Last Post on Blogger

 As the title suggests this will be my last post on Blogger. I'm moving to WordPress at www.areyouscaredyetblog.WordPress.com so if you would like to file me there I would appreciate it much!

  I also need some help from you, my readers. I would like to know if there are still enough people interested in the Dead Dancing Women recaps to go on with them after the move or if everyone is ready for something different?

  I'd like to get back to what I had originally hoped to make this blog about: horror. But if there are enough people still ingested in the Dead Dancing Women recaps then I will continue them until the book is finished. So let me know below what exactly you would prefer.

  I do plan to continue with the X-Files recaps on my new blog and I promise there will be more horror oriented posts.

  I'm still tweeting my way through Dracula at PickingOnStuff@GKimball5 so hope to see you there as well! Dracula is almost done and next up will be Ghost Story by Peter Straub.

  Thank you for reading and I hope to see everyone after the move!

Dead Dancing Women: Chapter Twelve

  Previous Chapter:
 
  A whole lot of nothing, really. Emily made some phone calls then went to see Harry and Joslyn. Neither of which were home.



  Chapter Twelve:

  Emily is meeting DD at Fuller's EATS. She stops to check out Eugenia's family tree in the vestibule so as not to offend Eugenia and end up with cold soup for a week. Emily remarks a couple of new names and thinks it's weird that none of the names are Fuller. She leafs through a bit to check and, nope, nary a Fuller to be seen. In case you're interested the names she reads are: Harry Longabough, Robert Leroy Parker, Ned Christie, Pearl Bywater and Etta Place.

  Emily walks into the diner where the air is a-quiver with smoke. And, again, I call bullshit because this was written after the law went into effect. She spots DD and makes her way over to her, noting that the vet, Doc Crimson is there and she should talk to him about the impending puppy. She stops by for some free advice and he tells her to grab some puppy chow, a bed and some toys. Also get him shots. The vet loses a lot of my respect because he mentions shots but not getting him neutered which is just as important.

  Anywho, she finally sits with DD and fills her in on nobody being home. DD affirms that it was 'Miz' Poet's arm. They're keeping their voices down because of eavesdroppers. The table closest to them has the funeral home family: Gilbert (the gambler) and his twin, Sullivan. *eyeroll*

                                                                         

                                                       Scully gives great eyeroll


  Emily suggests talking to them but DD suggests talking to their mother first, because she's a friend of 'Miz' Poet's. DD doesn't trust the boys because Gilbert's the gambler and Sullivan's the drinker. And, since Emily is talking to Deputy Dolly, we get the obligatory cut down. This time it's about how her hair is flattened down when she takes off her hat.

  Gertie notices Emily's gray hair and shrugs. Because gray hair is sad. Remember Gertie? The beautician that Emily doesn't trust with her hair because Gertie herself has a bright hair color that Emily does not like? And her hair is thinning? Because we all know that thinning hair is always the person's fault. Always. Grrr.

  Anywhat, DD notices and says that she'll pick up some hair dye for Emily's Friday Night Makeover.

  Then they get down to business.

  DD breaks out a notebook and suggests they outline what they know already. Emily uses this as an opportunity to bring up her writing skillz. DD gives her the eyebrows of disbelief and they continue.

                                                                      

 

 

 They decide to talk to 'Miz' Poet's daughter, Amanda. They also want to talk to her other friends: Miz Coy, Mary Margaret and Joslyn Henry (again). They also want to go talk to the preacher that spoke out against the older women's dancing, worship thing.

  DD thinks it's someone in Leetsville but Emily disagrees and suggests that maybe Harry had a hand in it. I thought they lived in Leetsville? Outside of it but still inside the town lines.

  As they make their way out they are stopped by everyone wondering about their "secret" investigation. I didn't know it was supposed to be discreet since they're eating at the main diner/hangout instead of meeting at their homes.


  They head to Amanda's house first. We get a description of the house, a cute little gingerbread thing. Emily takes time to note that the daughter has let the garden go to hell, even though it's fall. Then she gets maudlin about abandoned gardens. She wonders why 'Miz' Poet's friends haven't stepped in to take care of it. Um, maybe they're upset also? Why doesn't Good Neighbor Emily do it?

  Amanda opens the door and we're told that Amanda is a tiny, petite woman. Amanda eyes them a bit. Amanda is in her early forties, tiny, blonde (fading out of course, because Emily notices everyone's hair) and has a large-eyed waif air. Which annoys DD.
  They explain why they're there and finally get in the door. Emily does not approve of the décor, calling it "faux country" and "cute enough to give you a queasy feeling."
  It seems that in her mother's absence Amanda has untidied the very tidy living room. Emily pegs her as a woman who's never quite grown-up and sucks the life out of anyone who's elected by her to be her keeper. Fair. I know people like that.

  Amanda moves some newspapers around then acts like she's going to swoon. Emily thinks to herself about a woman she interviewed in Ann Arbor who acted the same way until her missing husband turned up with a bunch of stab wounds, inflicted by the swoonee. So, you never know about people, is the gist of it.

  Emily introduces herself as a reporter so Amanda starts giving out grieving daughter quotes then waits until Emily finds a pen to write them down. DD asks about any enemies, like the pastor who spoke out about them. Amanda insists that it was just a misunderstanding and that her mother and friends weren't into any Pagan stuff. Just nature and dancing outdoors for 'health reasons'. Sounds better than the gym. DD wonders if maybe one of the parishioners took it a little too seriously but Amanda No Ways.

  Amanda does remember her mother complaining about being over-charged for firewood. Dolly asks about who inherits from her mother. Emily thinks that's a little personal. Um, hello? Police investigation?

  Amanda gives a non-answer and claims she never married because she had to look after her mother. Whatever special snowflake. She also tells them that she's having a service and hopes they'll come. At the church. Where the pastor spoke out against them. Sounds like a good way to honor your mother. Emily and DD wonder if she wants to wait until the rest of her mother shows up but Amanda doesn't want to wait.

  DD tells her that Ernie sends his regards and Amanda blushes. As they're leaving Joslyn Henry pulls up. Emily and DD say hi and Emily says she was just over to Joslyn's house. Joslyn wants to know what for. Emily wanted background on 'Miz' Poet for her article. Joslyn brushes them off, needing to talk to Amanda.

  DD and Joslyn decide to split up again and question different people. DD reminds Emily to ask about what happened a month ago because that's when 'Miz' Poet was killed.

  They decide to question Joslyn later, after she's calmed down.



  End of Chapter



  Well, lots of excitement this chapter! More questioning! Talking!


  Well, that's it for today. Tomorrow I'll try to squeeze in an X-File but with Christmas...I dunno. So, Saturday at the latest.

   Happy Holidays! Whatever holiday you choose or not choose to participate in.

Dead Dancing Women: Chapter Eleven Recap

  Well, it's that time of the week again. Time to visit Emily in Northern Michigan.



  Previous Chapter:

  Emily had the police in her house to investigate the severed arm and Deputy Dolly stayed the night. Emily was also even more insulting than usual and was insanely shocked that Deputy Dolly had went to Beauty School.



