|
Post by MelMac on Mar 16, 2009 15:25:09 GMT -5
In advance of the release of "The Greatest American Hero" comic book two that is expected this week, I created this thread for general discussion of the comic. Note - this thread title as noted [glow=red,2,300]DOES contain spoilers to the newest release of the comic series[/glow]If you wish to remain spoiler free, please avoid this thread beyond this first post. Also, please keep all spoilers to the second edition of the comic to this thread so no one risks being inadvertently spoiled who chooses to remain such until they too can purchase their second comic. It also avoids potential confusion between the first and second comics. Reading one of the Chat with the Katt sessions the other day, it has been noted there are some relatively big spoilers compared to the original pilot ahead and this thread allows for a win-win on both sides of the spoiler issue. Thanks, and enjoy discussing the thread.
|
|
|
Post by greenguy on Mar 24, 2009 8:46:18 GMT -5
Well since Kevin (as Ralph's son) is not featured in the comic, I think they came up with a decent way for Ralph to meet Pam. Still works very well within the framework of the existing material.
Thoughts?
|
|
|
Post by mmderdekea on Mar 24, 2009 9:33:38 GMT -5
I know we are all supposed to be gushing about how much we love the Comic book, but I had some real issues with #2. A real positive aspect of it though, was I thought Bill was drawn really well, getting many of his "looks" down accurately.
However, I'm not that much in love with how Katt and crew are pretty much changing EVERYTHING: 1. Ralph doesn't live in a house, but in an apartment, with some Man-Child friend called Kevin and he BLURBS immediately about the suit to his friend (who oddly didn't pay attention). I'm sure the Green Guys loved that. Plus, Kevin now knows all about the suit. Not too thrilled with that whole set-up, frankly. 2. The editing/are was not good on the page where Bill first is seen with Carlisle. I had trouble figuring out what was going on at first. We imagine that is Bill being polygraphed, only they didn't color his hair in and his shirt was grey, not yellow. Is Bill saying "WAAAH" in the first panel--why? That's kind of stupid. Then suddenly, Bill is standing up, dressed with his jacket on again with brown hair and yellow shirt--that's very rough from the previous panel. One wonders if he was witnessing the polygraph test of the white haired guy in the grey shirt, or if it was him and now he is out of the polygraph talking with Carlisle, but we know he's been polygraphed himself by Carlisle's words. Then we get an analysis of a wrist band, but since Bill and John wore one, it would have been nice for them to say "any image JOHN took", etc. to keep that clear. Last, Maxwell should not necessarily have failed the polygraph. He could have said that John was murdered, he found blood and the wrist band, but doesn't know exactly what happened to him. This whole page was a mess, one imagines they had more panels but edited them down to just this page, and it seemed a rushed way to start in with Maxwell being kicked out of the FBI. 3. I DID like that Maxwell had the fantastic kill rate BEFORE hooking up with Ralph. That's my Fed! 4. I DIDN'T like that they just exhibited Maxwell's pushiness in the bathroom and not the ending humorous line that showed that wonderful other side to him, his reaction after Ralph yelled at him and left the bathroom, that little smile and his droll, "Try not to lose the suit". 4. The rest of the comic changes pretty much everything--Tony is arrested, Rhonda has what appears to be a conflict of interest in boyfriends, the legal system is so quick that one hour after Tony is arrested he's going to court, and Pam is a Public Defender. 5. Pam being a public defender detracts GREATLY from Pam, in my opinion, and ruins the balance between the low paid liberal Ralph with his well paid, up and coming corporate lawyer girlfriend Pam, who has to fit into a more aristocratic class which doesn't connect well with men in funny red suits. I wonder why they wanted to do this change of Pam's legal situation.
So, yeah, I'm reading the comic, but I can't say I'm in love with it. What it has best going for it is the relationship between Bill and Ralph and Pam, and the good news is I'm sure Katt and Crew really get that. However, some of these other changes are not really doing it for me at this point, but I'll keep getting the comic in support of the whole enterprise.
