ShadowMagist

Okay, so first things, I do realize that title sucks. Forgive me.

Anyways, due to the lovely brainstorming by ThiefofLove and our other members, I bring you a General Episode Discussion Thread. Talk about your favorite episodes, your least favorite episodes, notice continuity or lack there of and all that jazz. And if we can swing it, we might be able to organize rewatches!

Let the thread begin!

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I just want to make clear, I hope it is already, that this thread is meant to be for taking things at your own pace. Not everyone can watch all the episodes, or can watch them at the same speed, so please feel free to go back to questions already asked, even six months ago (or longer). Or, as you're watching, if you think of a question, or something you want to say about an episode, feel free to do that too. Don't feel that you have to only talk about what we're discussing currently, go back, go forward, sideways, whatever. Heh.

Here's some of the things we've discussed thus far that we'd love people to weigh in on, and anything else you want to discuss, please do:
1) List your 5 favourite episodes from season one, season two, season three, and season four. (Asked by Thief Of Love)
2) I wasn't around here when the Finale aired but I thought that most people liked it? Was season four just so good that the finale couldn't even make the top five or was the finale not really good enough? (Asked by Dolfan13)
3) What do you think of season four as an ending to the series? Obviously we all wanted more and didn't want the show to end, but as the ending we got, how satisfying is it? To what extent does it work as an ending for you? Not just "Foreverwood" or the last scene, but the season as a whole.
4) What are your 5 favourite scenes from season one, two, three and four?
5) Do do you think about the perception that Everwood was "sentimental"? Are there any moments where even you, hardcore Everwood fan, said, "this is too much"?
6) What do we think of the shift from the focus being on a small town or family issues in season one and two to more of a relational focus in three and four?
7) Were you satisfied with every character's endings after season four? Is there anyone's ending that you simply cannot stand as an ending, because you desperately needed more?
8) What did Amy/Ephram do better than Bright/Hannah, and vice versa? Where are the weaknesses in your own favourite?
9) Not being a Colin fan, how do you see "Home"?
10) Where in the world would they have taken Bright in a Hannah-less S3 and 4?
->Other smaller topics include: Andy and his relationship with Amanda, Bright's potential career and Treat Williams' thoughts on the final season of the show.

Abomasum

Yay! I'm here! Let's start it!

Thief Of Love

Hurrah!

Ah...how about our top 5 favorite episodes from each season? I made a list of mine a few months ago (because I make lists of everything), and the exercise is a good way to really evaluate which storylines, characters, and tones (like: incredibly depressing? Or unexpectedly wacky? Or some combination thereof?) were most compelling to you as a viewer. And as there will surely be some difference of opinion on this topic, as some of us *ahem* have slightly oddball tastes, it should surely generate some nice discussion!

I think my list is on the other computer in the house, and I've changed my mind on a few of the items anyway, so I'll post it a little later.

everwoodfan52

Aren't we going to have an opening ceremony, a parade of participants, and fireworks?

'Tos

Thanks shadow! I quite like the title, but I'm also a total sap. Heh.

Ooh, I like the 5 favourite episode idea! I'll have to think about that. I'll get back on that tonight. *starts pondering*

everwoodfan52

We're starting with season one.....correct?
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'Tos

From each season, but starting with season one, yes. Just 5 favourite episodes from each, and if you've got any thoughts on them/reasons why they're your favourite and all that, add those too.

everwoodfan52

It is so difficult to pick 5 favorite episodes from a season. There are parts from every episide that I love....so I did my best.

Season one- 5 favorite episodes:

1. The Pilot- This is the most beautiful pilot episode that I have ever scene. I instantly fell in love with the Brown Family. I loved the characters and cared deeply that they would get over their grief and find happiness. I was intrigued by the relationship between Andy and Ephram. I knew that I would love those two and would be pulling for them to resolve their animosity.
I was also immediately drawn to the possible relationship between Andy and Nina and Ephram and Amy. In 3 words: I was hooked.

