Reviews for Running on Faith, Season One
| Michael J |
09/29/04 - 12:13PM |
20: Episode 20: Growing Up |
Signed |
Excellent chapter. When Spike/Faith happened, I felt a little anger, but that all disappeared when you used that as a catalyst for Faith to find her role as Slayer in her own right instead of just Buffy's second banana. I'm not too pleased with the retread of the "Everyone disagrees with Buffy" trend that has happened at least once during every season of Buffy, but if it removes her from the scene and puts the focus back on Faith (given that it is her series), I'm all for it. Now you just need to slowly phase Angel out of the picture. I think entrusting Connor's rehab and training to Faith since he is still on the run would be an interesting direction to go. Allowing Faith to try to save someone's soul on her own (maybe two if Dana stays) would be an interesting arc. Really, the only thing I didn't like about this chapter was Willow's lack of a backbone and her refusal to use magic to heal Kennedy. Considering that she seemed to be at peace with herself and her power in the Buffy finale, not wanting to use magic to help someone seems a bit out of character. I think you've successfully wrapped up any loose ends that both shows left dangling except the issue of Buffy's intense overprotectiveness of Dawn. Hopefully we get into more Faith-centric stories now. Fantastic work here.
Author's Response: Thanks for the review. I'd like to note that not everyone disagreed with Buffy. Kennedy and Willow came down on Buffy's side. Willow's backbone will have to wait for next chapter (all 22 episodes are written, I'm just posting them slowly). Angel will definitely be moving out of the picture in the not too distant future. Like most relationships in the Buffyverse, I intended Spike/Faith to polarize people. Most people love it, but I expect some, like you, may hate it. I’m talking to a couple other fic writers to see whether they think Dana should stay on next year. I’m not sure yet. |
| Kevin |
09/27/04 - 01:05AM |
3: Episode 3: Everybody’s Got an Angle |
Signed |
Loved this chapter! It was totally action packed. Spike’s reaction to Riley was great. Connor trying to impress Buffy was great. The additions of the two women villains should prove for some definite excitement. The action sequences were also awesome. The tunnel chase had me breathless and the last bit (don’t want to give anything away in the review) was awesome and has me craving more. One more thing. I think I picked up on an inside joke. As huge fan of the character Connor, I know that the first episode VK appeared as him was the 19th episode of season 3. When Connor remembered the license plate as being EPS319, was that a shout out? (In other words EPS= Episode and 319= 3.19).
Author's Response: Thanks for the review and thanks for catching the inside joke. The license plate EPS319 is in fact a shout out to adult Connor’s first episode. There’s a couple more inside jokes in the next chapter. Let me know if you get those. Also glad to read you liked the action sequences and cliffhanger. I live for that kind of cheap |
| Angellover |
09/26/04 - 02:16PM |
1: Pilot: Goodbye Boston |
Signed |
This is actually pretty good. I was a little hesitant to read it at first because most stories I read like this have always been real dull and lacking in the characters personality. You on the other hand have the characters traits down pretty good. I like how you incorprated Connor in this. I'm just a little confused on how they all defeated the people in the alley and stuff like that. You may explain it latter though since this is only the first chapter. Also, I absolutley love how you don't have it in script form. I hate script form with a violent passion. I'm going to go start reading more of the story now. Keep up the good work.
Author's Response: Thanks for the review. I left some of the action blank and just followed Faith because I felt the story was getting long. I wanted a nice balance of action and character, so I decided to gloss over the play by play on how a few things happened. If a lot of people think that's a mistake, I'd love to go back and write some more action sequences. Hope you like the rest of the stroy as much as the first episode. |
| eerie_ave |
09/26/04 - 11:32AM |
18: Episode 18: Funhouse |
Signed |
This reminds me a lot of the Buffy season 4 Halloween episode “Fear Itself.” The difference: I think this is scarier (as opposed to funnier). The episode is creepy while also offering insights into the characters. Although I was never felt confused, I was even fooled a couple of times by what was happening. The fact that the haunting in the house was related to the fears and memories of those being haunted was a great way to be scary and delve into the characters. Your description of Quar’Toth as seen by those in the final room was awesome! I love the idea that the realm attacked you psychologically as well as physically. Willow falling into depression because of wind- perfect. And finally, that ending! I had to push on and read the next chapter immediately. I loved that ending.
