Koontzland - Dean Koontz discussion
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Twin Peaks, The X-Files, Fringe and MUCH MORE!
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This episode was the only episode filmed in Black & White. It features humor, the music of Cher and termite tents. There is a Cher impersonator at the end and many references to early Frankenstein movies. If you've ever seen Cher in "The Mask" you won't want to miss this!
This episode was nominated for several awards but didn't win because it was just too far out there. I can watch The Post-Modern Prometheus over and over and still love it! Give it a try - if you've seen it - let me know what you think :-)
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I only watched a handful of episodes when X-files was originally on television and I did watch the movies. Last year I bought the boxed set. I didn't watch them all straight through because in my opinion, not all X-files episodes are created equal in greatness. I searched online to see what other people's favorites were and I looked through my episode guide that came with the set to pick the ones I wanted to watch.
I just finished watching the second movie last night for the second time. I saw it once in the theater and then I was waiting until I went through the series to re-watch it on DVD. I have to say - I like the tv episodes better than either of the movies - that's just my opinion.
Mod
Note: this is based on the episodes I have actually watched and is subject to change.
My favorite Episodes
1.EVE - Mulder and Scully search for two girls who disappeared after their fathers were murdered in an identical fashion
2.THE ERLENMEYER FLASK - (this is the season one finale) Deep Throat tips Mulder to a critically important case involving a missing fugitive and the cloning of extraterrestrial viruses.
Honorable Mention
Squeeze & Tooms - (Tooms is the sequel to Squeeze) Mulder and Scully search for a humanoid killer whose savage murder spree reoccurs every thirty years.
Mythology Episodes (central to the continuing X-files story that spans 9 seasons and two movies)
Pilot
Deep Throat
Conduit
Fallen Angel
E.B.E.
The Erlenmeyer Flask
Episode not worth watching:
Ghost in the Machine
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message 6:
by
Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado
(last edited Jan 08, 2010 08:51AM)
(new)
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My Favorite Episodes:
1. COLONY - During the murder investigation of three identical doctors, Mulder makes a stunning discovery regarding his missing sister, and Scully's life is threatened by a shape-shifting bounty hunter.
2.THE HOST - Mulder and Scully pursue the Flukeman - a murderous genetic mutation lurking in the New Jersey sewer system. (this one is down-right creepy! like Squeeze/Tooms from season one)
3.ANASAZI - Mulder and Scully uncover a chilling link between a UFO cover-up and secret government experiments. (this is the season finale and is part one of a 3-part that continues into season three)
Honorable Mentions:
ONE BREATH - (for great imagery) As a comatose Scully fights for her life, Mulder uncovers clues to her abduction, leading to a confrontation with the Cigarette-Smoking Man.
ASCENSION - (for the chase up the ski/lift or gondola or whatever it is)When Scully is abducted by unseen forces, Mulder launches a desperate search to find her, only to be thwarted by a stunning betrayal.
Mythology Episodes:
Little Green Men
Duane Berry
Ascension
One Breath
Colony
End Game
Anasazi
Humor Episode:
Humbug - The agents enter the bizarre world of sideshow performers - this is the X-file's first attempt at humor. Gillian who plays the character of Scully really does but a bug in her mouth but she does not actually eat it - she spits it out after the camera stops rolling
Multi-Parts (this is the first season to have 2 or 3 part episodes):
3-part : Duane Barry, Ascension, One Breath
2-part: Colony, End Game
3-part: Anasazi, The Blessing Way (s3), Paper Clip (S3)
Mod
However, with the last movie, "I want to believe", although watching all episodes/seasons would give you more insight, I don't think it's as important - it came out 6 years after the series ended and was disconnected from the whole "mythology" of the X-files.
Mod
My favorite episodes:
1. PAPER CLIP - While trying to expose a government plan to create an alien/human hybrid, Mulder gains startling new information about his sister's abduction. (this is part 3 of the 3-part that started with Anasazi in season 2 - a very intense episode)
2.CLYDE BROCKMAN'S FINAL REPOSE - On the trail of a serial killer, the agents seek the help of a clairvoyant who predicts Mulder's death.
Honorable Mention:
TALITHA CUMI - Season 3 finale and Part one of a 2-part. A supernatural being with miraculous healing powers provides the agents with clues to a mysterious alien conspiracy known only as "the project".
PUSHER - A sadistic killer, who possesses the ability to control people with the power of his voice, enlists Mulder in a deadly test of wills.
