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April 16, 2007: Let the Games Begin
“Truth is death…. You got to lie like your life depends on it.” — Violent Trimble to her father
Alex Tully: “Who are you?”
Officer Poole Impersonator: “No, that’s not the question. The question is, ‘Who are you?’”
After last night’s episode I seriously need to rethink what is going on in The Race and how the participants were selected. It appears that almost everyone in the episode is hiding some sort of secret, which only adds to my confusion….
Winston Salazar claims he was innocent of the crime he was put away for. Obviously he is going to say that to his brother with whom he is trying to bond, but is he serious? Even as the bounty hunter was driving away he was encouraging his brother to get to the next leg of The Race. He seemed pretty resigned to the fact that he was being taken away. I’m not quite sure what to make of him at this time, except to say that he likes women who drive fast cars and is easily tricked by said women and their cars. His car has a criminal ownership lineage? That’s interesting. What would be even more interesting is if the car was used in past races.
Rob and Ellie Laird’s relationship was fleshed out a bit more. As revealed from the previous episode, Ellie has been deleting the voicemails on Rob’s cell phone in regard to his being AWOL. After they had their argument on the side of the road and she told him the reason why she wanted to be in The Race, I kept wondering in the back of my mind if she was actually being serious or lying again to him. I’m sort of fuzzy on whether or not he is even aware that he is AWOL. The voicemails and their deletion make it appear as though he doesn’t realize it and yet the preview for future episodes made it sound like he does know. I’m confused! One would think that having someone on the run from the military (knowingly or not) would bring undue attention to The Race itself.
It was already revealed in the previous episode that John Trimble is terminal and is keeping that piece of information from his daughter, Violet. What is even more revealing is that he actually is a great liar. Any guesses as to what Violet and her friend, Sophie, did that night a year ago?
It would seem that Ivy is lying to herself as to her self-importance for being selected to be in the race, almost like Wendy is lying to herself about the infant car seat (and the toy baby doll from the previous episodes). Then again, maybe the car seat and toy are reminders as to why she is in the race in the first place. Why is that again? I bet that when Wendy firmly told Ivy about the car seat, Ivy was probably thinking, “Where is that gun?”
Mr. Alex Tully, the “landscaper from Nebraska,” seems to have a few secrets up his sleeve, doesn’t he? Who exactly is Alex Tully? What we knew before this episode aired was his current occupation, where he resides and that his wife was kidnapped by The Race organizers to coerce him into competing. What we discovered last night was that he was the getaway driver in a bank robbery and that his “first love” was a ’72 Dodge Challenger (side note: Yay! I did not imagine that picture of him standing in front of a car). How much of what the cop impersonator said about his past was actually true? The best part to me was the reveal of the fake interrogation room, which just unified the overall theme of the episode itself.
For my fellow Browncoats: after hearing Tully and the cop impersonator go back and forth about “the real Alex Tully,” how many were reminded of the Firefly episode “War Stories”?
— “The real Alex Tully never left his partners behind… and you don’t want to meet the real Alex Tully.”
Final thoughts:
It was a very pleasant surprise to see Richard Brooks back again. For some reason I thought he was just going to be in the pilot. It was also nice to have Katie Finneran join the cast. Zoic should be commended on the special effects work they have done so far. I especially enjoyed Tully’s race down the highway near the end of the episode. How many people screamed, “Noooo!” at their TV when the episode ended just as the film was about to begin? This is the second episode where the fictional restaurant chain, Preston’s, made an appearance.
I am not sure if this has been mentioned anywhere else, but the organization behind The Race seems to be called the “Consortium” (according to the Fox press info I’ve read through).
Based upon what happened to Tully in this episode, my theory is that the various members of the Consortium are in some way wagering among themselves over the outcome of the race. They were the ones who handpicked the contestants and are allowed to “help” the racers along in one manner or another (example: Tully’s Challenger). So, besides racing against the other drivers, they may also have to deal with ringers and sabotage from the Consortium itself. Sound good?
Side note: the answers to my questions in yesterday’s (4/15) blog are located on page 3 of the same day's blog thread.
Zoom zoom!
