The Black Box

[Agent Pat (Agentpat)]

I'm watching BB on sci-fi right now, and two things occurred to me... <BR> <BR>Early in the episode, it is established that the object on its way toward earth (the Hunter's craft) has just past Jupiter and is now 5.2 A.U. away from Earth. But Jupiter is 5.2 A.U. from the Sun, not from Earth. The writers did their homework, but they forgot to subtract Earth's distance from the Sun, which is 1 A.U. If the craft was just passing Jupiter, it was 4.2 A.U. away from Earth, not 5.2. ;o) <BR> <BR>Okay, 'nuf nitpicking. (I just couldn't resist LOL) <BR> <BR>Later, when Vise needs to prove a point, he gives the okay to blast an asteroid with his satellite. This would show Earth's might, he feels. The scene intercuts between the asteroid being targeted and destroyed, and Proctor being shot at and arrested. Was there a parallel the writers were trying to convey about Proctor being used as an "example" by Vice? Just a thought. <BR> <BR>Anyhoo... back to your normally scheduled program, already in progress. :o)

[All Your Base Are Belong To (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

They could have just said "the object is a long way from earth" <BR> <BR>:]

[Agent Pat (Agentpat)]

Then it wouldn't have been good sci-fi. Details, we need details. Hee! The use of the Doppler Shift in the dialog a second time (the first time was in "Dreams") was nice to see. But it merely reinforces the argument that the distances being asserted were from the character's points of view - i.e., how far the object was away from the Earth, verses any other object such as the sun. :o) <BR> <BR>I did notice a few continuity goofs as the scenes intercut back and forth between where Vise is and where Adam is. One moment the craft is 5.85 away. Then it's 5.20. Then it's... Ooopz! Back to 5.85 again. LMAO. Okay, okay, I'm getting *very* picky now. ;o)

[Kefla (Kefla)]

Interesting info, Pat. If earth is 1 AU from the sun, then I wonder if that is how the unit was defined. (AU= distance of earth from the sun) Just guessing. <BR> <BR>As to the pairing of the shootings, the satellite and Proctor: at the very least, it was great editing - reminded me of some of the sequences of scenes in Fifth Element during the "opera". Vise was so single minded. I think he was after Proctor simply to get the "pieces" and come closer to stopping Adam, even if Vise wasn't sure what Adam was up to. <BR> <BR>I still miss this show. Great to see you guys, Pat & Fungus, in this thread.

[Agent Pat (Agentpat)]

Yes. One A.U., which stands for Astronomical Unit, equals the average distance of the Earth to the Sun, which is about 93 million miles. Jupiter is 5.2 x 93 million miles away from the sun. Or, 4.2 x 93 million miles away from the Earth. It's all a matter of perspective. <BR> <BR>I usually notice something new every time I see an episode. Amazing, actually, since I've seen The Visitor episodes more times than I care to admit. Inevitably at this point though, the stuff I notice is either nit-picky (not that there's anything wrong with that LOL) or just filmatically interesting. I put some thought into pairing the shooting scenes, and couldn't really come up with anything other than that it just looked cool. LOL! Sometimes, I guess, a tomato is just a tomato. ;o)

[Javier Ariel Garza (Jag)]

Pat, I'm surprised. I posted that continuity issue 5.85 vs 5.20 way back... We even had the opportunity to ask Dean about it, and he replied to the effect that the episode had problems during production. <BR> <BR>Also, if I'm not mistaken (I'm older now, so my memory is questionable) Dean made reference to Dreams being one of (or his favorite) episode and suggested I see it when possible -- that I would enjoy it. He was right. <BR> <BR>-=JAG!

[Agent Pat (Agentpat)]

Hey Jag! I musta missed your comments about the continuity thang - or just plum forgot 'em. Sorry. How long has it been now? Five years? ACK! <BR> <BR>I don't remember which episode Dean said he liked the best. I know everybody, fans included, seemed to like "Reunion" a great deal. And I believe, off the top of my head, Dean wrote "Caged." "Dreams" was a good episode, but for some reason, FOX kept repeating that episode incessantly verses repeating "Fear of Flying," for example. I always wondered about that. Ah vell, water under da bridge.

[Kefla (Kefla)]

Hey Jag! <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"> <BR> <BR>My favorites change over time. Black Box has been one of my favs from the very beginning, though. It had a darker tone, fewer "Touched by an Angel" characteristics, LOL.

