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Post by Jack Malone on Jan 3, 2016 17:19:54 GMT -6
REVIEW: 3.19 "Fate"This was an extremely bittersweet episode that saw the sendoff for Perry White, a character that's been with us since the beginning of Watchtower. Going into this episode, I had absolutely no idea what to expect from it and having absolutely no idea how Perry would end his role on the series (for now, at least). This was definitely one of if not the most emotional episode of the season so far, especially towards the end where a majority of the character were just hit with a wave of depressing outcomes. All that being said, I thought this was an very well-crafted episode that gave a painfully beautiful send off for the new Editor and Chief of the Daily Planet. Aw, man. I'm so proud and happy with this episode. Just to hear you give it praise - someone I respect, admire and look up to as a writer, but also someone I consider one of my best friends - it means a lot, so thank you so much. I'm so happy to read these thoughts from you, man. I'm not even sure how to respond, because in terms of what I planned, and what I wanted to happen for him, you've just hit the nail on the head. I think it was important to end it the way I did for Chloe and Perry. I think it could have been really easy to step back from it and give them a happier ending, but I think bittersweet is, more times than not, the best way to end something, whether it's a show, or a character's journey, depending on what story you're trying to tell. I don't want to completely duplicate the comics, but I also like to use it as a way to play around with certain things, and so the idea that Perry ends up as Editor in Chief of the Daily Planet, the idea that Chloe isn't involved in all of that, it offers a nice starting point and I just hoped that how Perry would end up there, and how Chloe and Perry aren't in each other's lives anymore, was a good story. At least a better story that receiving an offer, and just driving away, haha! Thank you! The Fate helmet has played such an underlying role in every season so far. It was around the second season where I decided that it should have significance, and it should be something that has pay-off in the end. I am all here for speculation, I love it, and you are right in that it will be something that will be answered eventually. I remember getting to the point in Perry's flashback storyline for the episode, where I was like... if this was me, how would I be convinced to take that leap of faith, and how would I be convinced that I haven't made the wrong decision? Fate can't be a villain, but they are a source of conflict in this episode in a way, and knowing what I do know about Doctor Fate, and who we'll eventually learn is under the mask by series end, I realised that taking the mask off, and showing Perry would offer him that relief, and allow him to make that choice. So while there won't be some massive "who is the under the mask," storyline, we will eventually learn who it is. That sounds contradictory to everything I just said, but I mean... it's not a Hush storyline of trying to figure out who is under the mask, haha! There will be no red herrings and shiz, haha  The idea was to show Lois become that person for Perry, and also hint at their partnership from the comics and from the mythology. But also, on the other side of that which didn't make the cut, I was going to have a scene with Kahn and Chloe that sort of mirrored it but it felt too forced, and instead having Perry sort of say, look after her, or her saying she will or whatever, that felt more right. But yeah, I love writing Lois. I think I get terrified with Smallville characters sometimes cause I'm like... god, I don't know if I got their voice right, haha, but then I'm confident, it's like guest appearance, guest appearance, bring 'em all back, guest appearance! I'm so excited for you to keep reading. I think there's some aspects of this season that have gone under the radar a little bit. It helps that it's taken like two and a bit years to release all the episodes, haha, but there's certain plot threads that haven't been connected yet that the next episode will join up. Oliver and Kyle are good guesses for the man under the mask. I think episode 20 definitely fills in a lot of the back story and joins the dots. I hope you're happy with it  And yeah, I wanted this episode to sort of have an emotional punch to the gut for Chloe, and then have her sort of return back to the Clocktower, and just get the shiiit beaten out of her. I always pictured that reveal happening there, like that, and having it be her who rips at the real bandages, and unmasks Oliver. I mean, in writing 314 where the bandages come off and we see blonde hair... I was like, oh no, they're going to guess it. But that's been the balancing act with the whole mystery component of the season. How much do you write because it's purely important to the story, and how much do you write to throw people off? I think in some areas I've been successful, in others I haven't. First time doing a big mystery, so much like anything VPN-related, trying to learn through experience. Basically, Hush had been taking certain big bads out of their timeline. For example, Poison Ivy was plucked from her future in 310, and he killed her at the end of the episode. The present day Poison Ivy appeared at the end, and so Clayface is more of a drawn out, more developed aspect of it all. Ethan is very much the starting point, but the Clayface that has appeared has, well, the whole Clayface thing going on, but also isn't a good man with a badge, fighting the good fight. There's some interesting twists with him, some clarity coming up, but this episode was all about solidifying everyone's - you guessed it - fate: Hush, Clayface, and Perry White. And don't worry, I get what you mean. There are a lot of characters this season, and a lot of different storylines all developing at the same rate. I certainly didn't intend for comparisons between this, that, or the other, but it's hard not to when you probably want all the time spent on Clayface to be showing us the main big bad, Hush. Clayface is something I've had a lot of fun with, and I hope the finale offers a lot of fun and more enjoyment for him than the build up to everything, but again, I totally get what you're saying No, I almost backed out of the decision to do it, too. I