Emergency! SE01 EP00 - "The Wedsworth-Townsend Act"

Emergency! is a show that I only heard about from my mother - I've not seen it before, and I expected something far different than what I got. What I got, though, when watching this first episode (or more precisely, an hour and a half television pilot) was something better than I had expected, and as such, I expect this series to be pretty decent.

Episode Name: The Wedsworth-Townsend Act

Original Airdate: January 15, 1972

Roy DeSoto and John Gage reminisce about how they first met and became partners. After a raging fire, a younger Gage is informed by his battalion chief about a special training program for paramedics. He doesn't want to, stating that he'd rather be a rescue man as opposed to an ambulance attendant. After failing to save the life of a workman who was electrocuted, though, Gage has a change of heart.

Roy DeSoto and John Gage

At Rampart Hospital, the doctor who failed to save the life of the worker, Kelly Brackett and the ER head nurse Dixie McCall get into a disagreement over the proposed paramedic program. Dixie believes that it has the potential to help save lives, whereas Brackett thinks that sending amateurs out to practice medicine is dangerous.

Kelly Brackett

Dixie McCall

Before Gage signs on to the paramedic program, he asks Roy DeSoto if they could use any of what they learn to save people, which Ray informs him no. But there is a bill in committee at the state legislature, and if it passed, then paramedic programs would grow and more so, paramedics would be able to use their training on scene to help save lives.

Gage speaking to DeSoto

Meanwhile, while Brackett is personally against the program, he agrees to help train firemen with medical basics, mostly due to the fact that Dixie asked him to. Come graduation time, Assemblyman Michael Wolski speaks to Brackett, asking for his help to push the bill through committee - Brackett's a well-known name in emergency care, and his support would help push them over the edge. Brackett, due to his reservations, declines.

Assemblyman Michael Wolski

Gage and DeSoto are partnered up. Though they have the medical equipment to help on scene, until the bill passes, they are unauthorized to use them on the scene. For the time being, they must have a nurse with them able to use the gear. While Dixie agrees whole-heartily, Gage in particular feels useless, as they cannot use the equipment themselves.

An accident occurs at a boatyard, and a young girl's arm gets cut off. DeSoto and Gage are able to find and bring back the severed arm, and due to their expedience, Brackett is able to repair it, ensuring the girl can have use of her arm once healed.

Days later, at Gage's birthday party, Wolski lets them know that open hearings will now be held. Brackett, who was in a way tricked into attending the party by Dixie, still feels strongly against the proposal, and angrily leaves the party.

The next day, Gage and DeSoto, with McCall, respond to an accident in which a car went over the highway railings. With Dixie's help, they are able to remove the two from the car, but in the process, Dixie gets injured, and despite being told to wait for an additional nurse to arrive on the scene, Gage and DeSoto ignore Brackett and treat them.

While Dixie is thankful for them, Brackett lays into the two, stating that if any of the three people had died, it'd cause a massive lawsuit and the end of their "precious program." Despite them breaking procedure, he does finish by telling the two they did a good job. He then decides to contact Wolski, and throw his support behind the paramedic proposal.

Gage and DeSoto being chastised by Brackett

After a riveting testimony by Brackett, the bill gets past the committee. Due to heavy rains, a massive tunnel collapse occurs, and at the scene, Gage and DeSoto argue whether or not they should use painkillers they're not authorized to use to help some of the people. They agree eventually that they shouldn't, as it'd be harmful to the program if they did.

Brackett giving his testimony to the committee

When a man has signs of cardiac arrest, they contact Brackett via radio. He realizes that the man needs to be defibrillated, and lies to them, stating that the bill passed and they are now authorized to use the equipment. They do so, saving the man's life. Brackett, after their success, gives them his congratulations. 

The next morning, they find out the bill passed the previous night after they had saved the man's life. Brackett arrives on the scene, and the three of them become friends. Back to present day, DeSoto and Gage talk about how far they've come since the beginning. They get an emergency call, and race out, as they've been doing for some time now.

This pilot caught me by surprise.

Firstly, what I expected what not the show I saw. Honestly, knowing so little about this show, I expected it to be a 70's version of ER. I had zero idea that it dealt with paramedics until I started it. That said, I am glad I was mistaken, because the pilot came out pretty good.

The characters are all pretty good. You have a cynical, younger firefighter in Gage, along with a more experienced, optimistic one in DeSoto. And more so, they work well together (they remind me almost of Starsky and Hutch, truth be told). Dixie is a passionate ER nurse, who is not afraid of standing up for what she believes. The same can be aid for Brackett - he didn't agree with the proposal at the beginning, and he had plenty of reasons for his reservations. When he finally came out for the program, you knew the case was closed. Lastly, you have neurological surgeon Joe Early, who is an older, gentler souls. Almost a peacekeeper, of sorts. The cast is solid, overall.

It's the story, though, that really got me interested. A bill that allows trained firefighters on the scene to administer medical assistance is in committee, and without the help of Brackett, it may not pass? It's good drama, that. Dixie and Kelly's relationship throughout this episode is strained, as they both feel so strongly in their own respective ways. Since they are on the same side, now, I don't think much conflict is likely to come up between them again.

