(2) Tourist Season - Arrrrrrgggg! The less said the better. I'm a lady, after all.
(1) Creatures of the Dark - Wish they had kept us in the dark.
(3) A Witchs Calling - When it doesn't work it just doesn't work. Sorry.
(2) The Quality of Mercy - Aliens and human looking workers that arent really human ... Just didn't like it.
(3) The Imposters - Very little Marguerite, Roxton and Challenger. Too much Finn.
(1) The Best Within - Some good Summerlee and Marguerite & Veronica moments. Otherwise, nothing to get beastly about.
(1) Absolute Power - Challenger goes power hungry in his dreams and chews scenery. It was done better in "The Elixir".
(1) Nectar - Not one of my favorites but notable for lovely moments when Summerlee is recalling his dead wife (w/Marguerite showing a tender side) -- and also knowing that Adama is played by Catherine Wilkin, Peter M.'s real-life wife.
(1) Tribute - Interesting footnote to Marguerite's wicked past with a German pilot but nothing to fly home about. Also, cool to see Summerlee yet again standing up to a baddy and risking death for his friends.
(2) The Source - Its the drought episode and involves a fountain of youth but its not particularly memorable. Some good Challenger moments, however.
(2) Voodoo Queen - Pardon while I spoil you : Danielle died in this episode. We never have to see her again. That's one good thing. Also, loved Marguerites confrontation with VQ. Roxton, you really have to stop thinking with your ... (* - 1 slot 7/9/02)
(1) Salvation - Interesting character development between Roxton, Marguerite and Malone. Fascinating to watch Marguerite press Malone's buttons and tell Roxton that she's "the wicked step sister". Also notable: Roxton tries valiantly to keep the peace because Summerlee and Challenger are off on their own adventure. Marguerite says the worst thing she could to Roxton (eg- William. A sore issue).
(1) Unnatural Selection - We learn Ned is still a virgin (so what was he and Veronica doing in the pond during "Blood Lust"?) and Marguerite's chosen one status is touched on yet again by a fairy queen (?).
(1) Prodigal Father - Some good moments including the infamous exchange - Marg: "How do you sleep at night, Roxton?" Rox: "Like a baby. You should watch me." while Veronica gets to know dear old Dad - not. *note* - Roxton is stabbed by Veronica but somehow it's forgotten in the epilogue.
(2) Under Pressure - There's a new man at the tree house and Marguerite and Veronica are interested. Good episode just to hear Marguerite and Veronica fight and watch Roxton and Malone listen in when their names are mentioned. Otherwise, under no pressure to watch it again.
(1) The Chosen One - Disappointing M&R interaction although they were together through the entire episode. Something was missing.
(2) The Guardian - Okay episode with another plateau plant causing trouble by devouring its followers. Fun just to see Marguerite's reaction to small children.
(1) Birthright - The saving grace for M&R fans is the ending where Roxton tells Marguerite: "Welcome home." in a way that would melt most women in their tracks. Otherwise only a so-so episode. (* 1 slot 7/8/02)
(2) The Visitor - If Roxton can be a vampire than Malone can be a werewolf! Great scene where Malone turns animal on Marguerite. Naughty boy!
(1) Blood Lust - Great tent scene with an infected Roxton and aroused (but sleeping!) Marguerite. Calista, however, just makes my blood run cold. Still, anything that has WS bare-chested rates a few stars.
(2) Divine Right - Good Roxton episode. He looks so happy with his horse. Some good R&M talk. No romance but the camaraderie is great -- and Marguerite gets to do some more of that reading of languages shes never seen or heard before.
(2) Trophies - Better than average performances here but there is just something not quite right about this episode. Marguerite is called Miss Smith by the newcomer who obviously knew Marguerite way back when. Slightly off but still -- a good explosion and another lost way off the plateau.
(1) More Than Human - Our introduction to Tribune! A bit more vicious here at the start than later in the series but its great to watch his tantalizing interaction with Marguerite. Also a good scene, at the very beginning, with a T-Rex that has its sights set on Marguerite -- but Roxton to the rescue!
(3) Finn - Time travel to the future, Finns in, Roxton finds some new toys (guns) and everyone seems just a little off their mark.
(2) All or Nothing - Somewhat disappointing 2nd season opener. Everyone but Summerlee is recovered and there are a couple nice M&R moments, not to mention a barroom brawl, but otherwise a lackluster episode. (* 1 slot - 7/9/02)
(2) The Prisoner - Tall, handsome, black giant needs a wife. If he cant have Veronica then Marguerite will do. A revealing moment when Roxton says "Thank God". when he thinks Marguerite has been killed, but discovers the body of another woman. Nice costume for Marguerite and a good filler episode.
(1) The Journey Begins - The episode that started it all. A terrific beginning that sets the action and characters up admirably. Interesting that this episode and its second parter, Stranded, benefit from scenes added when TLW was recut from its original movie. But, sadly, some interesting scenes were also cut -- including a meeting between the explorers in Challengers home and a hint of Roxtons simian phobia which we later learned, in the series, had to do with the death of his brother. William DeVry sits in as Malone in these first two eps and does a good job. (* 1 slot - 7/9/02)
(3) Phantoms - Note to Veronica: Dont mess with psycho piano players. M&R look nice in German costumes from the turn of the century.
