artners of the Month

Comments

The wonderful thing about this episode isn't the mystery storyline, at all; in fact, that's rarely the best thing about the show. The development of the personal relationships between the characters, in this case Nick and Janette and Nick and Schanke, drives the series and makes it great. Good old bumbling, lovable Schanke, always so goofy, finally sees what he thinks is an opportunity to take charge of his life and have a good time, only to discover it's love and stability he really craves. The sad thing is that he wants to bond with Nick, to have what he sees as a normal partner relationship with him, but he is denied this because of Nick's nature, i.e. they can't share a pizza and beer; nor is Schanke even capable of listening to Nick's problems. Looking back at an episode like this, you really kind of wish that Nick had been able to tell Schanke the truth before he died in that plane crash.

-- Ed Ducayet

I liked this episode because it saw Nick and Janette together during the Renaissance and getting then back together in the twentieth century. A far more plausible situation than the relationship (?) with Natalie. In addition, Nick and LaCroix seemed to be getting on rather well and Nick was a bit less painful than usual and seems to be coming more to terms with his vampire nature. I hoped vainly that episodes might continue along in this direction; i.e. Nick being more appreciative of LaCroix (who, it seems to me, is always rescuing Nick from the consequences of his silly and often gutless behaviour), a nice relationship with Janette, and finally getting rid of his endless and tedious guilt and just accepting himself for what he is. After all, if Nick feels so guilty about being a vampire -- why doesn't he just walk out into the sunlight or some such thing? It would improve the series vastly if Nick got rid of his guilt and basic gutlessness and accepted himself for what he is. No wonder LaCroix gets fed up! It's a great pity that the actors who play Skanke and Janette had to leave in the 3rd season.

-- Clare

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