S1 Discussion Thread

[The Doctor]

Jack....I LOVE Watchtower
Its like one of my favs. This series make me want to jump and down and the happy dance...Although I wont.haha
Okay back to serious business....This first episode was a good way to start Chloe's new destiny in Gotham. I really loved the interaction between this Awesome cast. I also love the fact that Amanda Waller appears at the end with Perry no less. Im kind of in a scared place about that alliance . But here is what I thought of each character:

Chloe: I love this girl to pieces. I love her transition into becoming Watchtower again. This whole Emil situation...Im slowly but surely trying to understand. Her interactions with Oliver...LOVE IT . They are amazing together and I like that she is starting to work with him more. Her conversations with Bruce make me think there is more going on with those two. Her asking Huntress to come and join them...I thought it was perfect. I also love how she is kicking ass. Who taught her some of those moves? Cuz in the flashbacks....she was able to kick Emil's ass somewhat. I also love that she is back to using guns to defend herself. Is she ever going to get powers?

Oliver: This guy has been Chloe's rock for the last 3 years. . I love that the two of them have reunited and are working to kick ass together. Although...I have to know when the HELL are they going to get together? I mean really...Things are getting good. But I want them together already. I also love how he is always saving Chloes life whenever she is in trouble. Is Oliver going to end up with Dinah in the end?

Helena: LOVE HER. She is amazing. I love how she is going to be amazing on this show. Her introduction was alright. She was very...badass in her first appearance, She doesnt seem to work well on a team but hopefully she joins the league . Is she going to develop feelings for Oliver or Bruce? Cuz that would be some good drama. Also is Bruce still making her weapons?

Bruce: This guy...Im glad you didnt make him Batman from the start . This way we get to see his character before he goes Dark Knight. The way he introduced himself to Chloe is quite interesting...He seems to know a whole lot about WT and that concerns me. How much does he really know about Chloe? Because before he met her he knew about her. I hope his and Olivers interactions are good ones. But I have to know...Will he try to get with Chloe?

Perry: Oh good old Perry. He seems like the hard hitting Editor. I mean he is amazing and I cant imagine this show without him. Although i have to know why he is working with Waller? And when will he learn about WT and Chloe?

Now here some other questions I have for you Mr. Jack :
1. Why did Emil go bad?
2. Does Waller know who WT is?
3. When will Clark learn that WT is not "dead"? And when will he interact with her?
4. Whats the status of the League?
5. Is any references to past Smallville episodes/seasons going to be made?
6. What did Chloe mean by "You have my cousin, Lois, to thank for that"? Did Emil do something to Lois?
7. Will any references to Jimmy be made?
8. And speaking of Jimmy (not her husband) Will he appear in WT?
9. So wait...Does Waller know who the League is...Since Emil used to work for Chloe and I'm assuming he shared all the secrets with her.
10. When will we get to go back to Metropolis?

All in All Jack. I love the episode. It gets 10 out of 10
I hope the next episode is just as good

[Jack Malone]

Thanks Karl for reviewing, and I loved the mega-steroid discussion haha, gives me a lot to write about and answer, and I'm glad you made this post (love your reviews btw!).

Chloe: I love this girl to pieces. I love her transition into becoming Watchtower again. This whole Emil situation...Im slowly but surely trying to understand. Her interactions with Oliver...LOVE IT . They are amazing together and I like that she is starting to work with him more. Her conversations with Bruce make me think there is more going on with those two. Her asking Huntress to come and join them...I thought it was perfect. I also love how she is kicking ass. Who taught her some of those moves? Cuz in the flashbacks....she was able to kick Emil's ass somewhat. I also love that she is back to using guns to defend herself. Is she ever going to get powers?

Chloe's all grown up now. It took me a long time before deciding to give her a few fighting techniques, but all in all, I decided it would be good for the show and the development of Chloe (who has faught several times before on Smallville, just not to this extent as, IMHO, she wasn't the main character, the main spotlight, of Smallville).

