Walker S1 Discussion

[Kyle West]

Thanks for reading Kyle, I'll try and respond in a more timely manner next time around.

I'm hoping to read the forth episode soon. Just got to stop getting distracted by my new shiny PS3 first...

[Adam]

I'll warn you now going in - episodes four and five are probably the weakest episodes we've ever done in the whole series. After that, though, the show really found it's voice and the plot kicks in in a huge way. Keep at it, it'll be worth it. And thanks once again.

[Kyle West]

You keep putting down episodes before I read them. Stay positive...I might like them

[Tony O'Stark]

In the spirit of that, episode six is FUCKING ACE. 

[Adam]

Actually, yes. Yes it is.

[Kyle West]

1x04 The Cradle

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I'd approached this script with a little dread, Adam, as you'd made out that it was one of the worst episodes that your show has produced to date. Well, it this is the worst, I suppose I've got a good two dozen or so scripts ahead of me!

One thing I've grown used to with Walker already is action. Previous episodes featured action scenes that felt well-placed should the show have been split into acts. The Cradle is probably the first to go against that, focusing more on setting up the mystery, but to my surprise the 50-odd pages flew by with little pacing issues.

The best material here was probably in the scenes with Sam [in the cell]. Probably due to the plot-relevance they had. I was also impressed with how well a visual you created of the locations in this episode; it was quite easy to picture the dig site, etc.

Not so much in the way of character development, though we do get hints at it for Alec. Safe to say that at this point, Alec is the most interesting character on the show. Chloe, I feel, has been put in this top position on the show, without any real character moments to justify it yet. Looking forward to more from her.

Jackson, despite his scenes with Kate here, is really the least interesting of the lot. Comments you've made about the character in Season Two and such really fill me with confidence though.

This episode rolled along as a very clear standalone, so was actually genuinely surprised when it ended on that big cliffhanger. Looking forward to seeing how it gets resolved in the next episode, and just what the deal with those skulls is.

[Adam]

Kyle's reviewing again! Magic!

I'd approached this script with a little dread, Adam, as you'd made out that it was one of the worst episodes that your show has produced to date. Well, it this is the worst, I suppose I've got a good two dozen or so scripts ahead of me!

Hah! That's great, glad it worked for you mate. I think the issue with this episode, and the one that follows, is that it doesn't tie directly into the main arc of the series and that put a lot of people off - indeed this two parter seems to be where people gave up. If you're enjoying it then that's fantastic and I'm not going to grumble about it.

One thing I've grown used to with Walker already is action. Previous episodes featured action scenes that felt well-placed should the show have been split into acts. The Cradle is probably the first to go against that, focusing more on setting up the mystery, but to my surprise the 50-odd pages flew by with little pacing issues.

This was something of an experiment to do just that, build a slow-burn mystery.

The best material here was probably in the scenes with Sam [in the cell]. Probably due to the plot-relevance they had. I was also impressed with how well a visual you created of the locations in this episode; it was quite easy to picture the dig site, etc.

Writing possessed Sam was great fun. And yes, the dig was something I could see quite clearly in my head and I felt it was important to get a sense of the size and shape of it, given how important that setting becomes in both this and the next ep.

Not so much in the way of character development, though we do get hints at it for Alec. Safe to say that at this point, Alec is the most interesting character on the show. Chloe, I feel, has been put in this top position on the show, without any real character moments to justify it yet. Looking forward to more from her.

Thanks for the nice comments about Alec and Chloe there. I wanted these episodes to really get under his skin, hence Baines' presence, and I think it's important to keep your lead front and centre, certainly in the first few eps of a new series.

Jackson, despite his scenes with Kate here, is really the least interesting of the lot. Comments you've made about the character in Season Two and such really fill me with confidence though.

Yeah, we dropped the ball with him a bit and we'd all admit it, though I have it on good authority that gets dealt with in season two.

Thanks for the comments, Kyle - looking forward to seeing what you make of the answers.

[Kyle West]

Kyle's reviewing again! Magic!

