N4H
04-06-2008, 05:59 PM
Allycat proposed an interesting dilemma in the 4.01 discussion thread. It's one you see discussed in Buffy the Vampire Slayer forums, and has the same kind of issues. How do you introduce a noob to the series in such a way as to allay the inborn prejudices that have kept them from such an excellent series in the first place.
Just as with BTVS there are opportunities here, because there are episodes that can be offered for any entertainment palate. It's not like say Supernatural where you just pick a good one. You can match taste to ep.
Are they a fan of good horror (not slasher crap)? It's Blink for them.
Do they like that weird, obscure, cult stuff that makes anybody else go, huh? You could start them off on Love & Monsters.
Buffy fan? School Reunion.
Maybe they like Sci Fi, but they like the hard stuff, and think the new Who is beneath them. I don't know. Satan Pit? Girl in the Fireplace?
I think I'd avoid the season premiers. They tend to have a kind of overt silliness and lack of reason to them. It's too easy to claim superiority. Someone who's already a convert, or willing to become one might warm to those, but not somebody who's approaching the series with cynicism.
How about this then? Tooth and Claw. Mass appeal, I think. You don't need to be up on the mythology. Most people already know about stuff like Queen Victoria and werewolves. The novelty was just as new to us fans there. They'd be starting on a level playing field. Even the season arc was just beginning there, so they'd be starting with the rest of us. Also witty dialogue, interesting character interplay, good action. The characters were introduced well too. Cover their eyes for that ninja silliness though. Stand in front of them, and serve popcorn.
So there you have it. More advice from Mr. Knows-everything. :sleeping3
Just as with BTVS there are opportunities here, because there are episodes that can be offered for any entertainment palate. It's not like say Supernatural where you just pick a good one. You can match taste to ep.
Are they a fan of good horror (not slasher crap)? It's Blink for them.
Do they like that weird, obscure, cult stuff that makes anybody else go, huh? You could start them off on Love & Monsters.
Buffy fan? School Reunion.
Maybe they like Sci Fi, but they like the hard stuff, and think the new Who is beneath them. I don't know. Satan Pit? Girl in the Fireplace?
I think I'd avoid the season premiers. They tend to have a kind of overt silliness and lack of reason to them. It's too easy to claim superiority. Someone who's already a convert, or willing to become one might warm to those, but not somebody who's approaching the series with cynicism.
How about this then? Tooth and Claw. Mass appeal, I think. You don't need to be up on the mythology. Most people already know about stuff like Queen Victoria and werewolves. The novelty was just as new to us fans there. They'd be starting on a level playing field. Even the season arc was just beginning there, so they'd be starting with the rest of us. Also witty dialogue, interesting character interplay, good action. The characters were introduced well too. Cover their eyes for that ninja silliness though. Stand in front of them, and serve popcorn.
So there you have it. More advice from Mr. Knows-everything. :sleeping3