When Dixie got injured at the scene of the car accident, a part of me almost thought that she died. Now, she didn't, obviously, but I won't lie - I was quite tense for those ten seconds. That was television done well.

Lastly, the tunnel collapse was well done. The set just looked good to me. More so, when Gage and DeSoto argued about whether or not they should use the painkillers, I thought both sides had good arguments. Saving the one individual who was trapped under a truck also was again, tense. 

This pilot, though perhaps a bit long (Brackett and Dixie argued about the program a few more times then necessary) was quite good. You can feel for the characters (which is something I personally have trouble with when it comes to 70's television), some very tense scenes were done well, and throwing in a political angle (which personally, always makes me happy) all equal the fact this pilot of worth watching.

Rating: Superb

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Batman SE01 EP03 - "Fine Feathered Finks"

Episode Name: Fine Feathered Finks

Original Airdate: January 19, 1966

Villain: Penguin (Burgess Meredith)

In front of a jewelry store, two men hand out free umbrellas, claiming that there's a prize in one of them, and they should open them in the store once it opens. Needless to say, it's a trap. Or it should be - once they open the umbrellas, they emit a lot of smoke. But no attempted robbery takes place, just confusion.

Chief O'Hara and Commissioner Gordon lament on the fact that Penguin was released from prison just a few days prior. They're not under the impression they can catch him, so call in Batman and Robin. Upon their arrival, they speak with the warden of the prison, and watch some secret videotape of Penguin in his cell, where he reveals basic tenants of his plot: Batman should be made a "crook," and his plan involves umbrellas. 

They look over recent city records, with the intent of discovering if any umbrella factories have been opened. And in fact, three have, but to the police, there is no obvious connection to the Penguin. Robin, of course, spots it - the alias Penguin used is K.G. Bird (or Cagey bird). Astounded at this, the police ask Batman to go investigate, which they do.

At Penguin's hideout, we learn that Penguin is not actively creating a plan right now - he simply is going to unleash many bizarre umbrellas upon Gotham. Batman will then piece the clues together of his crime - the thing is, Penguin is planning nothing. Batman is going to provide to Penguin with how to pull off a crime that Penguin wasn't planning to begin with, ensuring that Batman is his partner in crime.

Penguin explaining his devious plan

Batman and Robin are informed that more free umbrellas are being handed out, this time in front of the bank. They make a "bat-turn," and head to the bank, securing the umbrellas before they too start emitting smoke. Batman muses that the set-up to a robbery was clear, but no actual robbery, making him want to speak to Penguin even more.

When confronting the Penguin, claiming that they're taking him back behind bars, Penguin asks what crime he has committed. Robin's reply, "illegal umbrellas," holds less water than Batman's "assault and battery, disturbing the peace." Penguin reminds Batman that he only makes the umbrellas - what they're used for after they're bought isn't his business. Batman quietly confers to Robin, calling Penguin a "tricky little creature." Batman lets him know that while he's outsmarted them this time, they'll be watching Penguin closely.

Penguin confronting the Dynamic Duo

Batman calling Penguin a "tricky little creature."

Penguin then releases a giant umbrella, causing some minor car damage. Why Batman can't reprehend Penguin for this is unclear. Instead, they try to analyze an umbrella left behind, finding no clue to what crime they are sure he's going to commit. They need to bug his factory for clues, but since Batman can't very well go in there and do it (this was before espionage), Batman has the idea of going in as Bruce Wayne.

Bruce Wayne goes in, handing over an umbrella for Penguin to inspect, as he subtly tries to bug a lamp on the desk. An alarm goes off, and Penguin's goons trap him, and he's knocked out by some gas. Penguin believes this to be a case of corporate sabotage, and has him thrown onto a conveyor belt leading to a furnace.

Oh, the horror.

Will Bruce Wayne be able to escape? Only time will tell.

Penguin examining umbrella for Bruce Wayne

This episode was actually funner than the last one. Part of it is likely how great of an actor Burgess Meredith is as Penguin. He excels in it in ways that I sense few others could (though Danny DeVito did well in the 1992 Batman Returns). His portrayal of the villain here is fantastic. Wardrobe designer should get some props too.

Robin's cry, upon seeing Penguin in jail wearing his full suit, of "Holy haberdashery," was glorious, especially as Robin was the only person to react in such a way. Of course, Robin has some of the best quotes here, though when Gordon and O'Hara basically admit that the Gotham Police Force isn't fit to solve virtually any crime without the help of Batman, that was pretty eye-opening also.

Penguin's plot here is unique, and it'll be interesting to see how it unravels.

A good episode here, and definitely worth viewing.

Rating: Above Average

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All in the Family SE01 EP03 - "Oh, My Aching Back"

Episode Name: Oh, My Aching Back (also known as Archie's Aching Back)

Original Airdate: January 26, 1971

Archie comes home later after being in a minor car accident (Archie claimed was caused by a Jewish woman), which he claims was rather serious, but Lionel, who comes in afterwards, states the car just has a small ding in it.

Archie then learns that Lionel's father bought a dry cleaning business from the money he got from a settlement from an accident. Upon hearing Lionel's father received this money, Archie then pretends that his back is injured. Instead of getting a doctor first, though, he wants a lawyer - specifically, a Jewish lawyer, believing they can get more money out of it for him.