think, what I wanted to do with Harley, and what I think bringing her back did for Helena, just felt it offered more than leaving her dead. The main reason I didn't want to do it is because I feel like it was such a big moment for Helena, and it can kind of take away from that and lessen it's impact. I'm just as mixed as you man. But now that she's back, and now that she can provide even more story, it was what helped me go through with it all. As for the justification, you'll start to see Hush really fucking with Helena. There's more of it in the next episode, but it's kind of started with the last episode where he shows up at the height of her trauma, and says shit like, "it should have been you." I think, for me, Kahn can offer a similar role Perry did, and also keep his presence alive on the show from time to time. I thought there would be questioning behind keeping her relationship with Perry alive, and for me, it was purely because I didn't want any other heartbreak to detract from Chloe and Perry. I didn't want them to have their big goodbye, and then a half-assed, "laters, Kahn." And I feel like because Kahn is a supporting character to a supporting character, and isn't in every episode, there's no reason for her and Perry to be split up at this point. But yeah, I love writing her relationship with Vicki, and it's nice to see her get a shout out "Not because she's my favourite," sure, Jan. Hahaha! But no, Hush is messing with her. It may seem like an odd development but to me, we've seen Hush rip out Waller's eye, the stuff he's doing in the next few episodes is also bat shit crazy, and he understands time, and understands when to do things, and what lies in the future and what doesn't, and so to me it just feels like if he wanted to fuck with Helena's head, and really feed into her fears and her doubts, then he can do that without it seeming ridiculous or anything. Oh my god, Earth-32 Oliver Queen is Hush. You've got me, hahaha When Watchtower finishes, I'll do subsequent spin off shows of all the same characters, just from other Earths. You're welcome, everyone! Thank you so much, man. I really do hope you enjoy the last three episodes. Really, really hope. If not, at least the finale! Haha! |
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Post by Hayden English on Jan 4, 2016 19:37:07 GMT -6
I've just finished reading the finale and, in all honesty, I still have no idea how I feel about it. Although to sum it up in one word: Spectacular.
First of all, I really need to applaud you for incorporating elements of The Killing Joke but in a way that it still works in The Watchtower. It's such a dark and iconic Batman story but Barbara being shot wouldn't necessarily work in each adaptation of the DC universe (I.E. I could have seen it working in the Nolanverse but not the Schumacerverse) but it 100% worked here and it was excellently written. I wasn't expecting it all.
And speaking of things I didn't expect, I completely thought the entire finale was gonna go in an entirely different direction and it blew my mind. I think it's definitely the best Watchtower finale yet and in my Top 5 Episodes list. Fantastic work, Jack. So excited for Season 4
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Post by Jack Malone on Jan 4, 2016 19:57:48 GMT -6
I've just finished reading the finale and, in all honesty, I still have no idea how I feel about it. Although to sum it up in one word: Spectacular. First of all, I really need to applaud you for incorporating elements of The Killing Joke but in a way that it still works in The Watchtower. It's such a dark and iconic Batman story but Barbara being shot wouldn't necessarily work in each adaptation of the DC universe (I.E. I could have seen it working in the Nolanverse but not the Schumacerverse) but it 100% worked here and it wats excellently written. I wasn't expecting it all. And speaking of things I didn't expect, I completely thought the entire finale was gonna go in an entirely different direction and it blew my mind. I think it's definitely the best Watchtower finale yet and in my Top 5 Episodes list. Fantastic work, Jack. So excited for Season 4 Thank you so much, Hayden! I can't believe you think it tops the previous finale, that's a huge compliment. I'm still very proud of 'Anarchy,' and how things played out in that one. I'll be looking forward to see if others share your opinion on that one, but I loved writing 'Hush,' too. There were a few more things I wanted to get in there before wrapping the season up, but there's a whole fourth season coming to do that, so all is good. As for the 'Killing Joke,' I'm glad you liked what I did with it. For me, I knew I didn't really picture Barbara Gordon putting on a Bat-suit and becoming Batgirl, and with Hush playing around with time, I felt like it could speed certain developments up, and sort of make the comics and that timeline and certain aspects of that mythology an alternate timeline/aborted. I think there's a line from The Joker saying that Hush said what he did to Barbara was meant to happen eventually, and they were just 'speeding things along.' So I wanted to play around with that idea, and justify some of the speedy developments for certain characters and their comic book counterparts for this season. I'm happy to hear, in regards to Barbara, that it paid off! Thanks again for the feedback! I can't believe it's a top 5, that's awesome. Hopefully S4 can live up to it! |
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Post by Hayden English on Jan 4, 2016 20:23:03 GMT -6
It definitely worked and I can't wait to see how the repercussions of the finale play out in Season 4 and how the characters deal with it
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Post by Brady Brown on Jan 16, 2016 10:51:41 GMT -6
REVIEW: 3.20 "Betrayal"
Hush is finally revealed! I was pretty much convinced that it was Oliver last episode, so seeing it actually not be him and somehow tie that into the Identity Thief storyline was really exciting. We also got a return from Black Canary, as well as a Gordon/Sarah team up that led to a shocking cliffhanger. This was another really solid installment to the third season of "Watchtower," and I know I've said this in the last few reviews, but you can really tell by the tone, atmosphere, etc. that we're gearing up for a crazy season finale where literally anything could end up happening. Of course I'm excited.