Mona
|
|
|
Post by MelMac on Mar 24, 2009 10:23:32 GMT -5
I know we are all supposed to be gushing about how much we love the Comic book, but I had some real issues with #2. A real positive aspect of it though, was I thought Bill was drawn really well, getting many of his "looks" down accurately. However, I'm not that much in love with how Katt and crew are pretty much changing EVERYTHING: Nope, that's your opinion, which we all respect. If we didn't have people saying they were not that enthralled with the comic, there would be no feedback for those who are working on it and therefore there would be no improvements. Result? - We could have Mortimer's bleak prophesy come true and it only be the three comics. That said, I do have one clarification - as it's been said before, anything done to this comic has to be approved by SJC before it is put in there, meaning - please don't just say that Katt is changing all of it, he's only partially responsible (though yes, also responsible).
|
|
|
Post by mmderdekea on Mar 24, 2009 10:45:41 GMT -5
Mel,
I wrote "Katt and Crew", with an obvious inference to all the others involved.
Mona
|
|
|
Post by MelMac on Mar 24, 2009 11:02:52 GMT -5
Mel, I wrote "Katt and Crew", with an obvious inference to all the others involved. Mona Mona, The only reason I clarified is that people have lately just implied that everything with the comic is Katt only. It is a sum of it's parts, and just want to make sure that everyone remembers that. Even I forget sometimes, but in doing so I forget that SJC was the one who brought these wonderful characters to paper to begin with. Like you, I have my reservations of the comic at times, but am at the same time open-minded to some of the changes. For example, the apartment thing - I have no problem with this because the Ralph of the comic is 25, which means he's just out of college (about 2-3 years out most). And, given most teacher's salaries I've seen, he wouldn't be making enough at this time to have a house all his own. Kevin knowing - well, I'm iffy there as well, but there might be more to that than we know. And right now, while I do not know why the change to Public Defender, I figured this was a way to work around the fact she is not Ralph's divorce lawyer. I love that they made Rhonda more modern with her conflict of interest with boys, and the speed of Tony going to trial is due to comic restraints, not reality (besides, if we held reality to TV shows, then we'd be waiting years between episodes. )
|
|
|
Post by butterfingers on Mar 24, 2009 12:01:09 GMT -5
Remember, that this is a comic book and is expected to be different. I mean, who here has not seen the pilot episode like over a dozen times right? So to have something different then what we already know and seen is okay and in this case welcomed. Sure Kevin is a friend and not his son and Bill and Pam have a bit different intro ... you know what . GOOD! Its different and for over 25 years I have been along with everybody on this board have been wanting something new. Well here it is and I love it.
Change is strange and as creatures of habbit and familiarity, as we all are, we are all susseptible to harsh scrutiney when it comes to our beloveed GAH. But remember that its new GAH matarial and lets soak it up.
Now with that said. I will say that the comic is not 100%, the only thing I was thrown by was the coloring. #1 the cape .. What color is it? red / black / blue ? (no trim) #2 the instruction book .. What color is it? red / black / silver / blue (red lights or gray lights) #3 white color/silver collar ... its on the cover but not in the book. #4 Pam looks nothing like she does on the cover .. her hair is brown in book and looks nothing like the cover Pam.
The only other thing was the boots, what happen to Ralph's boot tops, and the shin rings are not the same and are complete circles.
Now just like in the series, the suit changes and maybe after this first run, the suit will change.
I love the story!!! The way it ends was great, and put all the little Pekinese to the side of what was colored and was wasn't, it's the story we all have to pay attention too and I will be again the first one in line to buy #3 and I pray and hope #4 , 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, etc ...