After choosing the firm Rabinowitz, Rabinowitz, and Rabinowitz, Archie awaits the lawyer. Surprising Archie, one Whitney Fitzroy IV comes, stating that as the neighborhood was mostly white, the Rabinowitz's thought a white lawyer would be more appreciated. This infuriates Archie, and sends Fitzroy back, claiming he wants a Jew.

Rabinowitz arrives, along with the attorney for the other party in the accident. Rabinowitz does his best to defend Archie, but when it's revealed that not only were there witnesses that claimed Archie was at fault, but more so, those witnesses were nuns, Rabinowitz decides he can do no more. Archie then loses the lawsuit.

Archie pleading to Rabinowitz

This episode was pretty decent, one reason being that Archie managed to refrain from saying too many foolish things. Though his ploy was obvious, at least Archie tried to come up with a plan. I am glad, though, he lost the lawsuit against him.

While fairly one-dimensional, I will give a shout out to the actor who played Whitney Fitzroy IV, being George Furth. His character was greatly amusing for his short screen time, and most of the chuckles this episode got from me were because of him.

Archie did insult Michael's Polish ancestry once again, which Michael jumped on him for. I would expect that eventually, Michael refuses to take it, but it's not clear when or if that time will come. Lastly, the fact that Archie can't see how bigoted he is astounds me. At least admit it. But like a coward, Archie refuses to do such, which is how it is with many bigots (be them homophobes, racists, what have you).

Not a bad episode at all, and at the very least, more entertaining than the previous one.

Quote of the episode:

Rabinowitz: "There's an old, old rule of law, Mr. Bunker. They say it dates back to before the turn of the century. In a court of law, you can't beat a station wagon filled with nuns."

Rating: Above Average

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Freaks and Geeks SE01 EP05 - "Tests and Breasts"

Episode Name: Tests and Breasts

Original Airdate: November 6, 1999

In sex ed class, Sam gets embarrassed by Coach Fredricks due to his lack of knowledge of the female anatomy. In fact, the incident gives him the nickname "Dr. Love," which follows him around, even popping up when he's having a conversation with Cindy (who we've not seen in a few episodes). More frustrating, when the trio (Sam, Neil and Bill) hear a sexual joke in school and don't get it, they try to figure out what it means.

Coach Fredricks, none other than Biff from Back to the Future

Neil, Sam and Bill attempting to understand the joke

Daniel is at risk of having to retake algebra - in Mr. Kowchevski's class, the test tomorrow means almost certain failure. Lindsay notices he's feeling down, and offers to help him study so that he can past the test tomorrow. He goes over to her house that night, and takes a smoke break prior to studying.

Mr. Kowchevski

Outside, he speaks briefly to Sam, noting the anatomy book Sam's reading. He tells Sam that he's not going to learn what he needs to learn from a book. He then says that tomorrow, he'll give Sam something that will help him out. Back inside, though Lindsay tries to help him through the algebra, but Daniel gives up, telling her that he'll be fine.

Daniel and Sam talking

The next day, after handing off a pornographic movie to Sam, Nick helps Daniel steal Kowchevski's test. He goes to Lindsay for help, and at first she declines, deciding to ask Kowchevski to give Daniel an extension (figuring that as he likes her, he would give Daniel an extension). The teacher instead accuses Lindsay's hormones of getting in the way. This angers Lindsay, and she decides to help Daniel study, providing that he actually studies from here on out, and doesn't resort to cheating again. Daniel agrees. After school, Sam watches the movie with Bill and Neil, which makes him greatly uncomfortable.

Sam, Bill and Neil discovering the pornographic movie

Lindsay helping Daniel cheat on test

Neil, Sam, and Bill watching the porno

After Kowchevski discovers that Daniel got an A on the test, he let's Lindsay know that he got an anonymous letter accusing her of cheating, and sets a disciplinary hearing for the next day. She talks to Daniel, and Daniel tells her that it'll be okay, and that's he's gotten past these types of things before. Most important, he says, is to not confess - if neither one confesses, they have nothing on them. Once her parents find out, they immediately berate her for cheating, which angers Lindsay, as they won't even listen to her side of the story.

Sam, profoundly bothered by what he saw in the movie, acts coldly toward Cindy the next day. Neil tries to smooth things over, which fails to work, as neither Bill nor Sam seem to want to speak much.

Cindy talking to Sam

Before the disciplinary hearing, guidance counselor Jeff Russo talks to Lindsay. After relaying a story of how he helped a student cheat back in school, Lindsay reaffirms that she didn't help Daniel cheat. Russo believes her. After a conversation with Kim, in which she says that no matter what Daniel said, he'll just steal the next math test and do it without her help, Lindsay confronts Daniel in the workshop, stating that she wants to come clean and tell the truth, along with accusing Daniel of manipulating her. Daniel denies that accusation, and tells her about how when he came to junior high school, he was placed with the slower, more stupid students, which has impacted his work ethic sense. Being told he was dumb from the beginning made him feel that he had no other way through then to skate by and cheat. Lindsay, taking pity on him, decides to continue to lie for him.