Author's Response: Thanks for the review! I’d hoped the ending would be a bit of a surprise. Not to go into too much detail for fear of spoiling, but I liked the idea of essentially creating a likable character, then ripping him away. Besides, I think there’s a lot of story left in the character that made an appearance at the end. The haunted house sprung from the fact that I wanted to write at least one real horror episode. So I’m very happy you found it scary. |
| eerie_ave |
09/26/04 - 11:26AM |
19: Episode 19: Feral |
Signed |
In the past I was frequently clamoring for more Faith. Now you have me in a tough situation. I do want more Faith. I also want more Connor, Spike, Dana, Willow, and Dawn. You’re writing these characters really, really well. The plots are awesome. The interaction between the characters is right on target and extremely natural. Starting with (as I mentioned) Funhouse, this story has really started dealing with conflicts and issues that the Angel show never had time to finish. Although I love, love, love Faith, I realize that the Buffy finale left her in a pretty decent place so far as closure is concerned. So, for the moment, I’m very content to sit back and enjoy the ride, hoping you will give me some resolution to things the show did not. Thanks again for another awesome chapter.
Author's Response: Thanks for the review and your compliments. This is turning into more of an ensemble series than I originally intended. However, I’m enjoying writing these characters and their stories as much as you appear to enjoy reading them. Please continue to “enjoy the ride”! |
| adancer |
09/25/04 - 05:36AM |
2: Episode 2: Trial Separation |
Signed |
GReat chapter! Loved it
Author's Response: Thanks! |
| Racoon |
09/23/04 - 12:28PM |
1: Pilot: Goodbye Boston |
Signed |
Hey! I absolutely LOVE your style of writing!!!!! You manage to create action yet keep the quirky dialogue in there, which makes it soooo realistic! It's like Whedon had written it himself!!!! Keep working your magic cause everyone should have read of this stuff!!!! It's GREAT!!!! Deserves a full 10/10!!!!! Thanks for making my day interesting! : )
Author's Response: Thanks for making my day- period. Your compliments really made me blush. I’m glad you liked reading my story. I really wanted to make sure I kept the dialogue and action going. Thanks Again! |
| Michael J |
09/23/04 - 12:21PM |
19: Episode 19: Feral |
Signed |
I am completely in favor of moving the series back to being Faith-centric. The fact that she killed the Mayor and you just kinda glossed over that fact is making her seem like a bit character. I also think Connor is a touch too insane. Even when he was on the verge of suicide in Home, I don't think he was as manic as you wrote him in the 19th chapter. Hopefully, the story moves back to Faith soon. For being her series, she's the least developed character thus far. It seems more like the Connor show actually.
Author's Response: First off, thanks for reviewing. Second, thanks for reposting this review under Chapter 19, where it’s less spoilery. I definitely agree I’ve spent more time on other characters than Faith. It seems the focus has shifted from Spike to Dawn to Connor, with Faith the star only momentarily drifting into the spotlight. The problem is that I’m trying to wrap up what I feel are a lot of open issues in the other characters before I concentrate on Faith. I wanted to do that in about three episodes. It turned out to take about ten. It’s also true I haven’t dealt much with Faith’s confrontation with the Mayor, but there’s a reason for that. The fallout from that won’t be seen until the next “season” (provided people want me to write one). The one thing I’ll disagree with you on is Connor acting too insane or manic. In “Home” he was prepared to blow up an entire store full of people, so he was clearly off the deep end. As far as his being more manic, he’s in a different mode then he was in “Home.” He’s found himself in a strange apartment apparently owned by Angel. I think he very much fell back to where he was in episodes like “Inside Out.” He’s confused and on the run. He’s being driven by an animal instinct to stay alive, even though part of him very much wants to die. Still, you’re right that lately, the story seems more like “The Connor Show.” |
| Kevin |
09/22/04 - 12:55AM |
2: Episode 2: Trial Separation |
Signed |
Oh my god! What a follow up. Faith is a wicked awesome lead slayer. Connor version 2.0 is such a kick-ass character and an awesome wheelman to boot. Spike’s arrival was a great addition. Dawn as watcher, not a brat, is cool as well. The banter and flirting were both hysterical and right on the mark. The biggest thing, though, is that ending. What an ending! I can’t wait to red part 3! I love stories that end with their heroes in such dire straights. I’m completely hooked on this series. It’s such a rush!