|
|
|
Post by MelMac on Mar 24, 2009 12:18:38 GMT -5
I agree with you on points too butterfingers, and appreciate your POV as well. As far as the cape, I would presume that they've done it where it's black and shines red. This is based a little on the cover, particularly at the neck near the top of his shoulder: Personally, I think it should remain the same as the series, but who knows, this would add an alien feel to it too - it's a lot like how they did the Rimmer holograph outfits in "Red Dwarf" that way. Then again - add to that the boots with no spats... hmm... maybe they were channeling the outfit that Katt wore in the "TV Land Awards" this year. That one had a cape with no trim and shiny boots without the familiar grey trim at top or spats:
|
|
|
Post by greenguy on Mar 25, 2009 7:20:48 GMT -5
I know we are all supposed to be gushing about how much we love the Comic book, but I had some real issues with #2. A real positive aspect of it though, was I thought Bill was drawn really well, getting many of his "looks" down accurately. However, I'm not that much in love with how Katt and crew are pretty much changing EVERYTHING: 1. Ralph doesn't live in a house, but in an apartment, with some Man-Child friend called Kevin and he BLURBS immediately about the suit to his friend (who oddly didn't pay attention). I'm sure the Green Guys loved that. Plus, Kevin now knows all about the suit. Not too thrilled with that whole set-up, frankly. 2. The editing/are was not good on the page where Bill first is seen with Carlisle. I had trouble figuring out what was going on at first. We imagine that is Bill being polygraphed, only they didn't color his hair in and his shirt was grey, not yellow. Is Bill saying "WAAAH" in the first panel--why? That's kind of stupid. Then suddenly, Bill is standing up, dressed with his jacket on again with brown hair and yellow shirt--that's very rough from the previous panel. One wonders if he was witnessing the polygraph test of the white haired guy in the grey shirt, or if it was him and now he is out of the polygraph talking with Carlisle, but we know he's been polygraphed himself by Carlisle's words. Then we get an analysis of a wrist band, but since Bill and John wore one, it would have been nice for them to say "any image JOHN took", etc. to keep that clear. Last, Maxwell should not necessarily have failed the polygraph. He could have said that John was murdered, he found blood and the wrist band, but doesn't know exactly what happened to him. This whole page was a mess, one imagines they had more panels but edited them down to just this page, and it seemed a rushed way to start in with Maxwell being kicked out of the FBI. 3. I DID like that Maxwell had the fantastic kill rate BEFORE hooking up with Ralph. That's my Fed! 4. I DIDN'T like that they just exhibited Maxwell's pushiness in the bathroom and not the ending humorous line that showed that wonderful other side to him, his reaction after Ralph yelled at him and left the bathroom, that little smile and his droll, "Try not to lose the suit". 4. The rest of the comic changes pretty much everything--Tony is arrested, Rhonda has what appears to be a conflict of interest in boyfriends, the legal system is so quick that one hour after Tony is arrested he's going to court, and Pam is a Public Defender. 5. Pam being a public defender detracts GREATLY from Pam, in my opinion, and ruins the balance between the low paid liberal Ralph with his well paid, up and coming corporate lawyer girlfriend Pam, who has to fit into a more aristocratic class which doesn't connect well with men in funny red suits. I wonder why they wanted to do this change of Pam's legal situation. So, yeah, I'm reading the comic, but I can't say I'm in love with it. What it has best going for it is the relationship between Bill and Ralph and Pam, and the good news is I'm sure Katt and Crew really get that. However, some of these other changes are not really doing it for me at this point, but I'll keep getting the comic in support of the whole enterprise. Mona 1. I can only imagine its possible they are setting up something for the future with this scenario. 2. I agree, the panels were a bit confusing, however its not the first time I've seen something like this occur in a comic. Not surprised that Maxwell would have failed the test, tests of those type are not 100% accurate and given the nature of what he had been through no wonder he couldn't pass it. 3. I did not care for the fact that Maxwell has a high kill record BEFORE hooking up with Ralph and the suit. In that regard it leaves nowhere for that aspect of the character to go. Well I guess up to 100%. Having Maxwell as an average fed, then suddenly jumping to a almost perfect record would allow for people within the FBI to get suspicious, and a perfect chance to lend some conflict with Bill later down the line. We briefly had a look at this with Carlisle giving that some thought in some episodes, not to mention the vistors from Washington in Lilac's Mr. Maxwell. I would have liked seeing this point explored more in the series. Obviously depending who found the instruction book we are probably being set up for something similar to that, but coming from a different direction than Bill's record. 4. Well Tony being arrested was a good angle to get Ralph on his way to court in light of the fact with no Kevin theres no custody battle. 5. Since Pam's background was never really explored much who knows what she handled before she was herded into the corporate game. Obviously thats not all she was experienced in since it was stated in the series that she represented Ralph in his divorce, and then later in the custody battle for Kevin. It was only right after the pilot that we get to see her moving around the corporate circles. So the comic has found a new way for Ralph and Pam to meet under similar (court) circumstances. I don't think a woman would have to be from a certain "aristocratic class" to have problems dealing with a significant other who was constantly darting in and out of their personal life in tights and a cape. Another thing, in retelling the pilots story the creators are sorta locked in to a certain way to of doing things based on what we've seen before. You can see they are trying to stay very true to what was on screen almost 30 years ago, and still give us a modern day spin on things. I'm looking forward to seeing new stories where they won't be working within what we've be shown before. Great comments Mona, I like to see such detailed thoughts about how the material comes across to you.