Coach Fredricks holds Sam back after sex ed, and tells him he found Sam's question, which the class wrote down on paper, disturbing. Sam admits that he saw a porno movie. Fredricks then decides to open up to Sam, and explain sex to him in a personable way, all the while a funky soundtrack plays in the background. Sam, uncomfortable at first, thanks Fredricks for being open with him, and is no longer disturbed by what he saw in the movie. Lastly, he asks about the sexual joke, in order to understand it.

Daniel explaining academic life to Lindsay

Coach Fredrick's talking to Sam about sex

Lindsay's parents come to the hearing to support her, apologizing for the way they accused her the previous night. Russo speaks to Kowchevski, supporting Lindsay. He then finds out that there was no note - Kowchevski lied because he's certain that Daniel cheated, and this was a way that would sometimes get a confession. He then berates Daniel, saying that students like that are a waste of time, which profoundly bothers Russo, who believes that teachers have to be friendly and trust students in order to make a connection.

Russo and Kowchevski arguing

Their styles continue to differ as the meeting starts. Mr. Weir yells at Kowchevski for accusing his daughter of cheating. Russo lets them know that he knows Lindsay doesn't cheat, and believes Daniel when he says he didn't cheat also. Kowchevski, though, to Russo's annoyance, gives Daniel a copy of the test, stating that if he can do a single question, he'll retire.

Sam apologizes to Cindy, and the two of them work on a banner together, Sam happy that he is now again comfortable around her.

After Daniel fails to do a question, he goes into the same story her told Lindsay earlier. Not only is it the same story, it's word-for-word, the same pauses, everything. While Mr, and Mrs. Weir, along with Russo and Kowchevski soak up the surface sadness of his story, Lindsay can't help herself, and begins hysterically laughing.

Cindy and Sam working together

This episode dealt with something I'm sure we've all dealt with - the awkwardness of sex education.

Sam's story here is one that many people can probably relate to. Neil seems mature enough, though he obviously doesn't know much more about this type of stuff than Bill or Sam. Bill is bothered greatly by the movie, perhaps more so than Sam (partially because Sam probably talks to girls infinitely more than does Bill). When Sam makes up with Cindy at the end of the episode, Bill's still disturbed, and likely will be for some time.

Coach Fredrick's initially starts out acting like a dick, embarrassing Sam in front of the class (when it wasn't Sam's fault that Neil and Bill were talking). When he decides to talk to Sam, though, frankly about sex, you can sort of see that he is caring in his own way. The man-to-man conversation really gets Sam out of his funk, and because of that, he's able to move on.

Lindsay shows that she still harbors some feelings for Daniel, when she allows herself to be manipulated. Luckily, though, she's able to break away from this at the end, once she realizes how manipulative Daniel actually is at the hearing. I'm hoping that this teaches her to stay clear of Daniel romantically, should the situation happen to arise.

On Daniel, well, I'm sure there is truth to the story he recited both to Lindsay and Russo. And while I understand where he's coming from, he's clearly manipulative. When he tricked Lindsay into hosting the party back in "Beers and Weirs," I suspected that he was doing it intentionally, but couldn't really formally conclude it. I am now. As far as Lindsay is concerned, Daniel knows exactly what he's doing when it comes to manipulating her. And more so, it's to benefit him more than it's to benefit her.

This is not to say Daniel is a bad character. Much like Kim, I'm sure much of who he is comes from his background. When Sam was having troubles, Daniel did try to help him by giving him the porno. While not helpful, or the kind of help that Sam needed, it was probably exactly how Daniel was taught about sex. His intentions were good - the outcome, though, was not.

Personally, Daniel's becoming a character which I am disliking more and more. The last two episodes had this feeling grow - this episode cemented it. I don't know how Lindsay could continue being friends with him, but it'll probably be just so she can stay around Kim and Nick, both of whom are friendly to her.

Speaking of which, while we see Nick in this episode help Daniel steal the test, he didn't really get much involved in the main story. I don't think he would mind helping Daniel out again, and they've probably done it before. Ken, we've not seen for two episodes now, so I do hope he comes back, this time with some actually character (deadpan Rogan is great, but I'd like to see him break out of that a bit).

Mr. and Mrs. Weir, when it mattered, were there for their daughter, though they really should have let Lindsay explain her side of the story before accusing her of cheating on a test. Hopefully, they become more trusting as the series progresses, but I suspect that it'll only get worse.

One last note - Russo has said many a corny thing before, but I deeply respect him after he stood up for Daniel and Lindsay against Kowchevski. Kowchevski's attitude about students is deplorable, and while Russo misplaced his trust in this episode, the fact that he's willing to help out students and stand with them, even against other faculty, makes him a pretty cool guy.

All-in-all, this was a pretty good episode. At the same time, it felt it was lacking in the same way the previous episode was. A good episode, still, and some great scenes, but just a notch below the first three episodes.

Rating: Above Average

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Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. SE01 EP01 - "Pilot"

The Marvel Cinematic Universe. Perhaps one of the finest accomplishments from Marvel in some time. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is a spin-off of The Avengers films, and occasionally interconnects with the events from the various movies after The Avengers. I've seen the first season of this show, along with half of the second season, so to a point, I do know what's going to happen. As best I can, though, I will divorce that knowledge when writing my analysis.

