it's short. The terror & screaming seem all too real. I just felt so sorry for her.
UPDATE: The actress who played the victim who survived her initial torture is named Amanda Leigh Cobb, & IMDb lists this as her only acting credit. Hopefully she will reconsider, because she's got potential & range that would serve her well in an acting career.
The final scene has enough emotional impact to stop a freight train in its tracks. I still haven't seen half the episodes of the show, but Mariska really reacts to the death of one of the central characters in a way I'd never seen her do before, literally breaking down & sobbing.
The death is just so quick & such a waste. I found myself skipping back on my DVR to watch that final scene over & over. I think you will, too.
Bonanza: The Ride (1962)
The Ride: An Excellent Episode
This episode aired during the 3rd season of Bonanza in January 1962. This is one of those episodes that I would show to someone who has never heard of Bonanza; it's that good. Adam (Pernell Roberts) is the main character of this story, although the others appear.
The only guest star that I know is Chubby Johnson, who opens the story sitting with Adam on a porch. Seems he made hundreds of appearances in western films & TV, a character actor who chewed his scenery, often as an old timer.
Anyway, the opening scene mentioned above reminds me an awful lot of "The Andy Griffith Show" & the relaxed nature of many scenes featuring Andy & Barney just talking.
Unfortunately, a robbery bursts the tranquil, lazy opening. Adam recognizes one of the robbers, even though they're wearing potato sacks over their heads.
That reminded me of Batman, The Lone Ranger, or any western where the bad guy used a neckerchief to cover his face, & you'd always think that someone should have recognized him at some point.
Even though Adam's a Cartwright with lots of respect, hardly anyone believes his story, especially when it's discovered that witnesses have placed the robber in Virginia City shortly after the robbery, seemingly impossible that he could have made it to the robbery site & back in time.
Adam stays convicted that he knows the robber. That's one of the episode's strengths & lessons: be honest even when no one believes you.
Later in the episode Adam confronts the robber in Virginia City, which happens several times. The robber is very convincing in regards that he would never commit such an act. He then starts to spread the word around town that Adam just wants his wife, so that's why he's accusing the robber in the 1st place.
The wife of the robber has some very good scenes. Check out the one where she tries to seduce Adam. It's very well portrayed.
Just an excellent story. Many of the western clichés are turned head over heels in this episode, all for the better. There's action, but more dramatic scenes between the central characters.
The only thing against this episode is the constant commercial interruption shown on TVLand. It'll be a great day when the powers that be release this show with complete seasons with uncut 51-minute episodes.
Bonanza: The Honor of Cochise (1961)
The Honor of Cochise
This episode aired early in October 1961, the 3rd episode of the 3rd season. The Cartwrights run into a soldier (DeForest Kelly) on the run from a band of Indians led by Cochise (Jeff Morrow).
A note: By the start of the 3rd season, the Cartwrights had settled into their customary uniforms they wore throughout the duration of the series. Look for Bing Russell as a cavalryman who tries to defeat Cochise. Very shortly after this episode he assumed the role of Deputy Clem, which he kept until the show concluded in 1973.
This episode is particularly outstanding due to the performance of DeForest Kelly. You can see the sweat, grime, dirt, fear, evil, confusion, & stubbornness of his character as he defends his actions. It's a performance that deserves repeat viewings. When he keeps repeating "But I was only following orders" you kinda feel a little sympathy for him.
Jeff Morrow, who made a lot of westerns in the 1950s, brings a quiet dignity & honor in his portrayal of Cochise. Even though he's not an Indian, his performance works.
Finally, this episode deals with history in that the U.S. Cavalry sometimes had to use any means necessary in their battles with the American Indians. This episode also makes the viewer think about what is wrong & right during war. I wholly recommend it.
Bret Maverick: The Vulture Also Rises (1982)
The Vulture Also Rises
As of May 2009, Bret Maverick has been airing on Encore Westerns. This is the 1st time I'm aware of this show ever seeing the light of day since its cancellation in spring 1982.
In this episode, the 2 notable guest stars are John Anderson & Monte Markham. John Anderson appeared in more films & TV shows (mainly westerns) than I could ever name, & he's very distinguishable, often playing army men, judges, etc. who often project a world-weary attitude. He's a colonel in this episode.
