Shavri writes...

I had a nightmare last night, Mr. Weisman, and it was about you. In it, you died, and in one of the suckiest ways, too. You fell backwards off a bunk-bed ladder and cracked your skull. It was so horrible! I saw it in slow-motion over and over again; you falling down, your mouth gaping open in a scream, then, "BOOM, CRACK," and I think there was blood coming out of your mouth when you were lying on the floor...you looked so pitiful and helpless. You weren't even that high up (about 2 or 3 feet off the ground)! I wasn't there, but somehow I saw that event (you know how weird dreams can be). I remember seeing somewhere in a comment room and on the news that you had died, and then I was flashed with the image of your horrific death. I felt so bad! I was thinking about how you weren't going to be able to answer the question I asked you yesterday, or any question for that matter. It broke my heart to think that, if a "Gargoyles" movie was going to come out, you wouldn't be there to see it or critique it; and how you'd never be able to work on another show if you were given leave to. I mean, you fall 2 or 3 measly feet off a ladder and die! What a horrible way to end your life! It must have been one of those dreams where you couldn't tell whether it was a dream or not, because I woke up thinking you were dead and how badly it sucked. I was thinking, "Wait a minute IS he dead?"...And trying to remember if someone had said you were or not. Then finally, I got over my disorientation and remembered you were NOT. Please don't think I'm crazy or anything. I'm not sure what brought this on. Probably partly because of the injury that caused Dale Earnhardt's death(a fractured skull), and that somehow incorporated itself into my dream. I really don't know why you were in it. Mr. Weisman, Dear, Sweetie, even though I don't know you personally and vice versa: would you do me a favor and PLEASE, please, BE CAREFUL around LADDERS(especially bunk-bed ladders) or ANYTHING else. Maybe you should wear a helmet or something when you climb one (yeah…I know what you're thinking, but still). If you die should from something stupid I will be VERY unhappy with you for not heeding my advice. So BE CAREFUL, please, don't make me into a psychic.

Greg Bishansky writes...

Finally here…

City Of Stone Part Four

I expected Bronx to protect Elisa from Demona. Also liked hearing her tell Demona her plan the old villain gloating bit, but to someone who couldn't really stop her. I was concerned when she said she was going to shoot Bronx. I wonder if that was necessary, she could've used a good pet, or would Bronx always perceive her as an enemy?

I didn't expect Macbeth to step out from behind the tapestry either I must say. I expected him to show up, I just wasn't sure when. Nice touch on him not caring about the fate of the city, or our heroes for that matter. He's still a noble man, but extremely flawed.

Fade into the Flashback…

Another magnificent fight scene well animated, Demona was again magnificent, but the music really made it stand out. I wasn't surprised to see Canmore in the Hunter's mask leading an army; I knew that coming since the last episode. Also, I wonder why Demona's chosen weapon was a mace, it was the weapon that was used to shatter her clan. Was this a conscious decision on your part?

I love that moment between Demona and Macbeth, it's the happiest we've seen her since… ever. The two have really become good friends, and I especially liked Macbeth addressing her as "my Lady", clearly seeing Gargoyles as the noble beings they are, and Demona as she was before completely falling into darkness. I often wonder what would have happened had Demona not been eavesdropping in the next scene.

It is this scene in which Bodhe disgusts me more than any that have come before. While his position is understandable, he also has no idea what he is talking about. Canmore wasn't there to destroy the Gargoyles. I applauded Luach for dismissing the plan, and it was always clear to me that Macbeth had no intention of betraying Demona. If only Demona had eavesdropped for a little longer.

You're right, despite their age; Macbeth and Gruoch are still a sexy couple.

The battle is intense and brutal, but very well animated, and the music is great also.

I like the confrontation between Macbeth and Canmore, and the way Macbeth not recognizing Canmore ties in with Demona not recognizing Gillecomgain. Macbeth offering Canmore mercy was a nice touch, because in a small way he is justified, Duncan's crimes were not his crimes. Demona turning on Macbeth was predictable, she's always been one for revenge. It's a sad to their friendship end over a misunderstanding, I always believed that Macbeth would never betray her, so did other people I showed this episode to.

Canmore loses any and all credibility the instant he stabs Macbeth in the back. The ultimate act of cowardice. Of course Demona falls down dead as well, and with Gruoch crying over her husband's body, it made for a very dramatic scene. Then we learn that Canmore destroyed Demona's clan, I don't know who's worse, Gillecomgain, Duncan or Canmore. Also, the soldier with Canmore is not MacDuff, doesn't look at all like him. Canmore spares Gruoch because he has no quarrel with her, but I wonder how much longer she lived. Speaking of Canmore's quarrels, I wonder why Demona became an object of his hatred and that of his descendents. One would think it would be Macbeth.