|
|
|
Post by mmderdekea on Mar 25, 2009 8:56:44 GMT -5
Hello, GG,
I just wanted to clarify one thing--I did not say Pam was FROM an ristocratic class, she obviously wasn't unless the comic changes her MidWestern middle class background, too, but she DEALT with that upper class levels of people in the TV show--Senators, corporate folks, etc. I liked that odd coupling of high class lawyer with average high school remedial teacher.
I don't expect folks to agree with me, and I'm glad that others are happy with the comic. I will be patient, but I just don't really particularly like all the changes all over the place. Updating it is one thing, but these changes are pushing my comfort level. As I said, I will of course keep buying the comic; I just preordered #3. The main reason is I feel they are getting the CHARACTERS right, which is more important than I dislike the new Kevin, and other particular aspects of the story presentation.
As for Bill's kill rate, we don't know he was just an "average" Fed in the TV show before Ralph--he certainly knew his stuff as an agent, and he had a certain self-deprecating manner that did not allow himself to always blow his own horn. Plus he felt and it seemed true that to the FBI, he was just one agent out of thousands, as bureaucracy can impose on people, especially those who do their jobs but do not have the "brown nosing" tendency, as Bill definitely did not. Having him have the high kill rate in the comic before meeting Ralph could just as easily cause tension with him and the FBI if suddenly--after 20 years of towing the line and doing everything to the FBIs perfect standards--he has odd things to explain and he starts breaking rules and fudging his reports, and so forth. That could work just as well for the story, and create the same FBI tension. It would also explain for those new to the story Bill's attempt to take immediate control of the magic jammies issue with Ralph.
Mona
|
|
|
Post by greenguy on Mar 25, 2009 10:02:38 GMT -5
Hello, GG, I just wanted to clarify one thing--I did not say Pam was FROM an ristocratic class, she obviously wasn't unless the comic changes her MidWestern middle class background, too, but she DEALT with that upper class levels of people in the TV show--Senators, corporate folks, etc. I liked that odd coupling of high class lawyer with average high school remedial teacher. I don't expect folks to agree with me, and I'm glad that others are happy with the comic. I will be patient, but I just don't really particularly like all the changes all over the place. Updating it is one thing, but these changes are pushing my comfort level. As I said, I will of course keep buying the comic; I just preordered #3. The main reason is I feel they are getting the CHARACTERS right, which is more important than I dislike the new Kevin, and other particular aspects of the story presentation. As for Bill's kill rate, we don't know he was just an "average" Fed in the TV show before Ralph--he certainly knew his stuff as an agent, and he had a certain self-deprecating manner that did not allow himself to always blow his own horn. Plus he felt and it seemed true that to the FBI, he was just one agent out of thousands, as bureaucracy can impose on people, especially those who do their jobs but do not have the "brown nosing" tendency, as Bill definitely did not. Having him have the high kill rate in the comic before meeting Ralph could just as easily cause tension with him and the FBI if suddenly--after 20 years of towing the line and doing everything to the FBIs perfect standards--he has odd things to explain and he starts breaking rules and fudging his reports, and so forth. That could work just as well for the story, and create the same FBI tension. It would also explain for those new to the story Bill's attempt to take immediate control of the magic jammies issue with Ralph. Mona I'm not trying to sway you to turn my way either Mona....lol. Although I didn't really care for the new Kevin. However it doesn't take away from my overall opinion of the comic. However it was stated by J.J. Beck in the 2nd seasons Don't Mess Around with Jim "Agent William Maxwell is a very average, middle level federal agent with a record of mediocre service...hard headed...unispired...in short a drone, with a limited performance record for 30 years". Now it was obvious Beck had both Ralph and Bill investigated in a very detailed manner before trusting the duo, and while I don't believe Maxwell was anything near a "drone" I believe that Beck's careful examination and background investigation was correct in tagging Bill's performance as mediocre, or "average" Which in a job such as Maxwell's I would guess is more the norm than say "above average"
|
|
|
Post by MelMac on Mar 25, 2009 10:03:43 GMT -5