Monte Markham, still guest-acting today in shows like Cold Case on CBS, had a prominent role in "Guns of the Magnificent Seven" from 1969 starring George Kennedy as one of the 7 (3rd of 4 Magnificent Seven films). He's an army officer who survived the attack in this episode who may have something to hide.
A stagecoach is attacked & several people are killed, including one of Maverick's old lady acquaintances. I really enjoyed the scene showing Bret drinking himself into oblivion; it gave viewers a new dimension to his character.
The cavalry is called after the stagecoach incident, & it looks like all the Indians will be wiped out. Philo Sandeen (Stuart Margolin), one of Garner's pals from "Rockford," doesn't believe Indians attacked the stagecoach. He plays a town degenerate throughout this series who's always trying to con people. Usually it involves him claiming to be an Indian.
Watch the episode for the rest, because I don't want to give more away.
This episode is also more serious than most I've seen so far. People are killed in this episode, & it should be noted that violence didn't occur much in this series. Mainly character development, conniving, & con games were used. Maverick is also more sarcastic here.
I realize a revival of sorts of a classic TV show is bound to be compared unflatteringly to the original, but give it a chance.
Rawhide: Incident of Decision (1962)
Incident of Decision
Originally aired in December 1962, Incident of Decision only features 3 Rawhide cast members: Clint, Steve Raines as Quince, & Robert Cabal as Hey Soos. I found this to be an excellent episode.
The above 3 are separated from the main drive when they arrive at a small ranch being threatened by Mexican bandits. A crippled young man who lives at the ranch dreams of being on a cattle drive.
He follows Rowdy & the guys after they purchase cattle from the ranch. Rowdy doesn't think he can handle a drive, so he tells him to leave. On his way back, the young man encounters the Mexican bandits.
This episode doesn't feature any name actors I recognize. However, that shouldn't stop you from catching it. I always thought Rawhide was similar to Gunsmoke in that it focused ample character development on the bad guys; here, it's the Mexican bandit leader.
The writing & acting are very good. Everything is plausible, except perhaps when the bandit leaves the drovers' guns in the tree (way too easy for Rowdy, etc. to get a shot at the departing bad guys).
One final thought: this episode also deals with a handicapped person & his struggles to show the drovers that he can do anything they do. It's not seen through rose-colored glasses, & the drovers & the young man all learn a lesson in the process.
Don't miss it. Hopefully it will be shown on TV again in the near future, perhaps by Encore Westerns. In the meantime, you'll have to buy the complete season DVDs. Hallmark Channel used to show the series every Saturday as part of their western line-up until about 4 years ago.
Maverick: A Tale of Three Cities (1959)
A Tale of 3 Cities
I'm currently watching "Maverick" episodes in their chronological order on Encore Westerns. This episode from 1959 features Ben Gage in his 2nd of 4 appearance as a sheriff/marshal who bears strong "similarities" to Marshal Matt Dillon of GUNSMOKE.
I'm not attempting to provide a summary per se, but I recommend catching this episode. 9 out of 10 rating definitely. It's humorous, but it also has drama/action elements.
Bart (Jack Kelly), who I really enjoy, is robbed after winning a lot of money. The robber is a woman who needs the money for her father. Through a turn of events, he meets the woman again & encounters the crooked gamblers that made her steal the money in the 1st place.
One scene has Bart pretending to be a reformed gambler. He speaks to a ladies group about the evils of gambling, & it's very funny. They become so enamored of him that they even redecorate his jail cell.
Another scene has the sheriff (Gage) grumbling about the bad food he has to eat every day, so Bart invites him to eat in the cell with him. I've never seen that scenario before, & it's highly entertaining/tongue-in-cheek. They almost become buddies.
Towards the conclusion pay attention to the scene inside the barn where the bad guys have gone to collect a gambling debt. The hen flying in Bart's face as well as him tripping on a rake are highly original & not the standard fare seen in most westerns of that era.
Look out for a young Patricia Crowley as the girl who robs Bart. She's still guest-starring today in shows such as Cold Case on CBS. Ray Teal also guest stars (several years before his role on Bonanza as Sheriff Roy Coffee) at the beginning of the episode as another sheriff who runs Bart out of his town & into Gage's city.
Check it out, & I think you'll see why Jack Kelly is so underrated as an actor.