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Post by Jamison on May 16, 2011 22:08:23 GMT -6
Discuss the 2nd season of Trinity here. |
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Post by Jack Malone on May 17, 2011 3:42:00 GMT -6
Review: "Mentor" by Chris Davis.
Lana has a new job. Quentin wants to understand what really happened between him and Lana. Pete is struggling with his destiny. Jake is back inside Checkmate. Cynthia is in a coma. And Amanda is desperate not to fail in the eyes of one Lex Luthor. This is where the premiere begins ...
LANA LANG, GUIDENCE COUNSELOR | I think Lana has been through so much in her life that when it comes to a career ... giving advice is one of the best jobs for her. Although she does make her mistakes, and has had so much tragedy in her life, I think she can use this as a tool to connect with kids, give them what they need, and send them on their way. I think its a beautiful idea for Lana. I really loved the trials she was on -- well they were real students, but they were hilarious. I can't believe she managed to call a student a fat, ugly whore. So good. This leads us into the introduction of Rachel Roth, who basically gives us Lana's life story in a cut-down, smaller, less tears and more amazement kind of way. I loved it. It was also a great way of re-introducing Lana Lang to the audience.
QUANA | At the start of the episode, and basically throughout the whole episode, Lana and Quentin are very awkward around each other. I like that they're such good friends they can leave this alone for a while and address it later - give each other time for it to sink in, understand what they want, and then make a decision. I really like that scene where Quentin moves in on Lana, and they end up fist bumping. Made me laugh. Quentin seemed to be getting worried about halfway through the episode; he seemed worried that they wouldn't get together. That sort of scratched to the surface here. But my god, how it all turned out?! That was some epic moment in VS History, just saying! I loved it! And I'm glad they're officially together now! Even though, looking at it just being 10 episodes, it felt like a really long wait.
LEX LUTHOR vs AMANDA WALLER | The great thing about this is that it shows a softer side to Amanda Waller. It really makes me question if Amanda has these amazing redeeming qualities that could eventually bring her to rebel against Checkmate and stand with Lana - its a stretch, but the possibility seems to definitely be there. I love that speech about souls separating men from gods. Lex has added something to this show that just increases my excitement for it. I like how Amanda fought against him and stood up for what she believed in that scene in the labs. She knows he's a superior, but she's not afraid to speak the truth, or at the very least, she conquers her fear to get her point across. I just loved all of their scenes - definitely hope to see more. And this version of Lex matches up so well with what recently happened with his character, so I'm not sure if you went back and edited or always planned it, but it just fits so well. Really great work. You're writing for Lex is so sophisticated and you really seem to bring your A game; noticable in the "separates men from gods" scene.
[PETITION: MICHAEL ROSENBAUM FOR SERIES REGULAR!]
RACHEL ROTH | A college student where Lana works, Rachel seems to have the ability to see right through people, possibly read minds, and/or read people straight away -- that and floating ... she's a pretty amazing mystery character that already has me wanting to see more. I think she'll definitely be developed over the course of the series, and whether she'll become an ally, or enemy ... its yet to be determined if you ask me; especally with Lex Luthor's new way of controlling people.
NOTICIBLE SCENES | Some of the great scenes included Lana giving her advice to a large variety of different students; Pete releasing all his feelings and thoughts out on a comatose Cynthia (Is something gong to spark between them if Cynthia wakes up?); revisiting Jake's character and his past was really fun and intriguing; and last of all, the return of ... Valentina! First Lex is back, and now Valentina? And just when Quentin and Lana finally get together, both emotionally and physically! My god!
10/10 ~ Great setup for the season, interesting plot, and great character/relationship development all threaded into an amazing season premiere!
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Post by Jamison on May 17, 2011 7:48:08 GMT -6
Thanks for the review Jack! I cant wait to give you a full reply when I get home from school. I also can't wait to read and review "Knight" It's a LONG, special episode so I know it's going to be EPIC!
