S1 Discussion Thread

[Jamison]

Jul 12, 2012 23:05:01 GMT -6 Squirrel Stone said:

So I'm obviously a bit late to join the reviewing party, but oh well. To be honest, I never read the first season, just jumped on into the second, so I didn't know what to expect from earlier work. I suppose I'll start with the beginning.

To be honest, I'm quite shocked to be getting a new review for season one I glad you've decided to go back and see how everything started.

I absolutely loved Lana's starting voice over. As for Quentin, I really thought for a second there that he started out as a bad guy, or at least a guy with some edge to him. It's a dark side that is fun to see in characters when you first meet them, whether it continues or not.

That voiceover, in the beginning, is something that will be touched upon again in the season one finale. Season one was all about setting up the story, sort of like a prequel for Lana before she actually takes up the title "Trinity." So, I'm glad you liked that little hidden flashback

As for Cynthia, she seems a bit cliched, though judging by season two, that issue is more than fixed.

Cynthia was a little rough for the first few episodes, to a lot of readers. I think she's just a character that grows on you, because I think she has developed the most, of all the characters, so far.

Quentin's graveyard talk with his wife. It was simple enough, though it opened the fact that he really loved Valentina, enough to bring her her favorite flower instead of just some store-bought bouquet. Also, seeing Cynthia's vision of her and Quentin only two scenes after the graveyard scene made me a bit uncomfortable, like you were stretching a bit too far to assure the readers that Quentin will get over his wife.

Quentin is definitely still in love with Valentina. We see that, even in season two. I think he needs some closure when it comes it her. I love that graveyard scene, and I always remember it because it was the first time I introduced the "second woman," in Quentin's life. HAHA! Seems like such a long time ago.

Sorry about the whole Cynthia/Quentin thing. It was initially put in the script to serve as a introduction from Cynthia's point of view, but the future is always changing so, that may or may not ever happen, and if it does, the circumstances may be different than what you'd think from that vision.

The scene where Cynthia was kidnapped was kind of expected, but in that way that makes you sit on the edge of your seat during the entire scene, telling the college girl not to go into the basement. I loved it! I also loved the rock that weakened Lana, and it raises a few questions to keep you hooked, like what is it and how does it hurt her, a human? The ending was quite a surprise as well. I didn't see it coming at all.

I love when I excite people with my writing. I always try to make it as real, and gripping as possible, and I'm glad it worked out. I like to think that my writing techniques has developed and grown even more, so I hope as you continue to read, you notice that growth.

Overall, the episode was a solid A. I'm looking forward to reading more!

Thank you, so much! I'm really glad you enjoyed the pilot!! Still shocked I even got this review! hahaha!

[trinity]

Hey, I'm pretty hooked into the show. Pity I found it so late:( But better late than never.
I just have one queston, because I saw in one of your trailers for Trinity that Lex will be back. I'm not asking you to reveal anything you don't want to, but could you please tell me whether Lex will be the villain? I'm Lexana fan and I would like to hope that they could work things out.
I'm not sure how I feel about Lana and some other guy than Lex.

[Megan Roberts]

Re-reading the episodes of season one and I'm quickly remembering why I fell in love with this concept. I've always been a fan of Lana Lang as a character and thought she had much more potential beyond her character journey on Smallville. The thing I enjoyed most about her character in the early scripts I've read is how mature she is in comparison to her earlier portrayal in the television series. I can't wait to give you a much more fuller and indepth review on this and hope to catch up as soon as possible. Can't wait to get really into things! Great job, Chris!

[Jamison]

^ Thanks Megan. It's good here from you again.

When starting Trinity, I wanted to make sure I showed a clear change and development from where Smallville left her character, to where I decided to pick her back up, so I'm glad that came across this early on. I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say about the later episodes. Hopefully we can get the show up and running very soon.

[Alex Matthews]

so, i've finally read all episodes of Trinity...

Overall, I have enjoyed seeing Lana come into her own, and the relationship with Quentin, the development of him and his relationship with both Lana and Valentina. I loved the fact that the kryptonite in Lana's blood is removed and this causes all kinds of problems and new meteor freaks to develop.