[Kefla (Kefla)]

Shame on me. Have to admit I've never even watched more than previews of TBA - but I'm trying to describe the schmaltzy aspects of The Visitor. <BR> <BR>schmaltz = excessive, profuse sentimentality

[Agent Pat (Agentpat)]

LOL @ "Touched by an Angel" characteristics. <BR> <BR>In Black Box, Adam shows us he knows how to use a gun. A semi-auto, too. ;o) But, he's ex military, so that should be expected. It may have been better to see his level of knowledge and acceptance with devices such as metal detectors and electric can openers though, but that's an old argument. LOL

[Agent Pat (Agentpat)]

By the way, there IS a blatant error in Black Box... <BR> <BR>When Adam confronts Proctor back in Proctor's apartment, he sees Proctor's medal and asks, "Silver Star?" Proctor replies, "Yeah. Meaningless hunk of scrap." Adam then says, "It's the Army's highest honor." <BR> <BR>Uh. No. It's not. The Medal of Honor is the highest medal awarded by the United States. It was established in 1862 (so MacArthur would know about it) and is "awarded by the President in the name of Congress to a person who, while a member of the Army, distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life or her life above and beyond the call of duty." <BR> <BR>Somebody didn't do their homework on *that* detail.

[Chris Ceraolo (Chris)]

Pat- <BR> <BR>Who wrote Black Box? That's the guilty party...Dean? <BR> <BR>Chris <BR>The FOX Plant <BR> <BR>PS-Pat, email your phone number privately, will ya? I had Fatone on Tour, I want to tell ya about it...

[Kefla (Kefla)]

Good catch, Pat. <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"> <BR>Hard to believe there's still more to discover in The Visitor. <BR> <BR>I can relate to not remembering all our conversations well, Jag. I think Dean did comment on the effects or something about the production of the dream sequences that he admired. (Maybe he'll refresh our memories?) <BR> <BR>At any rate, it's great to have this show still airing on Sci Fi. Amazing that some people still watch it, live. I've been taping and watching the eps later in the week.

[Agent Pat (Agentpat)]

Chris, I just sent you an e-mail through the addy you have here. My puter crashed two months ago, so I don't have many people's addy's or numbers anymore. I too have a story to tell you. One that's in progress right now. [grin]

[Javier Ariel Garza (Jag)]

Well, no real need to say which is my favorite episode.. I'm sure ya'll can guess. I liked them all, actually.. I still see that Halloween one (sorry, my German spelling draws air) during the holiday for kicks. <BR> <BR>What would of been nice (or maybe I'm misinformed) is a release of music from the show on CD. :o) <BR> <BR>-=JAG!

[Agent Pat (Agentpat)]

Argh! Chris! Where are ya girl? I've e-mailed ya at two different addys I found - here and your old ATT one. I don't know if either still work. Mine is easy: <BR> <BR><A HREF="mailto:agentpat@john-corbett.com">agentpat@john-corbett.com</A> <BR> <BR>E-mail me with your phone #! I can't find it. <BR>:o) <BR> <BR>*********& #42;** <BR> <BR>JAG, I *think* a CD was released with the music from uh... was it Stargate? Or maybe Godzilla? Oh hell, I'm of no use. The composer of one of those films (both?) was the same guy who did the music for The Visitor. Maybe The Visitor music is available on one of the composer's CDs - assuming he has any? Just a stab in the dark.

[All Your Base Are Belong To (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

David Arnold did the Godzilla, and I think Stargate soundtrack. He's also done James Bond, Wing Commander, and others. <BR> <BR>AFAIK, there is no 'mix' album of his music. <BR> <BR> <BR>93 million miles you say? Bah, I can walk that... in 875 billion years... but still, if I had the time, I *could* walk it! <BR> <BR>And Doppler shift? Heck, I didn't know Al Roker was in the Visitor!

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

Hey Pat, what's this "news" brewing? <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)">

[Mike]

The visitor soundtrack is available from Amazon.com for about $15. I think they're giving it a way free with the series videos. <BR> <BR>You could always try, <BR>Martin Enterprises <BR>P.O.Box 12120, Burke, VA 22009 <BR> <BR>They have a lot of the TV soundtracks (if not all of em') and merchandise in stock.

[Agent Pat (Agentpat)]

> The visitor soundtrack is available from <BR>> Amazon.com for about $15. I think they're <BR>> giving it a way free with the series videos. <BR> <BR><FONT COLOR="yellow"><FONT SIZE="+1">HUUUHHH?????!!!!!</FONT></FONT>

[All Your Base Are Belong To (F_U_N_G_U_S)]

Ya done booboo'd Mike. <BR> <BR>No Visitor eps on tape/dvd, no soundtrack at amazon either. <BR> <BR>But if you look up "The visitor" there's a rather humorous 'rip off' movie called "Alien Visitor" (even has striking similarities in the box art), but the first description is a hoot :]

[Its okay to be slightly wrong...I hope]

I'm gonna have ta bitch-slap my contact. hehe <BR>(it's possible to bitch-slap someone in [cyber] space...if you really try!!! ;) <BR> <BR>But Martin enterprises is bound to have it.