Mythology Episodes:
The Blessing Way
Paper Clip
Nisei
731
Piper Maru
Apocrypha
Talitha Cumi
My opinion on Mythology episodes: I really don't like the "Black Oil" episodes - I can't stand the stuff which makes it's first appearance in Piper Maru.
Humor Episodes:
Clyde Brockman's Final Repose
Jose Chung's "From Outer Space"
Multi-parts
3-part: Anasazi(s2), The Blessing Way, Paper Clip
2-part: Nisei, 731
2-part: Piper Maru, Apocrypha
2-part: Talitha Cumi, Herrenvolk (s4)
Episodes not worth watching:
Grotesque - I don't want to see this one again - it was too dark literally and figuratively - Mulder and Scully explore the thin line between sanity and madness when they track a serial killer who claims to be possessed by an evil spirit - I don't want any where near that thin line!
Avatar- When Skinner is accused of murdering a young woman, Mulder theorizes that the true killer may be a succubus - a jealous female spirit. Don't bother!
Mod
Yes - Actually many episodes are even better quality in my opinion. Particularly, the multi-parts and season finales often have a movie-like feel. The Pilot sets up the background and what come to be known as the "mythology episodes" continue the conspiracy story. The conspiracy changes in Season 6 with the two-part episodes of "Two Fathers" and "One Son". The 3-part episode of "Biogenesis" (season 6 finale), "The Sixth Extinction" and "The Sixth Extinction II: Amori Fati" begin the new mythology.
There are a lot of mythology episodes in Season 5 leading up to and setting stage for the X-Files movie that was released over the summer between Season 5 and 6 . The movie was actually filmed the summer before Season 5 aired - (they filmed the movie before filming season 5 - I don't know how Chris Carter pulled it all off)they were very busy at that time :-) and it turned out well.
Mod
note: these are just my opinions based on episodes I have seen :-)
My Favorite Episodes:
1. SMALL POTATOES - The true birth father of small-town babies born with vestigial tails turns out to be a chameleon-like man capable of impersonating anyone - including Mulder.
2. PAPER HEARTS - Seemingly prophetic dreams send Mulder on a search for the undiscovered victims of a serial killer, only to discover that one of them may be his missing sister, Samantha
HONORABLE MENTION:
1. UNRUHE - To catch a twisted killer, Mulder and Scully attempt to decipher the clues he unwittingly leaves behind - psychic photographs revealing his darkest fantasies and fears.
2. HOME - In a small, otherwise peaceful town, the agents investigate the death of an infant with disturbing birth defects, and the trail of clues leads to a clan of inbred, genetic mutants
Mythology Episodes:
Herrenvolk
Musings of a Cigarette-Smoking Man
Tunguska
Terma
Memento Mori
Tempus Fugit
Max
Zero-Sum
Gethsemane
Humor Episode:
Small Potatoes
Multi-Parts
2-part: Talitha Cumi(S3), Herrenvolk
2-part: Tunguska, Terma
2-part: Tempus Fugit, Max
3-part: Gethsemane, Redux(s5),Redux II (s5)
Episodes not worth watching:
The Field Where I Died
Never Again - an evil tattoo with the voice of Jodie Foster
Mod
Season 5 is preparing viewers for the X-files movie: Fight the Future which was shown in theaters during the summer between Seasons 5 and 6
My favorite Episodes:
1. THE POST-MODERN PROMETHEUS - While investigating the appearance of a freakish creature in a rural town, the agents uncover a dangerous genetic experiment that has spun wildly out of control.
2. BAD BLOOD - While exploring the deaths of cattle killed by a series of blood extractions, the agents uncover a cult of vampires residing in a small Texas town.
Honorable Mention:
THE END - Mulder and Scully discover a 12-year old clairvoyant whose life may be in danger due to his gifted ability to solve all the unexplained phenomena in the X-files.
Mythology Episodes:
Redux
Redux II
Unusual Suspects
Christmas Carol
Emily
Patient X
The Red and the Black
Travelers (rather boring in my opinion)
The End
Humor Episodes:
The Post-Modern Prometheus
Bad Blood
Multi-Parts:
3-part: Gethsemane (s4), Redux, Redux II
2-part: Christmas Carol, Emily
2-part: Patient X, The Red and the Black
Mod
This is my favorite season - because the movie was over there was a lot more room for creativity - there are several really fun episodes. After season 6 the quality of the X-files starts to decline; there are still stand-out episodes but there are some awful ones that come up too.
