Post by Dale on Oct 12, 2009 15:32:09 GMT -5
Point; Season 1
“Pilot; Part 1” – The Pilot needed to do two things; it needed to interest me in the characters and hook me in on the story. And they have to do it, all within the teaser otherwise my interest is going to diminish quickly. Indy achieved this early on with Point, and he achieved it with a simple start and one strong tease.
He continued strongly with some good dialogue and character building moments that I have longed to see in Indy’s movies yet rarely have. It showed how he has matured as a writer and can deliver the goods when needs be. Plus, a character called Harding, in a coffee shop with a gun ... nice Brunch moment there that I dug; even if it wasn’t intentional. Another good end to the act, with one simple line “I’m gonna have to call you back”, I’m drawn in and looking forward to the show continuing.
There were lots of little teases to the character’s relationships with one another, and their backgrounds. Lines like “Don't get shot like last time" just shows that this character has a tendency to rush in and be a little reckless, and I like that Indy’s is letting us know this in his writing. The intercutting was very well done in this episode, if cut at just the right times, building tension towards the climax. And quite the climax it was with Johnson’s implied involvement with the bank heist.
Overall the Episode did exactly what it needed to; it set up the characters, the mysteries all whilst drawing me into the events. It’s a good set up for the show and you can’t really ask for much more than that.
“Pilot; Part 2” – Part 2 of the Pilot opened just as strongly as the first. I assume most of the series will take place during the heist so I do question getting into the negotiating period so swiftly. But then again, I’m sure you have things planned for later on so we’ll see how it plays out.
Johnson was introduced into the story very well here and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with him. And that’s obviously a good thing for a TV Show because you have me wanted to come back for more.
The character building with Alex continued strongly, she reminds me very much of Captain Jacobs from Brunch (In a good way) when she opted not to wait for the Negotiators and take control herself. I also felt the negotiating was intercut well with Robin and Tanner in the restaurant, it allowed the mystery of how Robin knew of the heist before it took place to unfold whilst also spreading out the negotiating to keep the tension there. It’s good story telling and alluding to “him” is also very well done.
Overall this was a very strong follow up to the first part of the Pilot. Alex continues to develop into one of the strongest characters Indy has ever created and the show’s constant teases and allusions make for some interesting episodes to come.
“The Fence”[/b] – The Fence started equally as strong as the two pilot episodes, showing more connection with Tanner and the hierarchy of people responsible for the heist.
This episode stepped away from the bank, which was probably a wise decision. Only two episodes in and already the show was arguably progressing too quickly on that side of things. This allowed us to focus more on Tanner and her relationship with Lenny, as well as the continuing development of those responsible for the heist, and why.
The end of the episode provided some more strong visuals and good story telling, and is one of the best endings to an episode so far this season.
“...of No Return” –[/b] The start if “...of No Return” shifts back to the perspective of the robbers for the first time since the pilot. It was cool to see what happens after Sloume was murdered and their reaction to the police showing up.
This is another episode that slowed the pace of the series down, and I approve of it. I said during Part 2 of the pilot I thought Indy had moved onto the negotiating period to quickly. This is a good way of stalling for time (as was the last episode) without actually stalling for time. He’s showing us the same events from a different perspective. And I like it.
With this episode, he also confirmed Johnson’s involvement with the heist. It was already clear he was but it was good to see words spoken. And here, with the police showing up and such, it informs us why Johnson and Derek were so worried in the previous episode.
Overall this is probably one of the weakest of the episodes of the season. I attribute that to spending so much time away from Alex and Tanner who have become the series strongest characters, As well as Johnson who is the shows most intriguing in my mind. Still, “...of No Return” had yet another strong finish, leaving us ready and waiting for the next. Indy continues his strong story telling proving this is one of his best pieces of work to date.
“A Wrinkle In the Timeframe” -[/b] I absolutely loved the start to this episode. The conversation between Sal and Alex was very nicely handled and Alex’s resolve about seeing this through is so Captain Jacobs they could be related. I dig it a lot.
Johnston developing as the more reckless one of the thieves was a good move, so far they’ve all be rather jokey when they’re not in trouble and overly panicky when they are. It’s nice to see some individual development between them Also Gorman calling in the snipers amped up the tension regarding the heist and bank zone in general.