  Chapter Eleven:

  Starting the chapter DD has gone home and Emily is bored and lonely. For not seeming to like DD all that much she sure seems lonely when Deputy Dolly is gone.
  Anywho, Emily complains that the air is stale and she's breathed it so often before that now she's allergic to it. Or something equally weird. Her fridge, birdcall clock, and silence all annoy her. Birdcall clocks are not cute or charming. They're annoying. She wants to be touched but she's quick to assure us that it's not a sexual craving. Literary people are above having normal, human impulses.
  In other words, she's lonely. Even though a chapter or two back she was all, "solitude! Can't get enough of it! I'm an island unto myself!" I guess she's over that now.

                                                                

  She decides a puppy is great because she's never had a dog and she'll be starting from scratch with it. She thinks that with an older dog she'd be jumping through hoops with it. I really don't follow her reasoning here. An older, calmer dog would be better to start with than a puppy. Especially if you have no idea what you're doing. Especially since she says that she does not have the energy for an older do. Because puppies are always calm and need minimal care. Twit.  She thinks having an older dog would be like being married to her ex and goes on to explain that she's not a wimp (hahahaha!)


  She calls the State Police to get more details on the arm and head. The State boys are reticent about it but do confirm that they are from the same person, Mrs. Poet. We know it's Emily because she says Mrs. instead of 'Miz'. She asks the hard-hitting questions like, "Are they investigating it as a murder?" and "Have they taken fingerprints?"  She also asks if it's true the head was sawed off and if the arm was, too. Which Sheriff Lucky could have told her the night before but she didn't want to hear it.

  She mentions teeth marks on the head and he agrees that's true and tells her that maybe she should speak to the other officer, Officer Brent. He of the mono-brow.

  Emily says, yet again, that no animal put it in her trash can. I swear she has said this in every chapter. He makes a lame joke about homicidal chipmunks. Funny. Emily gets frustrated ay his non-replies to a novice crime reporter.

  She hangs up and calls the paper she works for. Remember, The Northern Statesman (run by a former downstater). Bill is worried about her, what with all the body parts being flung at her these days, and offers her his spare room. She says it's tempting but he gets flustered and says he didn't mean anything by it. She gracefully resists the urge to laugh. She tells him that she's in good hands with DD looking out for her. To take all the burden of Dolly bashing (which would be a cool name for a band, Dolly Bashing) off of Emily's shoulders Bill says he's heard of DD and is not impressed.

  After the phone calls she stands at her window for a full hour just staring at the lake. She's not in the mood for writing (no wonder she never sells anything).
  She and DD had planned to meet after Emily had spoken again to Harry and Joslyn. The thinking there is that maybe DD scared them with her uniform so they might open up better with just Emily around. Maybe Emily would even get in the front door.

  As she's leaving she sticks the puppy note for the mailman in the mailbox. She's freaked out to put the note in because there might be another body part waiting for her. Sadly, there's not. She over-dramas about how the silence and woods seem so scary now.

  She's putting off going up Harry's overgrown drive because it seems scary, too. She doesn't feel as though she belongs anymore. And this gem of a quote:

  "Voices came from some place off in the woods. Male voices, calling to one another. Men, where they weren't supposed to be. It frightened me..."

  Until she remembers that, duh, search party for the rest of 'Miz' Poet. It makes her feel safer knowing that the big, strong, policemen are around so she goes to see Harry.


  All that worry and drama for nothing. Harry's not home. She walks down to Joslyn's house but she's not home either. Emily takes a minute to admire Joslyn's flower beds.

  She decides to ask Joslyn to help her design a flower bed in the spring. Then she goes into a rambly inner monologue about how her imaginary garden is perfect. No bugs or beasties chewing on them. No storms to beat them up. Then we get a metaphor about her garden, like her life, is lost inside her head.



  End of Chapter



  Wow, that's two uneventful chapters from two different books. Oh well, tomorrow is Wednesday and that means The X-Files which is rarely uneventful. And maybe Thursday we'll get lucky. Maybe Emily will do something really exciting. Like pay some bills. It looks like DD shows up in the next chapter so at the very least we'll probably get some rudeness slung DD's way. Emily can always be counted on for bitchiness towards her fellow women.


  As always, leave me a comment, a like, a share, tweet or a suggestion. I'm teaming up with someone so check out my other blog that's coming soon. It's going to be strictly gaming related. I'll let you know when and give you a link when it's up and going. And, as always, thanks for reading!


  Also, I'm still doing Dracula tweets o if you want to follow along my Twitter handle is PickingOnStuff@GKimball5

  I should warn you though that I've only been averaging a few pages a night. The holidays and stress are kicking my ass. But, hope to see you









 




  

Dark Fall: Lost Souls - PC Game Review

  I bought this on Steam not too long ago and finally got around to playing it. I played the first game, Dark Fall: The Journal, about eight years ago and enjoyed it. I do have the second one but read a synopsis online and the story didn't really catch my interest. So, I thought I'd move on to the third game in the series. The stories don't seem connected although I believe the first and second game share some characters.

  The Plot:

  You play as an Inspector. That is the only name you're given.
  Four years prior to the start of the game a little girl named Amy went missing after playing at a playground. The Inspector arrested a homeless man named Mr. Bones for the crime. Everyone was happy until it came to light that the Inspector (you) had planted and tampered with evidence. The Inspector was disgraced and Amy was never found. Amy's parents never forgave the Inspector, believing that while wasting time with Mr. Bones, the real culprit was never caught.

  As you progress through the game you gain more clues to Mr. Bones, Amy, yourself and the Dark Fall.



  Story:

  I enjoyed the story. It was creepy, atmospheric and fairly coherent. Some things were left unanswered for me though. Maybe it's just me. I might not have been observant enough (or smart enough) to put it all together. I'll go into further detail in a moment. The
  There were no jump-scare moments but plenty of startling and creepy moments.



  Gameplay:

  It's your standard point-and-click adventure game with emphasis on puzzle-solving over combat. In fact, there is no combat. Sometimes these types of games are easier for me to play as you can get up to do things during them without being worried about coming back to a dead character. And when you live in a house with several people always calling you that can be a real consideration. Trust me.

  The voice-acting may not be the best but it's certainly not the worst I've heard. The only real issue with it is the weird over-emphasis with which the actors give their lines.

  It ran smoothly on my computer which is having it's own "issues" at present. If you're looking for technical specs, sorry, I am not tech inclined. Basically, if it runs, great! If it doesn't, damn it! So, there you go. About all I can say is that I have Windows 7.

  It didn't seem like a very long game. I racked up eighty-odd hours with it but, like I said, I was called away a lot and instead of saving and quitting I would just let it run. So, maybe a day or two? It's hard to say. If you're smarter than me and don't do any excessive backtracking (or obsessive note taking) then you might get through it a lot faster.

  In fact, I think that would be the greatest flaw with it. And it's a flaw shared by other point-and-click adventure games. It's not very clear sometimes where you're supposed to go.

  The difficulty seemed just right on easy. I haven't tried 'Hard' mode yet but I will update as soon as I do.

  I'm not on my own computer so I will also add screenshots when I can.



