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Post by iwsod on Aug 25, 2013 11:33:24 GMT
Hi Everyone!!! Taking a break from following the episodes here.. and seizing the opportunity to ask a few general smk questions of you all.. What's your favourite SMK episode and why?? and.. What's your favourite SMK season and why?? I'm curious to see what your answers are.. and why! We've chatted lots about smk.. but I'm not sure that I know this about you guys! Or is it too hard to pick one episode?? list your top faves if you like.. just wondering what it is that you look for in an smk episode and have enjoyed the most.. Dare I ask, what's your least favourite episode?
byeee!
Iwsod
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Post by Jenbo on Aug 25, 2013 17:27:08 GMT
Ooh IWSOD that's a really good question. And a really hard one! I have only seen S4 once so will include it but it will be on hazy recollection. I can't pick a favourite season, I love all of them for different reasons so instead I shall pick my favourite episode from each season and my worst. There may be some ties for 1st place LOL S1 fave is Service Above and Beyond. Such good banter between Lee and Amanda, he wears that lovely chauffeurs outfit and he rescues her at the end. Ticks a lot of boxes for me. S1 worst is Lost and Found. I don't like watching Lee being manipulated and duped by ugly Eva. It's not a lot of fun. S2 fave is Ship of Spies. For probably no better reason than their fake wedding and the tag. Very shallow reasons but my reasons all the same. S2 worst is toss up between Three Faces of Emily and Car Wars. Whilst neither of these episodes is truly awful they're not ones that make me want to watch them over and over again. S3 fave is toss up between The Triumvirate and All The Worlds a Stage. I love the lingering looks Lee gives Amanda and her hand grab in the elevator <swoon> just lots of touchy feeling sexual chemistry going on. I love All The Worlds a stage because I love the near kiss scene where she's rehearsing (although not such much the lets all wear check/plaid shirts). I snigger as Lee dissing the script too. The tag is cute, they finally acknowledge they have feelings BUT in my opinion it's a bit of a lame kiss S3 worst is The Pharaohs Engineer on account that it didn't really hold my attention as well. S4 fave is Stemwinder Part 1 and 2. Part one for Lee telling Amanda he loves her. Part 2 for the tag. That is their best kiss IMO and I love her little butt grab S4 worst is Mission of Gold. Maybe controversial but I didn't really enjoy it. Hope that gives you an idea IWSOD
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Post by KC on Aug 25, 2013 22:06:41 GMT
" I love All The Worlds a stage because I love the near kiss scene where she's rehearsing (although not such much the lets all wear check/plaid shirts). I snigger as Lee dissing the script too. The tag is cute, they finally acknowledge they have feelings BUT in my opinion it's a bit of a lame kiss" Jenbo--I have to agree with you there... the kiss was OK (should have been longer?)--but the hands on the lapels-hands on the shoulders-hands on the lapels-hands on the shoulders drove me batty. I'm going to have to think about my favourites and come back to this thread.
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Post by KC on Aug 26, 2013 1:59:11 GMT
This is tough... most of these are a tough call for me, 'cos there are so many episodes that are so good--and/or parts of episodes that are outstanding. S1 favourite: it's a close race, but I think Always Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth - I like Amanda's friendship with Penny, and the bantering with Lee - but Service Above and Beyond and The Long Christmas Eve are close seconds. S1 worst: I don't really have a worst ep for this season... but if I was really forced to name a name (you know--you can't hit Send until all the fields are filled out), I guess Magic Bus because I found it ho hum--although the "high tech"-edness of this ep is completely hilarious now. S2 favourite: it's a close race--I really like a lot of the episodes--but I think Burn Out just squeaks in - this episode shows Lee opening his eyes more regarding Amanda, and I just love the scene with Amanda and trucker Travis roaring to the rescue in the big-rig with Ride of the Valkyries blaring on the stereo! I ROFL every time at this! (The good cop, bad cop routine in To Catch a Mongoose is absolutely hilarious, but I don't think that ep has enough else behind it to put it at the top.) S2 worst: A Class Act - - Amanda is *not* this lame. Enough said. S3 favourite: again, it's a close race--I love a lot of the episodes, but if I had to name a name, it would be a three-way tie between Dead Men Leave No Trails (Amanda rocks in this episode and the tag is... awesome!), Tail of the Dancing Weasel (Amanda shows off her spy skills and her throwing arm, we meet Harry, and we hear that Lee has been praising Amanda to Harry--who is one of Lee's select few special people), and We're Off To See the Wizard (Lee opens up to Amanda). Also highly rated: The Triumvirate. (I really like parts of All the Worlds a Stage, but the play annoys the heck out of me, so I can't in good conscience make this ep my favourite.) S3 worst: Three Little Spies--although we see Amanda managing to keep the spy teams from the three nations working in harmony together, something about it is just off for me... and the "cute nose" tag--ugh. S4 favourite: I'm with Jenbo here--the Stemwinder episodes. S4 worst: Any of the last six episodes--though each of them has a little nugget of goodness--or Santa's Got a Brand New Bag. As for seasons, it varies: Seasons 1 and 2 for comedy Seasons 3 and 4 for romance Overall, season 3.