My Favorite Episodes:
1. BIOGENESIS - (the beginning of a new mythology) Mulder believes that metallic objects discovered in Africa are proof that life originated elsewhere in the universe.
2. THE UNNATURAL - Arthur Dales' brother recounts a tale about a talented alien baseball player who hid amongst an all-African-American team in Roswell, New Mexico, during the 1940s.
Honorable Mentions:
1. MONDAY - A woman desperately attempts to alter the outcome of the events of a day she is forced to relive again and again.
2. HOW THE GHOSTS STOLE CHRISTMAS - On Christmas Eve, Mulder and Scully find themselves trapped in a haunted house with two ghosts who are determined to prove just how lonely the holiday can be.
3. THE RAIN KING - The agents investigate a man who claims he can control the weather
4. DREAMLAND/ DREAMLAND II - The only two-part humorous episode in the entire series :-) A Bizarre occurrence at the famous Area 51 swaps Mulder's consciousness with that of a stranger - Morris Fletcher.
5. TWO FATHERS/ONE SON - After this two- part episode the alien conspiracy of the X-files really changes. Cassandra Spender mysteriously reappears - The agents attempt to prevent an alien invasion of Earth
6. FIELD TRIP - A Mystery involving two skeletons leads the agents on a journey in which nothing is quite what it seems. (here's one to mess with your head)
Mythology Episodes:
The Beginning
Two Fathers
One Son
The Unnatural
Biogenesis
Humor Episodes:
Triangle
Dreamland
Dreamland II
How The Ghosts Stole Christmas
The Rain King
Multi-Parts:
2-part: Dreamland, Dreamland II
2-part: Two Fathers, One Son
3-part: Biogenesis, The Sixth Extinction (s7), The Sixth Extinction II: Amor Fati (s7)
Episode not worth watching:
S.R. 819 - Mulder and Scully search for answers when skinner is infected with a mysterious disease that will end his life in 24 hours.
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My Favorite Episodes:
1. CLOSURE - (the second half of a 2-part) Mulder continues to search for clues about Samantha's abduction and ultimately finds the long-sought-after answers concerning her fate. A very emotional episode.
2. THE AMAZING MALEENI - Mulder suspects a magic trick gone awry while Scully believes it is a simple murder case when a small-time magician is found dead moments after turning his head 360 degrees for an amazed audience.
3. HUNGRY - A monster starving for human brain matter tries to remedy his own unusual eating habits.
Honorable Mention:
JE SOUHAITE - An indifferent genie grants three wishes, but her offerings bring more mayhem than fortune.
Mythology Episodes:
The Sixth Extinction
The Sixth Extinction II: Amor Fati
Sein Und Zeit
Closure
Requiem
Humor Episodes:
The Amazing Maleeni
X-Cops
Hollywood A.D.
Je Souhaite
Multi-Part Episodes:
3-part: Biogenesis (s6), The Sixth Extinction, The Sixth Extinction II: Amor Fati
2-part: Sein Und Zeit, Closure
Episodes not worth watching (5):
X-COPS - Don't watch unless you're a huge fan of the show COPS.
FIRST PERSON SHOOTER - Don't watch unless you really like virtual reality/video games
EN-AMI
all things
HOLLYWOOD A.D.
Mod
My Favorite Episodes:
1. ESSENCE/EXISTENCE - (2-part episode) A seemingly unstoppable Billy Miles begins killing scientists performing genetic research - then targets Scully. Mulder searches for answers when a connection is made between Billy Miles and members of the the FBI; Scully and Reyes find refuge in a remote location as Scully prepares to give birth.
2. BADLAA - The Agents pursue an Indian mystic who can manipulate the human mind.
3. ALONE - Mulder searches for Doggett and his new partner after they are trapped with a deadly reptilian monster.
Mythology Episodes:
Within
Without
Per Manum
This Is Not Happening
Deadalive
Three Words
Vienen
Essence
Existence
No Humor Episodes this season :-(
Multi-Parts:
2-part: Within, Without
2-part: This is not Happening, Deadalive
2-part: Essence, Existence
Episodes not worth watching:
PATIENCE - You gotta have lots of it to watch this - I couldn't stand it. Scully and Dogget investigate several killings involving a terrifying bat-like creature.
VIA NEGATIVA - Couldn't get through this one. Doggett investigates a cult leader's seeming ability to project himself into his victim's dreams, and Scully checks into a hospital
SALVAGE - Scully and Doggett track a metallic man bent on killing those responsible for his condition. Blah.
