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      • HHN 5: CURSE OF THE CRYPT KEEPER
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      • HHN 17: CARNIVAL OF CARNAGE
      • HHN 18: REFLECTIONS OF FEAR
      • HHN 19: RIPPED FROM THE SILVER SCREEN
      • HHN 20: TWENTY YEARS OF FEAR
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      • HHN 22
      • HHN 23: WHAT EVIL HAS TAKEN ROOT?
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      • HHN 25
      • HHN 26: YOU WON'T STAND A CHANCE
      • HHN 27: FESTIVAL OF THE DEADLIEST
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      • HHN 29
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      • HHN 30
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    • EDDIE
    • THE CARETAKER
    • CINDY
    • THE DIRECTOR
    • THE STORYTELLER
    • TERRA QUEEN
    • BLOODY MARY
    • THE USHER
    • FEAR
    • LADY LUCK
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    • CHANCE
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    • THE COMPOUND

RACE THROUGH NEW YORK STARRING JIMMY FALLON COMING TO UNIVERSAL ORLANDO IN 2017

10/30/2015

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In a bit of a surprise announcement on Tuesday evening, Jimmy Fallon announced on The Tonight Show, that Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon is headed to Universal Orlando. I am not well versed in Fallon's incarnation of The Tonight Show, but the Universal blog describes it as a race around the city. 

I guess on the show, Fallon sometimes has a segment where he challenges celebrities to "races." We as the guests, will enter the studio, and be challenged by Fallon to a race. As we race, guests will encounter all the famous New York landmarks, and run into some interesting characters along the way. 

To make way for Fallon, Twister: Ride It Out, will close on November 2nd. While personally I think Twister is long overdue to be axed, the Fallon idea is kind of weird. However, it does have me a bit intrigued as to what they can pull off. I think it is the popular thing these days, to automatically hate everything a theme park does.  

While basing an entire attraction around Jimmy Fallon and The Tonight Show does seems a bit strange, and out of place, I reserve judgement until we actually get to ride the thing. And believe me, I am not the biggest Fallon fan...

​You can see the announcement below.

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RE-OPENING THE X-FILES: SEASON 3

10/22/2015

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Greetings internet dwellers!

SEASON 3

Lots of fans consider season 3 of The X-files to not only be one of the best, but THE best season of The X-Files. Everything in season 3, is very tightly wound. There are a few episodes towards the end where the season loses some mojo, but overall, season 3 is a great season.

There are so many memorable episodes to come out of season 3. We are introduced to the black oil, alien bounty hunters, the history of Mulder's father, and some rather unique standalone episodes. Peter Boyle, won an Emmy for his guest spot in Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose, and the show was taking some risks.

Season 3, has a lot of humor interjected into it, which I love. I mentioned last time, that one of my favorite things the show does, is its humor. There are moments when the show even pokes fun at itself from time-to-time. 

This was extremely difficult to boil down. Instead of sweating over it, I tried to get the best representations of what season 3 brought to the show. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS

DPO

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: OCTOBER 6, 1995
DPO, is the first "standalone" episode of season 3. Mulder and Scully, are sent to investigate a series of deaths, which appear to be caused by lightning. Most people probably remember this as the one with Jack Black, and Giovanni Ribisi. Ribisi is fantastic in this episode, and the young actor, is really showcasing what he can do. Black, is his bumbling stoner friend, but he plays it well. An all around great episode, with some great music to boot. Season 3, is also the start of Scully's REALLY skeptic phase, where she has a plausible explanation for everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. 

PUSHER

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: FEBRUARY 23, 1996
Pusher has the agents tracking down a man, who can seemingly will his victims to kill themselves. This is an incredibly tense episode written by Vince Gilligan. It's weird today, to go back and watch Gilligan grow as a writer on the show. If I am not mistaken, this is his second episode as a writer on the show. His first was Soft Light back in season 2, which stared Tony Shalhoub. The standoff at the end of Pusher, is an amazing sequence. Gilligan, obviously became a staple of The X-Files, and this is one of his best episodes. 


TOP 5

In original broadcast order.

5. PAPER CLIP

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: SEPTEMBER 29, 1995
Paper Clip, is part 2 of the series premier, but is the stronger of the two episodes. If one decides to watch Paper Clip, it may be useful to watch the first. However, it's not really needed, as the first episode is basically Scully trying to find Mulder. Paper Clip gets to the meat of the story. It all culminates in a fantastic finale, where the agents find themselves cornered in an abandoned warehouse. Or is it abandoned? Paper Clip has one of the most frightening scenes in all of X-Files history for me. All I will say is Scully, alone, in the dark, in a cave, and creepy things running around. It terrified me as a kid. 

4. CLYDE BRUCKMAN'S FINAL REPOSE

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: OCTOBER 13, 1995
As mentioned earlier, Peter Boyle, won an Emmy for his portrayal as Clyde Bruckman. This is such a great episode. It is so well written, acted, and directed. It has that sense of humor which Darin Morgan, was so good at on the show, as well. However, the episode is centered around the agents catching a serial killer, who targets psychics. Bruckman assists Mulder and Scully, in the case and has the ability himself. Bruckman is a tragic figure, who has the ability, yet views it as a curse. Boyle, plays it so well, with a sense of wit, heart, and compassion. It is a can't miss episode. 

3. WAR OF THE COPROPHAGES

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: JANUARY 5, 1996
This is an episode that has grown on me over the years. Again, written by Darin Morgan, Mulder is investigating a series of deaths, that may, or may not, be caused by Cockroaches. There is a lot of good stuff in the episode. If you hate bugs, especially roaches, this episode may get under your skin. The show even has roaches crawling on your screen. Really, some great stuff here. And funny. 