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Post by Jenbo on Aug 26, 2013 7:23:57 GMT
Ooh. I can't believe I forgot to list my top worst episode. Welcome to America Mr Brand. I know it's supposed to be a parody BUT I think is badly done. Rather than making me snigger it makes me cringe KC I am glad you agree about the kiss in ATWAS and I am with you on the hands on his lapels.
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Post by BJo on Aug 26, 2013 13:03:05 GMT
Hey iwsod - love questions like these...they make me think! My favorite season of SMK has changed over time. I think each season has been my favorite at one point or another. Right now though, my favorite is S4. What?? Yep, you read it right - S4. The reason is because for all of the first three season I was just waiting and waiting for these two to get together. In S4, I feel like I finally got what I was waiting for. We see them admit they love each other, get married, and bring Lee into the family to actually interact with the boys and Dotty.
My overall favorite episode is Bad Timing. I adore that tag - I think the kisses in the tag are my favorites of the series. That's the scene that makes me wish I could trade places with Amanda/KJ. Sigh. I also love the Stemwinders, Nightcrawler, Do You Take This Spy, Mission of Gold (love seeing that gold band on Lee's finger), One Flew East and A Matter of Choice (for reasons stated in the paragraph above).
My other favorite episodes are ROTPast - I laugh out loud the most at that episode, Burnout ("Amanda, I really am sorry") I can hear that mesmerizing baritone voice in my head.), SOS (my second favorite set of kisses I could watch over and over), Geisterscholoss/Tegernsee (Lee is even more gorgeous than usual in these two) and Utopia, Wrong Way Home, Triumvirate, Eyes, Dead Men....there are too many good ones in S3 to narrow it down!
My least favorite episodes are The Damn Duck, Artful Dodger, ALSALS, Vigilante Mothers, PFKeeps, All That Glitters and Suitable for Framing (minus the two phone calls).
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Post by BJo on Aug 26, 2013 13:18:36 GMT
" I love All The Worlds a stage because I love the near kiss scene where she's rehearsing (although not such much the lets all wear check/plaid shirts). I snigger as Lee dissing the script too. The tag is cute, they finally acknowledge they have feelings BUT in my opinion it's a bit of a lame kiss" Jenbo--I have to agree with you there... the kiss was OK (should have been longer?)--but the hands on the lapels-hands on the shoulders-hands on the lapels-hands on the shoulders drove me batty. I agree with you two on this scene as well. For me the best part of this tag is Lee's hesitation, uncertainty (?), intense stare at Amanda and his little lopsided grin. Her arms on his lapels when they kiss have always bugged me - it's a physical barrier between the two.
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Post by Jenbo on Aug 26, 2013 13:24:08 GMT
I am guessing I am in minority here but I really like The Damn Duck episode. I agree BJo those European episodes have Lee looking at his best I think which is why I really love S2 as much as S3. Yes I am shallow. Do I care? Not a jot
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Post by KC on Aug 26, 2013 14:35:48 GMT
Aug 26, 2013 6:18:36 GMT -7 BJo said: " For me the best part of this tag is Lee's hesitation, uncertainty (?), intense stare at Amanda and his little lopsided grin." Oh--his body language after he's closed the door to the Q-Bureau is priceless (the cupped/protective hand placement)... so unsure of himself--protecting himself--it's all Lee, zero Scarecrow! He should have known by then that Amanda was his rock, but it's still a huge step for him so I love the peek at scared little boy Lee before he becomes studly man Lee again after he has his confirmation from her. Aug 26, 2013 6:18:36 GMT -7 BJo said: " Her arms on his lapels when they kiss have always bugged me - it's a physical barrier between the two." I actually don't mind that--I see it more of a symbolic thing of her leaning on him rather than a physical barrier... but maybe my subconscious is just trying to find excuses.
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Post by morley on Aug 26, 2013 17:21:02 GMT
I keep looking at this thread and I wouldn't even know where to start. There are moments that I could easily fast forward through in many episodes, but there are also moments in each that I love. I am enjoying this conversation though. Thank you BJo for loving season 4 and even putting among your favorites some of those last episodes. I want to watch it through your eyes when I get there. Amanda's arms like that during the kiss in ATWAS is interesting to think about. She receives his hug in OTL the same way. I think maybe she is still guarded there. Maybe she isn't altogether certain he is offering his whole self. Have any of you ever read that fan fic called Not This Time. Its a two parter about what happens after the tag in ATWAS. It does a nice job bringing out some of Amanda's insecurity and her reaction to Lee's advancements towards her. I really love the part of the series that we are in right now on the blog. I know the short hair is tough, but I think this is where Lee really starts to fall in love and it is so much fun to watch it happen, even though it is subtle. I think "a long, long time" is starting now.