MEDUSA - With the clock ticking, Doggett and a team of experts attempt to solve the mystery behind strange deaths in a Boston subway tunnel.
Mod
Like in Season 8, Mulder is absent most of the season, but this time it's because he chose to disappear.
My Favorite Episodes:
1. TRUST NO 1 - Scully befriends a couple who believe their infant possesses the same unworldly qualities as baby William, and a shadowy operative convices Scully to contact Mulder and draw him out of seclusion.
2. IMPROBABLE - Guest star Burt Reynolds featuring numerology and great music. When Reyes uses numerology to connect the murders of several women, she and Scully become trapped with a mysterious checker-playing man who may be the killer.
Honorable Mentions:
1. WILLIAM - The agents detain a horrifically scarred man caught breaking into the X-Files office and attempt to determine his true identity...a man Doggett believes is Fox Mulder.
2. NOTHING IMPORTANT HAPPENED TODAY - (2-part episode) Doggett attempts to uncover the truth about a woman with superhuman abilities, who is somehow connected to scientific experiments being conducted on a WWII-era ship.
Mythology Episodes:
Nothing Important Happened Today
Nothing Important Happened Today II
Trust No 1
Provenance
Providence
William
The Truth (series finale)
Humor Episode:
Improbable
Episodes not worth watching:
Don't really know - I skipped 7 out of the 19 episodes of Season 9
You and your The X-Files season guides! ;-)
What follows is a comment I wrote in Dustin's The X-Files/Fringe thread on the group Goodflicks, of which we are both members:"As Dustin knows, I do enjoy The X-Files and saw the first and last episodes when they originally aired, but missed at least 50% of the nonterminal episodes. I prefer the mythology episodes. I loved the first movie, but despised the second. I actually like Fringe (notice that there is no "The" in the title) quite a bit more than The X-Files, for multiple reasons, which I can explain if anyone is interested."
Mod
When I first read the plot for Fringe, I actually didn't want anything to do with it because it sounded so much like The X-Files. I was a little irritated, thinking it was an X-Files rip off. Don't get me wrong, I grew up on The X-Files. I was a total X-Files nut. Still am probably. Reading all of Dustin's guides has made me want to watch the show all over again. But after reading what others (X-File fans) have to say about Fringe I bumped it to the top of my Netflix list. My curiosity has gotten the better of me.
I just dropped by...I wasn't truly an X Files fan, my daughter and wife were/(daughter still is). I watched it fairly often, but I really felt they ruined it. Just me. My reaction to Fringe was/is sort of the opposite to some, I really wanted to like it, but so far just can't. I mean how many didn't know the BIG secret about ***** (ya I won't do a spoiler). I hope it gets better, but if it does get thoughtful and creative FOX will just cancel it as the executives won't get it... It's happened before.
I really like Fringe and was a fan of X-files. I like shows on TV that have a story like Lost, Flash Forward, and Stargate Universe. I also was a huge fan of Battlestar Galactica and I am not sure about Caprica. 24 has been a favorite for a long time. What will we do without Jack Bauer to save the world? The series ends in May. I cannot stand shows like American Idol and Dancing with the Stars, and all the knockoffs of these. They lack imagination in my opinion. Tonight's episode of Fringe is a bit different. You fans of the film noir might like it.
Mod
btw, on other TV shows - I do watch American Idol. I love Ellen Degeneres!!! that's the only "reality show" I'll watch. I was so so so sad to see Siobhan leave last night! But I'm glad Big Mike and Crystal are still on the show :-) I'm also an Ugly Betty fan but the series ended this month :-( due to low viewer audience. I just rented a Showtime TV Drama called Nurse Jackie and I liked that. I'm also a fan of ER but now I'm really getting off the Fringe/X-files topic :-)
I didn't see it, but when I read that Siobhan was off, I was disappointed, too. The later clips of her didn't seem to me to be as spontaneous and quirky as her earlier performances ('Think' and 'Livin' For the City'). My sincere wish is that someone grabs hold and offers to promote her career, with concert tours and record albums. I would pay MONEY to see her in person. To me she has way more personality than Crystal. Listening to the YouTube clips is good, but watching Siobhan perform is amazing...even when I've seen it lots of times before. Even her 'slow' songs were fantastic...the only thing I didn't like (and I have to agree with Simon on this), she doesn't need to end each song with a screaming finale. In a few songs where she hit a high note (Think comes to mind), it was effective and not excessive...but then at the end it does end up to be screaming. A special thing done to excess ends up not being special and becomes a turnoff.-
Oh, and by the way, I do/did enjoy early X-Files, and one of my favorite episodes is one in which Tony Shaloub plays a man who won't let himself go to sleep because of his shadow. Just thought I would throw this in here because it is, after all, an X-files thread...