I like Luach's reaction to finding his father dead, and his declaration of justice. Like you, I also like to think that Bodhe died a hero's death. He's not a bad man, but a flawed one just trying to survive.

I like the way the Sisters call this "the fate Demona has made for herself" because that's exactly what it is. Upon first watching this, I knew that Demona believed Gruoch that this was her own fault, just wouldn't admit it verbally, she admitted by sparing Gruoch as you said.

The revelation over what the terms of the spell were was a good one. I figured out most of it, but the fact that one must slay the other for both to die, well it was quite heavy and dramatic. I know Demona has no intention of slaying Macbeth, but I wonder how long it took for Macbeth to become suicidal.

The final farewell between Macbeth and Gruoch is one of the most emotional things I ever saw, and still is today. It very nicely parallels their breakup in Part 2, only with no hope of reconciliation. The sun rising behind them as Macbeth walked away was a nice touch, usually the dawn of a new day is supposed to bring hope, but here it only adds to the tragedy.

Fade back to the Present…

Macbeth's "I have hunted you through the centuries for my vengeance" was delivered extremely well by John Rhys-Davies, the man was perfect for the role. And Demona expresses a sentiment I felt since Part 1. "Take off that mask, you aren't fooling anyone. Macbeth."

You'll be pleased to know that they fixed the mistake of the mouth on Xanatos's helmet moving as he speaks. I taped "City" from a later airing.

I'm really fond of Demona and Macbeth's exchange. "You blame me, I blame you. Aren't you tired of talking about it?" Leads to some questions, did they ever fight before, I'm sure they encountered each other a few times since 1057. Also like Macbeth's "revenge is a dish best eaten cold" line. Very nicely done. They're fight is also fun to watch, particularly them fighting over the gun. I agree that the collapsing floor could've looked better, but I like it.

I like Xanatos's this is bad line, it was delivered really well by Jonathan. Nice under current of fear which we don't normally get from him. My initial reaction to X saying that Demona was the only one who could save the city was "well you're screwed."

I also really liked watching Goliath trying to stop Mac & D's fight, and them both turning around and punching him. The second fall was done really well. Nice touch having Goliath help Xanatos during the fall.

The scene with Macbeth rising to his feet and lifting Demona into his arms prepared to impale her is great. Goliath stops him to save the city, but also because I think he still has feelings for her, more on this in the next paragraph or so. The Sisters also play a nice part here, even though they're full of it, still nice. Macbeth's "I'm just so tired" line is great, and nicely sums Macbeth current feelings quite well.

I like the next scene, Demona just keeps trying to avoid the questions by the Sisters, but they're breaking her down, just as they need to. Goliath also plays a nice role, begging her to end the cycle of vengeance, because I don't think he's yet given up on her. And of course, "the access code is alone", is probably my favorite scene in the entire series, it speaks volumes. Powerful stuff. I could go on about this one part forever… and extremely regret not participating in that contest.

The Xanatos scene is great, nice seeing him break a sweat, and I like his remark towards Bronx. Some very well placed humor.

Demona comes out of her trance and has not changed. Goliath's "you have learned nothing" line speaks volumes, and here was where I thought that Goliath finally gave up on her as opposed to "Vows", I think he would have come to forgive her eventually had she admitted she was wrong and had her epiphany here. I didn't think it was too late for them, but it finally was.

I also got a chuckle out of Demona being overpowered by children, I knew they weren't children, but it was still a funny image.

I love the Sisters' "they are our children" line, and the scene with them leaving with Demona and Macbeth was well done. It left me wanting to know more about them, and going crazy waiting three months to find out. I guess Hudson was right about impatience being the curse of youth.

I liked the affect of the sky being set ablaze, Xanatos speaks for me when he says "Magnificent" here.

The reunion between Elisa and the clan was touching, very nice. I also liked Xanatos shaking Owen's hand, very nice. The two always struck me as friends more or less.

I liked the final exchange between Goliath and Xanatos, very nice. Though I always figured that's why Xanatos kept them around, he's not a wasteful man. Great character. They're all great characters.

Well, what else can I say about this 4-parter. Well, it was "City Of Stone" that finally got be addicted to "Gargoyles", I watched it regularly before because I knew the show was very good, but this 4-parter made me into a fan. So it holds a very special place with me, and still continues to be my favorite of the "Gargoyles" tales.