[Mike]

Try this wacky news site, fungus <BR><A HREF="http://abc.net.au/cnnnn/" TARGET="_top">http://abc.net.au/cnnnn/</A> <BR> <BR>You can download the wacky scrolling newsbar for your browser from <A HREF="http://abc.net.au/cnnnn/newsbar/" TARGET="_top">http://abc.net.au/cnnnn/newsbar/</A> <BR> <BR>You can view some of the newsbar items from here: <BR><A HREF="http://abc.net.au/cgi-bin/guestlst/guestbook.pl?cnnnn/newsbar" TARGET="_top">http://abc.net.au/cgi-bin/guestlst/guestbook.pl?cnnnn/newsbar</A> <BR> <BR>Fungus, you'll get a kick otta this site.

[Agent Pat (Agentpat)]

Hello Mike, <BR> <BR>I replied with such astonishment last night because I peruse various home video news sites and haven't come across any info on "The Visitor." That's not to say it doesn't exist out there, but I think Dean would have told us if the show was officially going to home video. He would definitely know too since he'd receive some nice mailbox money out of such a deal. ;o) Anyhoo, if Martin Enterprises is distributing videos of "The Visitor" TV series produced by Centropolis, they're likely selling self-made, bootleg copies. Needless to say, that's a big no no.

[Mike (Mike)]

The thing about Amazon's reputation is that they don't sell bootlegs. <BR> <BR>Martin's mainly have TV video's, soundtracks and merchandise. I'll check personally with Viacom here, they have a merchandising arm that started with merchandising the WB's cartoon products. <BR> <BR>They're bound to know what's the legit stuff from Sony and Universal. <BR> <BR>Oh, the sci-fi Channel are looking for a new Program Manager...anyone wanna take the job and make sure Dean and Roland get a good airing?

[Mike]

Pat, I thought I'd have to appease you by sending you the raw draft of (working title) "Attractions (AKA Harpers Ferry) that John was to star in 2000. It was produced by Red Productions.

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

Oooooooooooooooooooh You never told me that, Mikey! <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)">

[Agent Pat (Agentpat)]

Man! He was a busy bee in 2000, wasn't he? Two television movies ("Private Lies" and "On Hostile Ground"), one motion picture ("Dinner Rush"), one television series pilot ("Rocky Times") and nine TV series guest-starring appearances ("Sex and the City.") I'm intrigued Mike. Lay it on me. What was "Harpers Ferry." Do you have any idea why our boy didn't end up in it? <BR> <BR>Thanks for looking into The Visitor thing. I personally know a few hundred people that would definitely be interested in purchasing such a collection. :o)

[Mike]

Not sure. I recommended John for the lead... and I know he was approached. (tall, aint he?) Just emailed the producer to find out what's going on (I still legally own half the picture.) He had trouble with the ego of the co-writer. <BR> <BR>Note to writers: If the producer asks for your version of the script, don't tell him/her that they can get it from the co-writer who lives closer. Just send the bloody thing. hehee. <BR> <BR>Sheri, you can yell at me later. Besides Red is officially listed as the producer.

[Agent Pat (Agentpat)]

Wait, back up. Let's start this over again 'cause we're going WAY too fast. Let's play "fill in the blanks" for a moment, shall we? My head is spinnin' right now. <BR> <BR>I'll start... <BR> <BR><U>Pat</U>: dippy sci-fi and John Corbett fan who, after seeing THE VISITOR, went overboard and made a fan page for her favorite actor. Tends to be a Jack of all trades and master of none. Has a memory like a sieve and doesn't always read every post here, much to her chagrin, because now she feels like an idiot for apparently missing some important details. <BR> <BR><U>Mike</U>: ______?

[Chris Ceraolo (Chris)]

Cuse me- <BR> <BR>Program Manager? What happened? Vitale quit? <BR> <BR>Let me program the Channel. I know I could do a much better job. <BR> <BR>Chris <BR>The FOX plant

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

Pat, Mike's a screenwriter, producer, general jack of all trades in the movie industry. <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"> <BR> <BR>I have the script for Harper's Ferry. Or rather, a mussed up version that I'm supposed to correct as part of my assignment. He's a tough teacher! <BR> <BR>*giggle* <BR> <BR>It's a very good story. <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)">

[Mike]

Destiny is deliberately mussed up, not Harpers.

[Mike]

Excuse me while i dig myself out of this hole with a teaspoon.

[Sheri Gordon (Sheri)]

Whoops, sorry. <IMG SRC="http://www.electric-ent.com/bbs/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":)"> I thought it was Harper's Ferry renamed? The doppleganger movie? <BR> <BR>I've been reading too many scripts. 8-P

[mike]

Yep.

[trina]

well, hi!