Author's Response: Thanks again for your review. I really liked writing this one. I was definitely going for an ending with everything having fallen apart for them before they’d even gotten it together. I’m glad you liked it.
|
| Poison Pen |
09/19/04 - 11:54PM |
1: Pilot: Goodbye Boston |
Signed |
Hi, filmtheory! I read your bio, and I think it’s fantastic you’re aspiring to be a screen-writer. Awesome ambition. Because of it, I’m going to get a little (make that a lot) more detailed in my review than I would have been otherwise.
First off, just let me say that I really liked this “pilot.” Its pace is breath-taking, and that’s a good thing. I felt no urge to skim, and I appreciate the fact that your prose isn’t bogged down with unnecessary details. You’ve portrayed great and realistic interaction between the characters. And, as already said by a couple of others, this segment is whole enough to stand on it’s own, but it leaves enough important unanswered questions to compel the reader to tune in to the next episode (which I definitely plan on doing).
Following are a few things I noticed in the text. Take what you need, and dump the rest.
“Come on!” Connor said as he stepped inside the apartment. “Instead of super hearing, why couldn’t you have given me super-un-hearing? Like, I could just not here (hear) stuff. Disturbing stuff that scars and causes bad dreams and indigestion.”
“Yeah,” Connor said. “I know.” Connor sat on a beat up couch that looked like someone had found it on the side of the road. “Think you’ll ever get clear of this? Possibly during my life time?” (lifetime)
Connor stood uncomfortably as Faith walked around him, looking him up and down. “Scrawny as all hell,” she said harshly. She wasn’t being playful or flirtatious. She really didn’t like the idea of babysitting this bag of bones. “If this were anyone else asking, Angel, the kid would be out in the rain holding his duffel bag full of Gap clothes over his head again. (Missing end quotes”)
“Yeah. The movie where the boxer who the Russian, right?” (This line didn’t make sense to me—I think you’re missing a word or two)
Faith broke out with a smile. It was her first sincere smile since, (no need for a comma here) joyful Angel had arrived. In fact, it was her first sincere smile since she’d come to Boston. “No problem, man,” she said, grinning. “Anything for you. But I guess you knew that.”
Faith nodded. “Yeah. But the cavalry is coming soon. I just hope it’s my cavalry. Last few vamps I staked seemed to have this shit-eating grin like they had their own back up (backup) on the way.”
Angel nodded. “So you have back up (backup) coming? Who?”
“Fresh from Giles and Willow’s academy o’ watchers,” Faith laughed. “Then a few weeks after that, I got Buffy coming by to check up one (on) me. Also known as snooping. At least if it were Andrew here, he’d spend his time bugging Spike and leave me alone.”
“Ewww,” Faith said. “I mean, I know he’s pretty, but he’s a bit young, no? Well, then again, I guess he’s not. I mean, Buffy was only what? 17?” (spell out seventeen)
Faith nodded. “He’ll be okay with me. But come back soon. This is the most fun I’ve had in a long time. (Missing end quotes”)
An engine roared and a loud crash, the grinding of metal on metal, alerted Connor to the fact that the car was being slammed into him. He threw his hand on the trunk and pushed his body up. He brought his feet down, now finding the car had been pushed under his body. (I found the first sentence slightly awkward. I humbly suggest: An engine roared. A loud crash and the grinding of metal on metal alerted Conner that the car was going to slam into him.)
Faith looked up to see Connor spring from the back of the car, bounce from the rood (road), and land on the car that slammed theirs. Gunfire rang out again, missing him, as he rolled down the back of the offending car.
Faith jumped up, grabbing the fire escape above her and pulling herself up. She scanned the street to see where the gunman was. The muzzle flash caught her attention and she saw him. Third floor of a building perpendicular to their street. He was yards away, so (recommend you kill the word “so”) obviously packing a rifle a bit better than your average street thug would carry.
I hope you find this somewhat useful. Thanks for the fine read!