Oliver: This guy has been Chloe's rock for the last 3 years. . I love that the two of them have reunited and are working to kick ass together. Although...I have to know when the HELL are they going to get together? I mean really...Things are getting good. But I want them together already. I also love how he is always saving Chloes life whenever she is in trouble. Is Oliver going to end up with Dinah in the end?

If you want to find the answer to that I suggest reading the spoilers, but until then I'll have to say 'all in good time...' Chlollie is a relationship that I admire dearly, and I think its a huge part of this first season. On the subject of Dinah and Oliver getting together, I don't know what to say. Dinah has, and most likely never will be apart of the main cast of Watchtower -- and although their relationship may be iconic, I haven't planned any stories out between the two. Its a sore subject to speak about because of the many splits in fandom, and Dinah/Oliver vs Chloe/Oliver is so big I'd rather not devulge into that.

But if there ever was going to be a relationship between the two (which is on a 'assuming' basis only. It would be in the very last season).

Helena: LOVE HER. She is amazing. I love how she is going to be amazing on this show. Her introduction was alright. She was very...badass in her first appearance, She doesnt seem to work well on a team but hopefully she joins the league . Is she going to develop feelings for Oliver or Bruce? Cuz that would be some good drama. Also is Bruce still making her weapons?

Helena is a character that I really love. She's slowly becoming the best friend Chloe needs as this first half progresses and she needs Chloe just as much as Chloe needs her. The Huntress is a badass hero, and I hope I portrayed that succesfully in the premiere. However, as the show goes on, she will have her lighter moments. Helena will not have any romantic connection with any male's on the main cast -- and I don't think she's in the right place to be in a relationship.

However, she's a flirt at heart so you'll see her cracking onto Oliver, and I believe she calls Chloe's boss a hottie! So there's a lot of fun with her personality, but its all just play with her.

Bruce: This guy...Im glad you didnt make him Batman from the start . This way we get to see his character before he goes Dark Knight. The way he introduced himself to Chloe is quite interesting...He seems to know a whole lot about WT and that concerns me. How much does he really know about Chloe? Because before he met her he knew about her. I hope his and Olivers interactions are good ones. But I have to know...Will he try to get with Chloe?

An old trick in writing is to have the whole 'I know everything about you' *freak out the main character and give off a bad vibe* technique. Bruce knows of Watchtower, and Chloe's mission to save and watch over the city. Again, this was a hard decision to make, but Chloe plays a huge part in Bruce's arc as it climaxes in the mid season finale, and I think as the episodes air, you'll see how and why.

Perry: Oh good old Perry. He seems like the hard hitting Editor. I mean he is amazing and I cant imagine this show without him. Although i have to know why he is working with Waller? And when will he learn about WT and Chloe?

Perry, at the moment, is a supporting character. He doesn't get much spotlight, which disappoints me as a huge fan of the character. He's not a superhero, not a villain -- so fitting him into the real world of that truth is hard to write at times. However, he has two significant (huge) arcs this season, and I think you'll be pleased with it!

Now onto the questions...

1. Why did Emil go bad?

As I've answered before, not everything is black and white. Emil has a period in his life (in the comics) where he goes evil, and in the end finds redemption. When I decided to do Watchtower I wanted to have a villain who wasn't good or evil, but sort of in this grey area where the audience views him as bad, as well as the other characters.

But as the season progresses, Chloe realises this, and it won't all be about good vs evil and right vs wrong. Chloe doesn't believe in what he's trying to do, but in Emil's eyes, he's only elevating the human race into a new world: and sacrifices must be made for that. And he doesn't want his plans to be destroyed because of Chloe. As they say 'the road to hell is paved with good intentions...'

2. Does Waller know who WT is?

All I'll say is check out the second episode "Prototype" next week!