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Post by Jamison on May 17, 2011 14:26:53 GMT -6
SCREEN TIME: MENTOR
MAIN CAST
Lana: 22 mins
Quentin: 11 mins
Cynthia: 4 mins
Pete: 6 mins
Rachel: 4 mins
Jake: 9 mins
Amanda: 14 mins
GUEST STARS
Lex: 12 mins
Rose: 2 mins
Hank: 4 mins
Valentina: 1 min
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Post by Jamison on May 17, 2011 17:37:32 GMT -6
Thanks. For season 2, I wanted to show Lana in a new light. That light, being a leader or "Mentor" for people all around the city. Becoming a guidance counselor for a school like Smallville, full of metahuman students, sounded like the best way to do it so, I'm glad it's working out so far. Quana has really been something even myself has been excited for. I wanted to start them up so early because you're right, though season one consisted only of 10 episodes it felt a lot longer, just because of how close they were and how we all saw and yearned for this moment to come. Their scene together at the end of the episode was really cool for me to write. It's their first "official" sex scene, though they technically made love in 1x09: Possession. But, I wanted this to be the first scene I actually describe to the readers. Look forward to even more Quana goodness this season! xD After watching the finale, I did go back and add/delete a few lines from Lex & Amanda, just to connect their storylines better. That wasn't the plan all along, haha, I'm not that insightful at all XD I always say if the show makes it to season five, you'll get your wish  Though Rachel didn't have a HUGE part to play in the premiere, the next 4 or 5 episodes will showcase her character in a very big way. You might even start to get tired of her, but I really wanted to jump start the season with Rachel's character being on the inside, as soon as possible. Unlike Cynthia who was on the outside looking and is still pretty much an outsider. I think you'll be satisfied with what I've got planned for her this season! This one's a keeper. There might be some spark-age there. Though Cynthia & Pete have only spent a brief knowing one another, Cynthia comes back from seeing a new future and things may change drastically for her. So, Hank should probably welcome some competition... Jake also plays a HUGE role this season and we'll explore his past even more down the line! Should be fun because in my opinion, looking at where he'll go this season, he is one of the deepest characters I've ever written for/created. You know I can't resist a good cliffhanger! xD Valentina will be ... an interesting character, I'll leave it at that for now. But you'll learn to love her once her character fully develops into the rest of the season. Thanks so much Jack! You're reviews mean a lot to me! *hopes for a decent season 2!* |
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Amin
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Post by Amin on May 21, 2011 9:50:14 GMT -6
I'm sorry I haven't dropped by in a long while, I've been busy with RL. I promise I'll read and comment on "Mentor" very soon.
I was just wondering about Lex. In the series finale of Smallville, he looses all of his memories... so, I was wondering how that will play out for Trinity? I mean, if you stick to the fact that he's lost his memories, then his and Lana's interaction will loose its effect, if he doesn't remember her. I was just curious about that.
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Post by Jamison on May 21, 2011 12:08:46 GMT -6
I'm sorry I haven't dropped by in a long while, I've been busy with RL. I promise I'll read and comment on "Mentor" very soon. I was just wondering about Lex. In the series finale of Smallville, he looses all of his memories... so, I was wondering how that will play out for Trinity? I mean, if you stick to the fact that he's lost his memories, then his and Lana's interaction will loose its effect, if he doesn't remember her. I was just curious about that. No problem I know how that is, trust me  After watching the finale, I went back and edited 2x01 to match up with his storyline but I also counter attacked the story to match up with the arc I had planned for his character. So, he did lose his memories but -- well, you'll see what I mean when you read it |
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Amin
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Post by Amin on May 21, 2011 15:49:57 GMT -6
Hahahaha. (Typing as I read "Mentor") Major LOLs for the "Ugly, fat whore" part; made me laugh real hard xD
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Amin
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Post by Amin on May 22, 2011 1:33:36 GMT -6
That was some season opener. Everything flowed on perfectly and I especially loved the bits with Lana and the students and Lex and Amanda. I liked the comment Amanda made about souls, which made me wonder... he may have gotten a heart, but what if Lex (the clone) truly woke up without a soul? Anyway, I also loved the part at the end, with Rachel floating. I've said it before and I'll say it again, your descriptions are really visual; I can see it all in my head as if I were actually watching it on television. That Rachel floating sequence at the end caught me with surprise as if I were watching it.