2. Is There a Doctor In The House- I enjoyed this episode for many reasons. I appreciated Bright for the first time as a decent person. I loved the fact that Andy finally communicated his true feelings to his son. I loved the fact that I realized that Amy really liked Ephram and didn't want him to leave. I loved the fact that Ephram was different....not good different, not bad different, just different.....and he's been called worse.


3. Home- Beautiful, moving season ender. Tear-jerking action, beautiful music. Like Thief said, Colin was not my favorite character, but you couldn't help but feel for him, his friends, and family. I also enjoyed the side trip that the Browns took. Ephram gained wonderful insight into his dad.

4. My Funny Valentine: I loved that There was a girl who appreciated Ephram's good qualities. I loved that Amy was jealous.

5. The Unveiling: Wonderful episode. I enjoyed seeing Ephram and his relationship with his mom. He had a completely different personality then. The comflict with Andy and Ephram was so well portrayed and their intense scenes together were so well acted. When Ephram finally realized his dad's innocence and his mom's guilt....the scene was so overwhelming and beautifully done. When Andy kissed Ephram's head....wow...just a breathtaking scene.

Thief Of Love

My Top 5 of S1:

1. Pilot - Very fine introduction to the characters and to the town itself, but what really makes it is Andy and Ephram's epic showdown. That scene showed that Everwood wasn't afraid to make its main characters seem a little bit (emotionally) ugly, and it was that kind of nerve that made the show as great as it was.

2. We Hold These Truths - It gives more depth to the Colin storyline, but I particularly value it for how it deepened the Abbott backstories. (Plus, I just love the surgery mix CD Ephram makes for Andy -- "I've Got You Under My Skin." Heeee.)

3. Is There a Doctor in the House? - Great Andy/Harold interaction, great enhancing of Bright as a character.

4. The Unveiling - Another example of Everwood's willingness to subvert some of our expectations: the "good parent" was the one to betray the marriage. Nice, meaty Andy/Ephram material.

5. Home - Breathtakingly depressing finale, probably Everwood's finest. I didn't even like Colin all that much, but the "Cathedrals" montage...oy.

'Tos

I think it's a good idea to start with season one, because knowing how much I procrastinate, the rest might take a week to get out of me.

5 Favourites of Season One:

1. Home - This, to me, is the quintessential episode of Everwood. It would be what I would show someone to explain why I'm so obsessed with this show. A lot of it has to do with the fact that I, and I seem to be in a smaller minority everyday (hee), liked Colin. A lot. From the voiceover (bringing it back to the pilot) all of Colin's goodbyes (Bright's is still one of my favourite moments), the reveal of how Andy Brown was discovered and many other reveals (why Andy came to Everwood), the movie feel (look at the road trip, it looks amazing), the montage, just everything. This is Everwood at its best. Look at that writing team, by the way. The big four: Greg Berlanti, Rina Mimoun, Vanessa Taylor and Michael Green. Even if they were writing an episode of 7th Heaven I doubt those four together could do anything less than amazing.

2. Pilot - It is still the best pilot I've ever seen. It sets up all the characters wonderfully and quickly. It sets up the premise, the backstory and the town just as wonderfully and quickly. Having Julia "appear" is very brave, and what I love about Greg Berlanti. You tell someone that a dead wife is going to appear on a television show, and they'll roll their eyes. But when you see it, with Greg's writing, he turns your expectations right on your head.

3. The Unveiling - Just going to word what you two have said already, hehe. I actually gasped the first time Andy kissed Ephram's head. It was such a powerful moment, and Greg's acting when he looks at him afterwards. Oh, that scene melts my heart. And the fight, when Ephram finds out about Julia's affair, that was brilliant.

Alright, time to get to one without a commentary.

4. The Great Doctor Brown - Mainly because it's such an amazing follow up from the pilot. These two really start the consistency that makes Everwood season one have that magical feeling. I love Greg's delivery, and the writing, of what The Great Doctor Brown is. I think that's one of the better, and harshest, moments from Ephram without getting into a fight with his father. Annnnd Julia's "goodbye". Heartbreaking.