Let's go ahead and talk about the identity of Hush. Like I said in my last review, I thought making it "Kyle" was a really obvious choose with him being the newest character to join the mix and who also had the ability to 'echo' himself. So, when I did find out that it was Kyle/Dusan I was on the fence about the whole situation; however you managed to craft and entirely new, unique idea surrounding him with the arabic inscriptions and the way of separating Dusan and Kyle so it made for a more satisfying reveal. I wonder if there are still any more plot twists surrounding Hush and the idea of Dusan/Kyle. We shall see!
Black Canary was back! It was nice to catch up with her. I loved the line where she says the she's not the one for Oliver, but Oliver's the one for her. That's just some pretty heartbreaking stuff, but it also added a sense of realism to her character amongst all the craziness of time travel and identities thieves. Her argument with Chloe was also very believable before everything was revealed to be a trick! I love when stuff like that happens, the action scene that followed was, for the lack of a better word, perfection. I loved seeing everyone burst in and use their respected weapons against Oliver. It was just a pure thrill ride.
The Vicki and Ethan drama was fine. I almost wanted Vicki to try and understand why Ethan did what he did in order to protect her, but I guess these things happen in the heat of the moment like this. I mean, it's obvious Ethan is eating himself up with guilt, so I don't know. It almost played out too much like it should have. I don't know if that makes sense. If not, buy the time you reply to this I should have come up with a better way to word this.
We also got some reveals as to why Sarah is working with Hush. Making a family matter always works and allows for a better connection to the reader, because... what if that was my son, mother, etc. Gordon determination was also really refreshing to see, because I can't remember the last episode where he was involved as much as he was now. But this all led up to a pretty big reveal of Selina being alive! I'm so happy she is. She's a great character and I would hate to see you actually lay waste to her.
Another great episode. Not much else I can say except let's get these last two episodes rolling (@ me)!
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Post by Brady Brown on Jan 16, 2016 12:32:06 GMT -6
REVIEW: 3.21 "Broken"
This review is probably going to be rather short and formatted into bullet points; apologies, but I don't have the time to write a full fledged review, but I wanted to get my thoughts down so you could see what I thought and had something to talk about!
- I loved the Birds of Prey team up. It was such a really action-packed and thrilling moment that really capitalized on these character's strengths and, in Helena's cases, weaknesses. I just really enjoyed these women working together and hopefully they can have more team ups in the future; that is, unless you kill one or more of them.
- The opening was quite dark, and reminded me a lot of Jessica Jones. Hush's powers are becoming more and more sinister, and that was really well done in this episode.
- Gordon was a standout in the episode. I really like that we got a nice focus on him and his relationship with Barbara, even though they shared practically zero scenes. His love for her is a real driving point for his character. It was great.
- The virus is unleashed! Tying back into what I said about the sinister powers of Hush.
- Selena and Bruce had a nice moment; though, I don't expect Selina's goodbye to be "forever".
- The scene between Helena and Dick was quite heartbreaking. I thought the action dragged a little bit, almost to the point of why Helena is going to such lengths when Dick is clearly not fighting back, but the ending made it worth it.
- Barbara has been crippled it seems. We all knew it was coming, and I liked the tie ins to the Killing Joke storyline.
- I hope Talia has not fallen. It would be quite a shame for her to have found actual love with someone only to be stricken down by her family in the same episode, but it would reverberate the extremely dark tone of this string of episodes.
- Is there a new Ra's? Is it not Liam Neeson? It's Jason Isaacs now? WHAT IS HAPPENING??? IDENTITY THEIF??? (but no, pls explain.)
- The army has been released. Time to gear up for the season finale!
