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Moonlight

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Season 1, Episode 14, Aired May 02, 2008

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Mick is hired to help protect a rising Hollywood starlet who feels threatened by paparazzi, but she ends up murdered. Meanwhile, Beth gets a new boss at BuzzWire.

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Cast & Crew

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GUEST STAR
Zane Copeland, Jr.

Clint
GUEST STAR
Robert Okumu

Paparazzo #2
GUEST STAR
Sean Wing

Scott Walsh

Alex O'Loughlin

Mick St. John
Sophia Myles

Beth Turner
Jason Dohring

Josef Kostan

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Fan Episode Reviews (14)

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A few minor buggeries but overall pretty darn fantastic, as always.

8.4

"Great"

By Nissaxx, May 10, 2008

There was much to like about this episode. A few examples are the almost-kiss, Mick coming to terms with his vampirism, Beth turning to Josef to protect Mick, etc. Yet the case of the week really bugged me. Mostly they present us with well thought out and neatly executed murder mysteries and this time was no different. But I thought the overall development of things went way too slow and I just didn't buy it that Mick would impulsively expose himself to the outside world like that. I have no problem with the fact that Mick is trying to embrace life (or rather, being undead) and have fun but in such a dangerous way to him and even Beth? I rather thought Josef would be furious at him when the two vamps had their obligatory conversation.

But anyway, this show is so good I gladly overlook such quibbles. The Beth/Mick storyline is moving faster and faster forward and that's what matters! Too bad they had to introduce a carbon copy of Josh (read: Ben Talbot) to mess things up. Necessary to prolong the sexual tension, yes, but man do I hate that guy already!

Favorite quote of the week:

Mick: "And you know, I mean if you need anything I'm uh, right upstairs, anyway."

Beth: "In your freezer."moreless
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Making a case for survival

7.0

"Good"

By entil2001, May 06, 2008

Rather than rest on their laurels and limp into a potential second season, the writers (who are now in nominal control of the series) have chosen to use these extra post-strike episodes as a bridge between the first season arc and the future. The main hook is the idea that Mick might be exposed in the wake of Josh and Maureen's deaths. Mick has his own way to deal with such a threat, but surprisingly, so does Beth.

I'm not sure that it makes sense for Beth to be so nave about the truth of her chosen genre. Perhaps Maureen kept Buzzwire more or less respectable, but anyone with passing familiarity with TMZ or Perez Hilton is aware of the utter lack of basic human decency displayed. Someone in that general field should know if they're the exception to the rule.

But perhaps there was simple a line Beth wasn't willing to cross, even if it meant getting very close to it. As we see in her wonderful conversation with Josef in the final act, she's willing to consider and even advocate some disturbing actions. She simply won't dirty her own hands in the process of seeing to her (and Mick's) best interests. That, combined with her more confident acceptance of vampires as a whole, brought home the strengths of the character for me.

I also liked the exploration of Mick's weaknesses. Josef tries to get Mick to understand that a public presence is more of a danger than he suspects, but Mick seems to think he has everything under control. It's a touch of hubris that has always been there since the beginning of the series, and it's come back to bite Mick before (the second episode comes to mind). What it could do in this instance is force Mick to decide between staying with Beth or leaving town to protect himself.

While I'm hopeful that this possible threat to the vampire underground will last longer than the next couple episodes, since it would logically get Josef more directly involved with the story, the pacing of the series thus far suggests otherwise. If there is one complaint I have about the series, it's the tendency to rush through plot points that would be better served by depth. Hopefully, if the series survives to a second season (and the SAG strike is avoided), the writers can make these minor but rewarding adjustments.moreless
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A perfect follow up to last week's action packed "Fated to Pretend." If you saw it once and didn't pay special attention to Alex O'Loughlin's eyes (which speak volumes), you missed half the episode.moreless

10

"Perfect"

By YourMomma59, May 05, 2008

I have to admit it...I'm in love. Most people would think you'd be in love with the ever-so-hot Alex McLoughlin or the cute-as-a-button, devil may care Jason Dohring. Neither of those two are the object of my affection though. I'm completely and totally in love with the writers. That's right, those people who stay miles behind the camera every week. Those people we would never recognize in a grocery store (well, with the exception of someone like Aaron Sorkin). Those people who's names are only recognized by the few who bother to look at who actually wrote the script. I'm so in love with them. I want to give them all hugs and kisses for this week's script (Erin Maher, Kathryn Reindl and director Scott Lautanen).