Great job to you and all other's involved.

I'll do my rambles for "High Noon" and "Outfoxed" tomorrow.

Todd Jensen writes...

My ramble-response to "Outfoxed".

Truth to tell, I honestly don't recall now (and again, this is kind of embarrassing) what my initial response was to Vogel. In fact, I may not even have really noticed the fact that he does look rather like Owen with dark hair until the two of them were standing in the same room in "The Gathering Part One".

I don't think that I really caught on to the possibility of Fox being Renard's daughter until they came out and said it at the end of the episode, but I did like it, and looking back over the episode in later showings, I did see that it was foreshadowed. Renard's name, for example (I'm amazed that that didn't set off the little warning bells in my head). And the way that Fox was talking about Renard in the karate sequence; she was showing familiarity with the man which indicated that he definitely wasn't just a professional rival. And, of course, Renard's mention of Jeanine and Anastasia.

I very much liked the scene between Goliath and Renard; it was well-written, and, oddly enough, mildly amused me in a sense. Yes, I know that it's really a serious one, but what I found half-amusing about it was this: Renard comes face to face with a living gargoyle, a being straight out of myth and legend, and proceeds to lecture it as though it was a human. It would be like Bigfoot crashing into somebody's house and the person living inside telling Bigfoot off for not wiping its feet on the mat or something of that nature. Obviously Renard's strong beliefs about personal responsibility were enough to make him forget that Goliath wasn't an everyday kind of being the moment that he heard the "not my fault" speech.

I also found the revelation that Owen and Sevarius had once worked for Cyberbiotics an intriguing one, and liked the "we are friends" part at the end; I found it quite moving. I also very much enjoyed (and agree with) Goliath's comments on robots and how they can know only what they're programmed to know; I'll say more about that on another occasion (when we get to "Walkabout" and I give my ramble-response to it).

I didn't have any problem with Vogel's change of heart, by the way; it did make sense, given his respect for Renard (particularly his uncomfortableness aboout betraying an employer who had always respected his privacy).

The big revelation that got my attention: Fox being expectant. I definitely knew that I wanted to see what her and Xanatos's son would be like. Of course, I wasn't even expecting the developments that Alex would be getting in "The Gathering".

And I didn't mind the flashbacks, either (actually, I did enjoy them a little, because of what they meant: an acknowledgement of past events in the series).

Greg Bishansky writes...

City Of Stone Part Three

Ok, so Elisa is facing in the wrong direction, oh well. Every masterpiece has at least one flaw or two.

I like when Owen becomes flesh again, the animation is beautiful as he quickly examines the phone and even more quickly regains his composure. "Good morning". I also like Xanatos's "then we'll just have to set the sky ablaze" line. It's the delivery by Jonathan Frakes, as well as the animation, which shows the confidence Xanatos has. He isn't even concerned over whether or not he can find away. I don't know if that's arrogance or what, but it's a great moment.

The scene with Travis Marshal and that woman is great. I just love the way Travis reacts to her statement about never watching television. She's probably one of those people who blames television for everything that has gone wrong in society.

Flashback to Scotland 1040…

The scene between Macbeth and Duncan is great. Duncan especially seems to believe that Macbeth is not disloyal when Mac saves his life. It's sad though, because it seemed like Duncan was willing to bury whatever grudge he bore Macbeth right then and there.

Of course, Duncan is still every bit the jerk that he's always been, about to destroy several sleeping Gargoyles like that for no real reason, but what else can be expected from one who took the mask of the Hunter. Macbeth of course begs him to spare them and any thanks Duncan has for Macbeth seems to go out the window. I wonder what led to his hatred of Gargoyles.

The scene with the Weird Sisters is great, nice to see an element from Shakespeare's play in the story. The scene was animated beautifully as well. Duncan again disgusts me. While it would be easy to blame the Sisters for Duncan's later actions, I think that is letting him off too easy. Your daughter pegged Duncan perfectly, paranoid and stupid.

Of course we have another slaughter of sleeping Gargoyles. Duncan is a complete coward, to slaughter Gargoyles that have done nothing to him. I liked Demona's "this cave will be your tomb" line. Kind of wish it were. I like Demona's little speech as the escape from the cave, well written, poetic sounding, and Marina did a great job with the vocals as always.