Author's Response: Thanks for the beta read of ep 1. I was unable to get a beta reader on my own and, as noted, I’m also writing stuff I’m trying to sell. Those things suck up most of my editing time, usually leaving me pretty sloppy here. I’m glad you liked the story and are planning to go on. Much of the next few chapters have cliffhanger endings, so hopefully you’ll have read the whole season before you know it. |
| Angeldove |
09/19/04 - 08:14PM |
18: Episode 18: Funhouse |
Signed |
The greatest part of this episode was finding out that the haunting in the house was directly linked to the one being haunted, their past, fears, etc. Even better was getting to experience those hauntings to gain insight into each character. And lets talk about the cliffhanger of an ending…so not right to do to a person! But also unexpected and gripping.
Author's Response: I wanted to do an actual “horror” episode, and Vail’s haunted mansion was the best I could think up. I too thought it would be fun, though not terribly original, if the horrors of the house were attached to the individuals being haunted. And yes, I thought it was great way to display some mild in sight into the characters. I’m also glad you loved/loathed the ending. *Spoiler Ahead* I thought it’d would be fun if the moment Angel thought everything was all sewn up was the moment it had actually all fallen apart. |
| Angeldove |
09/19/04 - 08:13PM |
17: Episode 17: Baggage, Ghosts, and Destiny |
Signed |
I really enjoyed this chapter on many levels. Seeing Connor begin to feel guilty about what he did to Angel by sleeping with Buffy, and then realize it is going to hurt even more people if it is found out…it was just nice to see that side of Connor surfacing again. This story is really great at showing both sides of his character. This story more than any other has made me really look at Connor and his two sides as parallels of Angel and Angelus.
Author's Response: Thanks as always for the review. I’m glad you liked Connor’s remorse. Without giving too much away, I’d just like to say; take a good look while you can. I’m glad you see an Angel/Angelus-like condition for Connor. It’s definitely a theme I want to play with, in more ways than one. |
| Angeldove |
09/19/04 - 08:12PM |
16: Episode 16: Clothes, Destiny, and Other Things You Strip |
Signed |
I was absolutely enthralled with the battle scene from Lorne’s vision. I especially loved the aspect of the vision that dealt with the two realities, Connor’s birth from Darla, Connor’s birth from the created memories. Without this scene it would be difficult to understand why Lorne ends up doing what he does…which in itself was a great twist I wasn’t expecting. Lorne showed a side we haven’t seen since the night he shot Lindsay. But this took Lorne to a whole new level as he acted on his own, and not on the orders of someone else, deep shock!
Oh and hot Faith/Spike scene, sorry it was interrupted! I always thought there should have been something between those two.
Author's Response: I’m so glad you liked the battle scene! I was reading a biography of Richard III and was overcome with a deep desire to write a medieval-like battle scene. However, I was worried about leaving the scene in the story because it gives away so much. It explains why (as Willow mentioned an ep or two ago) demons in Brazil have gone quiet. It also gives away that Illyria is still alive and will be evil when we see her again. I’d also like that as far back as episode one, I referenced that Illyria had disappeared in South America. I’m glad you liked the Spike/Faith lust. I received an e-mail opposing the coupling. Also, I’m glad you like ass-kicking Lorne. I’m considering making him a regular if there’s a season two. However, I have a lot of potential added regulars to think about. Dana is among them. Let me know what you think about those. |
| Danielle_G |
09/11/04 - 02:03PM |
1: Pilot: Goodbye Boston |
Signed |
Hi! I really loved your Fic! I hope you update soon cause I cant wait to see what happens next. I gave you a 10 Rating!
Author's Response: Thanks for the review, especially such a kind one. More chapters are definitely coming for my “Season One.” I’m glad I have you interested in what’s coming next. |
| adancer |
09/08/04 - 02:27PM |
1: Pilot: Goodbye Boston |
Signed |
WOW! THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO DESCIBE IT! WOW!
Author's Response: Thanks. This is the second “Wow” I got today, so I’m feeling pretty good about myself. One of thing that makes me happy is that other authors whose work is so good seem to like my stories. Thanks again for your feedback and your own wonderful stories. |
[Previous] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 [Next]
|