3. When will Clark learn that WT is not dead? And when will he interact with her?

Short answer ... never. Ok, maybe not never (yes I said it), but if Clark was ever to appear on the show it'd be a story like Angel's 'Remember Me' in the first season, where time will be altered. The whole thing with Chloe and Clark is to allign with the mythology, and as much as I hate it, I had to break apart from the world of Smallville to this show. The Chlark-er in me hates it, but its a choice that had to be made.

I think Lois will be on the show at one point (if I find the right story), but as for Clark, I don't think its in the realm of possibilities. At least not yet. Its too soon.

4. Whats the status of the League?

The Justice League? I hope to have a few of the members on the show throughout the course of the entire series, so until then, just wait and see

5. Is any references to past Smallville episodes/seasons going to be made?

Several were made in the premiere -- and a few do pop up. But its not forced. It usually just goes with the flow of the dialogue when references pop up. And I think, if there are any, they'll be a fun callback.

6. What did Chloe mean by "You have my cousin, Lois, to thank for that?" Did Emil do something to Lois?

Chloe had pulled off a roundhouse kick, and (I'm not sure if you quoted it right, too tired to check), but it was a reference back to her cousin Lois. Pretty much saying Lois is apart of why Chloe can kick some a$$ in that scene. So no, Emil has done nothing to Lois Lane But great find, and good question! I think you might have read too much into it, or misunderstood it (as I think you quoted it wrong...) Don't know haha.

7. Will any references to Jimmy be made?

In "Deadshot" Chloe references her dead husband.

8. And speaking of Jimmy (not her husband) Will he appear in WT?

I haven't made any plans for that character to show up. To me, even though its not true, but Aaron Ashmore's Jimmy Olsen was the real one for me.

9. So wait...Does Waller know who the League is...Since Emil used to work for Chloe and I'm assuming he shared all the secrets with her.

Haha, again, check out 'Prototype'.

10. When will we get to go back to Metropolis?

I don't think we ever will...

All in All Jack. I love the episode. It gets 10 out of 10
I hope the next episode is just as good

Thank you soooo much Karl! I loved your review, your questions, and everything!! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the rest of the seasons' episodes!!!

[MJ]

Just a random little tidbit but I thought I'd share:
Perry totally reminds me of my old art teacher. I was thinking about it just before when I was telling my sister about Watchtower and trying to describe Perry to her. The resemblance is kinda creepy actually... XD

I also want to comment on what you just posted about Helena not having any romantic connections with any of the main cast. I was wondering about that myself for a while but I think you're right about her not being in the right place for a relationship. I kinda got that feeling during the first episode that she's a bit emotionally troubled, especially at the moment, and any attempt to try and pair her off with someone would have felt a little weird. So I think you made the right decision there. Oh, and the more you reveal about Helena's character the more I'm beginning to like her :)

And a quick question before I'm done: Are the episodes pre-written for the first half of the season or do you write them as you go along?
I don't know why that question popped into my head but now I really want to know the answer :D

[Jack Malone]

May 27, 2010 7:58:48 GMT -6 MJ said:

Just a random little tidbit but I thought I'd share:
Perry totally reminds me of my old art teacher. I was thinking about it just before when I was telling my sister about Watchtower and trying to describe Perry to her. The resemblance is kinda creepy actually... XD

I also want to comment on what you just posted about Helena not having any romantic connections with any of the main cast. I was wondering about that myself for a while but I think you're right about her not being in the right place for a relationship. I kinda got that feeling during the first episode that she's a bit emotionally troubled, especially at the moment, and any attempt to try and pair her off with someone would have felt a little weird. So I think you made the right decision there. Oh, and the more you reveal about Helena's character the more I'm beginning to like her :)

And a quick question before I'm done: Are the episodes pre-written for the first half of the season or do you write them as you go along?
I don't know why that question popped into my head but now I really want to know the answer :D

Hahaha! Well there's six episodes in this first half and I've just started the fifth. I've given myself enough time to air them without tragically stopping its run to get any finished, but yeah, I'm still in the process of writing the last two episodes of this first half. :)

[Jack Malone]

^^ Oh and I'm glad you're warming up to Helena. You'll really like her once you see the friendship between Chloe and Helena. Because honestly, there's a difference between her and her persona, and you'll really see that show

[maria26]

Can't wait for tomorow's new episode!!!