The scene with Macbeth and Bodhe is very well done. I often don't know what to make of Bodhe, he's not a bad person, he's just a coward, but he means well. Macbeth's good bye to Gruoch and Luach is very touching, especially his "the journey will be brief" line. Macbeth is as noble a character as any other.

Demona and Macbeth have another great scene together. They play off each other so well, as if they were destined to fight side by side. I don't blame Demona for being extremely hesitant. But at least she recognizes that Macbeth is an exception to her rule by not killing him, which says a lot for her.

Enter the Weird Sisters. This is another beautiful scene. The spell they placed on Mac & D was extremely well animated, I figured out what the spell mostly did. I knew this was where they became immortal, it was obvious. Though I forgot those brief scenes in Part 2 where they felt each other's pain. It was also great to see Macbeth learn the truth about his father's murder.

I thought Gruoch's "I hope you have not made a bad bargain" line was pretty clear. It would have been nice to see her run a finger through his hair as you wanted, but the message wasn't lost. Wasn't lost at all. Also, Demona looks good as she enters Macbeth's tent. Another nice moment between Macbeth and Gruoch, made even nicer by Demona eavesdropping. It was a very romantic scene, and I could easily tell she was thinking about herself and Goliath… and as you said, with herself in Macbeth's place. Demona wore the pants in that relationship… so to speak ;)

The battle is very nicely done. Makes me think of "Braveheart". I especially liked when the Gargoyles showed up and helped Clan Moray deal with Duncan's troops. Demona herself was magnificent there. I cracked a smile at Macbeth's "you fight like a demon line", I knew it was only a matter of time now till she was named. He was correct to. Demona is definitely someone I'd want to take into battle to fight at my side.

At last it was time for the confrontation I was waiting to see. Macbeth and Duncan's fight was also great. I clapped when Demona grabbed MacDuff and bashed him into the mountainside. I always assumed she killed him there, I don't remember him being in part 4. I'll check when I get to it.

The death of Duncan was well done, I know you couldn't show Macbeth run him through, but burning like that seemed worse, I hope it took him a while to die. As you can tell, I hate him.

Demona standing on that cliff with Macbeth as they were cheered was another nice moment. She seemed glad to be at Macbeth's side there. Too bad it didn't last.

Bodhe advising Macbeth to slay Canmore was despicable at best, but he was right about him eventually being trouble. Macbeth had to be aware that banishing him to England was a bad idea as well. There was no easy way to handle that situation either. Who was it that said, "the road to Hell is paved with good intentions."? Demona showed commendable restraint in not killing him, for I am sure if she did kill him, she would not have been reprimanded. But I wonder, today would she kill a child? We know she's perfectly willing, able and eager to kill. But would she kill a child?

The coronation scene was perfect. Macbeth wanted to deliver a golden age between human and gargoyle, meant it, and I'm sure was successful for the next seventeen years. I knew Macbeth was going to name her here, and was glad Demona liked her name… I'm rather fond of it as well. The crowd cheering her nice, it seemed like she was ready to drop her grudge against humanity once and for all. Though I'm surprised we didn't see Macbeth crown Gruoch queen. Was she ever even crowned queen?

Nice touch throwing the Sisters into the police station. I liked how they were everywhere.

The Elisa-Owen scene was fun, reminded me of when Owen wouldn't let her into the building back in "The Edge". Nice position they were frozen in.

The scene between the Gargoyles and Xanatos is also very good. X's plan makes sense and seems quite logical. The distrust on Goliath's face is priceless, but who can blame him for not trusting Xanatos. I thought it was obvious that Demona was standing behind the tapestry I have to say. I also like Goliath's concern for Elisa as they depart the castle.

Demona is magnificent as she steps out into the Great Hall mace in hand. There's just a certain air about her, the confidence, the power she's radiating. Of course, I find it hard to believe that there are secrets that Xanatos doesn't know about the castle considering he took it apart and rebuilt it piece by piece, but hey, I don't mind.

The cliffhanger is a very good one, and left me extremely excited for the conclusion of this great multi-parter.

End Part Three

Greg Bishansky writes...

City Of Stone Part Two

Time to pick up where I left off. I'm watching my tape of the episode and pausing to write my responses.

Xanatos has a really good scene as he saves his and Fox's life. Wonder how he explained the helicopter in the middle of the street. His reaction to seeing all those people turned to stone was priceless. I don't think we've ever seen him gasp before. On the plus side, the city is safer for a billionare like him to take a stroll through without getting mugged… though I'd almost feel sorry for any mugger that tried to take him on ;)

"The nose is all wrong." Wonder where exactly Brooklyn was looking whenever he and Elisa were in the vicinity of each other ;). Love that line though.

