The Lone Gunmen - Season 1 (DVD)

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Good
Characters / Performances	Good
Special Effects	Standard
Soundtrack	Average

Advantages:	Great spin off
Disadvantages:	Only lasted a season

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

INTRODUCTION

Do you remember the X-Files? Mulder and Scully and those alien conspiracy theories? If you do, you may also remember an odd looking trio called 'The Lone Gunmen' who often assisted the two FBI agents in seeking out the truth.
For those of you with short memories and/or no idea who I am talking about, The Lone Gunmen were three men armed with a pixel-load of computer equipment, a thirst for the paranormal, bad hair [and even worse dress sense] and an obscene talent for hacking.
Unfortunately, DVD Season One is infact as far as they got, because FOX [the company who produced this spin-off from the X-Files] decided to can the whole thing after just twelve episodes.
If you are infact a Mulder and Scully virgin, then I wouldn't be too concerned as this can stand on it's own two feet. Infact, it takes a slightly different outlook from the X-Files.
PERSONAL NOTES: I was never a huge fan of the X-Files and endured it purely because an ex-partner loved it. It became far more interesting however with the introduction of The Lone Gunmen in season five.

BACKGROUND

The Lone Gunmen starred, in whole or in part, in thirty-eight episodes of the X-Files and were first seen in the one entitled 'Unusual Suspects'. We learn that their 'name' is derived from the Kennedy assasination [the lone gunman theory] and that they also publish a newsletter called 'The Magic Bullet' [yet again a Kennedy reference].
Personally, I took to them straight away as I seem to have a fondness for geek [Mulder was definately one for starters! Yes he was!] and was thrilled when they continued to appear in random episodes of the show.

THE CHARACTERS

The original trio is comprised of:
MELVIN FROHIKE: The eldest and most unusually dressed. Melvin is a very skilled computer hacker and photographer. He often argues with Richard Langley [see below].
PERSONALLY: Despite his childish discussions with the others, I think he is most sensitive of the bunch, and can come across as a rather wisened character when dealing with the most serious issues.
JOHN FITZGERALD BYERS: This guy looks very different from his two comrades. He dresses smarter, looks trimmer [check out that neat beard] and doesn't have the aura of 'angst' surrounding him like the other two.
PERSONALLY: I get the feeling that John would prefer a quiet life though, and is just doing the 'paranormal' thing to annoy his father [a high ranking government type].
RICHARD LANGLEY: The youngest and most immature character. His nickname is 'Ringo' and he has a long running feud with Melvin about who is the best hacker.
PERSONALLY: My favourite! He always puts me in mind of Garth from 'Wayne's World', and I love his little obsessions concerning certain TV programmes and games.

THE EPISODES

As I mentioned earlier there are twelve episodes in the set [and a special 13th lost episode]. The titles are:
Pilot
Bond, Jimmy Bond
Eine Kleine Frohike
Like Water For Octane
Three Men And A Smoking Diaper
Madam, I'm Adam
Planet Of The Frohikes: A Short History Of My Demeaning Captivity
Maximum Byers
Diagnosis: Jimmy
Tango De Los Pistoleros
Lying Game
All About Yves [Series finale]
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Cap'n Toby Show [Lost episode]

NOTE: There is also an episode called 'Jump The Shark', which is actually one from the X-Files detailing how the whole 'Gunmen' series ends. We are left on a cliffhanger at the end you see, so it was a wise and generous move to include this addition!

The pilot episode might be deemed a little too close to the 9/11 mark. I was actually surprised to find out it was all about a Boeng, rigged to fly into the World Trade Center, but to be honest it didn't spoil the debut for me because it was filmed before the actual tragedy. It's basically about rogue government agents armed with a lethal remote, and if you're up to viewing it, then it's one of the best episodes in my opinion.
NOTE: Obviously you may feel that it wouldn't be appropriate to watch, even after all this time, so I felt it right to give you fair warning.

My all time favourite one of the series is 'Tango De Los Pistoleros', as we discover something about Melvin that was completely unexpected!

As you scroll through the discs, you will be introduced to two more main supporting characters [whom I call the obligatory stud and babe personas - it's America!]. I have briefly introduced them below:

JIMMY BOND: Handsome, rich, brave and just a little dim. To be fair, he just has a little too much optimism for my liking, but he gels well with trio as their new benefactor.
YVES ADELE HARLOW: Definately has the bombshell factor this one! She'a a thief who either rivals or assists The Gunmen. I often find that new characters can unbalance a show to the point where it feels uncomfortable, but am pleased to say she fits in very well here.

As I mentioned previously, this series detatches itself rather well from the X-Files and persues a different set of storylines. It isn't a question of aliens anymore, but rather corporate crime with a twist! It seems to me that no subject is strictly taboo here. If I mention wrestling midgets for example, you may get the idea!
PERSONAL NOTE: In retrospect, I suppose I found this more appealing than the X-Files because I felt that at least now we were dealing with more realistic conspiracies.

SPECIAL FEATURES

COMMENTARY: There is a section on crew and cast commentary about five of the episodes featured on the disc, including the X-Files one 'Jump The Shark'.
PERSONALLY: I enjoyed this more than I had imagined I might, as it added a decent backdrop to the whole 'Gunmen' experience.
THE MAKING OF THE LONE GUNMEN: This was almost as long as an entire episode and is the icing on the celluloid cake! It isn't assself-serving as some features can be and you get a good look at some great behind-the-scenes footage.
PERSONALLY: As you may have gathered, I thoroughly enjoyed this, and it comes with a definate 'thumbs-up' recommendation!

EXTRA INFO

1) David Duchovny [Mulder from the X-Files] makes a guest star appearance in the show.
2) This was produced by Chris Carter, Vince Gilligan, John Shiban and Frank Spotnitz.
3) Dolby Surround Widescreen [1.78:1] with English and Spanish subtitles available.

IN CONCLUSION

If you like your science with a sprinkle of fiction then this might be just the thing for you. Even if you've never seen the X-Files [or were never particularly impressed by it], there is no reason you can't enjoy this great series.
Don't expect lavish special effects, but do expect decently delivered storylines, and a splattering of comedy here and there.
I give this 9/10 overall.

TEASER

Here is a very simple teaser for you: Taking into account the Kennedy references, what is YVES ADELE HARLOW an anagram of?