I have to say that overall, I'm not surprised with the changes, and some were of necessity (i.e. Pam representing Tony instead of Ralph). On a plus side the changes here are really inline with the updated version, such as having Ralph in an apartment are a little more realistic given the character's age. It's more plausible, as is the genetically engineered birds - we've had a cloned sheep for example, and I believe there are some species of insects that have crossbred that can be more violent. As long as they don't totally change the premise of the story as was tried with "TGAH 2008," then I'll just roll with the punches. (Though I'll admit, I was interested in seeing their take on the series). They're at least keeping the basic premise - and good characterizations - the same. (That said, I'd love to know what they crossed the Condor with to make them that vicious in the first comic. )
|
|
|
Post by mmderdekea on Mar 26, 2009 0:31:38 GMT -5
Hello, again, GG, Well, if JJ Beck is the best one can use for assessing Bill, I consider that a very specious rating of his career. JJ Beck was arrogant, murderous, greedy, self-serving, and chased away his own best friend by his despicable actions with the suit. He very well may have judged Bill for not having any of those negative attributes, for not being inspired to get to management and take over the FBI, for being content to just plug away effectively and responsibly at the same mundane job for 20 years. That was the antithesis of JJ's view of the world and how getting ahead of everyone else was the goal. After all, in Las Vegas, we see five or so criminals that Bill put away; they crop up regularly! I would hardly base my estimation of Bill's talents on JJ Beck, and even if you did, Beck realized the mistaken idea he had of Bill's career at the end of the episode. Now, shall we discuss the average, utterly uninspired manner of teaching that Ralph had with his students in the classroom? Mona (Ducking!)
|
|
|
Post by MelMac on Mar 26, 2009 8:54:46 GMT -5
I disagree. As greenguy said, Beck investigated Bill and Ralph before kidnapping them to basically do his final wish, meaning that assessment came from reading Bill's files. I have wondered too if he assessed Bill that way because he wanted Bill to take chances (though not necessarily to take over the agency). Additionally, I'm not so sure that it that Bill wasn't inspired to get into management - as we see him searching for those gold stars to get recognized and possibly get the promotion. But like any job, one can work very hard and not get the recognition that he deserves. It's one reason I think Bill celebrates all these busts and getting in the magazines - he's finally getting the credit he deserves. And - BTW - if Ralph's teaching is "uninspired," then I'd love to have an uninspiring teacher in my life: take me to the desert, to see the Lone Ranger, or in the case of the comic, see appliances blow up because they're educational and fun.
|
|
|
Post by greenguy on Mar 26, 2009 15:16:54 GMT -5
Hello, again, GG, Well, if JJ Beck is the best one can use for assessing Bill, I consider that a very specious rating of his career. JJ Beck was arrogant, murderous, greedy, self-serving, and chased away his own best friend by his despicable actions with the suit. He very well may have judged Bill for not having any of those negative attributes, for not being inspired to get to management and take over the FBI, for being content to just plug away effectively and responsibly at the same mundane job for 20 years. That was the antithesis of JJ's view of the world and how getting ahead of everyone else was the goal. After all, in Las Vegas, we see five or so criminals that Bill put away; they crop up regularly! I would hardly base my estimation of Bill's talents on JJ Beck, and even if you did, Beck realized the mistaken idea he had of Bill's career at the end of the episode. Now, shall we discuss the average, utterly uninspired manner of teaching that Ralph had with his students in the classroom? Mona (Ducking!) Well I take it that Beck's assessment of Bill's career was the "...hard headed...unispired...in short a drone" part of his comment. Which I do not agree with...okay, the "hard headed" part I'll give him. The rest would have been from an investigation he no doubt had done on both Bill and Ralph on their backgrounds. While I totally agree Beck was "arrogant, murderous, greedy, self-serving" that should have no effect on what information was put in front of him about Bill's record up until that time. You make a good point about the thugs the pair run into while in vegas, however for a 30 year career 5 wouldn't be an outstanding number. Of course I realize Maxwell would have put away far more than 5 by that time. However I have no clue as to how many "busts" a middle level agent would rack up in 30 years. None of this is meant as a slam against the character of Maxwell, it's just the way I see the facts presented to me by the masterminds of the show. Well I have to agree by the time the show was nearing the end we saw less and less of Ralph interacting with his students. Although mel does bring up a good point about the field trips, plus what about convincing his class to put on a play (The Hit Car) teaching them to help their fellow man (Saturday on Sunset Blvd.) taking them to pan for gold (The Lost Diablo) raising money (The Beast in The Black) helping their aspiring band (Classical Gas) and I could add a few more. I think deciding if one is inspired is probably up to the individual. What might inspire you, might not inspire me.