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Apr 16, 2007 11:55 PM
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Robert, I think your theory about the Consortium is a sound one and probably dead on. What I'm curious to learn is how many racers started the race in Florida, and how many were left to make it to GA. I'm also wondering why we aren't being made privy to what the info is Mr. Bright is giving the racers.
Mr. Trimble won't be able to lie about his condition for long if he runs out of his meds. I like the relationship between he and Violet.
Sean seems like a sweet kid, but it seems he's hung around his Father long enough to understand how to work the system. I liked seeing him stand up to his father's lackey, Esteban. I wonder if it was wise to declare his independence from his Dad so soon. Those credit cards could come in handy. It's interesting that Sean has strongly bonded with Winston already, or, it could be he's still trying to piss off Daddy. But I liked Winston telling Sean about his Mother, It was a nice moment.
I'm liking Rob Laird better after last night, but Ellie is annoying me. What good is the 32 million if he's in military prison for going AWOL?
My favorite shot? The close up of Alex after being behind the wheel of his Challenger and smoking past everyone and that little smile. Methinks Mr. Tully is indeed a man with a past. By the way, that ride is pretty sweet, and it needs it's own name, like the Metallicar on Supernatural. Anyone want to put out any suggestions?
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Apr 17, 2007 6:59 AM
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TJJ50, you are indeed a person after my own heart. I was also thinking Tully's car needed a moniker, just like the Metallicar (on which I have an unhealthy car crush). Alexmobile? Tullycar?
I watched all three hours back to back yesterday so all of my thoughts are jumbled up between which episode was which. I thought overall the show did a great job introducing us to the characters AND their cars; all are different enough that I had very little trouble keeping their stories straight, although I have yet to pick up everyone's name.
Violet and her father grew on me as the show went on; the AWOL vet and his wife didn't really grab me yet, but the brothers are an interesting pair; and how much do I love Nathan Fillion? He starts to tear off in Brian Bloom's wheels - and the thing dies. I nearly fell off the couch laughing. And Mrs Petrosky (spelling?) - I just love her. What a great job the actress has done!! Ya just wanna hug her. And hope the gun is pointed the other way.
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Apr 17, 2007 8:26 AM
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I have to watch the episode a second time. I loved it! It started like nothing major was happening, and then things got interesting.
My suggestion for the name of the car is the Tullycar. That's the first thing I came up with.
I have to admit that I'm a little scared of Alex right now. He seems to have a really really dark side. And I think Corrina is going to be thinking that maybe she made a mistake in choosing him. I bet she's going ot be scared. It's going to be interesting.
I also think you're right about the racers being helped by the people who chose them to compete. Corrina mentioned something about sponsors, so maybe each character has an sponsor, and of course everybody will want their pick to win, so they'll help them along the way.
And I loved the car scene at the end. I'm not that into cars, and I certainly don't know about names and brands, but I'm loving those car races in every episode. My favourite cars so far are Winston's, Rob's and Tully's.
Loved your commentary David.
I'll come back later to add more thoughts on the episode.
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Apr 17, 2007 8:37 AM
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I liked last night's episode... I agree with you Robert, I was like wait a minute, no video to watch... Am I watching Lost! I really hope they pick up where they left off next week... A few answers would be nice... Mind you, I don't need them all at once, like I said, I watch Lost, but just a couple would be nice...
Agree with you tjj50, loved Tully's smile when he smoked past everyone in that Challenger... Sweet car as well!!! After the whole fake cop/Tully scene and then him getting in the car, I kept thinking about Gone in 60 Seconds with the Shelby... Don't know why...
Ok, the wife of Mr. AWOL, Elle I think, I don't know what I think of her... I mean, I know she wants to keep her husband safe (I believe it was said they were married) but still, I just haven't really got a feel for her...
Does it seem strange to you that we see the "main" characters racing and Tully taking the lead, but when they reach the "after sunset" there were a bunch of cars there before them... I just don't see how any of the characters we've been introduced to are going to win the race if there is always a group of people at the check point before them...
I think Wendy kinda showed Ivy that when it comes to Sam, don't mess with her... You know?
The brothers, I dig them, love the "hood" car and think it is funny that they are such opposites... That will be great in future episodes (hoping that FOX keeps this show) to see if they learn something from each other...