Tanner shooting the mystery man was an interesting scene. It shows Johnson has a little side agenda with Tanner and the bank heist may be more than that. It adds to the intrigue and unfolding mystery to the show. This being confirmed by Li has taking the sort of “expert Bank Robber” role was a good way to confirm there’s something more to this than there appears.
The police shooting the hostage, Johnston getting shot in the leg and Gorman just showing absolutely no problem in ordering his snipers to shoot a hostage all add up to one spectacular finale. As one of the shortest episodes of the series, it also stands as one of the best. Lots of interesting questions answered whilst creating some new ones.
“4:42” –[/b] “4:42” started a little slower than previous episodes, opening with Johnson. The episode is set up nicely however as Johnson gives the go ahead to get Harding, Johnston and Li out of the bank at 4:42, hence the title name.
During the episode, Lenny deals with the aftermath of the mystery guy Tanner killed. Picking up the body and informing Johnson of the news. Whilst Li, Harding and Johnston inside the bank, finally get into the vault. The trio getting into the vault seemed a little out of nowhere. In the previous episodes, they’d pretty much given up hope of doing so, so them suddenly cracking it and getting inside was a little wacky. But the tease of Safety Deposit Box 442 was very nicely done.
The tease at the end, with Robin sending Tanner Gerard Sloume’s name was very intriguing. Sloume was of course the man that was murdered inside the back at the start. And clearly, that was not entirely accidental as first though.
Overall this episode has a lot of development. It’s a real “move the plot” along kind of episode. It has good points and bad points. Most of the new questions asked were very well done, the scenes Johnson is in are very nicely written. But the slower place with Lenny dealing with the body and such are a little dull and the Bank scenes are a little out of nowhere and don’t really flow with what we’ve seen from the series so far.
“The Body under the Blood”[/b] – “The Body under the Blood” is an interesting episode. It tells the story of Gerard Sloume before his death which occurred in the Pilot. In the Teaser we find out Sloume knew of the “bank thing” and met with Derek Shan before it occurred.
During the initial conversation between Derek and Gerard, we find out not all is as it seems between Derek and Johnson. Derek seemingly knows Johnson has another agenda, has rushed the whole thing allowing him [Derek] to find out information he may not have been able to find if the thing had been planned with more precision. Derek and Gerard seem too been plotting something themselves. It’s all very interesting and adds to the worry we saw in Derek earlier on.
The mystery continues to unfold; dots are connected as are the characters. The mysterious pawn shop owner Mike who was seemingly murdered by Derek earlier is somehow involved with everything. We find out it was Lenny who killed Mike (which had been hinted at in the previous episode and seemingly confirmed here, with Lenny holding Derek’s wallet that Tanner finds at the scene of the crime in an earlier episode)
Overall, this is a very strange episode. It fills in blanks; it’s much more dramatic than the previous episodes. Johnston shows remorse for the death of Sloume having seen the picture of Sloume and his family. I would have liked to have seen him show a little remorse for the death of the other hostage to, had he not taking her outside she wouldn’t have been shot by the snipers. The stuff with Derek and Sloume was very interesting, because not only have we got Johnson and his crew of miscreants vs. Tanner, Alex and the police, but now we’ve got problems unfolding between Derek and Johnson and whatnot. It all adds to the mystery and intrigue of the show. Very good stuff by Indy.
“...Blank” –[/b] “...Blank” opened rather strangely. We see Tanner limping covered in blood, presumably having just killed the man in the alleyway. She then calls in the FBI with plans to catch a killer ... Derek Shan who I’m assuming she believes killed the Pawn Shop owner. I think we so far removed from that episode now; it seems a little out of place. But still, a decent enough hook to keep me interested in the episode.
Alex setting up the bug in Johnson’s room was a good plot point. One would imagine Johnson would be too smart for that, and plus it wasn’t done in a particularly clever way. I would have liked to have seen Alex take a little bit more of a risk, like ignoring Theo’s orders, sneaking into Johnson’s room to plant said bug in a race against time before he returns. I think it would have provided a little more drama and played out a little better. But it’s still a good plot point, revealed info that needed revealing and set us in a new direction heading into the finale.
Lots of things started to fall into place with this episode as Derek revealed to Tanner a lot of things regarding his “organization”. It was nicely done.