Blame my lack of reviews on my ever-increasing amount of writing projects

[Adam]

That's always been my excuse.

[Kyle West]

1x05 - 'To Tame A Land'

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So, that's part two out of the way, and I can now look back on both episodes and gather my feelings/opinions.

This episode started off at one hell of a pace, so much so that I think the rest of the script suffered afterwards as it couldn't maintain the level of action all throughout. And by 'script suffered', I mean the story...the script itself was written fantastically well, as all of these scripts have been.

Quite liked Kate being a Seer. It's something that is being done quite a lot these days (I even do it in both my own shows), but it works here as what I can only hope is set-up for future run-in's with 'Seers'.

Didn't ever consider that Alec and Sam might end up fighting on the same side. I'll admit, I felt that Alec seemingly knowing Sam wasn't an actual bad guy halfway through the script came out of nowhere, and could have done with more hinting at it prior to that. It just seemed like a random thing thrown in the help move the story into it's final third, instead of actually seeing the process of Alec realising the truth of the unfolding events, etc.

i thought, generally, this was a good pay-off for the first episode. Mulligan being the final villain was hardly shocking, but I liked the fight that followed. Galloway was overdone though, I've gotta say...I got the message that he's an egotistical jerk back in part one...didn't need to keep being told it here too.

Looking at both episodes, I think it's safe to say that these weren't too bad at all. Ok, they felt a bit different, and weren't totally relevant to the shows main stories, but then you've always got to have standalones and such. And what better time for it than this early in season one, where all you should be focusing on in building the world, rules, and characters? Quite frankly, if people did stop reading at this point as you say Adam, then they failed to see the point of the episodes, and clearly have no understanding of how to start off a new show.

Final thoughts: it wasn't complex, it didn't smack of fun, and it wasn't the same kind of dark tale we're already used to getting, but something about this made reading the scripts enjoyable. They were never going to be your best episodes, but they certainly aren't the worst scripts ever written...which is how they'd been made out to me before.

Personally, I enjoyed!

[Tony O'Stark]

My first one up next, Kyle - excited to hear your thoughts!

[Kyle West]

Well I always look for the positives, so you shouldn't worry too much

[Dr. Kyle Banner]

Good God!  I just realised that 1x05 is the last episode I reviewed.  Two years ago!

Once I'm done with 1x06, I'll be back on the reviewing bandwagon.  Promise.

[Fhithich]

Brave New World

Let me start by saying I have limited experience with the world Walker takes place in. I've read the first 12 episodes of the DSR but it was such a long time ago (and my memory's bad enough with short term things!) Regardless, I just jumped straight in.

And it really is like just jumping straight in. The opening is action-packed and atmospheric, and Alec immediately comes across as someone you don't want to fuck with. I believe this is my first Adam Scott script, and I'm enjoying the spritely pace, the introduction of the characters is brilliantly executed without any expositional claptrap. "Full steam ahead" all the way, and it works here.

The scene between Rufus and Chloe where they're discussing Alec came just at the right time. By page 17, though enjoying the action, I was starting to feel like I didn't really know what was going on. Having these two characters discuss the Knights briefly was just enough to keep me interested - and having a character to connect with in Chloe who seems to be a little out of loop on some of the things she's involved in, made the scene more subtle than expositional.

ALEC
Please allow me to introduce
myself, my card.

He puts a business card on the bar. Mickey looks:

MICKEY
It's blank.

ALEC
Business is bad.



Boone is interesting too. I don't really know a lot about the Schism, but the idea of a religious vampire is very intriguing. He has a quality to him as well, aside from his strong faith, an almost sardonic humour, which makes him a good read.

Alec's powers are interesting (they remind me of MM  ) but what's more interesting is the continued suggestion that if he uses them too much there will be severe side-effects. It will be interesting to explore just how much they will effect him over the course of the series. At one point Alec calls the power addictive, and that's a good parallel for our main character.

I need to find another word for "interesting".