You would have thought there would be no way to even come close to presenting a script worthy of following last week's actioned packed episode. Yet once again they continue to stay on course with the show and keep it amazingly fresh.

The week's episode jumps out the chute with a BANG! We see kick-ass Tierney (the girl who has hired Mick to find out where leaks to the paparazzi are coming from in her organization) tear up the road in an Audi R8. If you were dozing off during "Ghost Whisperer," the opening scene in this episode would have jolted you awake. The stunt driving was fun to watch and Mick saying, "ok, I can't die, can't die, can't die" was one of the funnier lines of the night.

I loved the continual reveal of vampire culture in this series. We find two young vamps who use their special abilities as part of the paparazzi. While Mick has run up to the rooftop to evade the maddening crowd pursuing him, his brethren have no problem catching up. This leads to a confrontation between the three in which Mick clarifies exactly which vamp is at the top of the food chain.

One thing that was a little different about Mick in this episode was his sense of self. I admit, after watching this week's fare the first couple of times, I was slightly disturbed by the body language coming off of Alex. Mick had this slight sense of cockiness mixed with irritability. Before you disagree, take another look.

Some of the places Mick's attitude appears is in the words he uses to ask Beth how they want "to do this dating thing". It almost sounds like he's being forced into it unwillingly (he did look a little P.O.'d after Talbot looked at him). There's the way he says "I think we're dating" to Tierney which clearly doesn't mimic the way he previously cherished Beth. Then there's that rolling of the eyes from side to side he does before walking over to Beth after Tierney tells him to "uncomplicate it." Mick almost makes it look like a chore he has to take care of.

Mick DOES seem to bring that love back right before he almost kisses Beth on deck, but by the time they're together in his apartment getting ready to bed down for the night, he's back to folding his arms across his chest after handing her the tea and holding his left hand on his hip while they're talking - both signs of irritation. There are no cuddly moments before he walks upstairs to go to bed. She says "sweet dreams" and as he climbs up the stairs to his freezer he points at her and says "you too." Maybe I'm in the minority, but usually when you're just beginning a relationship there's some kind of physical interaction at the end of the night - a hug, a kiss, trailing your fingertips along his arm until you reach his hand that you squeeze good-night.

Being the inquisitive type, I watched the episode over and over until I could draw a conclusion about what was going down. Either Alex was irritated that the writers were going in this direction with Mick and Beth (as mentioned in his TV Guide interview) or he has some seriously mad rockin' acting skills! I choose the latter because, let's face it, Alex is capable of some pretty deep emotion.

We know from previous episodes that having vampire blood in you (whether naturally or through Black Crystal) exaggerates personality characteristics. A woman, like Beth, becomes an overwhelmingly sensual example of estrogen. A man would become more testostric. We know where that leads - ask any football player with 'roid rage.

Sure, it shouldn't affect Mick as much. He's been a vampire before. I take into consideration the way the episode started. New vampire Mick decides to take a walk on the wild side and put his face out there in the spotlight - clearly not the Mick of old, but something a newly turned vampire might do with his new found confidence. (Of course, if that was the plan to begin with the writers get the credit.)

We also know that while Mick has heeded Beth's warning to fish or get out of the boat as far as their relationship is concerned, this is new territory for him. If you've ever watched an incredibly insecure male try to pursue a woman...well you have a picture of Mick in this episode. Remember, anger is fear turned inward and Mick is exhibiting signs that he jumped into this before he was emotionally ready to. Sometimes you just have to do that though. If it's meant to be, it will be. Timing is everything.

If this mixed bag of emotions was all done on purpose, then Alex is the puppet master. His eyes react with each word spoken. His irritation about the "dating thing" comes directly after he and Talbot's eyes have made contact. Rolling his eyes seems appropriate after his client, another woman, tells him to get over himself. (Not really the nicest thing to tell someone holding back due to their own fears from the past.)

Mick is quick to suggest Beth stay at his apartment, but if you look at his eyes after he's asked, they're as sweet as a shy little boy trying to find the words to ask a girl to walk home with him in grade school. Mick trips all over his words this way until he gets to the part where he says "besides, I sleep in my freezer" at which point we see some regret. He jumps from scared little boy to "now I remember why I hate being a vampire" in seconds. He takes this mild irritation over to the stairs and tries to soften it by letting Beth know if there's anything she needs, he's right upstairs (he's giving her an opportunity - back to the little boy). Unfortunately, Beth blows the whole exchange by reminding him he sleeps in a freezer.

