McRaney 1 Censors 0
A Pirate's Key observation: When the Simons drive the truck into the water and get stuck, Rick utters "Shhhhh....", only he adds the "it" at the end! Guess that one got by the censors!
shareI'd forgotten about that. It's not one of my favorite episodes-- I think they should have junked it or else re-filmed the whole thing in San Diego. And because it comes in the middle of season 2, it's like the series grinds to a halt so they can have this lengthy flashback about something that happened before they returned home to be near their mother. I find it far-fetched the politician would just happen to come to the same city where they now live and work, and also that the other supporting characters would have moved their business from Florida to southern California. Too many coincidences! But I suppose if we get Mac putting one over on Standards & Practices, then there's a benefit in it somewhere. Score!
shareIt's among my favorite episodes, flaws and all. It's all the more interesting to me simply because the pilot was unaired and we "only" get what's in this episode. The whole thing reminds me of the 1975 Gene Hackman movie Night Moves, which is no coincidence since that was also filmed in Florida.
Plus, Janet looks so beautiful in Pirate's Key. Compare that to how her hair style was in season two--an '80s nightmare!
I didn't see your reply till now, so I apologize about the delay in my response. I'm glad you find it an enjoyable episode. I guess I just find it too jarring-- the whole look and feel of it seems too different for me. Clearly, the original conception of the series was changed between the time the pilot was filmed and the regular episodes were produced.
I felt the best thing was Cassie Yates' performance-- and the Florida filming. I agree about Janet's hair (and make-up and clothing). They altered her appearance, slightly revamping the character.
I haven't seen the Hackman film you mentioned. I'll have to check it out.
I will admit to the senator being even remotely involved is straining credibility. I look at the bridging scenes along with the pilot footage as providing insights into the characters and their relationship to one another. I've always preferred characters over plotting, so this plays to my personal preference.
Plus, I was born and raised in South Florida, so it's also interesting to me in that regard. "Pirate's Key" and "Who Killed the Sixties?" wage a never-ending competition for my all-time favorite S&S episode.
Sounds like you enjoy episodes with flashbacks.
I prefer character-driven stories also. I like to learn about the people on screen-- more than just what they do, but why they act a certain way.
I have posted my review for 'Who Killed the Sixties?' in the season 4 thread. I was probably a bit critical of the flaws, but I do agree it's a strong episode.
Yes, I'm big on flashback episodes (though NOT clip shows), as well as episodes with voiceover, surreal camerawork, music, and effects. These devices were commonplace in the '65-'75 era of TV, but exceedingly rare by the time of the 1980s. I suppose it was a willful move in the other direction.
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