Goliath has good instincts. And it's nice to see Hudson out of the Clock Tower. I noticed that Broadway has no speaking lines throughout the entire four-parter. Was Bill Fagerbakke unavailable?

It's nice to see Jeffrey Robbins again. I always liked him, and wished we'd gotten to see more of him. I wonder what Hudson told him later about the events. Goliath shows some fast thinking by having Lexington turn off the sound on Robbins' TV set, which is nice to see. He's not as slow as some people think.

Impatience is the curse of youth eh? I suppose that is true. Okay, I confess, I'm somewhat impatient myself.

I liked the explanation on needing to see and hear magic in order to be affected. But that makes me wonder, is it like that with all magic? If say the Archmage were to throw a bolt of lightning at Robbins, would he be immune?

Brooklyn was being quite rash, but it was understandable, this was one of Demona's more horrific schemes. Though Goliath was smart to keep Brooklyn by his side. Had Brooklyn went after Demona by himself here, I think he would have been killed.

I have to admit, I really enjoyed the scene with Demona smashing those statues. I guess I'm a little sadistic, but hey, I have a sick sense of humor. One of my favorite lines was; "Another human bites the dust, or rather turns to dust." When she blasted the statue's arms, well let's just say I wouldn't want to see the result come sun rise. Also, I enjoyed her smug attitude when she was leaning on the statue of Margot Yale's brunette look-a-like.

Now we fade into the flashback…

The battle between Demona and the Hunter is pretty good. Demona looks younger here than in the flashbacks in part 1. Though I can tell from the way she's fighting that she's older. She's still very good, but I think if this was 994, she'd have taken him easily. Or am I underestimating the Hunter?

Bodhe does come off as a coward here, but I can understand where he's coming from. I wonder why Duncan ordered the marriage… probably to piss off Macbeth. I wonder why he hates him, Macbeth never displayed any disloyalty.

The scene between Macbeth and Gruoch at Lunfanan Hill is of course priceless. I can tell just how much they both love each other. Gruoch is willing to risk Duncan's wrath to be with the man she loves, and Macbeth willing to break his own heart to protect her. There are no easy answers to this dilemma, but that's one reason why I love this show. There are no easy answers.

The wedding between Gillecomgain and Gruoch is beautifully directed. Duncan being the first to cheer before everyone else does, and the fact that Duncan is the only one that is smiling is amusing. Macbeth isn't the only one who didn't want to see them together. The music is extremely well edited as Macbeth leaves the Great Hall and Duncan gives his evil smirk. It's right here where I'd really like to punch him in the face, and I think it's safe to say that I'm not alone here ;)

I do like the scene between Duncan and Gillecomgain here. Though the guy is scum, I cannot help but almost mentally cheer Gillecomgain for his last remark to Duncan. "Think well before you risk my defiance Prince Duncan." Sort of like supporting the lesser of two evils, not that I support Gillecomgain though. Okay, next subject…

Duncan's scene with Macbeth is a good one. You're right, he is such a manipulative bastard. "Gargoyles" certainly has no shortage of them. This guy will do whatever he has to do to get what he wants. Once again, I'd like someone to knock his teeth out. Preferably Macbeth.

I like the scene between the Sisters and Demona, nicely parallels the first one, and ties back in with her alliance with the Captain quite nicely.

The rose scene is also one of my favorite moments, it's simple, but it has a lot of weight to it at the same time.

The fight between Macbeth and Gillecomgain is well done, though Gille himself should have learned not to get overconfident. Though using Gruoch as a human shield is probably one of the most despicable acts I've ever seen one of the series' villains commit. But it works, Gille has Macbeth pegged.

I really like the fight between Demona and the Hunter, very well done, and Demona proves how resourceful she is, especially when she uses the torch as a weapon. And then comes one of my favorie scenes…

Gillecomgain: Tis your handy work. Done when I was but a boy. Remember?

Demona: No.

I love that scene. Takes the high and mighty ego-maniac Gillecomgain, and reduces him to an insignificant spec. And also takes the most important event of his life and reduces it to nothing. Which is what Gillecomgain always was. He was a peasant and a pawn of Duncan, nothing more, nothing less. The only significance that came from him was the mask of the Hunter. The mask is significant, however he is not.

I also liked seeing Macbeth save Demona, and seeing her actually thank him and be sincere about it. The two of them work well together, lots of chemistry, whether as friends or enemies.