(2) Amazons - Enjoyable episode with Roxton, Malone and Challenger as prizes for the Amazons. Its Marguerite and Veronica to the rescue this time, decked out in cool Amazon costumes, and we also get to see Lara Cox (Finn) for the first time as one of the girls interested in Malone.
(3) Ice Age - Meteor (?) makes life in The Lost World a bit chilly. Best line is from Challenger: "She'd love Chicago." Some good M&R. He can warm me up anytime.
(1) Paradise Found - Another "Veronica must find her parents" episode and it's quite entertaining. They all land in an area of the plateau that appears to be paradise. And, as can be expected, there is a price to pay. Man-eating plants and all that rot. The best reason to watch the episode is a great seduction scene between M&R. Roxton doesn't quite know what Marguerite is doing, thinking maybe she's had too much wine, but - eventually - he's more than happy to participate -- If only he hadnt heard Ode to Joy. *sigh* Also, Summerlee makes an astute observation when he points out that M&R bicker like a "married couple" (cute smile Prof. Summerlee). (* 5 slots/ 7-9-02)
(2) The Games - Another Tribune episode! Some good stuff including Roxton and Tribune fighting side by side in the arena (and lets not forget a shirtless Roxton) and Malone attempting to make the lizards believe he's Challenger. Also, Marguerite wields a nasty whip. You go girl!
(2) Skin Deep - This ep boarders between odd (M&R announcing their engagement?) and emotional (Marg killed during a fall from the balcony?!) but it's fun and entertaining just the same. Nice to see Assai again.
(1) Cave of Fear - We get to learn a bit more about the backgrounds of Roxton and Marguerite; their guilt and fears. Through hallucinogenic fungus we learn Roxton will never get over the death of his brother, William, and Marguerite will always wonder if her parents gave her up because they didnt love her. Summerlee to the rescue this time! (* 6 slots/ 7-9-02)
(3) Fire In the Sky - We learn a bit more about Roxton's past with brother William, he and Marguerite take a harrowing canoe ride down a perilous river and arrive in time for a nice meteor shower.
(3) Suspicion - Someone is possessed by a demon but who? Good post "The Secret" talk and interaction between M&R.
(3) The End Game - A demon calling herself death puts Roxton to task. Veronica returns in time for a little demonic fun. Marguerite gets drunk and surly. Good stuff.
(2) The Pirates Curse - Another good comedy episode. Marguerite has treasure and, darn it, no pirate is going to take it away from her. Some good background into Roxton learned in this episode as well. Also, one of the best interrupted kisses between M&R ever.
(2) Mark of the Beast - One of TLW best comedy episodes where the explorers all begin to turn into beasts because of a troublesome little stone. Its up to Veronica, the only one not infected, to get the stone back where it belongs. Loved watching Marguerite turn into a snake and Roxton take on the likeness and attitude of a wolf.
(1) Time after Time - Extremely well written and conceived "what if" episode that tells us the explorers could do more harm than good if they go back to London while taking the wrong path. Marguerite's great-great-great grand daughter shows up and let's everyone know that they will all die and release a plague on the outside world if they dont watch their step. A lovely, emotional ending for Marguerite and the rest of us. Roxton faces a few emotions of his own when he accidentally shoots the newcomer. (* 2 slots/ 7-9-02)
(1) Out of Time - A classic! The episode that introduced us to Druid Priestess Morrigan's reincarnation - Marguerite! Some great M&R interaction, back when it was more lust than love. Malone is naive and quite funny as a somewhat beleaguered tag along. (* 2 slots/ 7-2-02)
(1) Barbarians at the Gate - Probably the best cliffhanger to date for TLW. Its also the send off for our dear Summerlee. Tribune returns. Good M&R interaction with one of the most heart stopping endings of any series ever made!
(3) The Elixir - Poor Challenger should not drink his experiments and M&R take a mud bath! Great to see Challenger's wife, Jessie. Kudos to Peter M. for a superior performance.
(2-3) Into the Fire - Oh, what the explorers could do with a British Navy dirigible! However, Roxton can do without Captain Askwith who seems to have set his sights on Marguerite. Exciting episode with an explosive season ending explosion! What could be better? Its season three opener, Out of the Blue, where Marguerite, Roxton and Challenger must right some wrongs, face Winston Churchill and over come death (a great M&R moment BTW)! Meanwhile, Veronica must track down Askwith and, hey, where did Malone go?
(2) London Calling - Nothing is as it seems, especially when its Neddy-boy's dreaming up a "what if" for he and his friends. Some good M&R moments through out with a classic ending that has both M&R stalking off, furious with Ned. Poor guy! Only stating the obvious.
(3) True Spirit - Séances, fairy rings, crop circles and things that go bump in the night! Ned returns. Yea!