10/10
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Post by Jamison on May 22, 2011 19:41:21 GMT -6
That was some season opener. Everything flowed on perfectly and I especially loved the bits with Lana and the students and Lex and Amanda. I liked the comment Amanda made about souls, which made me wonder... he may have gotten a heart, but what if Lex (the clone) truly woke up without a soul? Anyway, I also loved the part at the end, with Rachel floating. I've said it before and I'll say it again, your descriptions are really visual; I can see it all in my head as if I were actually watching it on television. That Rachel floating sequence at the end caught me with surprise as if I were watching it. 10/10 Thanks for reading! About Lex not having a soul, it's definitely possible since he is a cloned version of the original. Maybe he is missing that piece of himself. Thanks for the awesome review/rating. Hope you enjoy the rest of the season |
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Post by Jack Malone on May 23, 2011 5:12:49 GMT -6
Well I like the idea that Lex literally has the heart of a monster now. That's what I loved about the finale. I know some people aren't too keen on the fact that:
A) Lex is a clone, and
B) Lex lost his memories
But, I think it really matches up well. The character I loved to watch for 7 seasons of Smallville died, in his mind, a hero. He thought Clark was sent here to destroy mankind, and that Lex was chosen to keep him in line. Lex was never the "villain of the story." He was always the little boy who was always seeking love, and friendship, where he'd never get it (his father, to be exact). He could handle Clark's secret, and showed us just that, but Clark couldn't trust him. Maybe, partly because Jonathan was always so disaproving of Clark and Lex's friendship, but also because of Lex's morals, and some of the questionable things he does out of love and friendship.
The whole "having Lionel's heart" and "losing his memories" makes perfect sense. Lex had a good heart, he loved Lana, and he held a special place for Clark in his heart - he was his brother! Lionel was never a loving person. He betrayed people, manipulated, hit his wife, beat on his kids. He never showed love to Lex. And that's why Lex is who he is in the comics, he doesn't have his heart anymore. He's literally a monster. And as for his memories ... Clark had a big influence on Lex. Lex always wanted to match up to Clark, and at sometimes, be better. Lex doesn't have that anymore, because he doesn't know Clark.
Do I feel cheated that Lex got his memories stripped away? No. Why? Because the Lex we saw in the finale was merely a clone - a way for the writers to match up with the show, and honor and respect the story they've told with Lex Luthor for seven years. I'm sorry for the big rant, but I just think that, with Lex being on this show, I should share my views on him. I look at this Lex Luthor on 'Trinity' as not completely being the character we've seen through his journey on Smallville, but as the ruthless enemy that Superman will be challenged with for the bulk of his time as a superhero. He is NOTHING like the Lex Luthor of 'Smallville.'
And despite the fact that on 'Trinity' they've established that he's kept some memories, I truly hope Chris sticks with the fact that he now has the heart of a monster, and doesn't have any attachments to Clark Kent's influence on his life, and him wanting to be good. I mean, his desire to be like the Kents is gone, so he's officially embraced his Luthor heritage. Okay, I'm going to stop before this rant gets longer.
