But nice reviews, everyone.

@Dennis–I’ll admit I’m not up to snuff on my American humor magazines. Haha. Regrettable, but true. And yes, the climactic Inigo sword fight is the one. I get chills every time I watch that plucky Spaniard come back from the edge of death to deliver his famous line over and over, growing progressively (and impossibly) more badass with each swing.

I can only hope to write such a scene one day. (Spoiler Alert: Yes, I’m a film student — with some very strong opinions about what the term “film student” has come to signify, but that’s another story.)

-Bill (The Not-So-Film-Studenty Film Student)

I have to disagree with the people who say “don’t read the books” in order to avoid disappointment. Many of the changes are made due to the demands of episode TV. Even so, the writers, etc. are trying to be as faithful as they can to both large and small issues in the books (anyone else remember the CHIPMUNK?).

Tabrett is as perfect a Cara as Bridget is in the role of Kahlan. Brilliant casting and interpretation by the actor. Her emerging humanity is touching and the occasional levity she brings to the episodes is a welcome dash of spice.

I’m glad they didn’t opt for the “easy fix” of simply having Cara chug a bottle of the elixir, but threw a complicating twist into the stew. I do agree that the “banelings” have become a rather convenient “bad guys” mechanism–and the notion of huckstering elixir to banelings was the weakest part of the episode. Even so, in its further development of Cara, the episode was quite well done.

To my surprise, apart from “baneling syrup,” one of the weakest moments in the episode in my mind came as Cara was dying near the end and Kahlan commended her to the good spirits. That line seemed flat and unimaginative. This could be writer, director, a tired actor, the requirements of pacing, impending rain or any of a host of other things, but it presented an opportunity to reveal more about Kahlan’s changed view of Cara than was provided. Oh well, nothing’s perfect.

It appears from the preview that the upcoming episode is something of a “comic relief” break from the heavy themes, in a vein similar to that of the identity-changing pair of thieves in Season One. I wonder if the second half of Season Two will move away, somewhat, from developing Cara’s evolution/redemption into a more focused pursuit of the Stone, and also the pending question of Richard accepting, or contending for, the throne of D’Hara.

That issue could either be the Season-Two “cliffhanger” ending (assuming Season Three is good to go) or it could be resolved prior to season’s end, allowing the introduction of Jagang and the Imperial Order (alluded to in the prophecy at the Palace of the Prophets) as the Season Three threat.

I’d rather not see them rush Jagang, so there’s plenty of stuff for a Season Four–but then, there’s the whole chimes and Chainfire set of issues that could fuel at least one season. Hoping for a long run, obviously.

@darkops That’s…. a lot of dedication. A lot of dedication.

Surely the Man in Black vs Inigo sword fight is inarguably the best scene from Princess Bride, and the best sword fight from any movie… but the whole film is just chock full of gems.

I’m stoked that its Friday. I get to see my girl all dolled up tomorrow at 4pm. Yay! I’ll drop you a line Bill. (P.S. The Henry Beard comment above is a joke.)

BAD BOY!!!! (Even in jest). They would have to have to do the script in pictures not words.

@Dennis–Did you come up with “Bored of the Rings” by yourself? No way…

I will say that The Lord of the Rings is probably my personal favorite fantasy (it’s one of my favorite film series in general), and making it sound like a bandwagon jump on my part won’t change my mind (not saying you are, but many people do). I do like The Princess Bride, however, which contains one of my favorite film SCENES of all time.

Can you guess which scene?

Also, feel free to shoot me an email with your thoughts on LOTR. I’m always down to read a review/rant from my friendly neighborhood arch-nemesis. Bhpfilms [at] aol [dot] com.

-Bill