The next look on Alex O'Loughlin's face is priceless. Brows down, furrowed forehead (exactly why actors shouldn't mess with Botox!) he almost looks hurt by her words. What he needs is a hug and a kiss. Instead he gets a "sweet dreams" from Beth. Realizing there'll be no physical compassion for the vampire in the freezer, he points his finger at her, says "you too" and goes up the stairs. The moment passes so quickly, you don't get to enjoy the full impact of all the emotions Mick has gone through in only a matter of seconds unless you're specifically looking for it. It's almost like finding an easter egg in a Windows gaming program.

This week's story was not as ambitious as last week, but was lots of fun and contained several favorite moments. The two best ones, for the second week in the row, included the scene-stealing Jason Dohring. Josef's denial that he has any parental responsibility for Mick is almost as bad as a high school teenaged boy who's just been shown the plus sign on a pregnancy test. (Personally, I think Josef would be a GREAT dad/sire!)

The second, and my absolute favorite of the episode is the scene at the end between Josef and Beth. Beth, as any good reporter would do, asks Mick what would happen to a vampire that was in danger of being exposed. Mick explains to her in that case it would be time to pick up and move on. Keeping the earlier events to herself (the stalker photographer trying to blackmail her with pictures of Mick), she meets with Josef in her apartment.

The emotion at the end of this scene both Dohring and Myles put out is as deep a river as Myles and O'Loughlin display when Mick and Beth are expressing their love for one another. It is so incredibly intimate, you feel the need to be alone just to soak up their unconditional love and respect for Mick which is still swirling around as the camera shot switches to a night scene of L. A.

Speaking of the camera work, as always there were some lovely shots throughout the episode. The best of the evening was of Mick and Beth as seen through the hallway on the Queen Mary. It was beautiful, picturesque and very film noir.

At the end of our story this week, we find Mick and Beth finally going on their first date at a restaurant. She tells Mick she has quit Buzzwire by saying "I'm not going to make a living feeding off people like some kind of..." Ok, I didn't mind this scene so much BEFORE I made a close investigation of what was going on with Mick, but now that I have I just want to slap Beth upside the head. Again, the point goes to Alex O'Loughlin's rockin' mad acting skills. The close up of his reaction to her words is heart-breaking. Once again it goes by so quickly, unless you're looking for it, you may only see the smile that comes afterwards as he and Beth laugh at the irony of her words.

While this relationship has some huge obstacles to overcome, the biggest one is not Mick's fear from his past experiences. The biggest obstacle is going to be getting Beth to be more sensitive to Mick's emotional queues. Men can overcome their fears, but trying to change your vocabulary to be sensitive to others takes constant monitoring and can be far more damaging in the long run.

If you think I'm kidding, take a good look at the last view of Mick's face before they switch back to the photographer's demise. Love, sadness, insecurity, it's all there in Alex O'Loughlin's eyes. Whether Alex put that in there himself or the writers put a direction line in the script it speaks volumes as to where this relationship will or can go in the future. Either way, we will have seen the warning signs before it even began.

These are the reasons I love this show so much. The actors and their infinite ability to weave intricate emotions, the writers who give them the emotional playground to play on, the beautiful style of cinematography and every person on staff and in the crew all come together to bring us this wonderful hour of television bliss every week.

With only two weeks left (which CBS took advantage of by loudly declaring it in the previews for the last two episodes) I'm finding it hard to reconcile that CBS may pull the plug of this fantastic show even though it was one of the few shows who kept their numbers up when viewers returned from the strike. Have a heart CBS. On Friday nights, it's not going to get any better than this.moreless
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mick and beth are very much liking the fact that they both are dating each other.

10

"Perfect"

By mickhot08, May 05, 2008

this was such a very hot episode i really loved it. mick has to protect a young actress and beth doesn't even get jealous that is really nice of her. the best part is how slowly beth is becoming soemwhat like a vampire. when i mean like a vampire i mean when she and josef meet in her apartment and she asked him if he could take care one paperazzi that was stalking mick. and josef asked beth if he should pay him off. and she was scared to say it but she meant take care of him as in kill him. i love that beth would do anything to save mick that is true love.moreless
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Moonlight keeps delivering on good plot lines.

9.7

"Superb"

By demit, May 04, 2008

Moonlight has been pretty consistent in delivering good plot lines, it was nice to see more involvement from St. John's friend I would like to see that played up a bit.

This is advancing the 'romance/love/confusion' arc of the main characters. I, for one, am relived that this show seems to be on a solid track for renewal next season.