I'm really excited about what Lex might bring to the table this season, and I wonder how much he truly knows about Lana. I don't think it would ruin the impact of their reunion if he doesn't remember her. I think it would be a struggle for Lana because she was so in love with him, and I think it would be hard. Or she'd be happy that that part of her life doesn't exist unless she wants it too. I think it would be more interesting if he did have some memory of her, but it works both ways, for sure. xD
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Post by Jack Malone on May 23, 2011 5:33:36 GMT -6
SCREEN TIME: MENTOR
MAIN CAST
Lana: 22 mins
Quentin: 11 mins
Cynthia: 4 mins
Pete: 6 mins
Rachel: 4 mins
Jake: 9 mins
Amanda: 14 mins
GUEST STARS
Lex: 12 mins
Rose: 2 mins
Hank: 4 mins
Valentina: 1 min
Whoa, those screentimes are awesome. I love that Lex got so much ST in his first episode (well, I classify this as his first because it was just a cameo in the finale). And I'm surprised at Pete's screentime, it didn't feel like he was there for that long, and I thought Rachel had a bigger role. It might have just felt that way because she was a new character and I focused on her a lot because of that. Great minutes all around. I love how mirrored Lana and Quentin's minutes are, with her's being double his. Its awesome. xD |
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Post by Jamison on May 23, 2011 14:08:34 GMT -6
Checkmate gave back key moments in his life through a virtual simulation or reenactment of them. Amanda Waller was in charge of that, and while knowing what Lex is capable of, she did not give Lex *ALL* of his memories. Lex knows nothing about Clark Kent being the Blur or Superman and he doesn't remember the impact they had on each others lives. I didn't want Lex to regain all his memories because that would defeat the purpose of the whole thing, in my mind.
Lex doesn't have all the details but he does remember Lana Lang. But to him, he feels like the memories they gave him are a part of someone else's life, which they are so, he doesn't let them affect or stir him in any direction other than the one he wants. He see's and remembers the original Lex loving Lana, but like you said... he is a clone so, he has his own mentality and feelings toward her.
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Post by Jack Malone on May 24, 2011 0:46:33 GMT -6
Review: "Cryo"
When a young woman, Jennifer Walker, becomes infected by the meteors, she decides to use her newfound abilities to get vengeance on all the students who have ignored her and made her life a living hell. At the winter ball, in which Lana and Quentin attend, Jennifer screams bloody murder, but this isn't a situation Trinity can save them from, instead ... its Rachel.
THE BIRTH OF A SUPERVILLAIN | Jennifer Walker (guest star Amanda Seyfreid) was a victim of extreme bullying. Plan. And. Simple. This character is someone who wanted to be noticed, wanted to be accepted, but never was. She was befriended by Rachel Roth (Lyndsey Fonseca), but it was too little too late. After tragically falling into sewage water, and being covered in ... god only knows what ... Jennifer was infected by the meteor rocks near her which gave her the ability of becoming some sort of "ice-woman." This was the classic 'Smallville' freak of the week sort of style that was really well played out. Although I felt Jennifer's character sort of got a 360, its not unknown for the meteor infected to become insanely evil, and hungry for vengeance, and she is a student at a school, so that's multiplied tenfold. I felt at some parts she was a little too evil ... there wasn't much of a transition, in my eyes ... but nontheless, she made a good villain, and a good FOW kind of character.
QUEST FOR LEX LUTHOR | Taking the the skies, Pete Ross (Sam Jones III) and Hank (guest star Benjamin McKenzie) head to Metropolis on a hunt for Lex Luthor (special guest star Michael Rosenbaum). They're journey led them to Cat Grant (guest star Keri Lynn Pratt), of who was quite the puzzle herself. Cat seemed to, at first, want to get rid of them as soon as they brought up Lex's name, and then chased after them and told them that she didn't want to be heard talking about him in the Daily Planet when he has people working for him within the building. Revealed at the end of the episode, Cat seemed to be, like a lot of corrupted reporters, in it for the story - when Lex reveals himself to the world, he has agreed to give the story to Cat, and not Lois Lane. I think that was an excellent twist, and Cat definitely seemed to be a character that would go after the story for anything, this just made her seem a little more evil, which I didn't like too much. But, nevertheless, she outsmarted Lois Lane, so, hells yeah!
