'Methos'

[ithildin]

So it looks like Alison is on board for the discussion of the Methos episodes here. Just a little recap, she's a new fan of the show, so this is all fresh, bright, and sparkly for her and she was looking for people to talk to about the show:)

My plan -- at least at this moment -- is to post a recap of the episode and let the comments take it from there. Any better ideas on how to set this up are more than welcome. Depending on how it goes, I'll do two a week.

Methos, Air Date: 03/95

When two Watchers end up dead by Kalas' hand, Joe realizes that Kalas is looking for Methos, the mythical "oldest Immortal." MacLeod knows that, with Methos' quickening, Kalas would finally be strong enough to defeat him. Kalas and MacLeod race to be the first to find Methos.~ Recap via tv.com

There's a bit about Richie and the pointless race backstory, but we don't really care about that, do we? Heh!

Next up for discussion will be Finale 1 & 2, in case anyone had the urge to go watch before we talk :)

One note: you can comment here without being an LJ user, but if you do comment anon, could you sign your comment with a name so we can think of you as something other than 'hey you' :) Thx!

Addendum: The 'Finale' discussion is going on here.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

Richie who? LOL! No, no we don't care...

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

Kinda figured that :)

[beccadg.livejournal.com]

Aww, hey! I admit I don't remember the episode having a Richie subplot, but the kid was part of the series for 5 seasons and while he isn't my favorite character I do know that for some people he is. If we're talking about showing Highlander to a brand new viewer they should get to decide how they feel about Richie.

[pat-t.livejournal.com]

Oh I don't know - I never talk about Highlander or Methos *g*.

Hmm, was Richie in this episode? Nope. Don't think so - not since I re-burned it to dvd *without* those annoying scenes. It's a little shorter - but a much better show now. So, what is the plan to get lots of people in on the discussion?

Where do you want to start? His gorgeous eyes? The way he and Mac meet? Has your friend seen the show yet? Does she have any clue about the Duncan and Methos dynamics? Has she heard of slash - or is that an area we need to go way around the bend to not run into it?

How about the scene under the tunnel? Did Methos really want to give his quickening to Duncan or did he know Duncan would never take his head and was using the opportunity to play on Duncan's sympathies and make him all protective?

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

Pat, you're a natural conversation starter :) Thank you! I've sent her the link, so she will show up at some point. She's in the UK, so we have some time lag going on. She's seen at least the first few Methos eps AFAIK. I'm asuming she's heard of slash since I know her from House M.D. fandom, which is very slashy. As for if we talk about it, I'm going to let people talk about what they want to. I won't be talking about it since I'm not into Duncan/Methos :) But don't let that stop anyone. I'm used to being the lone non slasher in the group.

As for the tunnel scene, that was going to my first actual discussion post. However, I probably should do some actual work at work first, then post. It's a concept!

I'll be back a lil later.

(I need a Methos icon!)

[beccadg.livejournal.com]

I won't be talking about it since I'm not into Duncan/Methos :) But don't let that stop anyone. I'm used to being the lone non slasher in the group.

Fear not Ith. I don't discuss Duncan/Methos either, except to say I'm not into it. ;)

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

Where do you want to start? His gorgeous eyes?

Eyes, voice, hands... Is it warm in here? Did I mention the voice?

Oh yeah, I was supposed to be working. I got distracted. Really going to work now. Honest!

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

Oh I don't know - I never talk about Highlander or Methos *g*.

I know it's hard, so you're a real trooper for talking about such an ugly subject. [g]

Hmm, was Richie in this episode? Nope. Don't think so - not since I re-burned it to dvd *without* those annoying scenes. It's a little shorter - but a much better show now.

I don't actually have a Richie free ep made, but I do skip all those parts every single time. No offense to the youngling, but the whole thing had no bearing whatsoever on the front story. And most of it was bikes roaring around and around and around...

So, what is the plan to get lots of people in on the discussion?