Okay, so I really enjoyed this episode. Hopefully this review was fine, but I do promise to leave a proper, in depth review for the finale. I just needed to get my thoughts down!
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Post by Brady Brown on Jan 16, 2016 18:01:27 GMT -6
REVIEW: 3.22 "Hush"Here we are. Season 3 has been completed and dusted, and we're left with another array of cliffhangers in true "Watchtower" fashion. There were a lot of familiar faces in this episode, as we opened up with scenes that really show Chloe's journey and important relationships and milestones in her life. I really liked that opening. It was actually quite beautiful to relive these moments as Chloe was narrating her live from Smallville S1 to Watchtower S3, and I particularly like that there was a large focus on her relationship with Clark. Both of those individuals really shaped one another and have the most important relationship on Smallville. Chronicling that influence and her journey was just an awesome way to open the episode. Speaking of Chloe, she did have a great role in this episode. I loved her determination to try and rally up the troops by calling on all the vigilantes and the citizens of Gotham to try and take their city back. She has a great influence on pretty much every single character on the show, and it was just great to show how she can affect a large group of people; an entire city even. Chloe Sullivan really shined in this episode, as she always does. One thing I did notice, throughout the first half especially, was an excessive amount of dashes in the action lines. Nothing huge, but it was noticeable and I just wanted to bring it up for any future instances, because it can become quite repetitive. I really liked that we caught up with Kyle from the past. It was a great way to tie back in the theme of destiny by having him struggle with figuring out the monster he was eventually supposed to become. Him popping up also saw the return of his relationship with Chloe, which was a highlight for the first half of the season. I think Chloe's "mentor" position really switched from Kyle to Barbara during the back half of the season, so it was almost nostalgic for Chloe and Kyle to be working together again before... Doomsday? What?? Sort of along the same lines, I wish there was more of Dusan and Hush in this episode. I think the reasonings, reveals, etc. that came along with this storyline sort of got lost in the finale amongst everything else that was happening. I don't think that's a fault in the writing; it's very much due to how these episodes were spread out. It's the nature of the beast that is a virtual series, so I don't really have any suggestions for this other than I wish there was some sort of... I don't know, I don't want to say "spoon fed" information, because I know you're probably very much against that, but maybe Chloe explained certain things to Kyle. Again, I have no idea. It's just very tricky. We also saw Helena fully succumb to the darkness and take her own life. The scene with her and Dick on the phone was really well done and I think the emotion in both of their lines was something really commendable, but... I just can't convince myself Helena is dead, or at least will stay dead. I can't see her just stop fighting and then not get a second chance. I'm trying to not look at it through biased lenses by her being my favorite character, but I just see so much left for her to do, to grow, etc. Anyway, with that aside, her scene with "Guido" was very touching and her lines of everything still hurting after two years were really resonate. But yeah, I just think killing off Helena and having her stayed dead would almost be a missed opportunity to explore her actually finding solace with someone who actually makes her a better person. I'm speculating now. I hope the lazarus serum brings her back, or something brings her back because there just seems to be so much more story for Helena that needs to be told. The Vicki/Ethan drama also came to a climax in this episode. I was almost rooting for Ethan during this, if I'm being honest. I don't like how Vicki went about it and basically turned into what she was condemning Ethan for. It was just really weird to me, and she brought up the fact that she never said she was a good guy or something, but then she followed through with icing Ethan over. It was almost incredibly hypocritical of her, and I just didn't expect her to flip as quickly as she did those 1 or 2 episodes back. I just never saw Ethan as a guy who was evil. I know he did evil things, but it was all to protect Vicki, and that never came across as weird, creepy, psycho the way I think Vicki took it. I'm just a lil disappointed in Vicki for that. Coming out of the finale, I'm probably most excited for Gordon's story going forward. I think he's aptly justified in his hatred, even if it sometimes seems incredibly hostile. While I don't think he's necessarily thinking with a clear head, I think he's obviously a hurt parent who just wants justice for what happened to his daughter, and I can't blame him for that. I mean, Barbara is practically an adult and she made her own decisions, so I think if Gordon stays all anti-vigilante for a while then it could be a weird step in his development. However, him shooting the Batman became a bit illogical. I get his anger, I get he's upset, but I think I have the same issues with this scene as I did with the Talia vs Selina one. Like, Gordon literally just saw Batman attempting to stop Hush and as soon as Hush disintegrated he just went and shot Batman. Just seems a bit... weird, I guess. Some other notes: - I really enjoyed the battle between Bruce and Hush. Hush was clearly a match for Bruce, which was proven by being able to destroy his breast plate (Hush got the hots for Batman tho??). I don't really have anything else to say about this except that it was a really cool fight scene. - I'm glad we got to see Talia one last time this season. I think it really helped round off her this season, and I would have been upset if that scene wasn't placed in there, so I'm glad you were able to find a way to squeeze her into the finale. - I loved the Speedy/Green Arrow/Black Canary team up. Also, interesting way to make Oliver stay behind in Gotham by bringing up his fortune again. - The Selina/Arizona reunion was a very nice, hopeful moment amongst everything else being really dark. - Manhunter!! - Amanda Waller?? - Chloe actually getting arrested. Revealing who you are to the world always seems to have negative outcomes, and now that Chloe seems to be facing a trial I can't wait to see how a legal aspect will effect "Watchtower". I think I've covered everything! I know a had a little more than normal critiques, but I think it's especially important to point out things in the finale to try and hopefully give you some justified suggestions in gearing up for season four. Plus, I'm sure you'd want to know what worked/didn't work for me. But anyway, another great episode of "Watchtower," and another great finale. So many cliffhangers that I can't wait to see answered in season four! Congrats on finishing another hefty season, and here's hoping that season 4 is smooth sailing for you!