|
|
|
Post by mmderdekea on Mar 26, 2009 18:41:39 GMT -5
Hey, GG,
Ralph's field trips were the only good, creative thing about his teaching, in my opinion. In the classroom, he taught street wise students boring lectures on class systems in India, made them read books they couldn't relate to, and was, even for me, really uninspired and uncreative. The Shakespearean play was a joke and I'm sure never happened again. It's lucky Ralph seemed to have an endless budget for field trips, as those were the only really good thing about his teaching methodology!
I think we have to realize that JJ Beck's "investigation" does not mean the INTERPRETATION of those investigations were accurate; that comes from one's own mindset, not just the "facts". JJ Beck no doubt saw someone as "uninspired" if they have stayed in the same job for 20 years doing the same thing. JJ would have believed that moving up and up and taking over more and more was the way one should live, as he did. So, we cannot divorce interpretation from his "investigation". Like Katt and Crew in the comic books, and I'm happy to read you, I believe otherwise than JJ Beck. Bill was a committed agent, responsible and earnest, devoted and patriotic. He worked hard over and over and got his criminals put in jail. He didn't like the paperwork, or probably do a good job overall writing up his reports, but that's immaterial to his core self. He was hard-headed but also incredibly adaptable. To JJ Beck, he was a drone; to me, he was a damn good Fed.
So, yeah, I don't think elevating JJ Beck's assessment of Bill to the most reliable view of him is appropriate or fair. For example, his Deputy Director in "Saturday Night", granted Bill a precedent setting waiver from further polygraph testing by completely trusting Bill and agreeing with Bill's own assessment he was a solid, good, committed Fed from his hair to his toes. THAT is an opinion I hold in higher regard than Beck's!
As for Ralph, I think he would be in the Top Five List of the worst teachers shown on TV, which very well could explain why he WAS stuck in remedial work, as Cyler (I think), once commented to him ("Did you ever think you're stuck here because you can't make it out there, either?"--paraphrase). But, he wouldn't win because of those fantastic field trips, which nearly killed a student or two now and then, but gave them wonderful stories of real life and how one can make a positive difference.
