tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post247074008178235294..comments2024-03-13T23:42:41.022-07:00Comments on We Are Controlling Transmission: Spotlight on "Demon With a Glass Hand"John Scolerihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15830334036783163702noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-76243672505243769002023-06-23T12:11:07.402-07:002023-06-23T12:11:07.402-07:00Lovely summary. There is still the question of who...Lovely summary. There is still the question of who built the time mirror and why. The Kyben use it to chase Trent into the past, but why was it built in the first place? It seems to exist only to capture Trent. However, Trent's creators seem to know he will wind up in 1964 — he dresses the part — although it's unclear whether escaping through the time mirror was Plan B, instead of hiding on Earth during the 200-year plague. Going to the past seems counterproductive. Trent will still be on Earth 1,000 years later with the passage of time, ready for the Kyben to scoop up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-90738260302171731942021-05-23T18:18:04.836-07:002021-05-23T18:18:04.836-07:00I have created duplicates of the glass hand.
http...I have created duplicates of the glass hand.<br /><br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8AblYZ_ECoAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02582340146743371313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-66553458509759080532020-08-14T14:41:09.725-07:002020-08-14T14:41:09.725-07:00Another case of dramatic license. Of course logica...Another case of dramatic license. Of course logically, the brains of the Trent system ought to be located in a more protected place (chest). The reason why it's in a hand is so that multiple, important objects (fingers) can be stolen and retrieved to create conflict & goal-directed action. What other body parts do that? "Demon with Two Glass Testicles" isn't making it to network TV, then or now.hockey24hrshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17665339445715581362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-19278100751090732062016-05-10T07:40:51.885-07:002016-05-10T07:40:51.885-07:00"And a single frightened woman snared by the ..."And a single frightened woman snared by the barbed frenzy of a violent pursuit situation, who ends up providing far more support than calculated emotional baggage."<br /><br />One of the great things about the Consuelo character is that she saves Trent's life twice by pulling off those medallions, and yet goes on being someone who "can't stand violence," and in a really believable way. <br />I always feel funny about making "Then vs. Now" comments (because it's so easy to go overboard with them), but if it were remade now, the writers would probably turn Consuelo into one more "female Rambo" kind of character instead. Those can be entertaining, but what THIS story does with the female character is really great.Granthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09603892208775996594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-71381998746537719402016-04-30T16:17:12.491-07:002016-04-30T16:17:12.491-07:00An average TV writer might have done Demon as a tw...An average TV writer might have done Demon as a two-parter, but not Ellison - - so many background details in the story are told at a lightning speed pace (and Ellison wants us to keep up), except for the main three plot elements: 1) Trent's connection with the hand, 2) the growing interest between Trent and Consuelo, and 3) Trent's war with The Kyben. <br /><br />It's obvious that both Trent and his hand are highly sophisticated A.I., but here's an obscure-but-pertinent question left mostly unanswered by Ellison (- thanks, dude.) - - is Trent an extension of the hand, designed to protect both the hand and humanity? <br /><br />Trent is... highly athletic and mobile, rational, emotional, capable of sophisticated problem-solving, has advanced survival skills, but is basically a truck on two legs.<br /><br />The story strangely focuses on Trent, but the hand calls the shots - - what gives? Brian D. Schwartzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02230422615565249699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-26867737185659763072012-10-16T11:50:01.660-07:002012-10-16T11:50:01.660-07:00Hey, Steven,
Out of curiosity, I checked your blo...Hey, Steven,<br /><br />Out of curiosity, I checked your blogging interests and found you're a Spider/Norvell W. Page enthusiast. It might interest you to know that one of my side gigs is as a cleaner-reader for the digital transfers of Spider pulps to e-books for Radio Archives.<br /><br />In a sense, I get to edit the great Norvell Page!<br /><br />Best,<br />TedTed Rypelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-73758428027077384532012-10-16T10:07:50.978-07:002012-10-16T10:07:50.978-07:00Wow...