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Post by BJo on Aug 26, 2013 18:42:00 GMT
I keep looking at this thread and I wouldn't even know where to start. There are moments that I could easily fast forward through in many episodes, but there are also moments in each that I love. I am enjoying this conversation though. Thank you BJo for loving season 4 and even putting among your favorites some of those last episodes. I want to watch it through your eyes when I get there. Amanda's arms like that during the kiss in ATWAS is interesting to think about. She receives his hug in OTL the same way. I think maybe she is still guarded there. Maybe she isn't altogether certain he is offering his whole self. Have any of you ever read that fan fic called Not This Time. Its a two parter about what happens after the tag in ATWAS. It does a nice job bringing out some of Amanda's insecurity and her reaction to Lee's advancements towards her. I really love the part of the series that we are in right now on the blog. I know the short hair is tough, but I think this is where Lee really starts to fall in love and it is so much fun to watch it happen, even though it is subtle. I think "a long, long time" is starting now. Ahh, Morley, you are so right - even in the episodes that are my least favorite, there is always at least one scene, dialogue exchange, look, joke or something I really like. Take for example The Damn Duck. I really don't like that episode, but the "some people don't have knees" line or the "I want a woman" exchange is fabulous! There are very few scenes I really don't like and will fast forward through. Francine trying to come on to Rollo in Brunettes is one. I cannot watch that scene. I think there is one more but I am drawing a complete blank at the moment and can't think of it. When I do I will come back and post. Do you not like S4? Or at least the end episodes? Yes, the OTL hug is the same. His body language in that scene clearly says to me he is a man who cares very deeply for this woman. Amanda's body language says she trusts his but is not completely open to him yet. I don't know if I've read that fan fic called Not This Time. It doesn't ring a bell - will have to go check it out.
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Post by debilyn on Aug 26, 2013 19:18:58 GMT
Favorite season? I go back and forth between Season 2 and 3. The growing feelings and tentative steps are just so romantic, lots of touching and reaching out - all of these just make my heart flutter.
Favorites? Least favorites?
Hmmm, hard ones to answer. Probably "Burnout" would be my all-time favorite. Lee's apology, his looks of "way to go, Amanda" and "isn't she something" say so much more than just words. Travis the truck-driver is such a hoot. "I love the smell of diesel in the morning!" just makes me laugh every time.
Least favorite is probably "Need to Know." Other than the coin-toss scene and a cute moment or two at the beginning, it really doesn't tickle my fancy. Can't point to anything in particular, I just don't watch it much at all.
My absolute favorite hug is "Remembrance of Things Past." There is just such abandon and joy on both their faces that I can't help but smile myself.
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Post by Jenbo on Aug 26, 2013 19:23:05 GMT
Favorite season? I go back and forth between Season 2 and 3. The growing feelings and tentative steps are just so romantic, lots of touching and reaching out - all of these just make my heart flutter. Favorites? Least favorites? Hmmm, hard ones to answer. Probably "Burnout" would be my all-time favorite. Lee's apology, his looks of "way to go, Amanda" and "isn't she something" say so much more than just words. Travis the truck-driver is such a hoot. "I love the smell of diesel in the morning!" just makes me laugh every time. Least favorite is probably "Need to Know." Other than the coin-toss scene and a cute moment or two at the beginning, it really doesn't tickle my fancy. Can't point to anything in particular, I just don't watch it much at all. My absolute favorite hug is "Remembrance of Things Past." There is just such abandon and joy on both their faces that I can't help but smile myself. Oh I agree about the hug in ROTP, his big big beaming smile, such genuine affection between them both. Makes my stomach flip
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Post by morley on Aug 26, 2013 21:40:45 GMT
BJo, I do like season 4, but I get so sad watching those last few episodes. I haven't watched them since last summer. When I started re-watching the series last year I wanted it to all go together smoothly so I adjusted the episode order and I started filling in the blanks ( mental gymnastics like Iwsod calls it). I had gotten all the way up to the end of season 3 and then I got so into the way we were going through them on Just Walk With Me that I didn't go into season 4 yet. Not because I don't want to, I was just enjoying the blog on season 2 and researching for what I was doing in season 1, I didn't want to get confused. Mixing early Lee, with Lee beginning to fall in love and Lee crazy in love would have messed up my gymnastics for sure.
I hope that when I do get to season 4 I can fill in all the blanks that happen for me with Amanda out of the action so much. I want to watch One Flew East last, I think it could go there. It would be as if after their fight and make up at his apt at the end of K List, they would wake up there together, work a case together and end up all together learning to be a family at the end of OFE. And then with the other ones it would make sense that Amanda was out of the field because she was recovering from the gun shot wound.
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Post by BJo on Aug 27, 2013 2:23:52 GMT
I understand what you're saying, Morley - I've never watched S4 in any order other than the production order. I'll have to try it sometime. I might like it even more!
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