5. We Hold These Truths - Everwood made brilliant use of flashbacks. I found myself so engrossed into the backstory here, and the Ephram/Amy moments, who Colin is, Bright in (I think?) his first big emotional breakthrough, and Dr. Brian. I liked him.

ShadowMagist

everwoodfan, Blind Faith is from season 2!

1. The Unveiling--This episode is simply stunning. How they managed to integrate so much of The Brown's dynamics in New York and to see them currently was amazing. The presence of Julia is overwhelming whenver she appears and the writers and actors do everything to take advantage of that. You really do feel the loss that they felt when she died. The fight between Andy and Ephram and their journey throughout broke my heart. The final 15 minutes just broought tears to my eyes. With Julia's monologue to Andy's kiss...there's a reason why this is my 3rd favorite episode ever.

2. Home--Everything you ever wanted in a finale or just an episode in general, you got it here. Sharp, on point writing; whether it be the gorgeous voiceover to Andy telling Ephram why they're there in Everwood to Colin's goodbye, this was one of the greats. And if you weren't enjoying this episode enough by itself, they come in with this montage that'll make you cry everytime you see it. Its cruel how good they were with this. Poor Colin.

3. Pilot--Can't really say anything more than what's been said. A fantastic opening that fleshed out it's characters so well with so much ease. It remains my favorite pilot to this day. It was just so magical and real and the scenery they got to use was beautiful. I can still picture the Amy/Ephram scene on top of the mountain.

4. Vegetative State--One of Everwood's more underrated episodes doing something it did on a regular basis: taking on controversy. They manage to take a subject like marijuana give it a human perspective and take you on a great ride. And not just the marijuana story; We had Colin's big homecoming and the setup of his emotional journey back to health. And Nina and her hellspawn, Sam. This episode just had some many rich storylines and such great payoffs, it remains a classic.

5. Colin The Second--The start of ShutupCarl begins! The fight scene between him and Nina blows me away everytime. The writers really set up a great situation between these two; with him being away and her feeling neglected and unwanted, and them finally coming to blows in this one...it just feels very organic. Dylan and Stephanie both played off each other so well, I was captivated by their performances. This episode also features the downfall of Colin and its so sad, because they don't realize how bad its gonna get. I do love how Bright steps up to the plate when Colin leaves Amy hanging at the ceremony. Really showed how great a brother and character he is and is becoming.

everwoodfan52

Yikes!!!!!

I know that!!

I guess when the Season two round comes......I'll only be allowed to post 4 episodes.

'Tos

You couuuld just edit in another episode? We want you to have five for season two!

I think I knew most people's thoughts on season one, so it'll be really interesting to get into season two and three, and four for sure. I think that's where we'll see some big distinctions for favourite episodes. Not that I'm not interested in season one thoughts, heh, just that the latter seasons are even a bit harder for me to rank episodes. I pretty much knew what I was going to do with season one pretty much already. I'm actually going to have to look into the other seasons episodes that I really loved to pick five.

Thief Of Love

Oh, yeah. Upon reviewing my own lists, I realized that I had actually come up with six favorites from each season...and S3 and 4 also had multiple runners-up. It's going to be painful, but should be awfully interesting to see how much variation there is between all of our lists! S1 pretty much has to include at least two out of three of the Pilot, The Unveiling, and Home, but there are fewer of those 'staple' episodes in the subsequent three seasons -- brilliant and lovely eps to be sure, but not as many that are absolutely key to the Everwood viewing experience. I think the general viewing experience got a little more idiosyncratic after S1.

'Tos

Absolutely. Well-said. Season four, for me, has just as many episodes that I just have to watch as season one, which really surprised me when I watched it. Yet, other than Goodbye, Love and Foreverwood, it doesn't have the big event episodes. Season one had, like...six? Pilot, We Hold These Truths, The Unveiling, Episode 20, Home. Alright, five, plus a bunch of second-tier big episodes because season one is so connected "and [Colin] is at the center". Thanks Andy.