And the verdict is... ? (Instrument of Destruction review)

by **Lieutenant Green** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 4:58 pm

I thought it was excellent and because I recorded it, the more I view it the better it looks. A friend of mine who watched it (and is not an Anderson fan) thought that the storyline was very good, and it made him look forward to next week's episode. Even when I told him that I wished there was a bit more realism in the character's faces, he didn't worry about it as it didn't detract from the enjoyment of the show.

I can tell you that there were a few cuts made to it, perhaps (I guess) because ITV thought some of the scenes might not be appopriate for a morning timeslot where younger kids might be watching. Despite this, it still has a grown up feel to it. The nightime scene of Black's fist coming through the grave, and him standing in the rain with his Mysteron eyes is almost scary. This show aint no 'kid flick'. and is certainly something that people of all ages can enjoy.

As far as the changes are concerned, I have no problems with them (perhaps apart from the transatlantic accent of Scarlet). Apart from the fact that these things happen in all re-imaginings of past TV series, I wonder if the following possibilities may or may not be true?.

1. As Sylvia Anderson would have had a say in the characterisation of the original series, perhaps Gerry wanted to distance himself from any of her past influences when he begun preparing the new show.

2. If this series proves to be a massive success worldwide, (especially in the USA) you can bet your bottom dollar that Hollywood movie studios will come knocking on Gerry's door. Perhaps if the characters were left as they were in the original series, the studio execs would want to impose or suggest character changes for the movie. Because Gerry has already made these changes, this will not be necessary.

Can't wait for next week's episode.

by **captain wil** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 5:36 pm

Churchill wrote:Wil wrote:

If it is true that you work for Rare, and are qualifying your opinions based on this, then (genuinely no offence but) maybe you should let your colleagues in on the secret of successful IP creation,as they haven't produced anything progressive or even slightly decent in at least 7 years. Unfortunately judging by their upcoming games, this isn't likely to change either

Who's qualfiying any opinions? I base any judgements on myself as a longtime viewer, not by setting myself up as an expert merely because I work for a video game company.

Do I think any less of any comments you make because of(genuinely no offence) some snide comments about the output of where I work. No, of course not. Everyone's entitled to their opinion. I watched CS as someone who grew up with Gerry Anderson shows and what I saw on Saturday showed a big improvement in technology but not story telling.

I also watched it with a non-fan friend and he didn't want to watch the second half because it looked just like that 'Max Steel show' and found it really boring.

C'est la vie.

Wil

by **Churchill** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 5:50 pm

Calm down sir. Apologies for any perceived "snide" comments.

They were not meant to cause extreme offence. It's just that, from my experience, people who work at games companies are invariably extremely judgemental, and usually about projects far superior than their own.

Both you and your friend are certainly entitled to your own opinions.

by **chrisbishop** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 6:28 pm

While opinions from any members are highly encouraged on this forum, we would appreciate if they would keep civil, and that no judgment be passed on any members, regardless of his expressed views. Argue the opinions, if you will, not the person who expressed them. Do not overstep the bounderies of personal arguments, please. It's easy to step from friendly squabble to open war in just ONE post, when people start sliding in that direction.

$\D/$

(0000000)

Group hug!

by **ROBE** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 6:37 pm

Those people who have problems with the changes to the show, I know how you feel I love continuity in a series, which is why I really hate the changes made with the third Harry Potter movie. However this new series is set in a New universe and the previous was set in the original Universe, so they can exist side by side. So long live the OU and long live the NU

by **chrisbishop** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 6:42 pm

Are you psychic, ROBE? :shock:

I said the exact same thing this week-end!

Of course, I haven't seen the show yet - I may yet change my opinion on the subject! :twisted:

by **Aegis** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 7:53 pm

I'd just like to chip in a little off-topic RARE ROCKS!! - every games company releases the occasional dud but not every company has Atic Atac, Sabre Wulf, Knight Lore, Goldeneye, Perfect Dark, Starfox Adventures (and doubtless other great games I've forgotten) in their back-catalogue...

Anything Rare puts out is at least worth a look - looking forward to seeing what they've got in store for us next

by **C21** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 8:37 pm

I've really enjoyed visiting this forum over the last few months and the last week has to rank up there for the honest and inciteful opinions & views expressed.

There is only one way to top it; to hear from the man himself. :grin:

It would be really great if we could have a list of questions on the new show answered by Gerry himself.

I mean, what is his vision for the show and what directions it will take over the next year :?:

I don't know if anyone could approach him through a mutual friend :roll:

but it would be great to have him answer some of the interesting questions posed on this board. :!:

C21

ps: As a second genration fan (watched it during the early 70s when there was at least three Anderson shows on at the weekend) I am just happy that Spectrum takes on the Mysterons again. I'll reserve judgement on the show until it hits the West Coast!

by **Marion** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 9:27 pm

Would that include all the people (like me) videoing it because they were at work, Hazel?

by **hazel** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 9:36 pm

Marion wrote: Would that include all the people (like me) videoing it because they were at work, Hazel?

As far as I know, yes, the figures include personal rescheduling.

by **Aegis** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 10:45 pm

It would be really great if we could have a list of questions on the new show answered by Gerry himself. I mean, what is his vision for the show and what directions it will take over the next year

I don't know if anyone could approach him through a mutual friend

Who did you have in mind?

I can't make any promises as Gerry is an extremely busy man, but if you people would like to compile a list of questions then I'll do my best to get them answered for you if and when he has some time.

Fair enough?

by **C21** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 11:03 pm

Aegis: I wasn't pointing the finger at you mate! :grin:

It's obvious some fans (having read a few Anderson-related boards) had seen the show in various stages of development. I was just pondering and wondering if they were on the inside track, perhaps they could ask Gerry, if he or his team wouldn't mind answering a few questions!

Here's two:

Are there any elements from the original series you would have loved to have kept in the show but wasn't able to?

Are there any content changes in the show which you think are a great improvement on the original?

What do you think Chris? Is it something that you could put on the board or the website if we are able to get answers to our questions? :wink:

C 21

by **Aegis** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 11:13 pm

Maybe it'd be a good idea to dedicate a thread specifically to this?

by **C21** » Tue Feb 15, 2005 1:22 am

Great idea. See "Questions to Gerry Anderson"

C21

by **Aegis** » Tue Feb 15, 2005 11:09 am

C21: Great stuff! And good questions too!