The wedding between Macbeth and Gruoch, something everyone except Duncan was happy to see, and a real celebration, nice contrast to the earlier wedding. Nice to hear here referred to as Lady Macbeth, kind of wish she was referred by that title more often.

The scene with Duncan in the tower is good. I wonder, did he pull the mask of the Hunter off of Gillecomgain's corpse, or did Gille have another one in his sock drawer? But this scene was good foreshadowing of things to come.

Fade back to the present.

The scene with Goliath and Brooklyn finding the shattered pieces of the people was wonderfully eerie, made more so by the appearance of the Weird Sisters. I was able to tell that Goliath was talking about killing Demona here. But I wonder if he would ever have gone through with it, had the Sisters not given him that lecture.

The fight scene between Demona and Xanatos was good, though I bet Xanatos wishes he has his armor on here. Would've given him an edge. Also liked seeing X toss his weapon aside to save Owen. Of course he was practically throwing his own life away also, as I'm sure Demona was about to finish him off before Macbeth burst in. Looks like Xanatos owes Macbeth his life.

I did raise an eyebrow when Mac shot Demona and felt her pain. Was unsure of what to make of it, but quickly forgot about it and enjoyed the fight scene between Mac & D. Very nice, especially watching Mac ride on top of her.

I'll confess, I didn't get that Xanatos thought he'd be able to break Demona's spell by shutting off the broadcast. I got that on my third viewing of it. Of course now, I've seen "City" a hundred times and it seems clear to me.

Mac & D were both extremely well animated as he continued to ride her, and she tried to lose him. I love Demona's war-cry. Wish we heard it more often ;)

I love the scene between Xanatos and Goliath. X is so smug and in control, while Goliath is furious and considers killing him. "Do you want vengeance or a solution?" I love that line. Xanatos seems to come off as the hero of this 4-parter. Seeing him and Goliath shake hands was weird, but made sense. I'm sure it did from Xanatos's POV. Though for Goliath, it must have been like making a deal with the devil himself.

Greg Bishansky writes...

Here's my own "City Of Stone" ramble. I decided to wait till you were done rambling about all 4 parts and do mine together. I'm also watching the 4-parter as I type this. This is, IMO, the best multi-parter, and story told in all sixty-six episodes of "Gargoyles". It is an extremely powerful and dramatic story.

Here we go…

"City of Stone Part One"

First that title, it is a very powerful and dramatic title, just like the story it is attached to. While it doesn't really cover the flashbacks, I don't think it really needs to. It still sets the mood quite well. Also, I agree that it does sound like a movie title.

The opening scene works quite well. Matt does make a good negotiator, I wonder if does that often in hostage situations, or they bring in someone else. Nice use you make of Brendan and Margot, though I'm surprised there aren't more hostages in a building like that. It is New York after all. I've always been a little curious about the terrorists' cause, but I understood that this was not the place to tell us. Here's hoping you're able to tell us here soon, or show it to us in the show's revival, or in one of the Spin-offs.

Of course the Gargoyles bust in, and you have a great battle scene… though I think it would have benefited with better animation of course. I was quite disgusted with Brendan and Margot in this scene (among their other scenes on other episodes), being more afraid of the Gargoyles, than the woman who had them tied up with guns to their heads. But I love Brooklyn's line to them. Very appropriate indeed.

Ah the Sisters. They did appear to be rather odd here, but they were supposed to. I wasn't sure what to make of them, but I decided to let time tell. I was able to easily figure out that they were talking about Demona…

Fade to the next scene, and we see her. I like the way she was drawn and animated here. There's a lot of beauty and grace here. I love Demona as you know, so be prepared for a lot of compliments to her throughout my own ramble.

It's nice to see what the Captain and Demona discussed after Goliath left them, and didn't feel stuck in at all. I like the Captain and always thought that he was a good man, though he has made mistakes… haven't we all. I did notice what you talked about way back when I first watched it that the animators messed up on Demona a few times. It's particularly obvious when she grabs the Captain. But she looks normal again, and we get that gorgeous shot of her profile with the moon glowing behind her.

And then there's the scene with Othello and Desdemona. Another nice scene, and it makes me wonder how close Demona was to them as opposed to her other rookery siblings and clan members, because it seems like she was deliberately seeking them out. Also, I would have expected Iago to be perching near them, since his parts also get mixed up with theirs leading to Coldstone. This is also a powerful scene for Demona, since she's no in control of the situation anymore. Damned if she did, and damned if she didn't. I often wonder how I would have handled it.