Plan? Plan? What is this plan? Heh. I posted a link to several email lists, and to my blog. Other than that....?

"Mi casa es su casa"

[steelvictory.livejournal.com]

I haven't scene that episode in *years*, but the very first scene of Methos sitting on the floor surrounded by books when MacLeod walks into the apartment has been burned into my mind forever. I had seen Methos in other episodes before, but this scene does a brilliant job of saying, "He doesn't look like much, but pay attention to this guy. He's important."

And boy did we pay attention.

Re: "Mi casa es su casa"

[mcjude.livejournal.com]

I came very late to the Highlander fandom (2003). Don't ask what I was doing in the 1990's suffice it to say "Real life". Furthermore, METHOS was on while I was on vacation, but I set my VCR to record it. Imagine my shock when I found out it was a few good scenes interspursed with motorcycle racing. UGH!! But, I like the rest of the people here was hooked.

Re: "Mi casa es su casa"

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

I haven't scene that episode in *years*, but the very first scene of Methos sitting on the floor surrounded by books when MacLeod walks into the apartment has been burned into my mind forever.

It's in the eyes for me. He just has this expression on his face that has you immediatly wondering what his secret is.

One of the scenes that always stuck with me is his first meeting with Kalas. Again, it's the expression on his face.

'Methos' 11 Years Later

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

Looking at the air date and realizing it's been 11 years since I first saw the episode knocked be back a bit :) So many years later, I'm not sure what are my initial fresh impressions and which are impressions coloured by many more episodes, email discussions, and con panels.

The tunnel scene when Methos wants Duncan to take his head is a prime example. I know how I view that has changed. At the time, I would have said Methos was sincere. That he was tired and really didn't have the fire or passion to beat Kalas. Now that's changed a fair bit. One of Methos' exchanges with Stephen Keane in a much later episode pretty much solidified my view that Methos, being a student of human nature, Duncan's in particular, knew quite well that Duncan would never take him up on his 'sacrifice'. But the writers didn't know that when they wrote 'Methos', since he was supposed to be killed off in short order. So now that I'm quite confused, if we go with the latter viewpoint, what exactly would Methos' motivation have been to offer his life to Duncan?

One thing I do remember that first airing was wondering when Methos was going to be back. I made much more of a point of double checking the air time. Even to the point of calling the local station to confirm since they tended to change the day and time with no warning.

[sophiedb.livejournal.com]

That's a really good question! And I have no idea. Like you said, it's quite difficult to separate one-shot Methos from the show-stealer he became :)

Maybe instead of being tired or manipulative, they thought he'd see his exposure to the Watchers (presumably via Duncan's friendship with Joe, cos the Scot wasn't the world's greatest liar) as the end of his ability to hide in plain sight. They'd already have photos and a barrage of eager trackers, very pesky after millennia of flying under the radar (I'n guessing they hadn't thought of the Horsemen yet either) - perhaps too much of a life change to cope with?

wow all this for little ol me?

[enchantersnight.livejournal.com]

better late then never finally got round to checking aol and found this, am speechless. Am also ill so have only quickly skimmed mails. Promise I will read all and reply more tomorrow (off work for the week-I think)

Now would I rather enjoy Dr House's bedside manner or Dr Adam's hmm I wonder, well considering dear Gregory would no doubt not be interested in a common cold I will turn my thoughts to a doctor with a markedly better bedside manner(also shows how many episodes I have watched)

But will think first on a tall young man lounging by a bed with a book and some beer, hmm could almost feel better already.

Re: wow all this for little ol me?

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

wow all this for little ol me?
better late then never finally got round to checking aol and found this, am speechless.

I'm nothing if not thorough when properly motivated :)

Feel better!

Re: wow all this for little ol me?