Episode Name: Pilot

Original Airdate: September 24, 2013

A man, Mike Peterson, and his son Ace are in downtown L.A. when an explosion occurs. Mike tells Ace to stay back, and he races to see if anyone needs help. Once he determines no one is watching him, he climbs up the wall of the building, showing that he possesses superhuman strength. Mike's able to rescue a woman, hoping his hooded jacket prevents his identity from being blown. A young woman manages, though, to catch the incident on her cell, along with seeing his face. Mike's able to run away and blend back into the crowd with his son before the woman can say anything.

In Paris, France, Agent Grant Ward is informed by a superior that his mission must be aborted, as an organization named the Rising Tide released the location of the package he is after. Still, he is able to obtain said package after some brief conflict, and meets Maria Hill to deliver it, which is shown to be alien technology from the invasion, which criminal Vanchat was able to get his hands on.

It is here in which Agent Ward is granted Level 7 clearance, and learns that Agent Phil Coulson is alive, after having been stabbed in the heart by Loki [which took place in The Avengers].

Agent Phil Coulson

Agent Coulson informed Ward that while he is alive, his heart stopped beating for eight seconds, though it felt much longer than that. Once out of ICU, Fury himself forced him into vacation time at Tahiti. Coulson then shows Ward the footage of Peterson, though they don't know name - just that he is an unregistered gifted, and his life is going to become very hectic, and so SHIELD wants to get to him first.

Maria Hill tells Ward that he's been assigned to Coulson's mobile unit. Ward protests, saying that he's been trained as a specialist from day one - he goes his missions alone, and gets it done his way. While Coulson admits that Ward isn't much of a team player, he could be greatly beneficial to the unit. A doctor comes in and lets Ward know that his team has been approved, the caveat being that Fitz-Simmons isn't cleared for combat, which is fine with Coulson.

After Coulson makes another comment regarding his time in Tahiti, he takes leave, and the doctor and Hill converse about Coulson not knowing the truth, and that "he can never know."

Maria Hill and Doctor Streiten

The woman who saw Mike's face follows him, and at a diner, sits down with him, with the intent of giving him advice on how to move forward. Her name's Skye, and she's a hacker. She offers to help Mike come up with an identity, and tells him that he should openly state he's a hero. As Mike is financially crippled, and looking for a job, Skye doesn't think it would hurt. Lastly, she warns him about SHIELD, worried that if they knew about him, they'd "clean up the story." She offers to help, and let's him know that her van (or office, as she calls it) is always parked out back if he needs assistance. He thanks her and hurries out, but not before Skye is able to pickpocket his driver's licence, and learn his name.

Meanwhile, Coulson recruits another agent, Melinda May, who is working a desk job at SHIELD. He ensures her that it's not a combat operation, and that she is simply to drive the "Bus," or mobile command unit, which turns out to be a rather large plane. Agent May agrees to join.

The "Bus"

When Ward enters the bus, he meets Fitz-Simmions, being British biochemist Jemma Simmons and Scottish engineer Leo Fitz. Coulson than drives up with his car, which he has named Lola.

Agent Grant Ward

Jemma Fitz and Leo Simmons

The pilot, Melinda May, seems to be known by Ward, who is surprised to see her. Agent Coulson lets him know she's simply the pilot, which makes Ward wonder what Coulson's playing at.

Agent Melinda May

They are able to track the source of the unknown gifted, and pick up Skye, who is revealed to be a member of the Rising Tide, a hacker collective. During interrogation, she mentions a program called Centipede, which neither Ward nor Coulson have heard of, greatly amusing Skye. To gain her trust, Coulson injects Ward with a truth serum, and allows Skye to question him.

Coulson and Ward interrogating Skye

Once the trust is gained, she reveals where she filmed Mike, and Fitz-Simmons, along with Agent May, go to check out the site. They find alien technology, along with a burnt out camera, and bring it back to the Bus to analyze them. Meanwhile, Mike Peterson goes back to the factory he was let go from, and threatens his former boss, eventually claiming he now sees the world for what it is, and assaults him.

Mike Peterson's centipede program

When Skye finds out about Mike's actions, she goes back to her van with May in order to send some audio to Fitz, which is needed to provide them a clear picture of how the explosion happened. Mike goes to the hospital to meet the woman he saved, who turns out to be a scientist, and the building which exploded a lab for superhuman enhancement program known as Centipede. Mike, from the doctor's perspective, is losing it, much like the individual who blew up the lab. Mike states that this isn't the end, but an origin story.

With the audio Skye sends them, they now have a clearer picture of how the explosion happened. A man, with the same device that is also on Peterson's arm, caused the explosion himself. Fitz-Simmons suspect that within two hours, the same will happen to Mike. At the van, after Skye hides something on her person from Agent May, Mike knocks Agent May out, and forces her to help him and his son.

While she is able to send her location to the Bus, along with wiping out Peterson's identity, Fitz-Simmons are having trouble coming up with a way to take Mike out which doesn't involve killing him. Ward and Coulson go to the van, parked outside Union Station, and let him know that they just want to ensure his safety.

Mike escapes the van, dragging both Ace and Skye with him into the station. Skye cleverly is able to get Mike to let her and his son go. Outside, Mike's doctor sends in someone dressed as a police officer to take care of Peterson once and for all.