The scene where Demona turns to stone on the beach with the tear running down her face was beautiful.

The next scene is also quite powerful. Demona's returning to the castle where we already know what's happened, but the massacre is still as horrific as it was in "Awakening", perhaps even more so now. I think even Demona realized what had happened but was in denial. She wouldn't have hid if otherwise.

Of course she can't face Goliath, but I wonder how different things would have been had she the courage to face him there. Goliath's "angel of the night" scene is not as dramatic because there should have been more flames animated in the castle like in "Awakening part 1 and 2", so when the stock footage is inserted, it looks out of place.

I wonder what Demona was doing while Goliath and the others were battling the Vikings.

Ah yes, the infamous "What have I… what have they done to you!?" Perhaps the single defining quote of who Demona has become. It is perfect; it was also perfect for Jon Canmore, but more on that when we get to "Hunter's Moon".

I also wonder why she didn't take the eggs from the Princess, the Magus and Tom. I'm sure it would have been easy enough to accomplish. My guess is that it was out of shame. For when they hatched, each time she looked at those hatchlings, she'd see the clan she left to die.

Her farewell to Goliath is very emotional, and the tear on the stone works well again.

The scene where we meet Gillecomgain is a great one, and it works well with Demona. We saw her just two seconds ago mourning, and now we see her in a mad rage. One small, action creating a thousand year legacy. Sad but true.

And we fade back to the present with another gorgeous shot of Demona gliding, and the look on her face is not the look of someone who is going to turn the city's population to stone, and massacre innocent people, but rather a look of sadness. In that one brief scene, she looks sadder than any other time we saw her. Including the aftermath of the massacre. Her silence speaks much louder than her sobs and her tears.

The spell casting scene was great. Sure you cheated a little in having Demona trap Owen, but I don't care. It would have messed up the tone of the scene and it's pacing. I hope I'm correct in assuming that the wire Demona used to bind Owen was iron.

The Sisters themselves get a good scene; I of course was wondering what it was they were waiting for. I also wonder what people made of Demona. Eccentric woman in a Halloween costume perhaps? Wonder how PackMedia explained that later.

The second flashback. The scene where he Gargoyles break into the mill is especially dark, and when Demona raises her mace and kills them, well… what can I say. I do think the animators made Demona look too old here. She looks younger in the flashbacks in part 2. But I imagine that the years have been miserable and stressful to say the least.

Is it just me, or to the other Gargoyles seem terrified of Demona. I sometimes wish we got to know some of them better. Did Demona call any of them friends? And the Sisters show up and are quite mysterious. I like the way Luna is animated, ever the mystic. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer's" Drusilla sometime reminds me of Luna in that scene when she has a vision and acts all mystical. Again I think Demona's age was overdone, especially with that close-up right before the commercial.

I like the scene with Findlaech, Bodhe, Gruoch and young Macbeth. Truly love at first sight, it's rare but it happens. You described Bodhe's actions in this scene far better than I ever could.

The Hunter was introduced magnificently. He definitely came off as dramatic and powerful (I know I keep using those words in my descriptions, but that's what the whole of CoS is), and the fight scene is great… "City" is full of great action scenes. Findlaech's death did not shock me, since it seemed obvious her was going to die. Don't know why, it just felt right. I wasn't even well versed in history and Shakespeare back then. Demona looked quite frightening when she advanced on the Hunter. I enjoyed seeing her save Macbeth and Gruoch, nice to see she hasn't fallen completely into darkness yet. The more I think about it, the more I think you're description of her as a romantic makes sense. She's a character full of passion.

Duncan comes off as a real bastard, and only becomes more of one as "City Of Stone" progresses. I was not at all surprised to see that Gillecomgain was under that mask. Knew it the second I first saw the Hunter. Also liked how the Sisters just seemed to be everywhere.

Fade back to the present with Macbeth donning the mask of the Hunter. Demona will express my sentiments for me about this in Part 4. But I was wondering why he was wearing it.

The scene with David and Fox in the helicopter was nice. Always good to see those two together. Does she always fly him around, or does he have a personal pilot. Also, Fox sounded a little different. Was that Laura doing her voice in this episode? Also, I liked the scenario you presented if Demona had been telling the truth, and would David do anything to give her back that one-minute when she died. It's moot, but it's a dramatic scenario anyway.

I rather liked Owen's urgency. Nice to see him kind of losing it.

As for why Elisa's facing the wrong way… I don't care. It's still a good cliffhanger.

End Part One.

Need to take a break, I'll do the other parts a little later.