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Post by Jack Malone on Jan 16, 2016 18:53:58 GMT -6
REVIEW: 3.20 "Betrayal"Hush is finally revealed! I was pretty much convinced that it was Oliver last episode, so seeing it actually not be him and somehow tie that into the Identity Thief storyline was really exciting. We also got a return from Black Canary, as well as a Gordon/Sarah team up that led to a shocking cliffhanger. This was another really solid installment to the third season of "Watchtower," and I know I've said this in the last few reviews, but you can really tell by the tone, atmosphere, etc. that we're gearing up for a crazy season finale where literally anything could end up happening. Of course I'm excited. Thanks, man. The 'Identity Thief' was one of the last few loose ends to tie up, and so I was excited to link it back and do the big reveal in this one. Yeah, I think when it comes to mysteries and things it would be silly of me to change avenues or plans because of something becoming obvious or not. For me, there was always a fine line between doing what 100% made sense for the story going forward, and trying to make the reader think it was someone else, or steer them off course whilst keeping within the 'canon' of it all, I guess you could say. Oliver was the final big twist before giving into the big reveal, which was a lot of fun because it links back to Identity Thief, and the blonde hair reveal of Hush, and all of it. I'm glad you find the Dusan/Kyle thing a better take than just "Kyle was evil this entire time." I felt like Kyle was a really fun part of the season, and as you'll see in the finale, he does have this identity outside of Dusan that was forged, and so I wanted to honour that in the finale, too Hahaha, that's the fight scene I had to "storyboard" (looking at you Brian) and sent to you guys because there were so many damn characters in the one room, I needed to figure out how it would all flow. I'm glad it paid off. As for Black Canary, I feel like I have a cool opportunity to play around with the comics and play around with certain things because of Oliver losing his memories of Chloe. But the show isn't exactly like the comics, so I thought it would be a nice twist on their relationship to have Oliver be this character who, for all intents and purposes, does love Dinah but part of him is forever searching for that thing he can't put his finger on, hence all the unfaithfulness and/or cheating. Hahaha. To me, I see both sides. I didn't want to craft Ethan into some mastermind villain, but at the same time, he's done really terrible things that - while he's had all this time to sit on it because of all the time-travel bullshit - it's still very new to Vicki. So I feel they're both very justified in their reactions, in their efforts and motivations. I really liked writing Sarah. I love complicated relationships, and I think seeing her and Gordon could be really interesting. I'm hoping to explore their dynamic, and Sarah, and her son more next season D uuude, Selina is like one of my favourite characters. Her 'death' served a purpose as it rounded out an aspect of her character that is yet to be explored fully (the whole 'nine lives' thing) but there was no way she was a goner. I'm glad you're not a reader who is like, "Well, you just killed this character. Guess I've got to accept it." Although, it's not like Sara Lance extreme (thank god). But yeah, I think I always knew that Selina kind of started the season off in the worst possible place, and I wanted it to end in a really good place for her, so yeah Thanks, buddy. I appreciate the feedback |
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Post by Jack Malone on Jan 16, 2016 19:12:27 GMT -6
REVIEW: 3.21 "Broken"This review is probably going to be rather short and formatted into bullet points; apologies, but I don't have the time to write a full fledged review, but I wanted to get my thoughts down so you could see what I thought and had something to talk about! Ah, all these reviews are amazing. Thank you so much! "Unless you kill one or more of them" so rude. Birds of Prey has been something teased since like the first season so it was really nice to have like an actual version of them, three seasons in. I'm glad it was well received The new power is really a big set-up for Maxwell Lord for S4. He has the ability to control people. And also, Sarah and her son play a pretty big role in the fourth season, so having Jimmy lose his adoptive parents, and sort of see him spiralling a little bit and see him caught in the crossfire... it just adds even more story to explore next season for him I've loved writing their scenes this season. Gordon, in these last few episodes, has been such an awesome character to write for and I was heavily inspired by this episode of Batman The Animated Series where Barbara dies, and Gordon finds out that she was Batgirl, and goes on this massive rampage for Batman. I felt like the character has never really been explored beyond the point of "a good man in a bad city," so I thought to shake things up let's see him face some corruption, which comes to a bigger point in the finale. Dun, dun, dunnn. For me, it just felt like Selina had spent the entire season searching for Holly, that it would feel so weird to have her find solace with Bruce. So, while I wanted to honour her relationship with Bruce, I felt like the season wouldn't feel finished for her if she stuck around in Gotham with him, so giving her the details to find Holly (and seeing them reunite at the end of the finale) felt like the better end to the season. I'm hopeful we'll see her again. I'd love to do a Gotham Sirens episode with Catwoman, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy That's fair. It's such a weird