  Overall Impressions:

  I really enjoyed the game. I like creepy over jump-scares. I like the slower pace of point-and-click games. The story seems pretty well thought out. The detail in the train station and hotel is great. I particularly liked the ghost flashback puzzles. A lot of attention was paid to period detail and music. The soundtrack was unobtrusively creepy. I think that music can be used very effectively to heighten tension and motion. Unfortunately in more recent media (movies and TV included, especially) the music is jacked too loud and drowns out any chance at tension. The scares are telegraphed miles ahead of time because of the music. I like when it's kept to the background, unobtrusive but noticeable. It's a fine line and this game does it well.

  The sound effects are eerie as well. Even with so many distractions it kept me involved, wanting to press further.

  I guess my overall opinion is that if you like this type of horror game then you'll like it. If you weren't a fan before then this won't change your mind. It's available fairly cheap on Steam so if you're into this kind of game then give it a go. I'd start with Dark Fall: The Journal first, though, because I'm anal like that.  I didn't this time (small miracle) but I plan to. I also plan to play the second one, Dark Fall: Lights Out just because I haven't and it bugs me.






  Spoilery Spoilers Below:

  The only issues I had with it were a few storyline problems. Clearly, during the game you realize that Amy is not at all what she seems. She was kicked out of her school for doing a black magic ritual (with Mr. Bones). There is a note in one of her books about the ritual itself and performing it to summon 'Angels'. But that is about all the information that you get. Did she cause the Dark Fall with her ritual? Mr. Bones says that she's with the 'Angels' and her 'sisters' now and that they take care of her. Assuming she disappeared because of the ritual, how? Why? Was she evil before summoning the Dark Fall or did it turn her evil? Why was she keeping the others there?

  Just quite a bit was left dangling on that part of the story.

  Also, you get a lot of story on the ghosts that you release. But when it comes to releasing Mr. Bones and your confession so much is left dangling. Obviously, you've killed Mr. Bones. It's pretty clear throughout but when did you kill him? What led up to it? History changes for the ghosts when you release them, why not for you and Mr. Bones? So much is left dangling here.

  Also the two endings. While both good they leave a lot of resolution unaccounted for.



  End Spoilers


    

  So, that's my take on it. It's hard for me to get near my consoles in the winter so I've been trying to scoop up on horror games on Steam when I get a chance (and the money).  Next up is 7th Guest and I have a good feeling about it. At the start up menu was Tim Curry's voice welcoming me. What could be better than that?  I've been wanting to play it for a while now but (before Steam) I could only ever find it on disc and, knowing it's age, wasn't sure I wanted to spend that kind of money on a game that may or may not work. So, bought it through Steam and I will let you know my thoughts on it when I get done playing it. At the rate I'm going it should be a month or two. Just kidding, I'll try to be a little quicker than that.

So, I'll see you guys again soon. As always, feel free to leave me a comment or anything. I'm always looking to improve the blog so any suggestions are welcome.








 
   

Flashback Sunday! The Locker: Chapter 5 Recap

  Finally back on track, baby!
 
 

  Previously:
 
  Marlee survived the first day of school with no more smelly locker incidents. Noreen and she chatted about boys and Marlee met a creepy guy who called her a snob. Dobkin (Marlee's younger brother) also reminded her that the smelly smell she smelled was the smell of death and that she had smelled it before...when their parents died.

  That's a little longer intro than I usually do but it's been a couple weeks since I did The Locker so I thought I'd give a reminder. Anyways...



  Chapter 5:

  Marlee freaks out on Dobkin for reminding her of it. She gives Dobkin, her six-year-old brother, a huge guilt trip and starts to stomp off until their aunt pulls up to pick them up. Aunt Celia notices that they're not speaking but decides not to interfere.

  Once home, Marlee stomps upstairs and locks her door. Dobkin hangs back, probably feeling like shit.

  Upstairs, Marlee is crying into her pillow, trying not to think about what Dobkin said. She remembers the night that their parents died. She had been studying when she felt something similar to what she felt when she opened The Locker. She had gotten upset and run into Dobkin's room (who probably would have been four). They'd held each other until the doorbell rang. Which was the police? I'm guessing, because she doesn't exactly say who told them. Or who arranged the funeral or any of that.
  If the police told a 13 year old girl that her parents were dead when she was by herself with her brother they should be fired. I'm assuming their aunt took care of the rest of it.

  She goes to the door to find Dobkin there. She doesn't apologize for screaming like a maniac at him. He tells her that their aunt knows she's upset but doesn't know why. And apparently doesn't care to find out. Dobkin says their aunt thinks maybe nerves.
  Marlee suggests that maybe that is why she felt what she felt and Dobkin whatevers her. He asks her what she knows about the girl that disappeared but Marlee just knows her name.

  Marlee goes over it again and they try to think it through. Dobkin suggests reading old papers to see if they say anything about the disappearance. Then he asks about what Noreen and Tyler did when Marlee freaked out. Like, "Oh, no. The haunted locker strikes again!" But Marlee says they acted normally. Dobkin reminds her of their parents again. How she knew they were dead even though they were miles away. She gets tired of the conversation and hurries him out to do homework. Dobkin warns her that it might happen again, she says no. Dobkin warns her that next time it might be her that's in trouble.

  She looks out over their backyard a bit and thinks to herself that it's a little weird that no one has come to welcome them to the neighborhood or anything. It being a small town and all. She notices a tree very close to the house, perfect for climbing out onto or Dawson's Creek levels of spying.

  She thinks over what Dobkin said and tries to argue with herself a bit. But that doesn't work for long because she remembers that when it was her turn to pick the city it felt like something grabbed her hand and slammed it into Edison. That is one far-reaching ghost. Or, are her psychic powers like Batman? They know where they're needed.

  She feels someone watching her so she screams for her aunt. But then it's gone. So, I'm guessing next chapter when Aunt Celia arrives to check it out, Marlee's going to feel like an idiot and make an excuse. Just a guess. If Aunt Celia does. She might just think it's nerves.


  End of Chapter


  So, not much exciting this chapter. Just a lot of Marlee arguing with herself. Come back on Tuesday for more of Emily being rude to Deputy Dolly in Dead Dancing Women and Wednesday I'll have another X-File up. After the holidays I plan to do more episodes a week. At this rate the new show will be in it's fourth season by the time I get to the end of season 1.

Dead Dancing Women: Chapter Ten

  Last Chapter:
  Emily wowed us by quoting Emily Dickinson, said yes to a visit by her ex-husband and made an omelet. Oh yeah, she also found an arm on her porch.



  Chapter Ten:

  We skip straight to the cops arriving. All the cops. State, local, even the Sheriff. I thought the local cops only consisted of Sheriff Lucky and Deputy Dolly. Unless there are 'other' local cops. I dunno.

  Anyway, DD is there as well. Sheriff Lucky called her over so Emily could have a womanfolk there to comfort her.

  Emily doesn't want DD (of course) she wants a more motherly figure to hug her and save her from "all the big, insensitive men". End quote.
  But DD don't roll that way. She varies between growling, complaining about getting out of bed in the middle of the night (um, aren't you a police officer?) and, my favorite, she thinks Emily's being a big baby about a little ol' severed arm because she already found a head so what's another appendage?

  Emily somewhat appreciates it but only because it irritates her so she forgets to be "feminine and distraught".