Thank YOU, so very much, Steven! It's...Wow... <br /><br />Thank YOU, so very much, Steven! It's indescribably gratifying to hear such an enthusiastic appreciation of one's work. I once rhapsodized to Joe Stefano about some of his OUTER LIMITS scripting, and he replied to me in words that I'll quote to you, with the same sentiment:<br /><br />"You are, among other things, a further reward for work which was in itself rewarding."<br /><br />Please be advised that GONJI has been undergoing a glacial revival, of sorts. The series was published in the German language by Lubbe, where it received "lost classic" treatment. The first book was issued in a wonderfully read audio version, by Audio Realms. And the rest of the series is soon to be released by Audible.<br /><br />And the entire series, to this point, is scheduled to be re-issued shortly by Wildside Press. I've done some slight revision, restoration and expansion work (in the case of Book 3, 4000 words' worth of expansion!) for these editions. If the series catches on with a new generation of fantasy readers, I'll have the opportunity to perhaps complete the entire story arc of Gonji's life and singular adventure as the "Sword Arm of Destiny." Yes, there is a complete arc. The Prospectus I've circulated calls for 11 total books: three to finish the extant narrative arc, and three early novels that dramatize all the background that existed only as hints in the published books. <br /><br />Additionally, I've got two new Gonji tales coming out in anthologies, at some point. These are "Reflections in Ice" and "Dark Venture," and they're discussed at some length on the Gonji Facebook Fan Page. I encourage you to check that out, as well as to Friend me on my own FB page. I'd be happy to discuss this stuff further with you via messages or email (and maybe even sample you some new Gonji work, if you like the series that much).<br /><br />And, of course, I imagine you've already checked out the interview David J. Schow did with me on this amazing OUTER LIMITS blog right here: Dave allowed me some generous space, near the end, to toot my horn about Gonji. (And thanks again, for the umpteenth time, to John and Peter, for giving us all the chance to address this landmark TV show in such a lively and intelligent forum!)<br /><br />You humble me with your glowing appreciation, Steven. Knowing your work is held in some esteem, long after it's done, is an undying source of life-vindication. Thank you again.Ted Rypelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-12304548140111488992012-10-16T06:46:17.959-07:002012-10-16T06:46:17.959-07:00First off, let me please state that I was looking ...First off, let me please state that I was looking for an online copy of the 'Demon With a Glass Hand' script when I came across this wonderful review. Mr. Rypel, you nailed everything that makes this episode truly brilliant. It is, in my humble opinion, not only the height of the series, but it could very well be the height of television speculative fiction.<br /><br />That said, I have always wanted to find a method to tell you this. GONJI is my all-time favorite fantasy series. I have read it so many times my copies are falling to pieces, and I continually have replaced them whenever I find a copy so that I have several copies of all but the third in the series, of which I have only one. I have often thought how wonderful they would be in a well-made series, like Game of Thrones, or Lord of the Rings. Unfortunately, Toshiro Mifune is no longer with us, and wouldn't be the right age anyway. There is no one else I can see in the main role, and I have always cast him at the age he was in the excellent western Red Sun. I always wondered what happened to you, and wish to show you my support for your work. Thank you for many years of entertainment. Thank you VERY much.Steven W. Bentleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06276796973743587010noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-62708552101177242812011-03-04T07:19:00.201-08:002011-03-04T07:19:00.201-08:00Larry R: Dolores!Larry R: Dolores!Larry Blamirenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-24152425175140280742011-03-04T06:57:09.510-08:002011-03-04T06:57:09.510-08:00'Nuff said. Thanks for the beautiful articulat...'Nuff said. Thanks for the beautiful articulation, Ted.AWChttp://www.hollywoodaholic.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-3369912172465659242011-03-03T22:16:12.499-08:002011-03-03T22:16:12.499-08:00I'll stop Stoogin' after this one, I promi...I'll stop Stoogin' after this one, I promise.<br /><br />Next time you watch "What's the Matador", keep yer' eye on Larry during the scene where the Mexican guy is giving them the convoluted directions to "see Esta".<br /><br />LRLarry Rapchaknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-1407228864213034242011-03-03T21:10:53.042-08:002011-03-03T21:10:53.042-08:00Jeebus christ, I thought I had my lines crossed wi...Jeebus christ, I thought I had my lines crossed with A STOOGE A DAY.<br /><br />Mercy, please.DJSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-83580971344938514582011-03-03T20:07:42.970-08:002011-03-03T20:07:42.970-08:00GARY G---
Thank you for the kind compliment---no ...GARY G---<br /><br />Thank you for the kind compliment---no mean acknowledgment, coming from a writer of your stature. You'll turn up those Bradbury Building pix, and when you do, I look forward to seeing them. Something that's been nagging at me, though: when did you move out to the West Coast? All our dealings in the past were with you in NY. It just kind of gradually dawned on me over the course of the blog that you seem to have teleported. It's sad that we slipped out of contact for such a long while.<br /><br /><br />You LARRYs make me want to go running down the street to the strains of "Pop Goes the Weasel." Speaking obliquely of which, "Pop Goes the EASEL" is a top fave:<br /><br />"Here's a flower for your hat, madam."<br />"Here's mud in yer eye, mister!"<br /><br />"Oh, 'bygones,' hey?"<br /><br />Some of Larry's most memorable moments are in "Disorder in the Court," though: The toupee on his violin bow ("a ta-RAN-tula!") and his chest-thumping howl after subduing a wad of gum ("You're in a court room, not the woods, Tarzan!").<br /><br />And so, class, that is my summation of "Demon With a Glass Hand."Ted Rypelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-67069384204891820712011-03-03T19:34:35.440-08:002011-03-03T19:34:35.440-08:00(Larry locked in the supply room with Moe):