Mr. Trimble and his daughter, Violet, they are fun to watch... Trying to teach her dad to lie, when in turn, he is lying to her anyhow... I don't want to see him actually tell his daughter that he is sick and is going to die... I'm a daddy's girl and that will break my heart...
Ok, for now, I am done... Might come back later if I think of something else or have any questions...
Have a great day!
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Apr 17, 2007 8:37 AM
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I have my doubts about Rob & Ellie Laird as a couple. He feels a strong sense of obligation to the army, his "brothers" (and sisters?), and she doesn't want him to risk his life. This can't last very long, especially as she's been deceiving him and getting him into deep trouble.
So Alex has a past--and I bet Corinna does too. I love picking up these back stories slowly. It piques my interest.
As the film started to roll, it made me think of Desmond, Locke, etc., watching the Dharma tapes in the hatch. I can't wait to see it. Of course, they probably won't show it to us; they'll probably just show everyone leaving. That's the kind of trick I'd expect from Tim Minear.
How about the Katmobile, named after his wife Kathryn?
Mondays are going to be great with Drive and (finally!) Heroes.
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Apr 17, 2007 8:39 AM
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Hey Alex --- nice to see a familiar name!! See you on the SnOb blog!
I really like this one and hope it can go beyond the previous Minear/Fox curse!! Anything with Nathan is okay in my book.
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Apr 17, 2007 9:28 AM
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Car moniker idea: How about the "Tullinger"?
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Apr 17, 2007 10:07 AM
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Another great hour! I want Tully's car! I did notice that some of the people which seem to be main characters are not shown or mentioned at the beginning of the show - John isn't shown and one or two of the three Katrina girls. Since they show the Violet and not John I wonder if that means something happens to him soon? It was kinda cool hearing all the towns in georgia that are fairly close to me too.
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Apr 17, 2007 10:18 AM
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I absolutely LOVE this show!!! Thank God Capt Reynolds is back on tv, ok I'll call him Tully but it's so awesome to have him back...he's such a great actor and he's so funny and such a bad *ss. LOVED IT and hope it sticks around.
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Apr 17, 2007 10:26 AM
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Loved the episode - I think this show has something going for it. I am really looking forward to next week!
As for a name for Alex's car I would have to go with "The CrazyCuda"!! I have loved the 1970 Cuda for a long long time!
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Apr 17, 2007 10:58 AM
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So did we determine what kind of car it actually is? Is it a Challenger? Charger? Something else? I know nothing about cars. Well, by any name, it sure purrs.
'Tullycar' sounds too close to 'Metallicar', and while the Metallicar is my first love, I would consider cheating on it with Alex's wheels. I do like 'Tullinger' though. Sounds malicious, which is a good thing.
Chrisnine11, I noticed the same things you did and I hope that some of those characters get added to the opening credits.
Tig - Hi there! Just in case the show doesn't last, I'm taping the episodes so I'll have 'em. But I'm thinking positively.
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Apr 17, 2007 11:23 AM
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Thanks for the link to episiodes of drive on-line. I missed the first half of last nights episiode. Does anyone know if any of the actors have myspace pages?
My favorite scenes last night where the reveal of Tully's car when "officer Poole" broke the mirrior to reveal the car in a circle of flood lights and the caMERA PULLED BACK TO REVEAL it was all one big set piece. My second favorite was when Alex pulled the knife from th glove box and totally took control of the sistuation.
I agree Violite teaching date to lie only to see him lie so exprtly while on the phone with the doctor was excellent acted. At first I didn't care for dad but he is growing on me.
The married army couple are cute. How ever their story just doesn't click for me. They seem like the week link right now. Well I'll probably be back with more opinions once I watch the full episiode.
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Apr 17, 2007 12:32 PM
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This is driving me crazy and I can't find it anywhere - does anyone know who played the fake cop that interrogated Tully??
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Apr 17, 2007 12:35 PM
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Did anyone else find it odd that the bounty hunter Dupree was wearing a slinky red dress? Doesn't seem practical for her line of work.
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Apr 17, 2007 1:06 PM
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