All in all, without giving away any major plot details, our vampire lead gets involved in becoming a celebrity bodyguard, in which task he ultimately fails. However he does solve the murder and bring the bad guy to justice. The sub-plot is also somewhat resolved, but uncovers another sub-plot, both of which are potential 'reveals' of his vampire status.

I don't like to put spoilers into reviews, so just take my advice and watch the episode :)moreless
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TRIVIA (2)
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- The Queen Mary, which is now a floating hotel in Long Beach, California, was the setting for the party in this episode. Before being pressed into service as a World War II troop transport, it was one of the most elegant means of travel across the Atlantic ocean from the 1930's through the 1960's. The incident that Mick described, being on the Queen Mary when it nearly capsized, really happened. The ship was transporting 16,082 American GI's from New York to Great Britain when it was struck broadside by a rogue wave. The ship tilted dangerously, and nearly capsized. This puts Mick on the Queen Mary, on his way to Europe, in December of 1942.
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- Beth quits BuzzWire in this episode.
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QUOTES (9)
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- Josef: So what do you want me to do about this Foster character? Beth: I thought you could handle it. You know ... pay him off or something. Josef: You think that'll work? Beth: (hesitates) No. Josef: Well then you know how I'm gonna handle it.
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- Mick: You should probably stay here then. With me. Beth: Wow. From dating to speed-dating. Mick: No I don't mean with me, with me, I just-- I can't drive you, and my couch is comfortable ... and besides, I sleep in my freezer upstairs. Beth: Okay. Well ... better safe than sorry. Mick: And, you know, if you need anything, I'm just right upstairs, anyway. Beth: In your freezer. Mick: ... Yeah.
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- Beth: You are going to get sooo tired of watching me eat. Mick: I hope so.
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- Mick: Look, I've been meaning to call you about the other night. Beth: The other night when you kissed me. Mick: So, uh, how do you wanna do this? Beth: It's called dating. Mick: Right. We go out, get to know each other. Beth: You've known me since I was four. Mick: Okay, it's weird when you say it like that.
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- Mick: Actually, I haven't exactly been in a romantic relationship with a human since I became a vampire. Beth: What? You mean, you haven't ... ? Mick: Not with a human. Beth: Wow. Mick: It's not like you've slept with a vampire! Beth: Maybe once in college but I was really drunk ...
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- Mick: Okaaay. This is a one way street. Tierney: So? I'm going one way. Mick: Yeah, the wrong way.
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- Mick: (in a speeding car) Okay, you can't die. You can't die. You can't die.
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- Tierney: Go talk to your friend. Mick: What friend? Tierney: I saw you with her at lunch. Mick: Yes, she's ah (pauses). I think we're dating. Tierney: You think? Mick: Well it's complicated. Tierney: Can you be yourself with her? Mick: Mostly, yeah. Tierney: Then uncomplicate it.
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- Josef: Now, this Tierney girl -- Mick: Yes, I know, I know. She's a celebrity and, you're concerned that I'm endangering myself with this kind of public exposure. But don't worry Dad, I'll ... I'll be careful. Josef: Don't call me that. Mick: Well you did turn me ... Josef: Re-turned you! Re-turned. And you were going to become a vampire again anyway. I'm not your sire. Mick: Kind of my stepsire though ... Josef: No!
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NOTES (3)
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- International Air Dates: UK: May 20th, 2008 on LivingTV Denmark: June 21st, 2008 on TV3 Sweden: August 24th, 2008 on TV3 Germany: September 15th, 2008 on ProSieben The Netherlands: January 11th, 2009 on Net 5 Poland: April 3rd, 2009 on TVP1 Turkey: July 28th, 2009 on CNBC-e Finland: August 13th, 2010 on Sub
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- Featured Music: "Can't Stop" by Maroon 5 "Be My Girl" by DL&Fx "Say About Me" by Tamar Berk "Smile For The Paparazzi" by Cobra Starship "Feel It" "Boys & Girls" by Mon Roe "Into The Ocean" by Blue October "I Know Who You Could Be" by Butcher Boy
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- During the scene where Mick and Tierney are talking at the cafe, the closed captioning was all incorrect. It appeared to be playing the captioning from another scene, and at a sped up pace.
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ALLUSIONS (1)
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- Mick: The camera, Lost Boy. This is a reference to the 1987 film The Lost Boys, featuring Kiefer Sutherland, that is about two brothers who move to a new town. One brother tries to save the other brother, who he thinks has gotten caught up with a group of vampires.
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