scene, too, because it's got that level of action but it's more emotional. I guess finding a better balance would have made it work better, but I'm glad how it ended sort of made up for it all This whole season I've played around with the idea that Hush has crossed wires, he knows the future, he has changed things, and one of the ideas I had was to sort of say if he knows something is supposed to happen, then he can instigate it and control it to step around the whole 'destiny' thing. So with Barbara, I had it in my mind that this wasn't supposed to happen for another few years, but he's re-created the situation, and so it was just a fun (probably not the right word) way to play around with the comics, and really solidify that origin for Barbara. Death is a totally different concept for Talia when it comes to writing it. I mean, it just is. It's the same with Ra's. So, I think while it's the end of her journey for this season, Talia is never going to be gone for good because that's not the world she lives in. For me, it felt right for wrapping up her story and having her be someone who was fighting with her father at the start of the season, to now fighting against him with conviction. The whole love story with Bruce just adds a little heartbreak into the mix. New body when he was resurrected in 316 Hell, if Talia comes back, it might be a new body too  Yay, I'm so excited about the army It's all good. I loved reading your thoughts. Thanks again, man! |
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Post by Jack Malone on Jan 16, 2016 20:13:20 GMT -6
REVIEW: 3.22 "Hush"Here we are. Season 3 has been completed and dusted, and we're left with another array of cliffhangers in true "Watchtower" fashion. There were a lot of familiar faces in this episode, as we opened up with scenes that really show Chloe's journey and important relationships and milestones in her life. I really liked that opening. It was actually quite beautiful to relive these moments as Chloe was narrating her live from Smallville S1 to Watchtower S3, and I particularly like that there was a large focus on her relationship with Clark. Both of those individuals really shaped one another and have the most important relationship on Smallville. Chronicling that influence and her journey was just an awesome way to open the episode. Thanks, man. I almost cut the whole thing, but I feel like it just enhanced the vibes of her journey in this particular episode, but also set up the fact that she's going to be facing a trial where a lot of this stuff, a lot of her life, will be held against her. Ever since 'Anarchy,' I feel like following a pattern for the finale of having this voice over, and revealing what it really relates to by the last scene. I think it's just something I enjoyed so much the first time that I'd like to see if I can keep it for subsequent finales, so I'm glad you enjoyed it That's awesome to hear. Thank you Yeah, it's still something I'm learning. Basically, I did a lot of script research because there was a hell of a lot of action in this one episode that it felt so repetitive of doing, "she hits that, they hit this, they do that, and they do this," and I looked to The Dark Knight script a lot which has a format and a structure that I really enjoy, and found that with action, the dashes are really common. It's new, so I'll get the hang of it the more I play around with it. But I think it can be attributed mostly to the heavy action in this episode, which the usual episode of 'Watchtower' doesn't contain this much of I definitely agree with that statement. I think what I was going for was to show Chloe kind of mess up really badly when it came to Kyle, and Barbara sort of being, more or less, the one she got right. So it did feel nostalgic writing these Chloe/Kyle scenes because it felt like 'what could have been' with them if Chloe was open and honest, which she really was this time around. The Doomsday thing might be confusing because it took like two a bit years to air this god damn season, haha. But basically, the Kyle that came through in this episode arrived from 307. In 307, he runs into Hush and teleports out in fear and that launched his 'getting lost in time' storyline that played out in present-time. In 308, he returns at the very end and basically reveals that he saw Doomsday and what was going to happen, so it's basically a tie-in to all of it. So he ended up in the finale prior to ending up where Doomsday was, and seeing what was to come. So it basically takes him from one spot, and inserts him back into the narrative to have that flow and call back to continuity No, I know what you mean. What sucks is when you have like everything jotted down from start to finish in terms of a Hush timeline, and you want to basically insert that into a final to be like "this is how it all happened," but - like you said - it's the nature of the beast. I didn't really want to recap everything. But yeah, I totally get where you're coming from and it was something I struggled with finding the right approach to going into this finale. But I am happy with the end result. I felt like, for this episode, there could be conversation and exposition about certain things, but it mostly felt that way because it was time for closure, and time to wrap things up, and get to that big climactic battle between Hush and Batman. So I don't know. The situation basically comes down to the Lazarus serum, and whether Bruce - who also took a fall - used it on himself like Talia told him to or used it, unwillingly, on Helena. For me, the season was always heading to that rooftop for Helena. I can't say much else about it because that is a question going into the fourth season, and it is something to sort of look out for in the fourth season, but as for Season 