[MJ]

I totally agree. Gives me something to look forward every week

[Jack Malone]

Thanks for all the kind words guys, really appreciate it. Hope you guys enjoy this week's episode!

[MJ]

I noticed you quoted me in your latest VPN video Jack. I almost didn't notice it at first but when I did it made me laugh
Good job on the video by the way, it was great!

[maria26]

Thanks for quoting me too. Love it!

[maria26]

Today is the day!!! Whoot whoot!! New episode.

[MJ]

Haha, I'm really excited too. I remember thinking the other day that a week is such a long time to wait when you're looking forward to something

[maria26]

^^It is. The premiere was so great that it was so hard to wait for the second episode. I'm a huge Chlollie fan and the preview we've got for the episode had me dying for more.

[Jack Malone]

^^ Haha, thanks guys! I hope you'll enjoy this episode! It'll be up in two hours.

[maria26]

AWSOME!

[maria26]

I finally read "Prototype" and I gave it a 7. It was a very good episode overall but it wasn't as great as the premiere.

I'll start with Chlollie which were the best parts of the episode. We have Chloe who's emotionally broken and who's trying to somehow push Oliver away but yet he is still there. He's by her side. These are 2 people who clearly need each other badly and who can't move forward without each other. How come you leave us like this? With Chloe saying "I love you" to Oliver and the episode ending as they are about to kiss. Do you want to kill me? LOL At least that makes me excited for next week episode.

I was pleasantly suprised to learn that Bruce met Amanda Waller when he was a kid and worked for Checkmate all along. I wasn't expecting it and it was very well done. His scenes with Oliver were great. The guy could really use a friend right now. I also love the fact that while with Bruce, Oliver's only concern was Chloe. The man loves the girl.

I didn't really care for Mia because she was kinda useless in this episode. Of course this is my opinion and I know everyone won't agree with you. I just didn't really understand her use in this episode.

Helena was great in this episode. I like this version better than the dark one. Funny Helena is made of win! I can't believe she think Perry looks good for an old man.LOL

Emil is baaaaad. Things are starting to get interesting between he and Chloe. I can't wait to find out the real reasons behing his vendetta.

I'm a little disappointed by the Amanda/Perry scenes because I don't see how come they are connected. When? Is Perry firing Chloe to protect her? How does he and Amanda know each other?

Chloe was AMAZING. I love how confident she is and yet she's such a wreck. She's trying so hard to protect her heart and herself from people. The fact that even though he fired her, she still was trying to protect Perry made me love her even more (if that's possible). She clearly was disappointed to learn Bruce's secret and I wonder how she'll react the next time she sees him. It's not looking good for Brucey.

I can't wait to see the promo and preview for next week episode.

[Jack Malone]

I finally read "Prototype" and I gave it a 7. It was a very good episode overall but it wasn't as great as the premiere.

Thanks Maria!!

I'll start with Chlollie which were the best parts of the episode. We have Chloe who's emotionally broken and who's trying to somehow push Oliver away but yet he is still there. He's by her side. These are 2 people who clearly need each other badly and who can't move forward without each other. How come you leave us like this? With Chloe saying "I love you" to Oliver and the episode ending as they are about to kiss. Do you want to kill me? LOL At least that makes me excited for next week episode.

Haha, I'm sorry lol. Chlollie is a relationship I really love sinking my teeth into, when writing them. I'm really happy they're so loved on the show, and I'm glad you enjoy them here as much as on Smallville -- so thats a plus. And I like to view these first two episodes as one big premiere -- and find it works, for me anyway, in that sense. And ending the episode on the kiss was just a fitting end. I could have extended, but I find it would have ruined the moment of the build up.