[sophiedb.livejournal.com]

I will turn my thoughts to a doctor with a markedly better bedside manner

Dr Adams would project whatever bedside manner gets him places, House just snarks for kicks :)

As for the grad-variety Pierson, bless his little cotton socks - that "mi casa" scene is fantastic *chortles*

(p.s. hello from another Brit!)

[cyberducks.livejournal.com]

What gets me the most about this episode are two things - one how much immediate chemistry Duncan and Methos have, and two how different bookish cutie Adam is from the Methos of the later seasons, the Horsemen eps and beyond. It's like looking at two different people, two different actors almost - this never seizes to amaze me.

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

and two how different bookish cutie Adam is from the Methos of the later seasons, the Horsemen eps and beyond. It's like looking at two different people, two different actors almost -

Yes! Mentally I always consider that first Methos we see as his Adam Pirson persona. As the series progresses, we see more and more flashes of what I consider to be Methos as opposed to Adam, and there's particular moments that really stand out for me in that regard. I probably should save those moments for when we get to the eps in question. I'm trying hard not to get ahead of myself :)

Methos

[(Anonymous)]

Oh, do get ahead. Methos is great! Always the first episodes pulled out for a rewatch. I do agree as the show progressed Peter was playing two roles - Adam and Methos. Not sure who I like better - sweet, geeky, Adam, or the deep waters Methos. Tough call.

[enchantersnight.livejournal.com]

Ok have tried to read a little more than last night (9am here)-Waves to other Brits-

Going to try to reply to all posts with this one (heh we will see)

1. Richie - OK how can I put this I fwd through all the bike scenes the first time I saw the show to get to (the good bits) *blush* will try and watch them next time but I didn't really get the bike thing, does he just like riding them? if so cool!
Question What is a "Kimmie?"

2. The first meeting. Wow Peter has sprawling down to a fine art doesn't he *giggle* eyes, voice, hands all of the above? The I may not look like much but wait and see attitude, the dip of the head when Mac calls him Methos.

2b. Duncan and Methos dynamics/Slash Hmm what dynamics? after reading around the show a bit I suppose I would not have been too surprised if either one jumped the others bones in that first scene, sex appeal was crawling out of the woodwork! have read a little fan fiction and when I get round to "the modern Prometheus" it seems almost cannon that Methos bats for both sides, so if anyone can point out to me which bits to watch I will see if I see what you see (OK different programme)

* Quickenings * some more explanations? is it also something to do with how the sense one another?

3. The tunnel scene. Well first thought he is committing suicide! then OK he doesn't want his "quickening" to go to a punk then after seeing a few more episodes the crafty sod. If he appeals to Macs good nature (he is tired etc) then he gains a protector/come friend (although keeping disappearing may not help with that!) someone to drink beer with? How about having been around for a long time maybe if he had only been it for 3 episodes we were meant to think ah he can read people and knows Mac will use his power for good etc?

Can anyone say "has he been asked this? has anyone connected with the show got an answer?" I think it changes as you get to know him;
a, tired wants to end the running/hiding
b, wants disappear again (lower under the radar next time huh?) but needs someone to fight Kalas for him

I think only "the old man" himself knows and well if amnesia as in a good story I read comes into it then he could say he doesn't remember.

4. Adam or Methos? The bookish persona screams take care of me I'm fragile, (skipping ahead) the Methos killing Morgan Walker persona "Just because I don't like to fight doesn't mean I can't" screams watch me I am not all that I seem.

As an aside Ith have you listened to the sound bytes?

I do not know if she mentioned but my first reaction on hearing who it was who played Methos was along the lines of "arrgghhh Peter Wingfield. I knew him from The Archers, is Methos a nicer person?" For all those non Archer listeners Peter portrayed Simon Pemberton a name normally proceeded with odious, vile etc due to him having a affair when with one lady and slapping her when she confronted him with it, then beating another young lady when a courtcase went against him. Not a nice man at all. Alarming as Peter's voice won one over even knowing what a git Simon was!