Overall this was a strong episode, it focused on elements that needed to be spotlighted at this pointed. It gave Derek a definitive role. He started out as a Johnson lackey, Indy teased a little more than that and confirmed it here setting up and interesting finish to Season 1. One thing that confused me about this episode was A) Tanner’s car was flipped over due to a car accident at the top of page 6. Next scene she is absolutely fine and the car accident was never mentioned. I’m not sure if Indy wrote it with the intention of doing something with it, then edited the direction and forgot to edit it out. But it was there and it was confusing. B) Alex called Sal “Mac” more than once. Considering Alex was talking to the limo driver Mac later in the same scene, it was a little confusing.
"All Good Things Must come To An End; Part 1" -[/b] This is the first half of the Season finale, and it opened strongly with Scott and Tanner looking to break into Lenny’s apartment and arrest him for Mike’s murder. Obviously things do not go to plan as a bomb goes off. It’s a strong way to open, it drew me in straight away and got me excited for the rest of the episode.
Indy kept going strongly with some nice interaction between the wounded Marie bargaining with Harding for the hostages safety. Meanwhile Li has found a way out and proposes to Harding that they leave Johnston behind. The tease of what is in Safety Deposit Box 442 continues nicely as does Alex’s interaction with Theo Gorman. I have to say, the few scenes they have had together have been wonderfully written, and I wish Gorman had been brought in a little sooner because I love their interaction. Theo is just a stubborn as she is, and when they argue back and forth it’s fun to see who’s gonna cave in first. And the tease for the breach of the bank is freaking awesome, adding to the tension that has already been built throughout the series.
The reveal of the contents of the box was very interesting. Not only is it unexpected, but it adds to the secret organization aspect of the show that was hinted upon in the previous episode. It also brings up the question as to why Johnson wants it, and why he is willing to pay so much to get it.
Johnston killing Marie was probably the only part of this episode I didn’t like. Johnston became very interesting following his little breakdown over Sloume’s death. Marie had also been a very interesting character, showing some enormous balls in attacking not one but two of the hostage takers with a Tazer and a Letter Opener. I was sad to see her go, but I’m sure there’s more to it.
Overall, this episode positioned the pieces for the second half of the finale. It set up the 4:42 breach of the back. We have Alex and Gorman going in, we have Johnson’s guys going in. It’s good stuff and proves Indy can do a more than good job when he puts his mind to it.
"All Good Things Must come To An End; Part 2[/b] – The second half of the finale, opened much the same as the last half finished. We have Alex and Theo preparing to head into the bank on their end, as Lenny and Max plan to enter and retrieve Li, Harding, Johnston and the safety deposit box.
Tanner is heading back to the bank with Scott, and here the car crash happens. I question Indy placing the car crash “tease” if you will in “...Blank”. It didn’t really play in that episode, it seemed out of place as I mentioned. Here, had the car crash just occurred, it would have worked better. It would have seemed more sudden and shocking.
We finally got to the clash, and obviously Indy writes action scenes well. But it’s amazing how much better they come off when we care about the characters and there is something at stake. The final moments of the episode with Johnson being arrested by Scott and Li burning the Red Pickup Truck and along with it the names and documents with the safety deposit box was quite striking.
Overall, it was a good way to end the show. A few things that in my mind should have been used would be Derek, pressuring Tanner for an answer. Derek asking Tanner to join them his organization and I imagine it will play a part of Season 2 but it should have at least been mentioned in the two part finale. Also, Li going through all he went through just to burn the names seemed quite strange. It kind of leaves you wondering what the point (pun totally intended) of the show was.
Season Review: Season 1 of Point is easily Indy’s strongest body of work to date. He proved here he can create interesting characters, combine it with his great action whilst throwing in a little drama and good story telling along the way. It’s a strong showing from him and I hope it continues with Season 2. There are a few things that needed some kind of resolution, for example; -
- Why did Johnson want the contents of the safety deposit box?
- What was the significance of the contents of safety deposit box?
- How did Tanner and Alex know each other before the events of Season 1?
- What happened to Otto? (minor, but still I wondered)
- Who was the man that attacked Tanner in the alley way and why?
- If Johnson was going to use Mike as a fence, who was Mike going to sell the information to?