The fight with Vargas and his thugs after Alec finds West was brilliantly done - Alec again showing off his action hero credentials. And West's sacrifice was well played, the whole situation with Alec/West/Cassidy showing us that not only do the Knights mean serious business, they also seem to care deeply for each other.

Overall, I really enjoyed this. It has its own style, distinct mythology and several intriguing mysteries already brewing. In some ways, it almost didn't feel like a pilot episode, but that's definitely a strength. Though initially confused (perhaps due to the newness of this world for me), by the end I was glad of the pace and the action, and the lack of "let's sit down and explain this" scenes.

Solid. 

8/10

[Dr. Kyle Banner]

Right, so I got bored.  Here's some of my revised thoughts of episodes 1x01 - 1x07.  More coming soon.

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Right, so we begin with Episode One "Brave New World" which introduces the world of the Knights.  Already several intriguing mysteries have been formed.  Such as the Spartacus plot.  We have a deliciously brilliant villian in the form of Edward Maitland.  And of course, four mezmerizing leads.

The series lead, Alec Walker, starts the series as a capable leader who has a bit of a sarcastic streak in him.  This is by no means a bad thing.  In fact it is one of his stronger qualities.  Through Alec we discover that there are always 50 Knights, which is an interesting idea and one I look forward to delving further into in future seasons.

Supporting Alec is Jackson.  The loyal best friend whose primary job is to prevent Alec from flaming if he uses too much of his Knight powers.  Questions are raised, which part of me wants to see answered, while the other part wants to preserve the mystery.

To whit: How would Jackson stop Alec from flaming?  Something to think about.

The final member of their triage: The wise, but dangerous John Henry Boone.  Nuff said.  A Christian vampire (the idea carried across from Schism, – lovingly referenced throughout the series – The DSR’s spin-off) who cherishes life, but will kill if need be.  Loyal to Alec, I like his begrudging rivalry with Jackson.  Their chemistry buzzes.  The great thing about Boone is that his wisdom always shines through.  And his humour is amazing.  Easily the best regular character in Season 1.

To this oddball group, we add our fourth Musketeer.  Chloe.  Now when I first read Walker, I quite liked Chloe.  But I reckon I was a tad blinded by the inevitable "ZOMG, she's great!" attitude that I usally have when I first read something.

Now that I've had a chance to really look over her character, I’m not too sure about Chloe.  She comes across well enough in the pilot, but as time goes on she becomes more and more inquisitive sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong.  At first it’s understandable – we the audience need to know about this stuff.  But at the same time, she has this indomitable need to know everything about Alec.

The thought however, that this is a plot by MI-16 to find out as much about Alec Walker as possible did cross my mind.

The above thoughts are lessened in 1x07 as Chloe doesn’t come across quite as annoying as she did previously.  She seems to have settled into the team a bit more.  Which is great for her development.  I’m hoping to see more of her relationship with Alec.  Specifically, seeing it fall apart.  ‘Cause I’m sick like that.

Moving onto the other episodes now.  Sanctuary is another rollercoaster episode following on from the pilot, that at times feels like the concluding part.  That's not a bad thing.  In fact it benefits the episode immensley.

I like the fact that Ash and Bone is a slower episode, as it gives the audience a chance to breath.  Despite that though, Chris Haigh manages to tell a rather good story.  The characters are likeable and the story is fairly freak of the week.  Again, despite that.  Fairly enjoyable.

The Cradle and To Tame A Land the big two-parter that really is freak of the week.  Meeting Baines is as always brilliant.  I'd say these episodes are my favourite so far.  The second part feels like it drags a little in places and both parts do feel massive.  Overall, some nice character moments and we introduce Chloe's crush on Alec.  Which I sense will fall apart by season's end.

And after our break from the Maitland/Spartacus plot we dive straight into John Henry Boone.  That didn't come right, but you get what I mean.  A tale of obsession told wonderfully by Mr O'Black.  Progression on the Maitland/Spartacus plot and an excellent view into the world of John Henry.  A real character study on a great character.  More please.