Needless to say learning that Methos is nicer that Simon (with a few exceptions) was a great relief :)

[ithildyn.livejournal.com]

1. Richie - OK how can I put this I fwd through all the bike scenes the first time I saw the show to get to (the good bits) *blush* will try and watch them next time but I didn't really get the bike thing, does he just like riding them? if so cool!
Question What is a "Kimmie?"

It seems to be his 'job', racing that is. As for 'Kimmie' it means an evil immie, the bad guy. Coined, I believe, due to the fact that a lot of Duncan's enemies had names beginning with the 'K' sound.

2. The first meeting. Wow Peter has sprawling down to a fine art doesn't he *giggle* eyes, voice, hands all of the above? The I may not look like much but wait and see attitude, the dip of the head when Mac calls him Methos.

Ah yes, the sprawl. Beloved by many of us.

2b. Duncan and Methos dynamics/Slash Hmm what dynamics?

I'll let those who indulge in that aspect of the fandom take that one.

..."the modern Prometheus" it seems almost cannon that Methos bats for both sides, so if anyone can point out to me which bits to watch I will see if I see what you see (OK different programme)

I figure Methos has had a varied sex life over the millennia, and I think I'll leave there. Heh.

More later :)


As an aside Ith have you listened to the sound bytes?

Nope, not yet.

[beccadg.livejournal.com]

Richie - OK how can I put this I fwd through all the bike scenes the first time I saw the show to get to (the good bits) *blush* will try and watch them next time but I didn't really get the bike thing, does he just like riding them? if so cool!
Richie loves riding bikes. Second season he was allowed to have a bike for his personal transportation, then briefly third season he managed to become a professional racer. He had to sneak on to the track to get his shot at joining the racing team. The writers however didn't spend much time on his passion for bikes and racing.

Question What is a "Kimmie?"
Sorry, that more properly should be K'Immie. Like Ith said K'Immie, or Kimmie is a term for the evil Immortals on the show. It comes from the fact that a lot of the bad guys had names that started with a K. Kalas and Kronos are a couple of classic examples. While I'm at it F'Immie is a term for a female Immortal, and Pre-Immie is a term for an Immortal who hasn't yet died. Richie first season is a Pre-Immie.

* Quickenings * some more explanations? is it also something to do with how they sense one another?
One Immortal's ability to sense another is known as the Buzz. Quickenings are the transference of one Immortal's power to another when he loses his head. Most episodes of the series have a big Quickening scene where Duncan has taken the K'Immie's head, and gotten his Quickening in a Quickening.

[keerawa.livejournal.com]

Can anyone say "has he been asked this? has anyone connected with the show got an answer?" I think it changes as you get to know him;

Actually, the Peter Wingfield commentary on the Methos DVD does address this question. He says that, at the time he shot the episode, he absolutely believed that Methos was sincere in offering MacLeod his head. But as he got to know the character better, it seemed less likely.

I personally love the scene in Joe's during "The Messenger" where Richie is so impressed that (fake) Methos offered him his head when they first met.

"Why would he do that?" Richie demands.

"Because he was afraid to fight you!" MacLeod insists.

"Or maybe because he knew you wouldn't take it," Methos offers from his barstool with a smile.

I adore the ambiguity and changing roles we see from Methos over the course of the show.

[sophiedb.livejournal.com]

Peter Wingfield was in the Archers??? That's just.. scary..

And now I have the theme tune in my head. GET OUT!!!!

:)

[ekaterinn.livejournal.com]

The first glimpse of Methos! Or, rather, Adam Pierson. *g* As will be par for course with Methos, this episode raises a lot of questions for me. Just how rusty *is* Methos? Was the tumble over the bridge with Kalas planned? How sincere is he in offering MacLeod his head?

I think one of the things that *is* obvious is Methos's fascination with Duncan. He chooses to stay and meet the Highlander, letting Duncan know who he is, when it would be easy enough to disappear. He's protective, too, when he calls the police on Kalas.