  Sheriff Lucky is still halfway stuck on the theory that it's some sicko digging up graves and tossing body parts about for a joke. But he's pretty sure the arm goes with the head so maybe not.

  In the midst of their conversation she notices that DD has her police uniform on and pictures her jumping out of bed and straight into her uniform (which she pictures standing in a corner, maybe it's been bad?). Weird thing to visualize right then but ok. Or, maybe the alternative? That she got the call and got dressed like a person? Emily also notes, again, that the uniform is ill-fitting. I think we've heard this at least once per chapter.

  Sheriff Lucky thinks that Emily is being targeted so wants to know if she's pissed anyone off lately. Emily wonders if he means was anyone pissed off at her and 'Miz' Poet. But, psha, that's crazy talk! Lucky thinks that only Emily's being targeted because she's alive and 'Miz' Poet's dead. So he doesn't think anyone had it in for the little old lady who's bits and pieces they keep finding everywhere?

  DD says she's never heard any gossip about anyone disliking Emily and that makes Emily sarcastically happy. No one hates her. Yay.

  Lucky goes on to tell her more news and says she write it up for the paper. There were saw marks on the spine so 'Miz' Poet didn't just keel over in the woods and got eaten by animals.

  Emily, fantastic crime reporter that she is, doesn't want to hear anymore. She's more freaked out about a killer throwing body parts on her porch. Which I guess is fair.

  DD offers to stay with her that night and forever until they catch the maniac. Emily thinks that even she'd be getting suspicious of herself right now but DD says no.

  Emily is actually thankful about DD staying the night.
 
  She decides the best way to not freak out is to have every light on in the house, even the radio and TV. Maybe she thinks she'll be killed before her next electric bill or something.

  Everyone leaves except DD so now she's uncomfortable. I guess, from Emily's description. They have some tea and Emily notes that Deputy Dolly has a blank face but plenty going on behind it. Unless Emily is a telepath I have no idea how she would know this. Maybe DD's just zoning out. It is around 4 in the morning after all.

  We get some inner monologue about her mother's china and how she flung it at her ex when she finally had enough of his screwing around. Personally, I'm not one for thrown crockery (or other things) when I'm angry. That just makes a mess and you're down some dishes.

  DD sips (pinky up!) which Emily finds hilarious since she has a gun and badge and a dumpy chest. Whatever the hell that means. She just really can't resist, can she?

                                                                        

 

When in doubt pinky out

  DD is being sly by wishing that Emily liked her more. Emily lies and says she does. If she doesn't like her then wtf are you investigating with her for? Dolly thinks it's the tickets she gave her. Emily gets shruggy so she doesn't have to answer.
  Emily finally says that DD should have just given her a warning, at least the first time. Ok, first of all, to ticket or to warn is the cop's decision. Also, what? A warning would have made you listen better? Made you slow down? Because after the first ticket you got two more. So, I'm thinking you're pissy about having to pay a fine for speeding. 

  DD doesn't get angry or say anything at all, really. Which gives our oh-so-likeable heroine time to think that DD is a "small woman, pretending to be a big woman." I don't even know what that means. Big in attitude? Height? Booty? What?

  I'm thinking we could start a drinking game with all of the DD (and other women) bashing that Emily does. Three shots already for the stiff uniform (implying it's never washed), dumpy chest, small/big woman.

  Emily asks DD if she's married which she was when she was nineteen. For a couple of months. Probably still married, too because he just took off and neither got a divorce. DD says she knows about Emily's ex, the dirty, lying cheater. Emily's amazed people know this much since she's never told anyone. She also describes it as being like living among fairies and little folk. Uh, ok?

  She tells DD about Jackson's impending visit. DD thinks i's weird because they're divorced. I think it's weird too. Emily explains about him taking a break to write a book (DD gets in a pretty good one about everyone from downstate writing books) and she's going to help him find a place to rent.
  Again DD wonders why and so do I. Most of my exes I wouldn't let in my yard, let alone my house. Especially if the asshole cheated on me.
  Emily's answer to DD is that she's a passive-aggressive doormat. Well, that should have been her answer but her real reason is that he didn't give her a chance to think about it. C'mon! She could have said N-O anytime but her feminine guilt stepped in or something.

  Double D thinks that Emily should fix herself up some. For pride's sake. She also tells Emily that she went to beauty school for a while. This shocks Emily no end because the words DD and beauty school just don't go together. Another shot.

  Emily thinks DD's kidding herself when she offers to do Emily's hair and make-up for her. But I'm not sure what about. Is DD kidding herself that she could teach Emily anything? Or kidding herself about making Emily look good.

  DD offers again to stay with her and Emily gets narrowed eyes as she tries to figure out if she wants to hang out with her for the investigation or whether she wants her around at all.

  DD also suggests Emily get herself a dog. Emily agrees because puppies are cute! I feel bad for this poor future puppy.

  As we end the chapter the thought of DD and a puppy makes her feel a little braver.


  Chapter End


     

 

X-Files: Episode 2 Recap

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Dead Dancing Women: Chapter 9 Recap

   Ok, friends and fellow interneters. All sorted out now, I hope.

   Last Chapter:
 
  DD and Emily questioned some people. DD delivered a long gag-worthy speech about how Emily is a college woman and far smarter than she is. Also, Emily found a call on her answering machine from her ex-husband.



  Chapter 9 Recap:
  Emily's all depressed and can't write so she jumps at the chance to answer the  answer the phone. Unfortunately it's her ex, Jackson. She tags on a lot of snark toward him in her head but is polite to him on the phone. Jackson blathers on bout his recent trip to England while Emily zones out and plays some Nina Simone in her head.
  Jackson talks about being in Keats country and launches into a quote. Presumably from Keats but I'm too lazy to look it up and too redneck to know it off the top of my head. Emily gets drawn into the conversation because Jackson, pretentious bastard that he is, mis-quotes a line and says "garters" instead of "garners" (the horror!) and she corrects him.

  For some reason he sounds "strained" about it when he laughs (constipated maybe?) and asks how her little mysteries are coming along. She doesn't respond to him but gives a painful metaphor about Jackson's condescension, needles in the gums, circles and bedrock. Whatever.

  Anywho, Jackson invites himself up for the weekend so he can look for a place in the area. She freaks out and hopes it's not close to her. He gets offended and her "female guilt" stirs so she says ok to the visit.

                                                                   

Hi, Jackson.

 

  They hang up and she gets down to writing but realizes that she's doing horrible things to her fictional detective because she can't do them to her ex.

  She realizes it's getting cold and gets depressed thinking about the approaching winter. I can sympathize. She worries about the power going out and freezing to death. Here's a couple tips, Emily. A small Mr. Buddy heater will heat a small room quite nicely on just a few small cans of propane. Also, two words: wood stove. Or generator if a wood stove is too much work.
  She also worries about ice on the driveway and not being able to get out to buy food and starving to death. Um, Ok? Buy a four wheel drive if it worries you so much. Or, here's an idea. Salt.  And a bit of ice on a driveway shouldn't keep you so housebound that you starve. 

