"Reunion" 1.11 - Original Airdate: 01/08/03
  
Written by Eddy Kitsis & Adam Horowitz
Directed by Chris Long
Guest Stars:
Christopher Wiehl as Jack Barrett
Shawn Christian as Wade Brixton
Robert Patrick Benedict as Gibson Kafka
J.P Manoux as Cameron Henderson
Robert Clendenin as Leonard
Co-Starring:
Sean McGowan as Joey Norvillino
Alexander Scarlis as Stuart Thomson
Nelson Ascensio as Craig Finn
Jennifer Darling as Margaret Brixton
Noel Conlan as Joe Brixton
I don't know. Maybe it was the fact that there hasn't been a new episode in a few weeks. Maybe it was the fact it immediately followed "Gladiatrix", but I really enjoyed "Reunion".
Unlike "Gladiatrix" which was limited to a few cardboardish sets, "Reunion" had a nice set design, and a whole lot of extras. The bar scenes and the reunion itself looked very crowded and full of like and energy. Compare this to the dozen tuxedo wearing hecklers and "Gladiatrix" and you'll see what I'm talking about. (I promise, that'll be the last mention of "Gladiatrix" in this review. Although now that I think about it, "Gladiatrix" is a pretty stupid name, isn't it? Hmm. Anyway...)
This episode was Birds of Prey at it's best. Cam the Chameleon (hey, I just got that joke, how about that) was an interesting villain. His powers were unique, and I appreciated the discussion about which powers he might and might not have, because of other known metas. It irks me that he waited until the reunion to make his move towards Helena, but he did mention that he had built himself up to success for her, so I'll let that slide. That shimmer effect and his fight scenes were well done, and the smoke effect used as Cam blended into things was pretty cool.
The acting was great all around. The supporting roles were well played, and the entire cast all got their moment. Wade and Gibson's appearances were good, since it's been a while since we've seen either. I liked the talk about costumes and masks among the regulars, which was long overdue. It was also nice to see the behinds the scenes of being a hero, as shown in the talk about sharing a secret identity. On that note, I liked Dinah being a kid sister and chiding Helena on not even having a secret identity.
"What secret identity? You don't wear glasses, you don't wear a mask."
One nitpick lies with the reusing of old footage, which might not be obvious to a casual viewer, but to regulars stands out like a sore thumb. The scene with Wade and Barbara on a date with Wade's parents had to have been lifted from the third episode. If you don't believe me, watch it again and you'll see Barb mention she met Wade's disapproving folks on an off-screen date. I wondered why that scene was cut, since it didn't make much sense, but it seemed jarring to see it so late in the game.
And, although I'm not 100% sure on this, I believe the scene with Barbara and Wade buying flowers was taken from the unaired pilot, with slight alteration.
There were more laughs this time around. The drunk guy was pretty funny, and some of the lines were good, without hitting you over the head with them.
All in all, "Reunion" was the better of the two episodes of Birds of Prey shown tonight, and, although I'm crossing my fingers, a nice way for the show to go off.
At least it's a new Angel next week.
WB Summary for "Reunion"
"When Helena's former classmates descend upon New Gotham for their fifth class reunion, two of the alums are brutally murdered. While Helena tries to find the killer, she fears that Reese's (Shemar Moore) investigation will lead him to learn too much about her true identity."
TV Guide Summary for "Reunion"
"As Helena (Ashley Scott) concocts excuses to avoid attending her high-school reunion, former classmates are being murdered by a chameleonlike predator. Barbara: Dina Meyer. Dinah: Rachel Skarsten. Reese: Shemar Moore."
Comicology for "Reunion"
While "Clutsy" Cam is a new character, there are several villains able to conseal their identities by blending into their surroundings, including the Chameleon and Zartan.
Ratings for "Reunion"
01/08/03 - 3.0/4
102 (tie) out of 128 programs for that week, 5 in it's timeslot (out of 6)
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