3, I always pictured it ending this way for her because it's what she said was going to happen from the start of 301 'Lazarus' and after what happened with Lisa, it just feels like another kick to the gut while she's down. God, I want to say so much about this, but I really can't. That's totally cool. I like hearing different perspectives of things, and I feel like the way it was written even felt like Vicki was at one extreme and sort of living in a black and white world whereas Ethan was sort of in this grey area where he can turn around and say, "I didn't want this, but I had to do it to protect you." For Vicki, she felt that was really dangerous. But again, I feel Vicki was justified and I feel Ethan was justified, and so looking at any character and going, "I'm on their side," feels like a compliment to me. I mean, in terms of writing, I don't think I'd change anything, so I think it's very much about the character and their actions. There's some time related stuff happening in this episode that I might have to explain but basically at the end of 320 or 321 (whenever Vicki sort of tells Ethan to leave her alone), that's the end of the present-day Ethan, and the Ethan that's surfaced in the finale is one who was brought back from the future by Hush, who was protecting the base in 317, who was 'Cameron' mid-season, etc. So, to me, that factored into things as well, and does mean that Clayface could surface once again as Ethan is technically still out there in the world, drowning in his sorrows. I think we'll see a bit of anti-vigilante Gordon coming into the new season, and he does kind of take on an antagonistic role, but at the end of the day, it's Jim Gordon. As I said, I was heavily inspired by Batman the Animated Series where Barbara dies, and Gordon goes on this massive rampage to hunt down the Batman. Of course, it ended up all being Barbara's dream, but it made me think... what if it wasn't, what if Gordon did snap, what if that side of his character was fleshed out and we did explore a temper, and preyed on his need to keep Barbara safe. This season kind of juggled the idea that he wanted to keep these two lives separate, and they joined in the worst possible way so, for me, it didn't feel illogical for what he did. Batman stopping Hush, or Hush disappearing... his quarrel wasn't just with Hush. At this point, his quarrel was with Batman, because he feels betrayed. He feels like someone he believed in him disappointed him, and someone he trusted had betrayed that trust, and he's probably more angry at himself than anything else, but all of this builds into what will hopefully be a nice arc when we return for Season 4. Hahaha, oh my god. The episode that never happened, and the ship that never sailed. But no, the whole ripping of the breast plate and stuff was about him needing skin to skin contact to do the mind control stuff. He wanted to know where the virus was, and plus I just thought that when we're dealing with the death of a vigilante, and someone like Batman, it's about tearing everything down in front of the city. So I just had this image in my head of Batman being ripped to shreds before he "falls" at Gordon's hand, so I'm really glad you liked that aspect of it, and enjoyed the big fight scene Thanks, man. I wasn't sure if she'd be in this episode, but then when Chloe ended up back in the "abyss," it felt like the perfect time to bring Talia in for a second. I like finding parallels, especially between premieres and finales, so this was one that felt very natural and was nice to return to. I had so much fun with the "Tis but a scratch" "Why do I fight crime with you?" scene between GA/Speedy. And yeah, the money that Chloe used to essentially outbid Burt for Bane in 318 Salvation was taken from Oliver, and so he's here to figure out what in the hell happened, and where all this other money has gone. I felt like it was an organic way to keep Oliver back in Gotham for however long that may play out for I'm glad this got a mention. Like I said in the previous review, this whole season for Selina was about finding Holly/Arizona so she kind of got a happy ending amongst all the tragedy and cliffhangers, haha I had way too much fun with Manhunter, omfg See, I'm not a monster, I swear, I SWEAR! I'm excited. I'm still tossing up between coming back three months later to sit the trial, or have the verdict be in deliberations when we come back, but either way, there's a nice story to tell there, and Kate Spencer (Manhunter) will be involved, and maybe even Amanda Waller. I'm really excited. I can't freaking wait Thanks, man. Dude, any critique is fine, whether it's the finale or not. I appreciate all your feedback. I hope you can enjoy the fourth season just as much and it delivers on answering all the questions surrounding these cliffhangers. Thanks for being such a supportive friend and reader for the season, and it means a lot to hear from you on every episode, so thank you |
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Post by Antwan Eley on Apr 13, 2016 14:10:17 GMT -6
Omg i just finished reading the Lazarus and man...best virtual episode I have honestly read ever. Exciting and kept me reading for more. I have been long since wanting the time to get into and read this whole series but decided to jump in at this point and get caught up on the earlier episodes later and man i am glad i did. INCREDIBLE and well written. I knew Chloe had to come back so it was nice to see just how far Bruce would go for her and I am totally curious just as Lois to know what happened with her and Oliver since i honestly don't know as i haven't seen their break up yet and wow Chloe have a child. I am curious to know if Bruce is in her with her or if Selina is the woman who he told Talia he was taken by.