From here, it's hectic. Upon realizing that there is a third party here, Coulson and Ward split up. Mike is able to catch up with Skye, who begs him to just listen to reason. The fake police officer then shoots at the two of them, pegging Mike in the arm. As he falls down to the center of the terminal, the police officer takes aim at Skye, though May, with fantastic fighting skills, is quickly able to take him down.

Coulson calmly approaches Mike, disarms himself, and talks to him. Mike insists that he won't blow up - that it matters who he is, that he's a "good guy." Mike states that he could be a hero. Coulson agrees, saying "I'm counting on it." Peterson is then shot in the head by Ward, using what Fitz calls a "Night-Night Gun," which ceases the poison running through Mike's body.

Mike Peterson, on the verge of exploding

Fitz and Ward, with the "Night-Night Gun."

Simmons pleased that Mike's alive

Ace is left in the care of a SHIELD safe house, and Mike is being cared for and watched over by SHIELD. Skye is offered by Coulson to join SHIELD, and help find out more about Centipede and who funded the experiment. She's unsure, but once Coulson gets a call from Ward, stating that they have to go confirm an "0-8-4," Coulson lets her know she has ten minutes to decide what she wants to do. In Coulson's car, Lola, they fly off to the Bus.

Skye and Coulson in Lola

I was skeptical about this series when I originally watched it. As such, for the most part, I was wrong.

This pilot isn't the most amazing thing I've seen, no doubt, but it does supply an interesting mix of characters, along with bringing back Coulson. I know how their story arcs go for this season, though, so I am hesitant to say much about them. I will speak a bit, though, about what I like or dislike about some of them.

Coulson is an extremely fun individual, and perhaps the ideal boss. He can be funny and have a good time, but when he needs to be, you can tell that he's someone who doesn't waste any time. Basically, he'll get the job done, and have fun doing it.

What I suspect he won't have fun, with, though, is whatever the doctor and Hill were speaking about. What "truth" does Coulson not realize? Well, most likely, it has to do with the length of his death. Hill says eight seconds - Coulson states it felt much longer. You could tell both the doctor and Hill were hesitant to send Coulson back out to the field, so whatever the truth may be, it seems pretty serious, only further confirmed by Hill stating, about the truth, "he can never know." 

We don't learn too much about Ward here. He's a serious specialist, and not at all used to working in teams. If Skye does stay with SHIELD, I suspect that Ward will have a hard time with it, as Skye seems the type of girl to get on his nerves. It's also mentioned that Ward has had a troubled background with his family, but that was perhaps just thrown in there to give a reason why his social skills are lacking. Agent Ward did seem to know Melinda May, though, so I am deeply interested in the story behind that. All-in-all, while I don't much care for Ward's personality, I do think he'll be extraordinarily useful on the team, especially since he's willing to work with Fitz-Simmons in order to bring Mike down alive.

May, we know even less about. It's obvious that she and Coulson know each other, and were likely in the field together. More so, from the conversation they had, May seems a very good field agent, which is why Ward was shocked that she was simply the pilot. She is cold and distant, though, more so than Ward, partially because her job on the Bus keeps her away from people more effectively than Ward's job. May being attacked by Mike definitely rubbed her the wrong way, but I do think she is loyal to Coulson, and will stay on without a second thought.

Skye is a very fun character. Both she and Coulson had the best lines in this episode - Skye's personality and curiosity is quite different than SHIELD's, and especially Ward's, so should she stay, which I think she would, it should be interesting to see how everyone meshes. But coming from a hacker organization, along with hiding something from May, is potentially troubling. If she had to choose between SHIELD and the Rising Tide, at this point, I'd think she'd be leaning more toward the latter.

Lastly, we have Leo Fitz and Jemma Simmons. Oh, how can you not love them? Their banter is insanely cute, and how they speak over each other - just adorable. There was no indication that they are a couple here, but if they don't become a couple, well, to put it lightly, I'd be quite disappointed, as I suspect many viewers would be. They are both very competent in their fields, and under pressure, are able to pull through and find a way that Mike can be taken alive. Fitz trying to get Ward to warm up to him, oblivious to Ward's displeasure, was amusing. And I think Skye can become good friends with the pair of them (they seem infinitely less judgmental than Ward). All-in-all, these are fun characters, and I hope to see quite a bit of them as time goes on.

Mike Peterson, by the way, seems to be the type of character who has a chance to appear again, hopefully this time on the good side. He really was the type of guy who was pushed around too much, and fired back. He did endanger his son, Skye, and many others by not listening to reason, but to a certain point, you can certainly see where he's coming from. Hopefully, should Mike appear again, perhaps even join the team, he will have his heart and his actions in the right place.

While this episode as a whole isn't amazing, I did think the last eight minutes were. Coulson, Skye, and May standing with Mike, trying to get him to calm down. Boom! Mike being shot, and you can tell initially that Coulson thinks Ward actually killed him. But a sweaty Fitz is standing next to a happier-looking Ward, and Simmons is barely able to keep herself from tearing up at the fact Mike's alive. The score in the background made this ending particularly potent.