I was pleasantly suprised to learn that Bruce met Amanda Waller when he was a kid and worked for Checkmate all along. I wasn't expecting it and it was very well done. His scenes with Oliver were great. The guy could really use a friend right now. I also love the fact that while with Bruce, Oliver's only concern was Chloe. The man loves the girl.

Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed this story of the episode. I was thinking of a way to get the Oliver and Bruce story in about him convincing about how he feels and the darkness inside him, and though having him apart of the A-Plot would throw him right in the middle, and I'm glad you enjoyed that!

I didn't really care for Mia because she was kinda useless in this episode. Of course this is my opinion and I know everyone won't agree with you. I just didn't really understand her use in this episode.

Don't worry, Mia doesn't play a huge part in the first half. She's more of a supporting character at the moment. I had to cut a few scenes where she was being interrogated, because she was apart of the main plot, but wasn't as necessary as the Bruce story, the Amanda/Emil and Chloe/Oliver. However, this introduced her into the series -- and although she wasn't much of a main attraction in the plot, I really wanted her to be apart of this particular episode. I could have introduced her in another episode, but I felt the Checkmate story would be more realistic.

You'll grow to like her, hopefully.

Helena was great in this episode. I like this version better than the dark one. Funny Helena is made of win! I can't believe she think Perry looks good for an old man.LOL

I'm so happy haha. Yeah, Helena is a dark character -- but like I said after the premiere there are two sides. And I really wanted to show the comedic side in this rather fast-paced action-packed episode where everything wrong that could happen would. So I'm glad you liked her in this one! haha.

Emil is baaaaad. Things are starting to get interesting between he and Chloe. I can't wait to find out the real reasons behing his vendetta.

The next episode is very Emil-related. You'll see his side of things.

I'm a little disappointed by the Amanda/Perry scenes because I don't see how come they are connected. When? Is Perry firing Chloe to protect her? How does he and Amanda know each other?

The connection was shown in the premiere. Amanda helped Perry get back into the big leagues, and she returned for him to pay his debt. Perry fired Chloe to protect her (she'll have her job back), and I didn't want Perry's side of things to get too distracting from the main plots.

What I really wanted to do was show how much Perry cared for Chloe and that he knows sacrifices need to be made to protect the ones you care about -- and he pretty much threw his life on the line to save Chloe. And he did. So although you may be let down on the Perry/Amanda side of things, it was more of a set up for the Chloe/Perry relationship.

Chloe was AMAZING. I love how confident she is and yet she's such a wreck. She's trying so hard to protect her heart and herself from people. The fact that even though he fired her, she still was trying to protect Perry made me love her even more (if that's possible). She clearly was disappointed to learn Bruce's secret and I wonder how she'll react the next time she sees him. It's not looking good for Brucey.

Chloe knows he was trying to protect her. I love Perry/Chloe as much as I love Chloe/Oliver. I love writing both. This episode I really wanted to show Chloe hiding the pain by being tough and trying to be all secretive about how alone she really feels, which is why in the end she shatters and needs Oliver. So officially I can say the war has begun, and enjoy the ride until the finale.

Thanks so much Maria for reading and reviewing again! And thanks for the rating, I'm loving these numbers haha!

[maria26]

I'll keep reading and reviewing it until the end. This series is what I wanted to see for years.

I love the relationship between Perry/Chloe. He acts like a total father around her and I find it great.

As for Oliver and Chloe well I already said that the last scene killed me but I understand where you're coming from by saying that it would have ruined the moment. I just love that relationship so much and the fact that Oliver is ready to do anything to get her back. They seem to really love each other and want to be together but something is keeping Chloe from doing so. I can totally see her in the next episode being in total denial about her feelings after the breaking point at the end of "Prototype".