Keep up the good work Indy.
“Pilot; Part 1” – The Pilot needed to do two things; it needed to interest me in the characters and hook me in on the story. And they have to do it, all within the teaser otherwise my interest is going to diminish quickly. Indy achieved this early on with Point, and he achieved it with a simple start and one strong tease.
He continued strongly with some good dialogue and character building moments that I have longed to see in Indy’s movies yet rarely have. It showed how he has matured as a writer and can deliver the goods when needs be. Plus, a character called Harding, in a coffee shop with a gun ... nice Brunch moment there that I dug; even if it wasn’t intentional. Another good end to the act, with one simple line “I’m gonna have to call you back”, I’m drawn in and looking forward to the show continuing.
There were lots of little teases to the character’s relationships with one another, and their backgrounds. Lines like “Don't get shot like last time" just shows that this character has a tendency to rush in and be a little reckless, and I like that Indy’s is letting us know this in his writing. The intercutting was very well done in this episode, if cut at just the right times, building tension towards the climax. And quite the climax it was with Johnson’s implied involvement with the bank heist.
Overall the Episode did exactly what it needed to; it set up the characters, the mysteries all whilst drawing me into the events. It’s a good set up for the show and you can’t really ask for much more than that.
“Pilot; Part 2” – Part 2 of the Pilot opened just as strongly as the first. I assume most of the series will take place during the heist so I do question getting into the negotiating period so swiftly. But then again, I’m sure you have things planned for later on so we’ll see how it plays out.
Johnson was introduced into the story very well here and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with him. And that’s obviously a good thing for a TV Show because you have me wanted to come back for more.
The character building with Alex continued strongly, she reminds me very much of Captain Jacobs from Brunch (In a good way) when she opted not to wait for the Negotiators and take control herself. I also felt the negotiating was intercut well with Robin and Tanner in the restaurant, it allowed the mystery of how Robin knew of the heist before it took place to unfold whilst also spreading out the negotiating to keep the tension there. It’s good story telling and alluding to “him” is also very well done.
Overall this was a very strong follow up to the first part of the Pilot. Alex continues to develop into one of the strongest characters Indy has ever created and the show’s constant teases and allusions make for some interesting episodes to come.
“The Fence”[/b] – The Fence started equally as strong as the two pilot episodes, showing more connection with Tanner and the hierarchy of people responsible for the heist.
This episode stepped away from the bank, which was probably a wise decision. Only two episodes in and already the show was arguably progressing too quickly on that side of things. This allowed us to focus more on Tanner and her relationship with Lenny, as well as the continuing development of those responsible for the heist, and why.
The end of the episode provided some more strong visuals and good story telling, and is one of the best endings to an episode so far this season.
“...of No Return” –[/b] The start if “...of No Return” shifts back to the perspective of the robbers for the first time since the pilot. It was cool to see what happens after Sloume was murdered and their reaction to the police showing up.
This is another episode that slowed the pace of the series down, and I approve of it. I said during Part 2 of the pilot I thought Indy had moved onto the negotiating period to quickly. This is a good way of stalling for time (as was the last episode) without actually stalling for time. He’s showing us the same events from a different perspective. And I like it.
With this episode, he also confirmed Johnson’s involvement with the heist. It was already clear he was but it was good to see words spoken. And here, with the police showing up and such, it informs us why Johnson and Derek were so worried in the previous episode.
Overall this is probably one of the weakest of the episodes of the season. I attribute that to spending so much time away from Alex and Tanner who have become the series strongest characters, As well as Johnson who is the shows most intriguing in my mind. Still, “...of No Return” had yet another strong finish, leaving us ready and waiting for the next. Indy continues his strong story telling proving this is one of his best pieces of work to date.
“A Wrinkle In the Timeframe” -[/b] I absolutely loved the start to this episode. The conversation between Sal and Alex was very nicely handled and Alex’s resolve about seeing this through is so Captain Jacobs they could be related. I dig it a lot.
Johnston developing as the more reckless one of the thieves was a good move, so far they’ve all be rather jokey when they’re not in trouble and overly panicky when they are. It’s nice to see some individual development between them Also Gorman calling in the snipers amped up the tension regarding the heist and bank zone in general.