(1) Camelot - The ultimate romantic moment between Roxton and Marguerite in Season One: "My knight in shining armor ...". Also, a wonderful/humorous scene with Malone and Roxton battling a T-Rex with a sword. And yes, Veronica and Marguerite escaping the kingly encampment (and falling from a tree) and Roxton jousting and ... Just a great episode!
(3) The Travelers - A blast to watch Jerome Ehlers out of his Tribune make-up to play yet another man infatuated with Marguerite. This time he's Locke, a trickster demon who wants to bring the jewel-loving explorer into his world of vice. Roxton is a wreck, at first thinking poor Marguerite eaten by cannibals then wondering if she's left him for Locke. However, he did find that paper, in her own handwriting, in Marg's jewelry box (eg- "Lady Marguerite Roxton") so there is hope. The R&Ms kiss when she is rescued says it all. Well ... almost.
(2) Stone Cold - Fun, fun episode! The first of the eps where the explorers get to play other characters. Its a costume romp with a lot of nasty nobles hiding out from a plague -- and delicious performances all around. Challenger saves the day. Everybody is naked at the end. <g>. (* 1 slot/ 7-9-02)
(3) Tapestry - Holy cow. The explorers are far more connected to each other than they ever imagined! Wonderful background episode.
(3) Legacy - Veronica finally learns about her parents and Roxton tells Marguerite those three little words -- if only she could say them back.
(3) Heart of the Storm - Season three cliffy. Challenger and Finn are sent to the future, Roxton fights conquistadors, Marguerite is being sacrificed by Druids and Veronica is trying to hold it all together. Where the hell's Malone???
(1) Prophecy: Wow. Marguerite forced to kill Roxton to save herself? Roxton urging her on? Tied together to a post and saying more with their eyes and actions than ever before? This is a goody!
(3) The Knife - Two words: Beach scene. Possibly the best, most romantic setting for M&R in the history of the series. Also, a pretty darn good Jack the Ripper story with the actors again playing parts outside of their usual characters.
(2) Survivors - Here we learn a little more about Marguerite's background and witness just how close she and Roxton have become. Some great interaction between Challenger and Marguerite as well. Includes faux Adrienne Montclair and William Maple White.
(1) Resurrection - Oh my! Things are getting pretty darn hot here. Wonderful R&M interaction including an interrupted but classic passionate kissing scene that is quite telling! Also, a wonderful moment at the end of the episode where R&M talk tenderly on the tree house balcony. Oh yes, things are getting good ... until the 2nd season starts.
(2) A Man of Vision - Not only do we get a semi-Summerlee back in this ep but it also has some of the best M&R interaction of the 2nd season. Damn scorpion. Also, Roxton once again talks about poor dead William. Guy definitely has brother issues. Well done except for a bad panning shot at the very end.
(3) Brothers In Arms - Emotional, gripping and deeply revealing LW episode. Very well done WW1 epic featuring D.O in his best performance. Ned's final episode of Season 3. Marguerite rescues Roxton from a poison dart and calls him "my love" just before he wakes. Kudos also to WS for his performance.
(3) The Secret - So, why did Marguerite fund the Challenger Expedition? We finally find out. Lovely moments for M&R at the beginning and end. R.B gives a very strong performance.
(3) Dead Mans Hill - Thoroughly entertaining change of character episode with poor Roxton trying to figure out why he's taken on the identity of a dead cowboy. Everyone is on their mark, especially D.O. as vicious Johnny Ringo. Also includes one of the best kissing scenes between Snow and Blakely (note that I did not say M&R) ever.
(3) Eye For an Eye - A gripping, exciting and wonderfully revealing episode. A dark part of Roxton is set loose on he and the other explorers. Some perfect M&R interaction and Veronica is a spit fire! Poor Challenger is shot but still, with a ghostly Malone's help, manages to solve a mystery. Special kudos to W.S. for his impressive double character.
(2) The Outlaw - Here it is. The pivotal M&R episode. The one that changed attitudes and made our favorite couple realize there is more to their relationship than an occasional flirtatious moment. Roxton is shot, Marguerite begs for his mercy, she saves him, they kiss and all is right with the world. Oh yeah, there is some sort of plot here about a bandit woman too.
THIS IS IT. (drum roll please ... Beckers #1 favorite episode of The Lost World from seasons 1 through 3 is:
(3) Trapped - Beautiful performances by Rachel Blakely and Will Snow. Peter M. is in his comedic element when Challenger loses his memory. Veronica is lovely and some of her facial expressions are priceless. Even Finn isn't that bad, trying to impress Vee and trying to help out in the lab.
But really, this is a M&R episode to the extreme. Marguerite finally admits she loves Roxton, they think they are going to die and well, did they or didnt they? I'm in the "they did" camp but others will disagree. In any event, M&R have never been closer, even after an explosive argument, and the final shot with their two characters simply sitting close to one another speaks volumes.
Beautifully done.
Thank you,
Beckers
July 7, 2002.