Casting-wise, I think everyone was played well. Clark Gregg, who also played Coulson in The Avengers, reprises his role to great effect, and is sure to be one of the stand-outs of this series (providing he lives long enough). Ming-Na Wen, the actress behind Melinda May, plays the part of a serious, focus-minded individual extremely well. As does Brett Dalton, in his portrayal of Ward. Much like Gregg, I think that Dalton has a high chance of being a really stand-out actor, especially due to the fact he's not done all that much before this. Chloe Bennet plays Skye beautifully, and need I mention that Iain De Caestecker (Fitz) and Elizabeth Henstridge (Simmons)? The both of them work so well together, it's hard to believe they're not real-life friends.

Throughout the first season, there are ups and downs (which is true for most shows), but the one consistent pleasure this show brings us is the great cast. Overall, this first episode is a fine pilot and a pretty fun romp - a solid opening to this show.

Rating: Above Average

Next episode

Survivor: Borneo SE01 EP02 - "The Generation Gap"

Episode Name: The Generation Gap

Original Airdate: June 7, 2000

Before we get into the summary, below are the contestants remaining.

Tagi:

Sean - Doctor

Kelly - River guide

Rudy - Retired Navy Seal

Richard - Corporate trainer

Susan - Truck driver

Dirk - Dairy farmer

Stacey - Attorney

Pagong:

Gervase - Youth basketball coach

Colleen - College student

B.B. - Real Estate developer

Ramona - Biochemist

Gretchen - Teacher

Greg - Recent Ivy League graduate

Jenna - College student

Joel - Health Club consultant 

At the Tagi camp, a lack of food is really waning the patience of Stacey and Kelly. Rudy is also bothering them, as he seems to be taking extra food and opening canned food without the approval of the tribe.

At Pagong, similar problems are occurring (or reoccurring), in the form of B.B. His workaholic nature bothers most of the tribe, including Colleen. In B.B.'s eyes, the only members of the tribe that work are Gretchen, Greg and Jenna. Ramona has doubts that B.B. will be able to continue his hard work without it negatively impacting him.

It's revealed, over at Tagi, that Richard is gay. He says that if Rudy knew, he's not sure how he'd react. Dirk seems noticeably uncomfortable when Sean and Richard are talking about it, but keeps his mouth shut. Rudy, when he finds out Richard is gay, remains friends with him, but seems unable to stop himself from referring to Richard as both "queer" and "the homosexual." In fact, it's this type of attitude that leads to the classic quote from Rudy, "Me and Richard got to be friends. Not in a homosexual way, that's for sure."

Ramona isn't eating much, and also isn't feeling great, which the tribe feels bad about. Well, most of the tribe, as B.B. states that she doesn't work at all, and that the lack of work ethic is obvious. Gervase disagrees, stating that he doesn't expect the people who are hurt and sick to contribute as much as the others.

Colleen and Greg, meanwhile, hang out a lot, spending a lot of time together, causing gossip from the other tribe members. For the time being, both of them insist it's platonic, Colleen saying that while she didn't think she'd be able to make friends in this environment, Greg proved her wrong.

More trouble arises, though, as the shelter, that is on the beach, has the waves coming up dangerously close to it. Gretchen argued with B.B. when first they got there that the shelter should be up off the beach, but B.B. refused to listen. As a tribe, they try to create a buffer zone between the water and the shelter. Joel and B.B. bicker, with neither one much caring for the other.

Back at Tagi, Sean creates what he calls a "Superpole 2000" and attempts to fish most of the day, which Susan thought was utterly stupid (and wasn't afraid to say so in a confessional). Sean fails to catch anything with the pole.

As foolish as Susan might think Sean is, though, again, B.B. pisses off his tribe mates by washing his clothes with the fresh canteen water. Gretchen, generally a pacifier to B.B.'s antics, joins the others in confronting him. The conflict, with Joel and Gervase jumping on B.B. for his selfishness, resolves nothing.

The Immunity challenge revolves around eating what they believe will be disgusting food. B.B., again, makes the mistake of vocalizing his opinion that they should throw the challenge so they can vote someone undesirable off, an idea that Gretchen cannot believe he said. Ramona and Gervase angrily reject this idea also, as does the whole of the tribe.

What they have to eat are "local delicacies," as Jeff puts it. By that, he means these bad boys:

Beetle larva, which Jeff lets them know is much like the equivalent of sushi on Borneo. Gervase in particular seems freaked out by this, which is shown easily as he takes the longest to down the insect the first time through. Everyone is able to eat one, and the tiebreaker is for each tribe to choose someone from the other tribe to eat two. The one who is able to down two of them quickest wins immunity for the team.

Predictably, Tagi chooses Gervase, while Pagong chooses Stacey. In a tense confrontation, Stacey is able to finish her two first, and win immunity for Tagi.

At Pagong, both B.B. and Ramona are worried about the vote. Both feel they have a chance to go. Jenna, in a confessional, admits that she plans to vote Ramona off, as B.B. has a great work ethic. Gervase believes B.B. has to go, stating he dug his own grave. B.B. believes that either Ramona or Joel should be voted off, both due to their lack of work ethic.

Regardless, from the perspective of the tribe, it'll either be an expected vote for B.B., or a surprise vote for Ramona tonight. Gretchen is emotionally hurting due to tonight's vote, as is Colleen, who is seen crying in the background.