Tanner shooting the mystery man was an interesting scene. It shows Johnson has a little side agenda with Tanner and the bank heist may be more than that. It adds to the intrigue and unfolding mystery to the show. This being confirmed by Li has taking the sort of “expert Bank Robber” role was a good way to confirm there’s something more to this than there appears.
The police shooting the hostage, Johnston getting shot in the leg and Gorman just showing absolutely no problem in ordering his snipers to shoot a hostage all add up to one spectacular finale. As one of the shortest episodes of the series, it also stands as one of the best. Lots of interesting questions answered whilst creating some new ones.
“4:42” –[/b] “4:42” started a little slower than previous episodes, opening with Johnson. The episode is set up nicely however as Johnson gives the go ahead to get Harding, Johnston and Li out of the bank at 4:42, hence the title name.
During the episode, Lenny deals with the aftermath of the mystery guy Tanner killed. Picking up the body and informing Johnson of the news. Whilst Li, Harding and Johnston inside the bank, finally get into the vault. The trio getting into the vault seemed a little out of nowhere. In the previous episodes, they’d pretty much given up hope of doing so, so them suddenly cracking it and getting inside was a little wacky. But the tease of Safety Deposit Box 442 was very nicely done.
The tease at the end, with Robin sending Tanner Gerard Sloume’s name was very intriguing. Sloume was of course the man that was murdered inside the back at the start. And clearly, that was not entirely accidental as first though.
Overall this episode has a lot of development. It’s a real “move the plot” along kind of episode. It has good points and bad points. Most of the new questions asked were very well done, the scenes Johnson is in are very nicely written. But the slower place with Lenny dealing with the body and such are a little dull and the Bank scenes are a little out of nowhere and don’t really flow with what we’ve seen from the series so far.
“The Body under the Blood”[/b] – “The Body under the Blood” is an interesting episode. It tells the story of Gerard Sloume before his death which occurred in the Pilot. In the Teaser we find out Sloume knew of the “bank thing” and met with Derek Shan before it occurred.
During the initial conversation between Derek and Gerard, we find out not all is as it seems between Derek and Johnson. Derek seemingly knows Johnson has another agenda, has rushed the whole thing allowing him [Derek] to find out information he may not have been able to find if the thing had been planned with more precision. Derek and Gerard seem too been plotting something themselves. It’s all very interesting and adds to the worry we saw in Derek earlier on.
The mystery continues to unfold; dots are connected as are the characters. The mysterious pawn shop owner Mike who was seemingly murdered by Derek earlier is somehow involved with everything. We find out it was Lenny who killed Mike (which had been hinted at in the previous episode and seemingly confirmed here, with Lenny holding Derek’s wallet that Tanner finds at the scene of the crime in an earlier episode)
Overall, this is a very strange episode. It fills in blanks; it’s much more dramatic than the previous episodes. Johnston shows remorse for the death of Sloume having seen the picture of Sloume and his family. I would have liked to have seen him show a little remorse for the death of the other hostage to, had he not taking her outside she wouldn’t have been shot by the snipers. The stuff with Derek and Sloume was very interesting, because not only have we got Johnson and his crew of miscreants vs. Tanner, Alex and the police, but now we’ve got problems unfolding between Derek and Johnson and whatnot. It all adds to the mystery and intrigue of the show. Very good stuff by Indy.
“...Blank” –[/b] “...Blank” opened rather strangely. We see Tanner limping covered in blood, presumably having just killed the man in the alleyway. She then calls in the FBI with plans to catch a killer ... Derek Shan who I’m assuming she believes killed the Pawn Shop owner. I think we so far removed from that episode now; it seems a little out of place. But still, a decent enough hook to keep me interested in the episode.
Alex setting up the bug in Johnson’s room was a good plot point. One would imagine Johnson would be too smart for that, and plus it wasn’t done in a particularly clever way. I would have liked to have seen Alex take a little bit more of a risk, like ignoring Theo’s orders, sneaking into Johnson’s room to plant said bug in a race against time before he returns. I think it would have provided a little more drama and played out a little better. But it’s still a good plot point, revealed info that needed revealing and set us in a new direction heading into the finale.
Lots of things started to fall into place with this episode as Derek revealed to Tanner a lot of things regarding his “organization”. It was nicely done.