  She indulges in a bit of poor-me-ing. Thinking about how horrible her life is. An ex-husband and dead heads in her garbage can. You know what, Emily? I think it's time to put on your big girl panties and grow the fuck up. There are worse things in life. Just so we know, yet again, that she's literate we get a partial quote from Emily Dickinson.
  And then she gets all depressed about what DD had said in the previous chapter about growing old alone but then (just in time!) she remembers her Brazilian poet friend: Erica Weick. And this time we get the whole poem.

  The poem inspires her and she thinks that "sometimes living like a rock isn't a bad thing." I'd have to agree with her. It's something I try to accomplish on a daily basis.
  Emily thinks to herself that she's still enjoying it after three years to which I call bullshit because all she does is complain about it. She thinks to herself how she misses her friend but how much she would miss this place as well. Because who would she feel superior to then? I may be adding a bit but given her private reflections on her neighbors and fellow townspeople I don't think it's that far off.

  Anywhat, she decides to make dinner: an omelet, some bread and wine. She also puts on some Mozart and proceeds to list each song that plays with each glass of wine.
  After dozing off on the couch, she wakes up around 3-ish to the sound of something thumping off her door. She's hoping it's animals but Nope! It's an arm.

                                                                 

  End of Chapter



  Well, more body parts have turned up. That should be promising. This one is a little out of order but tomorrow I should be on my regular schedule of Dead Dancing Women Tuesdays and Thursdays, X-Files on Saturday and The Locker on !Flashback Sunday!

  So, come back tomorrow for the second episode of X-Files: Deep Throat. I may have to speed up the episodes or there's no way that it's going to be done before the new (squee!) episodes come out. So, I'll shoot for Mondays and Fridays as well.

Quick Update

  My son has been sick for a month now with a cough that just won't go away. If you're wondering why I'm telling you all of this, it's just an explanation why my posts have been so erratic lately.
  Between the doctor visits, taking care of him and everything else (like freaking out about bills) I haven't had much time to do the recaps. And if I do have the time I've just been too damn tired.
 

  I'm still reading and tweeting my thoughts on Dracula. Lately, though, I've only been managing a few pages a night before the gods of sleep take me.

  So, just wanted to let everyone knew what was up. Hopefully he'll feel better soon and I can stop stressing out. Well, so stressing out about that anyways. I'm pretty sure the bills are here to stay. Unfortunately.

  I want to say thank you for reading the recaps. Please, feel free to leave a comment or two with any suggestions or remarks. I'm always happy to talk books with people. Even if we don't agree on the book is always fun to debate them!

  My Twitter handle is PickingOnStuff@GKimball

  Join me in England and we'll take a stroll through Whitby with Mina, Jonathan, Seward and Van Helsing.

Flashback Sunday! The Locker: Chapter 4 Recap

  Last Week:
  Marlee learned that the former owner of her locker disappeared mysteriously.


  Chapter 4:
  As they're (finally) going to class, Noreen fills Marlee in on who Suellen is.There's not much to tell. One day Noreen and her were walking with each other and the next day she was gone.
 
  Just before going into class Marlee oh-so-casually asks Noreen if she and Tyler are dating. Noreen says they're just friends. Marlee is a little embarrassed because she didn't fool Noreen for a second.

  The day goes by in  a blur for her. Don't they always when you need to conveniently pass time? Marlee appreciates the fact that everyone is nice to her (take notes, Bella) but she just can't keep her mind off...what? Tyler? Nope! I think we may just have a girl that doesn't fall obsessively in love at first sight. Rare these days, I know.
  Actually, what she can't stop thinking about is The Locker. It creeps her out a lot that the girl who had it before her disappeared and the smell and vision are disturbing her. She is somewhat miserable but it has more to do with yet another new school and feeling like everyone is staring and whispering.  She's thankful for Noreen's presence.

  I see this as yet more proof that even though Aunt C is a "cool" aunt she shouldn't be dragging two kids all over the United States. Especially since there is no reason for it. She just doesn't like staying in one place too long. They've lost their parents so why put added stress on them by yanking them in and out of schools every few months?

Anywho, back to the story.  She's carrying around all of her stuff rather than face The Locker again.

  Noreen invites her out after school but Marlee has to pick up her younger brother, Dobkin. Noreen perks up at the mention of a brother but gets disappointed when she learns that Dobkin is only 6. I usually don't like weird names, especially for little kids. Sometimes it makes it seem too cutesy. But I like the name Dobkin.

  Noreen leaves Marlee alone with her thoughts and a knot in her stomach at the prospect of meeting the rest of the kids at school. She's dreading the thought of opening The Locker, fearing a repeat of the first time. Nothing happens though.

  Her next door locker neighbor introduces himself. He's described as tall, tanned and shoulder length hair in varying shades of blonde. He is dressed a bit like a down-home boy: in jeans, a denim shirt and boots.

  He's very intense and wants to know why they moved to Edison. She counters with a "Why not?"
He says that no one would ever transfer there and they're not related to anyone in town so he wants to know her reason for moving there. Because no one would possibly move somewhere just beacause. He's kind of a dick about it.

  Marlee gives him a "What's it to you, asshole?" answer (I may ne paraphrasing a bit here). He thinks she's moved there "looking for a quaint little slice of Americana? Come to study the country bumpkins?"

  She insists she's not like that and since we've seen absolutely no proof of it (and neither has he) then he's just being a dick. He brushes off her answer and leaves.

  Marlee leaves school also to go pick up Dobkin. He's off by himself on the playground, flipping through a book and looking bored. They talk a little about his day. There was a slight issue with him dyeing a boy's shirt to match his by using grape juice. In Dobkin's words "they're all such children". So, now we know that Dobkin is 'wise beyond his years' and different from other six year olds because of course he is. At least they don't go overboard. He still talks like a six year old and doesn't use a bunch of polysyllabic words.

  Dobkin can tell that something is wrong with Marlee and she tells him that "my locker attacked me". He comments that it would make a great movie and I agree (The Locker That Ate the School!)
  She thinks that something's wrong but she's not sure what. Dobkin suggests she tell him because he might be able to help.

  So she tells him and he reminds her that she knows what that smell was. She tries to fight off the memory and insists that she doesn't know what he's talking about. He says she smelled it once before, the smell of fear.


End of Chapter



  I know I keep comparing this to some newer books (like Twilight) but it's hard not to. At least this book moves along at a fairly brisk pace without overly detailing unnecessary stuff  and so far I like the main character. She seems like a normal girl. She gets a slight crush on a cute boy but doesn't get overly dramatic about it, descending into utter depression just because she hasn't seen him in a few hours. She's not nasty to everyone or dismissive of people trying to be her friend. She is nervous about meeting new people, and somewhat uncomfortable in a new school. This, however, comes out through the writing and her character. There's not a whole bunch of  'But I'm so ordinary! Why does everyone like meeee!" or unrealistic portrayals of awkwardness. And other people act normally around her. They aren't unreasonably hostile or display sudden love and devotion to someone they've just met.

Well, that's about it for tonight. Join me again on Tuesday and Thursday for another riveting chapter of Dead Dancing Women.

The X-Files: Pilot Episode Recap

  Well, finally made it! I'll probably try to usually do it on Mondays and Saturdays and maybe try to squeeze some Wednesdays in there as well but that will depend on the time I have. So, without any further ado, let's visit Scully and Mulder in Washington.
 