However, as someone else commented on earlier, I have found myself shaking my head at times because of a particular flaw in the show's 'mythology' - that being Lana's apparent ability to 'remove' the Prometheus suit, which was actually grafted to her permanently and CANNOT be removed, hence the reason she had to finally leave Clark behind. I'm sorry, but that really ruins my enjoyment of the show, because to me it's a major flaw in the writing. When I read the scene where Quentin actually makes a point to Lana about her not wearing the suit after 'Extract', I was shaking my head in disappointment. That suit is the source of Lana's powers, she CANNOT be Trinity without it, at least not in any superpowered form, and that was the whole point of her getting it - wanting to HAVE power in order to make a difference.

I've also found the characterisation of Amanda disappointing at times- I don't see her as 'evil', but simly focused and determined to protect not just her country, but her planet as well. Other characters, like Pete and Cynthia also seemed to suffer from not being developed enough, although I applaud the introduction of another DC character in Cynthia, I actually thought she was an original creation at first until I studied up. Pete, however I can do without, I couldn't stand the character in the original show, and really think he is a waste of space and time.
Jake, while interesting, as I find a little bit of a wildcard, I find him also hard to take serious - when I read in Season 2 the scene where he meets Lex, I laughed because I wondered if Lex thought he looked familiar - since Paul Wesley had previously played Lucas Luthor. I also feel that bringing in the Green Lantern Corps wasn't explored as well as it could be, although it did well in helped Jake break the shackles to Checkmate, if only temporarily

Please do not get me wrong, I will continue to read Trinity when it resumes, I still enjoy the series, but I feel it could be a lot stronger then it currently seems to me.

[Aimee Nicole]

Jan 20, 2013 8:29:00 GMT -6 Alex Matthews said:

However, as someone else commented on earlier, I have found myself shaking my head at times because of a particular flaw in the show's 'mythology' - that being Lana's apparent ability to 'remove' the Prometheus suit, which was actually grafted to her permanently and CANNOT be removed, hence the reason she had to finally leave Clark behind. I'm sorry, but that really ruins my enjoyment of the show, because to me it's a major flaw in the writing. When I read the scene where Quentin actually makes a point to Lana about her not wearing the suit after 'Extract', I was shaking my head in disappointment. That suit is the source of Lana's powers, she CANNOT be Trinity without it, at least not in any superpowered form, and that was the whole point of her getting it - wanting to HAVE power in order to make a difference.

I know Chris'll probably respond to this himself when he gets the chance, but as someone who has really enjoyed what I've read of Trinity, I thought I'd come make a point. I'm sure Chris probably made this change on purpose. I wouldn't call it a "flaw". Like, this isn't Smallville, it's Trinity, I think he's allowed to take the mythology and build upon it in the way he wants and the way that fits his show and that includes being able to build up on Lana and her suit. It's not far-fetched in a series like this to be able to twist and change things, you know? And being a spin-off, it doesn't have to follow canon if Chris doesn't want it to.

But on top of that, I can't really see how it'd change the character that much? Like, she's still Lana Lang no matter which way he goes with it. For lack of a DC-related example, I'll turn to Marvel to kind of show you my point XD It's like saying Tony Stark is ruined because instead of keeping the suit he built, he's become more machine than man with his Extremis and Bleeding Edge Armor. The way the suit works has changed, but the character has not. Or, Cyclops, when he was able to control his optic blasts for short amount of time instead of having to use protective lenses to keep him from destroying everything he looked at. It doesn't change the character, it just changes the way the game is played, you know?

Basically, what I'm trying to say with all of this is don't let one aspect ruin the show for you. I'm sure Chris has a reason for doing it, and if it fits the story of his show, then it's totally fine. It's an evolution to the character, not an end to it.

And, Chris, sorry for hijacking your thread. -scuttles off to own thread-

[Alex Matthews]

Aimee, like i said, don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed Trinity and will continue to read it, I am known throughout my circle of creative friends for being rather brutally honest with constructive critisicms, as a writer myself. I sat down and wrote what I wanted to say after about 2 weeks of deliberation because I wanted to give an honest review and not be considered to being 'harsh' for harsh's sake.

Mar 14, 2011 14:02:51 GMT -6 Jamison said:

I want start by saying, thank you so much for you interest in the series I'm happy to see more and more people reading and reviewing it.

The error in question is actually a total mistake on my part. I simply missed that detail and ultimately *spoiler alert**spoiler alert**spoiler alert**spoiler alert**spoiler alert*

had to get rid of Lana's powers.
So, hopefully you can look past that mistake and enjoy the rest of the season?

Here, Chris does acknowledge that he made a mistake, and because of his plans for Lana, I suppose it isn't that bigger a deal. My use of the word 'flaw' comes from the fact that I am just a big stickler for continuity. I was the same when I first started reading Watchtower, and got to the episode "Deadshot", which was written before the introduction of the character in S10, but was read by me afterwards.