Overall this was a strong episode, it focused on elements that needed to be spotlighted at this pointed. It gave Derek a definitive role. He started out as a Johnson lackey, Indy teased a little more than that and confirmed it here setting up and interesting finish to Season 1. One thing that confused me about this episode was A) Tanner’s car was flipped over due to a car accident at the top of page 6. Next scene she is absolutely fine and the car accident was never mentioned. I’m not sure if Indy wrote it with the intention of doing something with it, then edited the direction and forgot to edit it out. But it was there and it was confusing. B) Alex called Sal “Mac” more than once. Considering Alex was talking to the limo driver Mac later in the same scene, it was a little confusing.
"All Good Things Must come To An End; Part 1" -[/b] This is the first half of the Season finale, and it opened strongly with Scott and Tanner looking to break into Lenny’s apartment and arrest him for Mike’s murder. Obviously things do not go to plan as a bomb goes off. It’s a strong way to open, it drew me in straight away and got me excited for the rest of the episode.
Indy kept going strongly with some nice interaction between the wounded Marie bargaining with Harding for the hostages safety. Meanwhile Li has found a way out and proposes to Harding that they leave Johnston behind. The tease of what is in Safety Deposit Box 442 continues nicely as does Alex’s interaction with Theo Gorman. I have to say, the few scenes they have had together have been wonderfully written, and I wish Gorman had been brought in a little sooner because I love their interaction. Theo is just a stubborn as she is, and when they argue back and forth it’s fun to see who’s gonna cave in first. And the tease for the breach of the bank is freaking awesome, adding to the tension that has already been built throughout the series.
The reveal of the contents of the box was very interesting. Not only is it unexpected, but it adds to the secret organization aspect of the show that was hinted upon in the previous episode. It also brings up the question as to why Johnson wants it, and why he is willing to pay so much to get it.
Johnston killing Marie was probably the only part of this episode I didn’t like. Johnston became very interesting following his little breakdown over Sloume’s death. Marie had also been a very interesting character, showing some enormous balls in attacking not one but two of the hostage takers with a Tazer and a Letter Opener. I was sad to see her go, but I’m sure there’s more to it.
Overall, this episode positioned the pieces for the second half of the finale. It set up the 4:42 breach of the back. We have Alex and Gorman going in, we have Johnson’s guys going in. It’s good stuff and proves Indy can do a more than good job when he puts his mind to it.
"All Good Things Must come To An End; Part 2[/b] – The second half of the finale, opened much the same as the last half finished. We have Alex and Theo preparing to head into the bank on their end, as Lenny and Max plan to enter and retrieve Li, Harding, Johnston and the safety deposit box.
Tanner is heading back to the bank with Scott, and here the car crash happens. I question Indy placing the car crash “tease” if you will in “...Blank”. It didn’t really play in that episode, it seemed out of place as I mentioned. Here, had the car crash just occurred, it would have worked better. It would have seemed more sudden and shocking.
We finally got to the clash, and obviously Indy writes action scenes well. But it’s amazing how much better they come off when we care about the characters and there is something at stake. The final moments of the episode with Johnson being arrested by Scott and Li burning the Red Pickup Truck and along with it the names and documents with the safety deposit box was quite striking.
Overall, it was a good way to end the show. A few things that in my mind should have been used would be Derek, pressuring Tanner for an answer. Derek asking Tanner to join them his organization and I imagine it will play a part of Season 2 but it should have at least been mentioned in the two part finale. Also, Li going through all he went through just to burn the names seemed quite strange. It kind of leaves you wondering what the point (pun totally intended) of the show was.
Season Review: Season 1 of Point is easily Indy’s strongest body of work to date. He proved here he can create interesting characters, combine it with his great action whilst throwing in a little drama and good story telling along the way. It’s a strong showing from him and I hope it continues with Season 2. There are a few things that needed some kind of resolution, for example; -
- Why did Johnson want the contents of the safety deposit box?
- What was the significance of the contents of safety deposit box?
- How did Tanner and Alex know each other before the events of Season 1?
- What happened to Otto? (minor, but still I wondered)
- Who was the man that attacked Tanner in the alley way and why?
- If Johnson was going to use Mike as a fence, who was Mike going to sell the information to?
Keep up the good work Indy.