For the most part, it's a blow-out.

The vote count, with the names of who voted for them in parenthesis:

B.B.: 6 [Gretchen, Joel, Gervase, Colleen, Ramona, Jenna]
Ramona: 2 [B.B., Greg]

There is quite a bit to discuss here, so let's start with Tagi, as it'll be quicker.

Richard's friendship with Rudy is a unique element of this episode, one being a gay man, the other being an older military individual. Richard makes an interesting comment, though, early on, indicating that Rudy, in his mind, was next to be voted off. He didn't supply any reason for this, but it's not brought up again as Tagi wins immunity. Because of this, Rudy may be in for a rough time next episode should Tagi fail to win immunity again.

Also worth noting on Tagi, Susan comes to the conclusion that Sean is an idiot. Though the confessional was amusing enough, this may be important as it will potentially shape the way things will happen down the road. So far in this seasons, there's been very little talk of any inter-tribe alliances (which is unthinkable, but given this is the first season, makes sense) aside from Stacey and Kelly's failed attempts to vote Rudy off last episode (if they had actually gotten Susan to switch over, it would have worked).

For their parts, Dirk, Kelly, and Stacey don't have much airtime this episode. Stacey is someone which I'd like to see more of, along with Kelly. If they voted together once before, it's somewhat probable they'd do so again. Dirk is basically a background character at this point. Aside from his faith, which I would expect put him at odds with Richard, he's not done much.

At Pagong, the episode-long drama ended with the source of that drama voted off, being B.B. There are a few interesting notes about that vote, though.

Joel, Ramona, and Gervase were going to vote B.B. off from the beginning. Colleen joined in with them. But despite her confessional suggesting otherwise, Jenna also voted for B.B.

Though not shown on-screen, I suspect this is because B.B. said something along the lines of "Vote me off," albeit probably much less blunt. Gervase and Gretchen both gave confessionals stating that B.B. had given up, and in fact that's the sole reason Gretchen chose to vote for him. B.B. doesn't seem to realize this, as before they start the hike to tribal council, states that if he was voted off, it'd be a disaster for Pagong.

It wasn't a complete landslide, though, which is also interesting.

As stated in this episode, Colleen and Greg have become good friends. Perhaps more than friends, according to people like Ramona. But they voted differently at tribal council.

I think that Greg and Colleen just didn't discuss the vote. The idea of alliances are so alien to these players on Pagong that Greg and Colleen simply didn't think about it. Perhaps they chose not to discuss matters such as who they'd vote for, but either way, despite being two of the closest friends on Pagong, the fact that they didn't vote the same is rather telling.

As for B.B.'s downfall, it's not surprising. Even B.B. likely suspected it and wanted to go. He stated that he's not here to win a popularity contest. His lacking of willingness to even compromise on his work ethic, along with his constant head-butting with both Gretchen and Joel, dug his grave for him. Simply put, the difference between Rudy and B.B. is that while Rudy may not like some of the younger tribe mates, he is wise enough to keep it to himself. B.B. put that all out in the open.

Why Greg stood by B.B., I'm not entirely sure. He did seem to respect B.B. much more than others on the tribe, but even after the potential plea for him to be voted out, Greg still went after Ramona instead.

Also worth noting, though the Immunity challenge was lost by one person, and one person only, that person wasn't even discussed as a potential person to vote for. Gervase really lucked out that B.B. had given up. If this had been a newer season, I suspect the tribe wouldn't have been nearly as forgiving as Pagong seemed to be here.

Personally, I understand where Pagong is coming from. B.B. is abrasive. He's annoying. But at the same time, he was getting stuff done, whereas I believe B.B.'s claim that Ramona has been unable to work more than 15 minutes in five days. Ramona's hurting, and simply has not been contributing nearly as much as B.B. has. Getting along with B.B. would be tough, as he is the cause of the conflicts in Pagong, but he was far more valuable to Pagong than was Ramona. So much like Gervase should feel lucky, Ramona really should too.

For players I feel positively toward, I would list Richard, Colleen, and Gretchen.

Richard may not be a social power of Tagi, but he does seem to think two steps ahead of everyone else (and perhaps three steps ahead of Sean and Susan). He already has the idea that Rudy is the next to go, but at the same time, makes time in his day to talk to Rudy about the fact that he's gay. Whether this is to make sure Rudy wouldn't go against him later on, or it's more a friendly gesture, isn't clear. But what is clear is the fact Richard seems to know what he wants to accomplish.

Colleen, I list for a less strategic reason. She's cute. But more importantly, she seems very sweet. She works harder than some on her tribe, but doesn't allow herself to forget that she's in a whole different country. People like B.B. probably wouldn't traipse around the jungle just checking out the sites. Greg and Colleen do, which I think is just wonderful for the both of them.

Gretchen seems a very sweet woman also. When Ramona was throwing up, Gretchen was by her side. When B.B. was reminiscing about his time on the island, despite their disputes, Gretchen was tearing up. Gretchen seems a strong player, and now that B.B. is gone, unless Joel fights her for it, seems to be the next leader of Pagong. With her leadership, I do think it's likely that Pagong can get their stuff together.


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