So, the comic book supporting Bill and not Beck was one of the best aspects of #2, for me. Good for Katt and Crew for seeing the wonderfulness of our main Fed!! Mona
|
|
|
Post by HoudiniDerek on Mar 26, 2009 23:29:04 GMT -5
Actually, Mona, it was Paco that asked Ralph that in SATURDAY ON SUNSET BOULEVARD. ;D
|
|
|
Post by greenguy on Mar 27, 2009 7:33:51 GMT -5
Hey, GG, Ralph's field trips were the only good, creative thing about his teaching, in my opinion. In the classroom, he taught street wise students boring lectures on class systems in India, made them read books they couldn't relate to, and was, even for me, really uninspired and uncreative. The Shakespearean play was a joke and I'm sure never happened again. It's lucky Ralph seemed to have an endless budget for field trips, as those were the only really good thing about his teaching methodology! I think we have to realize that JJ Beck's "investigation" does not mean the INTERPRETATION of those investigations were accurate; that comes from one's own mindset, not just the "facts". JJ Beck no doubt saw someone as "uninspired" if they have stayed in the same job for 20 years doing the same thing. JJ would have believed that moving up and up and taking over more and more was the way one should live, as he did. So, we cannot divorce interpretation from his "investigation". Like Katt and Crew in the comic books, and I'm happy to read you, I believe otherwise than JJ Beck. Bill was a committed agent, responsible and earnest, devoted and patriotic. He worked hard over and over and got his criminals put in jail. He didn't like the paperwork, or probably do a good job overall writing up his reports, but that's immaterial to his core self. He was hard-headed but also incredibly adaptable. To JJ Beck, he was a drone; to me, he was a damn good Fed. So, yeah, I don't think elevating JJ Beck's assessment of Bill to the most reliable view of him is appropriate or fair. For example, his Deputy Director in "Saturday Night", granted Bill a precedent setting waiver from further polygraph testing by completely trusting Bill and agreeing with Bill's own assessment he was a solid, good, committed Fed from his hair to his toes. THAT is an opinion I hold in higher regard than Beck's! As for Ralph, I think he would be in the Top Five List of the worst teachers shown on TV, which very well could explain why he WAS stuck in remedial work, as Cyler (I think), once commented to him ("Did you ever think you're stuck here because you can't make it out there, either?"--paraphrase). But, he wouldn't win because of those fantastic field trips, which nearly killed a student or two now and then, but gave them wonderful stories of real life and how one can make a positive difference. So, the comic book supporting Bill and not Beck was one of the best aspects of #2, for me. Good for Katt and Crew for seeing the wonderfulness of our main Fed!! Mona I didn't mean to imply the the play was good...lol...just that the inspiring part would have been getting the class to work together and also work with their parents. Plus what teacher doesn't use boring material? At least from time to time. I believe Beck's interpretation of Bill's career would have been accurate. He had a lot riding on getting Ralph and Bill to help him, and he would have been going on the information provided, not how his mindset would have been judging the information. I do agree Bill was a damn good fed. I imagine Bill being able to cut a deal with the Deputy Director in SNOSB had more to do with the importance of getting Teresa & Serge back and the politics surrounding them, not because of the regard he held of Maxwell. As for Ralph being one of the worst teachers in tv history, the show wasn't meant to be The Paper Chase, or Lucas Tanner. It was The Greatest American Hero, not The Greatest American Teacher. The creators had to try and balance the personal life, hero, career, and more of its main character. I'm sure taking more time of the hero aspect and the Ralph and Bill relationship than the teacher portion of the show. I loved that scene when Paco accused him of not being good enough to "handle those straights out there" Its a shame the show did NOT continue in the fashion that was shaped in that first season.
|
|
|
Post by mmderdekea on Mar 27, 2009 9:11:41 GMT -5
Well, I believe Beck's interpretation of Bill's career would have definitely been distorted by Beck's own problematic worldview. And I do believe that the Deputy Director allowing Bill to work solo (against FBI Rules) and disallowing his need to do the polygraph test showed unusual trust and confidence in Bill, which I think was righteously deserved. Since Bill's job was to help get the Russians back, there was no need for the DD to allow Bill to stop doing polygraphs, especially as Bill had said earlier at the restaurant, Feds did go bad and he believed in the need for the procedure. The DD could have said, "Hey, you want to KEEP your job, bring the Russians in. End of discussion." But, instead he agreed to the bargain. That's impressive. Since we seem to have reached a little impasse here, we shall have to agree to disagree and leave it at that! Have a great Friday! Mona
|
|
|
Post by MelMac on Mar 27, 2009 9:23:39 GMT -5
And now, back to the comic itself... I do think it's interesting that the cover is a bit more different than the inside. Wonder why they went a different way in the interior, such as Pam's hair color. I don't think production has much to do with it, given that the mix for those two colors is different and one color would not affected based on printing on slick (cover) paper and regular print. Maybe Connie saw it and asked to be brunette instead of raven hair. Reading what I have so far, it's interesting all the changes to begin with, such as the condors/vultures being genetically bred - a nice tie in to concerns of today's world (genetic breeding/cloning), and even how they easily adapted Pam's job to still be who she was in the series. Not too sure about some of the changes, but overall, they still work IMHO, and look forward to the series continuing.
|
|