LANA & QUENTIN: QUANA | So, its officially the Lana (Kristin Kreuk) and Quentin (Jamie Bamber) season, or at least, I hope! I love these two together, they're so hilariously awkward at times, and although some of their moments come off a bit cheesy, it works beautifully. I like how when we're both introduced to them in the episode they're having a whipped cream fight, it was sooo funny. I liked the scene where Quentin told Lana that she was his hero, and that they danced despite the fact they couldn't at the Winter ball. It was all very romantic and beautiful, and I really like that as long as it doesn't get too cheesy. I can't wait to see what else is in store for them, we got a lot this week, and I think there were a few hints at the Lex/Lana story, so I'm guessing that may get in between them at one point. It was good to see them happy, because god knows on these kind of shows relationships usually have a lot of crap getting in the way of them actually being together.
RACHEL ROTH: HERO | The best scene from the episode was when Lana (Kristin Kreuk) realised that she can't save everyone, but that she wasn't the only hero there. She alluded to Rachel (Lyndsey Fonseca) being a hero in her own right, and the fact that this episode concluded with Rachel being the one who stopped Jennifer ... well, it was a great twist. I was expecting Lana to run in and start fighting, but Rachel managed to do it all on her own. It was a little sad that Jennifer couldn't be redeemed, but at the same time, it was exciting to see Rachel take down a baddie with her powers that are slowly being revealed as the season progresses. I loved it.
I definitely missed Amanda Waller this week. I think she's an element of the show that adds that something extra. The whole Checkmate story is carried with her, and with her gone, it felt like the episode was more of a stand-alone-ish one, even though, putting it in perspective, it wasn't. The search for Lex Luthor was a continuing arc (he showed up in the premiere), and the Lana/Quentin relationship was being moved even further forward. I think I just missed the whole Checkmate/Waller/Jake element of it all. Speaking of Jake, I really hope Hank doesn't take Jake's role as Pete's best friend. I'm really craving for some good scenes between Jake/Pete, which I know you said I have to wait and look out for towards mid-season, but even though the dynamic of Pete and Hank works, they're not Jake/Pete, if that makes any sense.
Overall, I loved the episode. The plot wasn't as epic as the premiere, but nontheless, I really enjoyed it. I loved the Hank/Pete story the most as it brought us back to Metropolis, and we got to see Cat, Lex and [technically] Clark and Lois. And I'm glad Rachel is getting more spotlight. She was a big part of the episode. Great work, again Chris! You never cease to amaze me!
9/10 ~ Solid plot, good character and relationship developments. It wasn't a perfect episode, but it wasn't far from it.
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Post by Jamison on May 24, 2011 14:32:56 GMT -6
The idea I got for Jennifer, was all that pint up rage and anger just seeped through once she got some power. I do think I need to work on my transitioning a bit more. I just get caught up in the amount of pages I'm writing. If I made this script longer, I'm sure Jennifer's transition would have been slower and more natural. I didn't mean to make her come across as "evil." Sorry. She's just yet another person Lex Luthor has manipulated to get what he wants. Maybe this isn't the end of her story on Trinity Quana is one of my favorite parts about writing Trinity! For the first few episodes, I wanted to give you all some hardcore, good Quana stuff, before "the sh-t hits the fan." HAHA Also, Lex will definitely test the twos love and there might be another person that will want to break the two apart. We'll find out more about that in next week's episode! XD Tonight had a lot of Quana in it, but I look at this as Rachel's night. We didn't really get to know her in the premiere, so this episode stood as her true introduction into the story, as she gets herself smack dead in the action. The first few episodes seem to revolve around Rachel because she's got a HUGE plot this season, one I think you're going to enjoy -- I don't think Jennifer could have been redeemed, at least not this early. She killed A LOT of people so redemption, in the same episode, seemed a bit out of the question. Who knows, judging by the last scene of the episode, maybe she'll be back! I don't like not adding Amanda Waller in episodes but she just didn't seem to fit here. I wish I could have but I guess everyone cant be in every episode Don't worry, she wont be away from the story for too long! Expect to see her next week I know what you mean. It was even hard for me to write these much scenes with Pete and Hank. I started putting "Jake" instead of "Hank" and stuff. LOL But no, I get what you're saying. Getting into one friendship, then it disappears. But I promise, I'm in no way trying to "replace" Jake with Hank Stay tuned. Thanks for the review, Jack! I always love hearing your feedback on my writing xD |