Derek! writes...

My personal favorite Smart-ass response:
Question-
How weak is angela?

Answer-
How weak are YOU?

Cassandra writes...

Comments on "High Noon"

Recognizing Demona and MacBeth> I didn't the first time watching, but you knew something was fishy. The handcuffs, the expressions.

I wasn't as worried that our heroes wouldn't survive as to why Demona and MacBeth were working together. And whether Coldstone was going to realize that he couldn't bury his head in the sand.

No, Elisa wouldn't bury her head in the sand. She voices the option because it does exist but she knows she won't give into it.

Michael Dorn is a great voice actor.

Recognizing Demona in Dominique> I didn't until MacBeth called her Demona. And I can understand Elisa not recognizing her. Uniform blindness (the situation where all the person notices is the uniform) and then she knocked out. But I also buy Elisa almost recognizing her. It's the opposite of what happened in the "Mirror". Demona recognized the gargoyle Elisa right off the bat.

This episode was one of the best animated. I love Goliath tapping the camera with his wing. And Elisa's tired eyes.

Demona's sexpot poses> Not exactly in her character, but they work in a "I'm a better-looking human than you" way.

Desdemona being taken over by the Weird Sisters. That confused me because of the hair. If the animators hadn't gotten the colors right, I wouldn't have been confused. But going back and rewatching it and listening to how the dialouge is phrased, it becomes more obvious.

Elisa and Demona's catfight is great! <G> The gals one-on-one, Goliath's life on the line, and that whole "I'm going to beat the crap out of you" attitude.

The jogger> I love the continuity stuff. It sets Gargoyles apart from other cartoons. And I love that guy. I used him in my first Gargoyles fanfic in similiar circumstances--wandering on something in the Park and having no idea what's really going on.

Elisa is a hero and I'm glad you gave her a chance to show it.

Later

matt writes...

HIGH NOON RAMBLE-

the second i saw the title i knew this one was going to be different then most episodes, which are predominantly at night. i was really excited about the teaming up of the two gargoyles who've betrayed the clan, Demona and Iago, i figured that these two together could really cause the clan some trouble, if only Iago could get rid of Othello and Desdemona, well thats a story for another day...
when Macbeth and Demona made their first appearence i recognized Demona and was excited that we'd finally see the clans reaction to her humanity, but i oddly didn't recognize Macbeth until a minute or two later. its probably because Demona sends that glare at Elisa and so i know its her, but why would she be with Macbeth?! of course i didn't expect them together.
i really did wonder how those two knew about the Clocktower, but their stealing Coldstone was as much a distraction to me as it was to the gargs. since Coldstone had been shown i figured they were taking him but i didn't think of the magical artifacts in the closet, which i should have, if they hadn't taken them i'd be here right now typing: "why didn't Demona and Macbeth take those artifacts when the were there?"
i love the battle at Macbeth's. its great to see the whole clan together in battle, not just Goliath and the trio. i think Goliath does a great job of spliting everyone into pairs, his second with Bronx, the oldest with the next strongest and himself with the tech wiz, they all compliment each other in those pairs. i did shake my head at Brooklyn for not paying more attention to what Bronx was sniffing and scratching at, especially after "City of Stone"! and i noticed how Lex never seems to trust Coldstone very much, warning Goliath about bringing him to the Clocktower in "Legion", cautioning Goliath against freeing him here, and being the only one not to volunteer for soul transference in "Possessions" later on. i wonder what Lex has against Coldstone? but, Lex was right, neat trap, got the whole clan with one button...
i picked up on this episode being Elisa and Othello's episode, but i think you kinda forgot about Desdemona, i think her heroism was as important to the outcome as Elisa's! she comes through with the message that its not about being a hero, its about doing whats right, i really like Desdemona, she's such a good person and friend. oh, and when she is holding down Iago so Othello can take control, i think Iago is barely trying cuz he's enjoying it, but that's my theory!
finally, as for the coming battle line by the Wierd Sisters, i didn't know what that meant but i knew that would be a cool episode. actually, after this episode i was still looking at the Wierd Sisters at good guys and they were going to use the artifacts against something evil or something. little did i know...

Oscar - writes...

Greg -

I was just curious of your opinion of Michael Reaves. I love the man's writing style and imagination. I have a friend who thinks his writing is like, godly. She found his website and e-mail him.

He took about 3 mouths to respond to one of her E-mail and honestly it was kinda rude, nothing insightful. I don't know the man and know how he is. I was just wondering what your opinion is.

Thanks