  Oh, yeah, before we start I have to confess something. I'm a total Scully fangirl so some of these may be a little biased. I'll try not to be but I can't promise anything. I think she did awesome on this show as an actress. And the only time her character really annoys me is when the writers have her so blatantly obtuse and skeptical. I know she's supposed to be the skeptic but after a while it's a little annoying. Especially the very obvious things they do to keep her out of the action so she can remain a skeptic.



  The X-Files: "Pilot"

  We open with some text about the following story being inspired by actual documented accounts. I couldn't find a specific case that sounded like this one so I'm guessing that just some of elements they use are taken from real reports. Like the abductions, implants and lost time.
  But! I'm getting ahead of myself.

  A girl is running in her nightie through the woods. She looks scared but we don't see what she's running from. She takes a tumble and looks up to see a mysterious man-shape, surrounded by lights..

  Fade to white



  Collum National Forest, Northwest Oregon

  There are people examining the now-dead girl. They don't see anything unusual (except that she's dead) on the body except for two lumps on her back that kind of look like two large moles. The Sheriff identifies her as being a former classmate of his son (class of '89). The other guy, who seems to be the M.E., asks if "IT'S" happening again.



  F.B.I. Headquarters, Washington D.C.

 Back in Washington Agent Dana Scully is just arriving for her assignment. We learn that she's been with the FBI for two years, has a medical degree and, for some unfathomable reason, her parents object to her joining the FBI. Personally, if I had a daughter that was a Dr. and an FBI agent at that age I'd be thrilled.
  Talk gets around to 'Spooky' Mulder (I'm sorry. I think that's the stupidest nickname). He's apparently a top-notch psychologist and the best analyst in the violent crime section. They start talking about the X-Files and they get around to the real reason she's been called in. They want her to assist Mulder and write field reports on the scientific validity of his work. In Scully's words: They want her to "debunk" the X-Files.
  There is a silent man lurking in the background, smoking a cigarette. Hmm. He also seems to stare at Scully a lot which makes her uncomfortable.

                                                                     

                                                                           'Sup?
  She goes down to the basement and, ah, the first meeting of a duo that made early interneters swoon. He seems a little suspicious of her but she says that she's looking forward to working with him. He whips out the projector (this will happen a lot in the series) and shows Scully pictures of a few different dead people, scattered around the country. They all have the same marks which are made up of an organic compound that Scully can't identify. She asks about his theories and in return he info-loads her with what the X-Files are and wants to know why it's bureau policy to sweep them under the rug. Because I'm sure she's privy to that information.
  He asks if she believes in aliens and her logical answer is that "the energy needed to get to here from the far reaches of space would exceed a spacecraft's capabilities". Maybe ours, but how could she know for sure? If there truly is alien life on other planets then who's to say that they would be bound by our same scientific laws or abilities?
  He whatevers her and asks why, if science cannot come up with any answers, then shouldn't they consider the fantastic. She whatevers him in return by saying that the girl could have been murdered and something was missed. Mulder tells her to pack up because they're going to Oregon.

  On the plane ride there Scully is checking out the files when they hit some turbulence. She gets a little panicky but Mulder seems unfazed.

  In the car they talk a little more about the case. Mulder tells her that the FBI was involved until they were unexplainably called back and the case was buried in the X-Files until Mulder found it and took a second look. He gives Scully a little test, which she passes. She noticed (as did he, of course) that the M.E. for the first couple of cases (which reported no markings) was a different M.E. than the one that recorded them. Obviously, someone's hidin' somethin'.
  He also lets her know that they'll be exhuming one of the victims, Ray Soames.
  On the way there the radio tweaks out. Mulder stops and decides to indulge in a little vandalism. He tags a big X on the road where they are. When Scully wants to know what he's doing he blows her off.


  Coastal Northwest, Oregon, March 7, 1992

  Scully and Mulder drive out to the cemetery for the exhumation. They're about to start when they're interrupted by a really pissed off guy and his daughter. He shoo's the daughter back to the car and comes tearing up, bitching them out for doing the exhumation and investigating. If the boy's parents (or guardians) ok'd the exhumation then he has absolutely no right or authority to tell them that they can't do it.
  They ask him why he didn't do the last autopsy and he gets pissy again, wondering if they're implying that he missed something. Scully steps in with her Ice Queen Voice and they start to head to the grave. He says they better be able to prove any accusations but his daughter interrupts, begging to go home. Hmm, she looks about the same age as the others.
  They leave.
  The exhumation continues and we learn that Ray Soames was the third victim and that he had actually confessed to the first two deaths but they couldn't find any proof to back it up. He was being treated for schizophrenia at the time of his death. He died of exposure after seven hours outside on a warm July night. Mulder thinks this is weird. I can't say for Oregon but a July night in Michigan can be pretty damp and chilly so I think it could be likely.
  The cemetery really needs to update it's equipment because a strap breaks and the coffin comes tumbling down and open. To reveal a skeleton that is decidedly not human looking. Mulder orders it sealed and taken to wherever their exam room is.

  In the morgue Scully is inspecting the corpse while Mulder giddily prances about her, taking pictures. He's all jazzed but Scully is being a downer, suggesting that the corpse is an orangutan or chimp. Umm, ok, there Scully. That's a lot of work for a "sick" joke that people would most likely never see.
  Mulder wants the works; blood tests, toxicology, tissue samples, full genetic profile, blah, blah, science-y stuff. Scully is weirdly resistant to it. I get that she doesn't believe it's an alien but it might be a good idea to be able to tell the kid's family exactly who (or what) was in his grave. Mulder wants the x-rays like NOW and tells Scully that he has the same doubts that she does, that's why he wants to know ASAP. Which seems reasonable. You'd think that Scientist Scully would want to know, too.


  Scully's Motel Room
  She's typing in the results of Ray Soames' autopsy. It appears that a small, metallic-looking thing was in his nasal cavity. Mulder stops by. He's going for a jog because he's too jazzed about what they found. She ponders the object for a bit then presumably goes to bed because the next scene is tomorrow.


  Raymon County, State Psychiatric Hospital

  They're talking to the doctor about Ray Soames and he's pretty forthcoming with information. He tells them that he's treated others in the same class and even gives them the names. If they don't have a warrant I would think that this would fall under patient privacy. They get introduced to Billy and Peggy. Billy is in a 'waking coma'. I did a search or two and couldn't find the term. Except for a hit for this episode on the wiki for the show. So I don't think it's a thing. Peggy is in a wheelchair. The doctor tells Scully and Mulder that Billy and Peggy were in a car accident. They talk about this standing about two feet away from Peggy and Billy. But, in movies and TV, sound waves don't carry like they would in real life. Peggy is reading to Billy and insists that he needs her close .

  Mulder wants to check Peggy out. Medically, that is. But Peggy is having none of it. She throws a fit, gets a nosebleed and crashes to the floor. Mulder gets a little handsy and lifts the back of Peggy's pjs to reveal that she has the same marks.

  Scully kind of freaks out and takes off outside. Mulder follows her and they have a back and forth about what is going on with the kids. Mulder believes they've been abducted which Scully, of course, thinks is ridiculous. He accuses her again of being a spy but she insists that she wants the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth (I may be paraphrasing a bit). She wants to know why all of the deaths seem to happen in our near the forest so we're off to the woods.


