TVSquad

(S06E09) At first, I thought this season was going to be heading somewhere, but it seems that it's getting stuck in the muck. The episodes continue to cover territory that they have already covered. Tonight, it was about Johnny's struggles with the fact that he doesn't have much religious faith, despite his relationship with the now-absent Reverend Purdy, and his mother's own generous donations to the Heritage Foundation. We have been over this before in previous seasons-- like last season, as a matter of fact.

If you've never heard of Trust, you must live a very sad and lonely existence. Oh wait, no. We meant the consumer electronics manufacturer. If you've never heard of them, you're not alone.

But the company's new RC-2400 remote control for Windows Vista Media Center looks sexy enough that we're willing to overlook the company's obscure name and drool at the pretty picture in all its retro style goodness.

The RC-2400 is a 49 button remote with the big ole "green button" we've come to know and love in the middle. The RF remote control comes with a little USB RF dongle. And the RC-2400 is Microsoft certified and should work with your Windows Vista machine, no drivers required.

The remote should be available this month, although there's no word on pricing.

[via FloppyHead]

(S03E12) I have complained in previous posts about Susan's storylines. However, this episode focused on the character's parenting. I thought it was refreshing and funny: She is not willing to violate her daughter's privacy by actually reading Julie's journal, but it's okay if Gaby does it. I think that is a fast and funny approach to dealing with the dilemma most parents have. What is more important? Preserving privacy and trust or finding out what our children are up to?

(S01E04) Recipe for I Pity the Fool: take one confrontational situation, add a cast of various characters, and then toss in Mr. T. Bake for 30 minutes, sprinkling with plenty of "Fools," and you there you have it. Serve with a side of cheese.

This week T gets a letter from the East Coast Dance Company, where the stage moms are clashing with the teacher, Leann. It's really not a pretty scene. Lots of women yelling at each other, and kids rolling their eyes. You got your work cut out for you, T.

(S01E04) "Checkmate" is probably my favorite single episode of The Prisoner. It's a very tight story about how Number 6 thinks he has gained the upper hand on his captors in the Village but ends up being double-crossed by those he thought he could trust.

The chess game using humans as pieces with instructions being shouted out by "the masters" carries with it quite a few allegories, doesn't it? I guess that if you don't have the power, you're just a pawn in their game. (Listen to Bob Dylan's song for that.)

Number 6 still is planning his escape from the Village, and he is on the prowl searching for others to join him. After being persuaded to function as a pawn in the giant chess game, he makes contact with the Queen who, in response to his questions, attempts to steer him to concentrate on the game. Afterwards, they both discuss escape, but he doesn't seem to trust her.

Later on we see the Rook being "treated" at the hospital and he and Number 6 make plans for their escape. The Rook is an electronics expert, so he would be a a natural ally for Number 6. However, as one might have suspected, the Queen is hypnotized to fall in love with Number 6 and is given a locket that also serves as a tracking device.