A fairly decent episode is what Trial By Fire is, if not a little by the numbers.  I asked for more John Henry and here I get it.  “We’re off to the theatre, darling” is an excellent moment.

Also, “Ravenwood” and “Anything Goes”.  Tony had fun.  Clearly.  The progression on the Maitland Plot is neatly observed here.  The final scene has a chilling edge to it.  Despite not being quite as good as previous episodes, this one is still fun.

So far this show is really well put together.  I look forward to finishing my review.

There ya go Adam.  Something to chew over, while I read the rest of the series.

[Fhithich]

Sanctuary

So I read this a while ago and didn't get around to reviewing. Forgive me! Here's what I remember:

I loved the teaser, the oblivious, happy characters getting killed by the monster. Mostly because I'm a sucker for these myself. Right away, we're using Chloe again to learn more about this world and what kind of monsters are running around in it, and the "gang" are now starting to develop more of a team relationship amongst themselves - the bickering and the banter is fun. Though a guest star, I really enjoyed Eve's appearance. I mentioned previously that Alec isn't someone you want to mess with, but Eve stands up to him and challenges him, which either means she's got a set of balls or she's not on the side she says she is.

I liked Cassidy but I'd already guessed what would happen to her when Nasir was taken down so soon. A shame, but an ending full of juicy drama for all involved. Another good episode, I think I enjoyed this one slightly more than the first simply because the team are really starting to gel together.

8/10

And I'll remember to write my review alongside reading next time!

[Dr. Kyle Banner]

I have now read the rest of Season One...  Aww, look at you all reading this flabberghasted and amazed

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So, where was I?  Ah yes, Dust to Dust.  A much better episode than the previous (not that I didn't enjoy it, but 'by the numbers' says it all).  There's a greater focus on Alec which grants a better insight into his character.  Mr Jones is awesome and an excellent source of cryptic information.  Also we have our first shot of Flame, who will be incredibly important later on.

However, questions do arise from this episode.  Such as "Who is Hamilton?" "Who else does he have?"  Having read the finale, I suspect the answer to the second question is obvious.

Next we have Flame, Ian Austin's only contribution to Walker.  Despite being riddled with SPAG errors as long as my replica Tom Baker scarf, this episode isn't too bad.  We finally meet Flame properly and he's a bit of a git at times.  However, under the arrogance, lies the heart of someone who truly wants to do good.  We hear the name 'Ezekiel' for the first time as well, along with discovering the truth about Spartacus.  All in all, a decent episode with only a few minor flaws.  Mostly in the spelling.

Coming off the back of Flame, we have No Man's Land.  Now, this is a strange one.  I'm not too sure of the point as it doesn't really advance the plot of the Season very far.  It only really focuses on Boone - providing us with some genuinely brilliant eye popping revelations.  Apart from that, it all seemed incredibly cliched.  Even Keisha's reason for joing Frey.  She's a PSYCHOLOGIST!  She's supposed to be smart.  I find it very difficult to believe that someone whose job it is to study the mind and behaviour of people can fall victim to someone like Frey.  Surely she'll have thought "hang on".

So some good revelations, but on the whole not a very well handled episode.  Which is a surprise coming from Adam.

Kennedy's People.  Another excellent turn from Tony, writing the characters he writes best - The DSR.  This crossover with Walker doesn't overpower the main cast and Tony always keeps in check the characters and their place in the story.  The story itself is quite good actually.  The premise of uncovering Site A and putting a stop to Spartacus before it even gets off the ground is an attractive one.  There really is only one problem I have with this: Kennedy seems far too quick to trust Chloe over Sara, just because she's the one who suggested bringing the intel to him.  Suddenly she's the favourite and Sara is thrown out on her backside?  Sorry, something isn't right here.  I know I should be thinking 'Kennedy, you bastard', but I'm not.

Other than that, it's all good.

Right.  Part One of Two.  Spartacus.  Wow.  That's all I have to say on this one.  Adam manages to craft a tale that rockets from beginning to cliff-hanger.  The myster of Gideon is revealed and in that moment, my mouth was hanging open.  All this time, I thought he was a Vampire.