  Once in the forest they part ways because that's what they do best. Mulder checks his compass to find that it's going haywire. Scully finds some sort of ash and sticks some in her pocket like any good scientist would do. She sees a bright light and hears a machine of some sort. For some reason she thinks it's Mulder. Like, "Yes, Scully. It's just me and my gazillion watt flashlight."

  Anyway, she's approached by a man with a shotgun who tells them that they're trespassing on private property and that they'll have to leave. Mulder runs up to join the party. If I were rating them I would have to give Scully a ten on the way she holds her weapon and Mulder a 3. She points out like she means it and Mulder... Well, Mulder is just kind of holding it vaguely in the guy's direction.
  Mulder points out that it's a crime scene, which it is. You can see the tape. That means shit to this guy however and he threatens to arrest them. I'm a little confused here. It may be private property but it is a crime scene so how can he just kick them out? I dunno. If anybody else does let me know.

  So, they leave, looking a lot like two kids that were told to go home by mommy. I just love the look Scully gives him. Like, "Fine, we're going. Ok?"

  In the car Scully shows Mulder the ash and theorizes that maybe the kids were doing some kind of ritual in the woods. Which is especially funny if you've seen any of the later episodes and Scully's response to even the suggestion of satanic ritual.

  Mulder notices that his compass is going nuts again. He checks his watch and starts scanning the sky. There's a bright light and the car completely stalls out. Mulder checks his watch and realizes that they lost nine minutes somewhere. Scully says that's impossible as time is "a universal invariant" and therefore it's impossible for time to be 'lost'. I don't science at all but I always thought that time was a man-made concept. But maybe my readers who can science better than me can tell me if that's right or wrong. Mulder's all happy and geeking out because X marks the spot (wink, wink).
  Then the car miraculously starts by itself. Yeah, no. Don't think so. Sorry.

  Back at the motel Scully is typing up her report. Obviously she doesn't believe Mulder's time loss. The power goes out and her laptop shuts off? Would that actually happen? I didn't own a laptop in the nineties so I honestly don't know if that's a mistake or not. Wouldn't a laptop have its own battery? She decides to take a shower (with the world's brightest candle). She's about to slip out of her sensible undies when she feels something strange on her back. And, also, kudos to the show for not putting her in lacy, sexy scanties. In fact, one of the things that I love about the show is they do very little to trade in on Scully's obvious sex appeal. I mean, she is smoking hot but they always keep her dressed sensibly and professionally. I think that's very cool. At least in the show, because I have seen some SexyScully pics.

  She goes running to Mulder's room to have him check it out. I will say one thing for her, she ain't shy. Of course, fear could be overriding her shyness right now. Mulder gawks for a second or two.  Which I won't bitch about. I mean, a beautiful woman has just dropped her robe and is standing in her underpanties in front of him. Who wouldn't gawk?

                                                                    

You just know Mulder's checking out her ass while he's there.

 

 

  I did notice that he takes his sweet time running the candle down her back. It shows some little mole things that look a lot like the marks the kids had. But, phew, they're not. They're just mosquito bites. Man, Oregon must have mosquitos the size of birds to make bites that big.
  Scully's so relieved that she falls into Mulder's manly chest. He's mostly amused by it and, like a gentleman, doesn't cop a feel. She gets a little embarrassed.

                                                                       

Come to Mulder, Scully

 

  Next scene they're hanging out in his room while Mulder tells her about his sister's disappearance. I'll get to that later in my "What?" section.

  He says she disappeared from her bed and has never been seen again. While he's giving her Mulder Backstory there's a creepy person hanging out in the bushes outside their motel room. Mulder tells her about how he became involved in the X-Files. He says that someone has been blocking his attempts to access highly classified information and that the only reason he hasn't been shut down is his friends in congress. He tells her that "they" are trying to use her to shut him down. She insists that he trust her. He tells her that he underwent hypnosis to recover memories of his sister's abduction. He says he was in the next bed but couldn't move or do anything to help her.

  He says that the government knows and he wants to knew what they're protecting. Then he says that nothing else matters to him. Which, if you've seen the series, is true. Nothing, not his job, his life, nothing is as important to him as finding out. He's so obsessed with it that he can't even see that half the time he's working against his own interests. And that's why Scully and Mulder are such a perfect partnership. She is constantly watching his back for him. How many times would he have been fired or dead if it weren't for her? She gets rescued by him a lot as well but quite a few of those times are situations that he himself has put her in. For her part I think she admires his passion, even if it borders on obsession.

  Anywho, in the midst of their bonding the phone rings. The anonymous caller tells them that Peggy, the girl in the wheelchair is dead.

  At the scene of the accident the trucker who hit her says that she ran right out in front of him. Mulder is naturally surprised. Scully checks the girl's watch and it has stopped at 9:03, the same time as the light and their own lost time. Meanwhile, Mulder is getting some bad news. It seems that someone has trashed the autopsy room and stolen the body. They rush back to the motel to find their motel on fire, destroying Scully's laptop, notes and pretty much everything else.

  They're approached by the same girl from earlier. The daughter of the M.E., Theresa. At a diner she confides in them that she's scared. That ever since her class graduated she has been finding herself in the forest with no idea of how she got there. She was the one who called them to tell them about Peggy. She says her dad is worried and wants to protect her but she doesn't believe that he can. She begs Scully and Mulder to protect her. As they talk blood starts pouring from her nose (with a little help from the tube that is trying to hide along the bridge of her nose. It actually blends in pretty well).

  Right then Theresa's dad and the detective who kicked them out of the woods shows up. Scully and Mulder find out that the detective is also Billy's father. The boy in the 'waking coma'. They hustle Theresa out of there. It doesn't look like she really wants to go.

  Scully says that the doctor has been hiding medical evidence in the autopsies and that both he and the detective know what's really going on. They decide to go check out the graveyard again. Mulder is curious about what they've been hiding.

  When they get to the cemetery they find that the other two graves have been dug up and are empty as well. Mulder proposes that it is Billy Miles who is doing it. Scully, of course, is skeptical. The way Mulder nods at her even he doesn't seem too sure about his own theory.
  After the non-commercial break Scully is still talking about how ridiculous it is that a coma patient is digging up graves and killing people. Mulder rightfully points out that Peggy was in a wheelchair but she ran in front of a truck. Mulder says that Peggy must have died around the same time their car shut down and they lost time. He thinks that something else took control of time for those nine minutes. He thinks that Scully thinks he's crazy. And she is kind of smiling and it looks like she nods at him.
  Mulder gets a little miffed until Scully confesses that she saw Peggy's watch at the scene of the accident and it had stopped at exactly 9:03. Mulder starts getting excited again and theorizes (that's going to be a word used here a lot so better get used to it) that the forest controls them and summons them somehow. Which is kind of a weird thing to say if he actually thinks that it's aliens doing tests on them. The way he says it is like the forest itself is behind it. Scully says that "the forest summoned Theresa Nemmans body into the woods tonight". No, Scully. Peggy O'Dell was summoned there, not Theresa. Oops. Mulder says that the forest summons them but Billy is the one who actually takes them there. Scully laughs in his face. Which is a little rude. But Mulder's a good sport about it and laughs along with her. They decide to leave. They're going to see Billy Miles. I guess Mulder forgot that it's in the middle of the night.