Mod
I agree with you :-) her last performances haven't been as good and that first time screamed was awesome but she's not Adam Lambert and it became overkill. I think she'll get a contract though, she's a great person - talented and unique.
message 26:
by
Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado
(last edited Apr 30, 2010 08:14AM)
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Mod
Dustin wrote: "As you can see, I become obsessed with things at times :-) Last Summer, I began going through the X-files after I had had the boxed set just sitting around for a full year. (I bought it on sale at ..."You don't know the meaning of the word "obsession," my friend. :-P
Did anyone watch last week's episode of Fringe?
Mod
I think there only 2 or 3 episodes to this season. I am not sure about re-runs this summer. I know they have some on hulu.com. The good news is you can watch episodes of TV shows for free. The bad news is that they won't have them all. This past episode was imaginative and fun and I was wondering if anyone else thought so. The episode is called "Brown Betty".
Mod
Christine wrote: "I think there only 2 or 3 episodes to this season. I am not sure about re-runs this summer. I know they have some on hulu.com. The good news is you can watch episodes of TV shows for free. The ..."I saw it and enjoyed it. It will probably be one of your favorite episodes, Dustin, based on the X-Files episodes you most enjoy.
Dustin, since you like American Idol, you will like this one. That's a hint!
Mod
Mod
No, you may be surprised to "what" brown betty is!
Christine wrote: "No, you may be surprised to "what" brown betty is!"I saw it and even I don't know what the brown betty was. :-/
Mod
Jason "plasborgma" wrote: "I saw it and even I don't know what the brown betty was. :-/"***Spoiler Alert***
It has to do with something Walter Bishop was doing at the very beginning of the episode
Christine wrote: "***Spoiler Alert*** It has to do with something Walter Bishop was doing at the very beginning of the episode"
I'm afraid that doesn't help me any. As long as you mark it as a spoiler, you can just tell me out right. ;-)
****Spoiler Alert*****It was pot. A special blend that he put in his bong.
Christine wrote: "****Spoiler Alert*****It was pot. A special blend that he put in his bong."
Oh, that would explain why it escaped me, but I remember now, thanks.
Mod
I am so glad you liked this. I agree it was a good summary of what the show has been up to now. The pine box is exactly like when Olivia is pulled from the tank. My reference to American Idol was because of the singing. I thought Agent Broyles voice was great as was Astrid's. You have to laugh over the singing corpses! I also loved how they mixed up things from the past with things with the present like the computers and cell phones. Very cool and imaginative!
Mod
Dustin wrote: "...I can see the American Idol connection although I hope you're not equating the A.I. contestants to singing corpses :-)..."The corpses were better than many of the A. I. contestants this season. ;-)
message 48:
by
Dustin the wind Crazy little brown owl, Colorful Colorado
(last edited May 03, 2010 08:44PM)
(new)
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My favorites left are Big Mike and Crystal. Both American Idol and Fringe are on the same network. I guess since one show wasn't delivering talent the other one had to pick up the slack :-)
Dustin wrote: "...Both American Idol and Fringe are on the same network. I guess since one show wasn't delivering talent the other one had to pick up the slack :-)":-D
Dustin wrote: "...We find out Walter invented bubble gum, flannel pajamas, water boats..."Don't forget rainbows!
Koontzland - Dean Koontz
Books mentioned in this topic
If You Meet the Buddha on the Road, Kill Him! The Pilgrimage of Psychotherapy Patients (other topics)If You Meet the Buddha on the Road, Kill Him! The Pilgrimage of Psychotherapy Patients (other topics)
Storm Front (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Jim Butcher (other topics)Dean Koontz (other topics)
Dean Koontz (other topics)
In the old group I started a discussion topic on the X-files as I was going through my boxed set. I haven't watched every episode of the series (9 seasons) but I've watched many and I'll be sharing my favorites :-)
This past week I watched the first two episodes of Fringe season one, unofficially "The New X-Files" (coincidentally or not also airing on Fox, like The X-Files did). I look forward to watching more X-files and Fringe episodes in the future. Feel free to share your favorites, least favorites, opinions on the shows in this thread.