I get what you're saying about how it doesn't change the character, but I respectfully disagree - while I do think Lana would continue to go out and help people without powers, like plenty of other DC non-powered superheroes before, I don't believe she'd be as effective after having all the power and strength the suit provided.

[Jamison]

Jan 20, 2013 8:29:00 GMT -6 Alex Matthews said:

so, i've finally read all episodes of Trinity...

Overall, I have enjoyed seeing Lana come into her own, and the relationship with Quentin, the development of him and his relationship with both Lana and Valentina. I loved the fact that the kryptonite in Lana's blood is removed and this causes all kinds of problems and new meteor freaks to develop.

First off, thanks for taking the time out to read these episodes. Trinity has been off the air for quite some time, so it's also nice to see that people are still interested in seeing the story move forward. Now, unto your thoughts.

However, as someone else commented on earlier, I have found myself shaking my head at times because of a particular flaw in the show's 'mythology' - that being Lana's apparent ability to 'remove' the Prometheus suit, which was actually grafted to her permanently and CANNOT be removed, hence the reason she had to finally leave Clark behind. I'm sorry, but that really ruins my enjoyment of the show, because to me it's a major flaw in the writing. When I read the scene where Quentin actually makes a point to Lana about her not wearing the suit after 'Extract', I was shaking my head in disappointment. That suit is the source of Lana's powers, she CANNOT be Trinity without it, at least not in any superpowered form, and that was the whole point of her getting it - wanting to HAVE power in order to make a difference.

Now I take the blame, completely, for this flaw in the show. There could have been more research gone into the initial development of the series when it first aired. Lana has always been one of my favorite characters, however I never really liked the whole Prometheus suit storyline. Her getting powers and leaving Smallville opened up the door to me thinking of getting into her character more, and jumpstarting her journey as a hero, but I never intended on her keeping those powers. The process of her losing her powers was going to be a lot more slow, but after my realization that I totally screwed over the mythos, I just decided to get rid of them with the quickness to avoid further shame. I admit, if I could go back and rewrite Trinity season one; I would have done many things differently.

I've also found the characterisation of Amanda disappointing at times- I don't see her as 'evil', but simly focused and determined to protect not just her country, but her planet as well.

That's actually the first time I've heard that. I often wondered if I was portraying Amanda as "too evil." I think her character is one of the more complex ones on the show, and her development will be very large throughout the course of the show. I try to take my time with developing characters, otherwise I feel like I'll rush it. And with Trinity, even though it's technically a spinoff of Smallville, I really wanted a chance to have my own take on the universe and its characters. In this case, Amanda has a darkness in her, and I wanted her story arc on Trinity to begin as a sort of untold origin, leading into the Amanda Waller known to us in Smallville, and the comics, and ultimately, sending her character off with a redemptive storyline, of sorts.

Jake, while interesting, as I find a little bit of a wildcard, I find him also hard to take serious - when I read in Season 2 the scene where he meets Lex, I laughed because I wondered if Lex thought he looked familiar - since Paul Wesley had previously played Lucas Luthor. I also feel that bringing in the Green Lantern Corps wasn't explored as well as it could be, although it did well in helped Jake break the shackles to Checkmate, if only temporarily

It took me a while to get over the fact that I double casted here, but to be honest, I eventually did overlook it due to the fact that it happens so much in real television. Even in Smallville, for example, it's use of both Shawn and Aaron Ashmore. I know, completely different actors, but still, twins. The fact that no one questioned their resemblance just goes to show how flexible casting can be. There are other examples that I just don't feel like thinking of. Still, confusion could have been easily avoided had I went with another actor for the role. As for the Green Lantern Corps; I'm sorry you feel they weren't explored as well as they could have been; they'll be a much bigger part of the series this season, and next.

Please do not get me wrong, I will continue to read Trinity when it resumes, I still enjoy the series, but I feel it could be a lot stronger then it currently seems to me.

I think the biggest flaw of the first season was lack of best effort, focus and research on my part; something I believe improved slightly in the development of season 2, and continues to improve as we move to bring the show back. It's been over a year; I like to think I've grown in that time, and continue to grow, and I believe the quality of "Trinity" and its characters will grow as well; at least, I'm hoping. Hopefully you'll stick around to see for yourself. Now, I'm gonna make it my goal to impress you! Thank you, I appreciate your honest review.