I really like Helena and Lisa and seeing her with a woman was surprising but it seemed kinda fitting. And I have to say that you have done well with making Bruce a character as no other media really have gotten to the man behind the mask. I'm not familiar with Vicki Vale but she is a character i totally wanna get into and seem a little like Laurel from Arrow which is good since i love Laurel and all. And yay Barbara. So hope to see more of her and man you scared me and I believed that Selina was dead but found out she wasn't at the end. So interested in seeing that story. And LOIS so hope she makes another appearance as I love seeing her without Clark and in her own thing rocking it. And Perry! I hope he isn't dead and seeing him kinda with his Watchtower on was cool. No idea who Holly is but i'm interested in the Hush storyline and seeing that develop and man! I definitely have to binge read this season and get caught up!
I feel like i missed something BUT overall man this is a great premiere to what looks like an exciting season.
OH Talia in Chloe and omg just seeing Chloe's progression this season will be so fun to read. And seeing if Oliver will return or hell where he is and where is the baby and omg. I have to get caught up. And i can't say omg anymore or i will go crazy.
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Post by Jack Malone on Apr 14, 2016 3:20:51 GMT -6
Omg i just finished reading the Lazarus and man...best virtual episode I have honestly read ever. Exciting and kept me reading for more. I have been long since wanting the time to get into and read this whole series but decided to jump in at this point and get caught up on the earlier episodes later and man i am glad i did. INCREDIBLE and well written. I knew Chloe had to come back so it was nice to see just how far Bruce would go for her and I am totally curious just as Lois to know what happened with her and Oliver since i honestly don't know as i haven't seen their break up yet and wow Chloe have a child. I am curious to know if Bruce is in her with her or if Selina is the woman who he told Talia he was taken by. The plan is to go back and release edited versions of the first two seasons with the knowledge I have now of scriptwriting to keep myself from being embarrassed by those who want to start from the first season, so I actually appreciate you jumping on board from the third season! I'm glad you could enjoy this episode as a starting point! It's so hard to get back into the mindset of earlier episodes but I'll try my best. I was worried people might think pairing Helena up with Lisa would be some "one year later" shock value moment but I felt like we hadn't really explored Helena's love life on the show minus a really complicated two or three episode stint in the second season, and so when it came to asking questions about that and what I saw for her and her identity and sexuality and all of that, I just felt very strongly about her being a bisexual character. And that scene that introduces her relationship with Lisa was so damn fun to write. From memory, I think I went into that episode with that specific scene already playing out in my head and just wanting to crack down on it and write it. I have more fun writing Bruce without the mask than I do with him in a mask. Maybe that's because Batman doesn't do much talking, and the persona isn't as developed as it is in the comics yet so there's room to have equal amounts of fun with both eventually. Laurel Lance is my favourite. Oh my god. She's up there with Chloe Sullivan in terms of my favourite characters on TV. So comparing my interpretation of Vicki Vale with her is a huge compliment. You are awesome for that, haha! I think she has one of the better arcs of the season. She really goes through some shit -- for a lack of a better way to word it. Aw, I actually forgot this episode introduced Barbara. Man, she also has a lot of stuff going on this season. I knew in tackling Hush that the story had to be introduced through Selina, purely because of the comic book history involved there. So I had a lot of fun playing around with that this season, and there's definitely more to come! Same with Perry and Lois A lot happens in the first two seasons, especially with Chloe. But Season 3 is a good starting point because there is a huge one year time jump between the last season and this one, and it spirals into it's own story. Hahaha, thank you so much for leaving a review and reading the episode. I appreciate it. Definitely answer all those questions in the first eight or so episodes of the season (from memory). If you continue reading, I hope you like how the rest of the season plays out! |
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