So, the actual story is mostly set-up for Part Two, but what a set-up.  Of course The Fallen Angel picks up immediately following the previous episode.  And for the record, 'Bring It' is the most awesome line Alec Walker has spoken in the voice.  Ever.  Also, for moments of epicness, see the hero shot on Page 50.  Excellently done.

Anyhoo, Adam continues to barrel through the events of this episode.  Together with Part One, this could have been a movie.  The climax was stunning and each character got his/her chance in the spotlight.

Except Jackson, who I now realise is the most underdeveloped character in Season One.  The only real development I've seen as far as Jackson is concerned, is his relationship with Boone.

Also that last scene.  What. The. Hell?

So then.  Season One  Overall, a fantastic debut season.  With a few nicks along the way, but hey we're not all perfect are we?  This actually defied my expectations as a first season, which were to see a show that tried to find it's feet.  But Adam knew exactly where he was going and that lends much confidence to his handling of the show in general.

Onward to Season 2.

[Dr. Corvero]

Wow, it's been two years since I last reviewed a Walker episode? Why exactly did I stop? I can't remember.

Anyway , after a quick re-read of the first episodes here I am, ready to tackle episode 1x05 (since I already did the  first four ones back in the old ages, a.k.a. 2009).

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And I have to say that I still can't remember why I didn't review this before. The concept and tone are right up my alley, the characters are fun and while it's still finding its feet it's a damn good start for a first season.

This one suffers a bit of the two parter syndrome, in that it feels a tad overlong and the story, while good, is stretched into two episodes when it could have easily worked as one.

The slower pace, however, allows for more character development, so it's not all bad. True, the trigger-happy Colonel is a bit cliche, but newcomer Kate and main Chloe and Alec get lots of nice touches that help us to see what makes them click. Kate in particular could easily become a nice recurring character.

Baines is also another standout. He plays the fun, sarcastic but affectionate mentor with ease, and while his Shakespeare quotes are a bit overdone he fits in nicely as Alec's conscience. Jackson and Boone are sidelined again but the latter gets his moments (like the religious jokes).

The plot is nothing new, but I like the spin about the possessed being the good guys after all, as well as keeping the "black smoke" threat vague and more ominous. The twist about the Professor is also good, if fairly predictable after his scene with Boone.

The only problem I have with the episode (other than the pacing) is that it's a bit unsubtle at times, what with characters (especially Baines) spelling out things to Alec many times.

To sum it up,: not bad at all, and I'd like to see Kate again (which will surely happen) but I know Adam can do better. He's become far more subtle since he wrote this episode and while he did well trying to experiment with the format he's probably learnt a few lessons about it.

The show is very promising and I'll definitely keep reading, hopefully without insanely long pauses this time!

[Fhithich]

SCRIPT SUNDAY!

Ash and Bone

Alec's right - it's always a woman. The Siren is a popular monster these days it seems, but I'm glad to see a slightly more original twist being put on the mythology - she seems to be hunting down specific people instead of just being a big whore bag. Which is a nice change.  It was also good to see someone who can kick Alec's arse in Mr. Jones - very interested to find out what it is that makes him so special that he can just negate Alec's powers. I also really enjoyed the team's banter and interactions this episode, they seem to be getting stronger as a unit of characters with each passing episode. Great ending too - I knew Danny wouldn't survive after saving the day, but I didn't expect that. What a bitch.

Another great episode, I really enjoyed this one as it was a little more toned-down and character-centric. Looking forward to the next! 

8/10

[Adam]

Thanks for reading, Li - this ep has the virtue of being the first ep of the series written by someone other than me, both in terms of release order and in production order. Given he only had the pilot to go on I thought Chris did a bang-up job with this. And no, you haven't seen the last of Mr Jones by a long chalk - he's a chracter who proves to be somewhat divisive to the audience so I'm looking forward to see which side of the divide you end up coming down on.