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Post by Jamison on May 24, 2011 14:46:30 GMT -6
SCREEN TIME: CRYO
MAIN CAST
Lana: 20 mins
Quentin: 11 mins
Pete: 15 mins
Rachel: 20 mins
GUEST STARS
Jennifer: 16 mins
Hank: 14 mins
Garfield: 9 mins
Cat Grant: 5 mins
Rose: 1 min
Lex: 1 min
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Post by Jack Malone on May 24, 2011 15:51:07 GMT -6
Don't get me wrong, I really loved the Hank/Pete dynamic. Hank is slowly becoming a really good character that I've enjoyed! And Cat only seemed a 'little' evil, not like "I'm gonna take over the world!" And that would be soooo awesome if she was back! I think you wrote her character to the dot, and it would be amazing to see how she would fit into more episodes.
*cries* I know what you mean about Amanda. She wouldn't have fitted into this episode unless you gave her an entire subplot that wouldn't really fit with what was going on. So it was a good decision, but I'm really anxious after the premiere's cliffhanger, the Jake/Amanda stuff, and all the Lex Luthor/Checkmate things! xD
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Post by MJ on May 25, 2011 21:53:38 GMT -6
While procrastinating on uni assignments I thought I'd read and review the latest episode of Trinity, 'Cryo'. Unfortunately I haven't been keeping up to date with Trinity so I would be able to review it in relation to the rest of the series but I can review it from the point of view of someone who just happened pick up the show at this episode. Firstly, I like the whole 'freak of the week' style for this episode but it's not just a stand alone ep, as is evident by the continuing Lex storyline, Lana and Quentin etc. Which I thought was a really good way to construct the episode. My favourite parts of this episode were defiantly Rachel's scenes. She's a character that just caught my attention on the original skim read I gave this episode and it was because of those well done scenes that I actually stopped to go back and read the episode fully. And I must say I'm glad I did! I think my least favourite scenes of this episode were those between Lana and Quentin. It could just be my aversion to ready fluffy romantic scenes but I felt there was just something lacking in their scenes together. Actually, the first scene with them at the start of the episode was good, it was fun and cute and made me smile but from then on it was just a bit 'meh'. A major issue I had with this episode though was presentation. There were so many typos and left out words in this episode and it really detracted from what was a great story. A lot of the time I had to re-read something two or three times before I realised what word was supposed to be there and had the story telling not been so good I probably would have stopped reading. I just did a quick count and there were eleven obvious typos/mistakes in the teaser alone. So yeah, proofreading is something you probably want to look into to remedy that. Now, this next bit is more so a discussion on storyline than a criticism but I agree with Jack on the whole 'Jennifer got crazy real quick'. Now I'm just getting into personal opinion but I think it would have been a lot cooler (pardon the pun) to not take the whole 'Carrie' route and instead have her freezing everyone as more of a freakout that a mad rampage. I mean, evil characters are fun but characters who are really kind-hearted but end up freezing everyone at their dance by accident are more intriguing Anyway, I'm going to give Cryo an 8/10. Mostly you lost marks from me for the poor presentation and rather 'meh' Quentin/Lana scenes but I do think the storyline of the episode was fantastic, as was the character Rachel, so good job on writing an episode I had a lot of fun reading |
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