| Review of the S:AAB pilot |
| By SAABCalliope. Reprinted with permission. © 2000 |
|
This is similar to most premieres in that its primary purpose is to introduce the characters, give each character a little history, and introduce us to the story line. Premieres usually move very quickly to skim over the basics of the characters and story line so they can be returned to in subsequent episodes. It's was interesting to rewatch this with analysis in mind, especially after seeing the entire series. We already know the direction the characters develop in, so it's fun to watch and see where they came from and the direction they were originally pointed in. Here are some random observations just to get us jump-started: An interesting note on the premiere is that there is no intro as there is for the rest of the episodes. The opening screen on the teaser simply says "Space: Above and Beyond", and when Act 1 starts, there's no SAAB music or SAAB scenes; it goes right into the story. I hate to keep playing on the Aaron Spelling slant, but if you notice, the series starts with a view of the stars which is broken by two hands joining together. ;) One aspect that seems to pop up a lot in this episode is that relationship angle. Again, maybe it's just me, but there are a lot of "looks" flying around. Note Vansen trying to squeeze in next to West when the DI makes them grab each others ass. And, of course, when Hawkes tries to kiss Vansen. I'll leave the AS side at that. ;) With that aside, I really forgot how much tension existed between Hawkes and West at the start. Is it there because West is disgusted with Hawkes' lack of discipline, or does West blame Hawkes for his seperation with Kylen simply because he's a tank? Probably a bit of both, but it's interesting that West isn't more forgiving of Hawkes, given that West and Kylen were both big advocates of invitro rights. (Obvious parallels to discrimination in our own society there, as well) Another interesting side to this is how West changes his tune about tanks a bit when he finds out he's being scrubbed from the mission because of them. It's that old NIMBY problem following us into the future (NIMBY == Not In My Back Yard). Did you notice when Hawkes get caught by the gang, the gang leader says that he had two uncles die because of tanks who wouldn't fight. Hawkes replies that he was just a kid when all that happened ... but isn't Hawkes still a kid?? He is a tank, after all, and was born as an adult! Just how old is Hawkes? I thought is was very recently that he escaped from the invitro training facility. Maybe my memory is faulty, but I think this is explored further in the second half of the premiere. When Nathan and Kylen learn that one of them will have to stay behind, Nathan suggests they run away, but Kylen is still pretty determined to go. Perhaps Nathan's bond to Kylen is a bit stronger than hers is to him?? She does show a little redemption when Nathan is discovered stowing away, but I still wonder ... "I believe in you" "I will find you!" Above and beyond ... The introduction to Vansen is very well done, and maybe a bit overdone. The rainy weather as she goes back to the base housing where she grew up adds a lot to the emotional side of that scene. Was her visit intended as a final farewell before she headed off to basic training, or was it the visit that prodded her to finally join up? I think the former, but I'm open to interpretation. Vansen is one of the best devloped characters in the show, and a lot of the credit for that goes to Kristen Cloke and her work in that role. On the bus in to basic training, Vansen explains that she joined the Marines for herself, for her life, and that she doesn't want to take care of anyone any more (a reference to raising her two sisters). It's not surprising that she becomes captain of the 58th, and effectively mother of the 58th. Shane, you can run, but you can't hide. You were a born leader. ;) Vansen also talks with admiration about the 127th Angry Angels as the bus pulls in to boot camp. There's an obvious side to Vansen which wants revenge for what happened to her parents, and she wants to 'be the best' in pursuit of that goal. In the scene where Hawkes is brought in by the MP's, the DI speaks directly to him and makes it clear that he doesn't like tanks. For all of Hawkes' failings that are shown in the first few episodes, his single statement outlines his entire character: "I won't let you down" At any rate, in the bar scene, note that both Hawkes and McQueen are sitting away from their squads; Hawkes avoids the (future) 58th when he comes in (even though he makes eye contact), and McQueen doesn't join the rest of the 127th when they arrive. Just another one of those kinship scenes; they're both outsiders.. There's an interesting relationship that develops in the bar scene, when Hawkes and McQueen are both sitting at the bar. When the fight breaks out, Hawkes starts to get up and exchanges a look with McQueen, and they both remain in their seats through the fight. There's a bit of kinship that develops there, and is carried throughout the series. Does McQueen know that Hawkes is an invitro at this point? It's possible, given that some people seem to be able to pick them out (the gang leader who chases Hawkes, and the comment by Damphouse later come to mind). For whatever reason, the relationship seems to start here. That's the quickie review of the episode, so I'll let things go from here. It seems there was a veiled reference to the AeroTech conspiracy somewhere in the premiere, but maybe it was in the scond part. If I can think of it, I'll post it. Semper Fi! /Cal |
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