                                                                        

                                                                    

  Or, maybe not, because now it's the next day. While Mulder questions the nurse Scully is checking for any signs that Billy is the one responsible. The oh-so-tactful nurse doesn't seem to be able to recall what she was doing around nine the evening before. Scully checks out Billy Boy's get feet and finds the same ash-like substance that she found in the forest. Mulder asks the nurse if she took care of Peggy O'Dell as well but the nurse says that's "not my aisle of the produce section". Wow. Aren't we the funny one Nurse Ratched.

  Scully is freaking the fuck on out about it being possible that Billy was in the forest and may have killed the other kids. Mulder suggests comparing the two samples and Scully reminds him that the original ash stuff was destroyed in the motel fire. Uh, didn't you get that from the forest? I'm sure you could find more there.
  Mulder! of all people, tells her to slow her roll down because she's going to have to write the word aliens in her report. You know, as much as Mulder complains about Scully's skepticism anytime she does get excited about an 'extreme possibility' he's always handy to throw cold water on her. A prime example is in the episode 'Beyond the Sea'. They decide to go back to the forest to take another sample.

  The forest. When they arrive they notice the detective's car there as well. Then they hear a scream and both they and the music jump into action. They dash into the forest and promptly split up. Again. Scully gets cold cocked with a branch by the detective and gets knocked down. The sheriff runs off. The only effect the branch seems to have on Scully is a slight headache.

  Detective Miles finds Mulder and has him at gunpoint. Uh, dude? Not sure it's a bright idea to hold a gun on an FBI agent. And he doesn't seem to care that his son is possibly murdering a girl behind him. And 'Parent of the Year' award goes to Detective Miles. Mulder stress that maybe they might want to do something about the girl being killed and they both run off in Billy's direction. They find Billy holding Theresa Nemmen who is either dead or unconscious. Detective Miles tells Billy to stop and when he doesn't goes to shoot him. Mulder tales him to stop him. Then they both watch while Billy stands in a bright light, holding Theresa. Scully sees the light (I see the light, hallelujah!) but nothing else. The light fades and leaves Billy and Theresa (who is very much alive). The marks on Billy's back are gone. Mulder finally remembers Scully and they meet up. Mulder is all spent from the "incredible" light.

                                                             

 

  Billy is under hypnosis, telling about the party in the forest, the lights and the tests. He claims he was under orders to bring the other kids there. Apparently the tests were a failure so 'they' wanted all evidence erased.
  On the other side of the mirror we see Blevins (the guy who gave Scully the assignment in the first place). The Cigarette Man is also there as well.

  The suits are in their office with Scully. He says she hasn't validated the X-Files enough and she reminds him that there were crimes committed. He has issues with the fact that this case (and others like it) are unable to be prosecuted since there's no hard, physical evidence. In response Scully pulls out the implant taken from the corpse. She had it on her at all times so it was not destroyed in the fire along with everything else. As she's leaving she passes the Cigarette Man in the hall. Hmm, he seems to be everywhere now doesn't he?

  At Scully's house she's lying in bed awake, watching the clock flip to 11:22. Mulder calls to tell her that the papers they filed against Billy are gone. They agree to talk the next day.

  The next scene is the mysterious Cigarette Man taking the implant to some kind of storage area. He adds it to a box with similar implants. As he leaves we see that the storage area is in the Pentagon. What could this mean, I wonder?

  End of Episode


  Final Thoughts:
  Yeah, these are probably going to be a little long. I'm terrible at doing brief synopses. For a Pilot episode it's pretty good. It doesn't have too much exposition for a Pilot and the actors do well together. Sometimes a series takes a few episodes for its actors to really fall into a groove with each other. There always seems to be some awkwardness. The awkwardness is present here but it works well with how Scully and Mulder are introduced to reach other. She doesn't really know what to expect of Mulder and he t thinks she was sent to spy on him. So it would make sense that they're stand offish with each other at first. That being said there were a few things I caught and some questions that were never answered.

  1. Who were the other people in the slides that Mulder showed Scully early on? If they weren't classmates of Billy Miles then were they another 'test' that went wrong? And if they were former classmates then how in the hell did Billy get to them to take them to the light? Or did 'they' just grab them? I don't know and it never really says who, exactly, these other people are.

  2. I don't really know how much authority the FBI would have but it doesn't seem likely to me that a local detective could just order them out of a crime scene, private property or not.

  3. I would mark this as a spoiler but we already know that Mulder's sister disappeared so it's not giving anything away. Anyways, he tells Scully that he saw it (I think an episode or two more he says he was sleeping in the same room but in a different bed) but couldn't move or do anything to help. Later in the series they are playing a game together in the living room and she was abducted from there, not her bedroom. But I'll give it a break because there's so much time between a pilot and the actual show that stories change sometimes and the X-Files is actually one of the more consistent ones.

  4. This is more just a personal gripe but why does it always have to be big rigs that hit people or cars? Like no other vehicle is deadly? It's just a little annoying that they always, always use semis. A VW Bug could be lethal to someone on foot. My dad was a trucker so this always irritates me.

  5. If the M.E. we're actually hiding evidence wouldn't that be  obstructing justice? But, maybe they needed the actual proof of the other bodies having the marks.

  6. Going by the dates in this episode Theresa Nemmen graduated in 1989. The episode takes place in 1992. So she would be at least 20 if she were 18 when she graduated. My point is that if she did not want to go with her dad and the detective then they could not force her to. In fact, Scully and Mulder could have intervened on her behalf since she came to them for protection. I would almost think it was their duty to. By them backing down Theresa was put in danger that they could have prevented.

  7. Do they ever arrest the detective for being complicit in the deaths? Because he obviously knew about them and even holds a gun on an FBI agent to prevent him from helping Theresa. That's a couple of felonies right there.

  8. And speaking of the segment in the forest... Billy's dad has been protecting him this whole time, through the deaths of at least three other kids. But now he decides is a good time to kill his son to prevent the death of one girl. Why the sudden change? And why does Mulder stop him? For all he knows at that time Billy has killed Theresa. My theory is that it goes along with the whole "nothing else matters but my search for the truth" thing that Mulder has going on. Despite his fancy words to the detective about how long is he going to let it go on, Mulder is willing to risk Theresa's life and Billy's life just so that he can see "the truth".

  9. I know Blevins is supposed to be the jerk looking to shut the X-Files down (under orders from higher up the food chain, one can presume) but he does have a point that this case could not be prosecuted, like a lot of the X-Files cases. In fact, in the episode "Fire", Mulder even makes a joke about it.

  10. And one last one: They seem to be pretty picky aliens. They wanted everything destroyed. So, Billy collected the other kids. But, they don't kill Billy or Theresa. Now, that could be read as maybe they were actually a success but I don't know.


  Thanks for reading! Next Saturday will be another episode recap and come back tomorrow for more of The Locker.

  As always, I welcome any suggestions or constructive criticisms. Thanks for reading!