Hey, ...(Larry locked in the supply room with Moe):<br /><br />Hey, gimme that key!<br /><br />Our namesake was a very talented guy: check the scene in "Dizzy Doctors"--"just before I make a sale" of Brighto to Bud Jamison. Superb timing.Larry Rapchaknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-25042160203037749672011-03-03T18:52:07.682-08:002011-03-03T18:52:07.682-08:00Larry F. at the fire pole: "The old man's...Larry F. at the fire pole: "The old man's gone--I'm goin'."<br /><br />I must add that very early Larry Fine, in his pinch-faced gutter rat period, is THE BEST.Larry Blamirenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-35725865490307975512011-03-03T18:48:21.889-08:002011-03-03T18:48:21.889-08:00Beautiful analysis, Ted. I've been enjoying y...Beautiful analysis, Ted. I've been enjoying your wordsmithing since the '70s, and a show this cool certainly inspires a talented writer/reviewer to do his sharpest work. On an annoying note, I spent the better part of this morning searching for those damned Bradbury Building photos I took a decade ago. Nada. They've been staring back at me for years, and the minute I need them for something... well, we've all been there. But I'm sure they'll turn up at some point, and I'll make jpegs the instant they do. As for that sci-fi project of mine they were intended for, it may still get produced, so I won't pontificate about it. For the record, it would cost me (or any filmmaker) eight thousand dollars an hour to shoot in the Bradbury. And that number is based on the rate from ten years ago. Needless to say, the BB would only be making a glorified cameo appearance in my movie, much as it recently did in the "guess I still need the eggs" epilogue of (500) DAYS OF SUMMER.Gary Geraninoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-68950267044521481722011-03-03T18:35:07.853-08:002011-03-03T18:35:07.853-08:00Where's the cake?
I'm WEARING it!
LRWhere's the cake?<br />I'm WEARING it!<br /><br />LRLarry (Fine) Rapchaknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-61074550431533968792011-03-03T17:34:10.381-08:002011-03-03T17:34:10.381-08:00le0pard13---
Thank you. You're right---this o...le0pard13---<br />Thank you. You're right---this one grabs you by the scruff of your emotions and whisks you along like a breathtaking amusement park ride for 50 minutes. Delightful to see something from your own youth embraced by your kids, isn't it?<br /><br />Larry R.---<br />I'm thinking we may have already begun a collaboration, no? One that Stefano himself might refer to as the "piercing pain of poetry"?<br /><br />Larrys R. AND B. (Hassan bin Sobah and Haffadollah)---<br />While I doubt that I could sell Tom/UTW a used car, I know my bet would be secure on Curly in that stairwell race---"Soitainly!" <br /><br />"False Alarms"---that's the one where they destroy the Chief's car and Curly's girlfriend's behemoth sister keeps squawking, "Where's MY boyfriend?"<br /><br />The Stooges definitely knew what boithday cakes were for---I can picture Vernon Dent as the judge with a faceful of one.Ted Rypelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-61406963896302555502011-03-03T16:16:49.025-08:002011-03-03T16:16:49.025-08:00Wonderful spotlight on the OUTER LIMITS episode th...Wonderful spotlight on the OUTER LIMITS episode that I continue to treasure. I'm old enough to have watched this first run as a kid, and it's lost none of its power over the decades -- I even introduced to my own children. I can report they were entranced by it. Thanks for this.le0pard13https://www.blogger.com/profile/09421175808461787862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-74233266009712250902011-03-03T15:56:36.079-08:002011-03-03T15:56:36.079-08:00Superb, Ted, just superb. I can feel the episode&#...Superb, Ted, just superb. I can feel the episode's excitement all over again in your very infectious account as I read. Perfect analogy with the comic book come to life--man, it really is (in the best possible way).<br /><br />Nice you singled out the choreography. We have seldom seen action in this series, and it really is beautifully staged.<br /><br />And a valiant--and I mean valiant--attempt at selling that Kyben look (and Tom/UTW called ME a used car salesman!) Major props for that!<br /><br />Beautifully done, pal.<br /><br />Matched only by Larry R's evocation of Curly chasing that boithday cake down endless stairs in one of my favorite Stooge epics.Larry Blamirenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8535833613343533564.post-14470471415622996082011-03-03T15:23:42.639-08:002011-03-03T15:23:42.639-08:00TED--
You have run the gamut here, my friend. Fro...TED--<br /><br />You have run the gamut here, my friend. From overall concept (ie: "storyboard come to life") to the multitude of specific observations, your commentary not only captures the essence of this landmark episode but also reminds me of the eloquent, compelling writing (from your Fantastic Films article) that first grabbed my attention and started me on my OL quest those many years ago.<br /><br />Your musical descriptions are fine; I could have used a couple of them myself ("shards"-- great for describing the effect of the piano sounds; I'll have to remember it). Hmm....maybe you and I should collaborate on something...how about a brief, poetic contribution to WACT?<br /><br />RE: the elevator race--in terms of its crucial importance to the plot (to say nothing of its edge-of-the-seat excitment), I'd say it ranks second only to Curley's flight down the stairs chasing "the boith-day cake!!" in "False Alarms". <br /><br />Fair assessment?Larry Rapchaknoreply@blogger.com