2. PIPER MARU

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: FEBRUARY 9, 1996
The image of a person's eyes rolling over black, has probably become famous in The X-Files. Even those who haven't watched an episode, probably know of the black oil. This was the first episode to really feature the alien oil. It is actually the first part of a two part episode. However, it is the stronger of the two episodes. If you are interested in exploring X-Files mythology, and how it shaped the future of the show, Piper Maru is a great episode for it. The episode also begins to unravel the mystery of the death of Scully's sister. 

1. JOSE CHUNG'S FROM OUTER SPACE

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: APRIL 12, 1996
Jose Chung's From Outer Space, is probably my favorite episode of The X-Files ever. That Darin Morgan guy again, writes a fantastically witty, engaging, funny, mysterious, and plain bat-shit insane episode. I love how nuts Jose Chung's From Outer Space is. It takes The X-Files, and plays with it. And it does it so well. There are fantastic twists, turns, and it will leave you guessing the whole way through. As well as keep you vastly entertained. In true X-Files fashion, the episode leaves you asking yourself, if what you saw actually was the truth or not. I love this episode.  


That does it for season 3. I am well into season 4, and we will press on when I am finished.

Hasta La Bye-bye for now. 

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HHN XXV WEEK 5 UPDATE

10/17/2015

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Greetings internet dwellers!

​This will be my final "weekly" update for HHN XXV. Yes, I will be down there for the next two weeks. However, detailed weekly updates are moot at this point. I will still be ranking the houses every week on Facebook, and on the home page.

My final review for HHN XXV, will come once the event concludes. If something else arises between now and then, I will of course let you know. After all, the final week of HHN XXV, could be legendary...

​Anyway, let's get to the houses. 
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HOUSES

I will say this about the houses at this point in the event, things are fluctuating. I find things to be a little inconsistent every time we go into a house.

9. THE WALKING DEAD: THE LIVING AND THE DEAD

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  • CURRENT RATING: 2/5
I have not done The Walking Dead, since last week. The house is dead last on my priorities. While last week, they showed slight improvement, I can't see them doing any better. 

8. ASYLUM IN WONDERLAND 3D

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  • CURRENT RATING: 2/5
Still does nothing for me. Aside from some pretty colors, and costumes, Asylum has virtually no scares, is repetitive, the 3D is pretty ineffective, and it's bland. 

7. RUN: BLOOD, SWEAT AND FEARS

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  • CURRENT RATING: 3.5/5
Run, still hasn't crossed that threshold for me. It's fun, and colorful, and weird, and interesting, but not very scary. One cast, is also better than the other cast, so if you happen to get the bad one, things might not be as good for some. 

6. AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON

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  • CURRENT RATING: 3.5/5
I had to drop this rating. An American Werewolf in London 2015, is just vastly inconsistent. Our run through it last night, I noticed that timing was a factor. Not by guests, but the actor's in the house. Their timing, especially when it came to the puppets, was just not there. Like I said last week, when things are working in here, they ARE working. However, my last few visits to An American Werewolf, were just not strong. 

5. THE PURGE

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  • CURRENT RATING: 4/5
The Purge, is definitely the most improved house of the year so far. It's just blind chaos in here all the time. The actor's bring it every time. While we noticed one run through wasn't as intense as the others, for the most part, it still works. Again, kudos to the people in here. They really turned it around. 

4. BODY COLLECTORS: RECOLLECTIONS

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  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5
I'm keeping Body Collectors at a 5 right now, It's still a beautiful house, and creepy when it needs to be. However, I've noticed it's not as intense as it once was. We'll see how it goes from here on out. 

3. JACK PRESENTS: 25 YEARS OF MONSTERS & MAYHEM

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  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5
Still a great house, however it seems to have lost that extra punch. Characters are still missing in certain places, and the energy seems to have dropped a bit. Still, a can't miss house. 

2. INSIDIOUS

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  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5
Man, Insidious really picked up steam this week. I loved the house, and it came close to being my favorite of the week. Really, really intense visits of Insidious this Thursday and Friday. It's going to be an interesting final two weeks, if they keep it up.

1. FREDDY VS. JASON

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  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5
Still the most consistent house at HHN XXV. It's grand, scary, fun, and blast to visit with groups of people. It's a good crowd-pleaser, and works really well. Insidious came close to challenging this week. Let's see what happens next week.


SCARE ZONES

The Scare Zones have been interesting. While not much has changed in my rankings, they did change stuff in the Zones. Some characters got upgrades, and new characters got added to certain places. It's been interesting to watch the streets change. 

5. SCARY TALES: SCREAMPUNK

  • CURRENT RATING: 2/5

4. ICONS: HHN

  • CURRENT RATING: 4.5/5

3. EVIL'S ROOTS

  • CURRENT RATING: 4.5/5

2. ALL NITE DIE-IN: DOUBLE FEATURE

  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5

1. PSYCHOSCAREAPY: UNLEASHED

  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5
​Still a whole lot of fun. 

SHOWS

BILL & TED'S EXCELLENT HALLOWEEN ADVENTURE

  • CURRENT RATING: 1.5/5
Let me start by saying that, I haven not really found Bill & Ted funny for a long time now. The last "great" show in my opinion, was 2005. I really enjoyed the show from 2012, but it's really been weak since. This year, by a mile, is one of the worst Bill & Ted shows HHN has ever done. The music choices were bland, the jokes were not funny AT ALL, the characters used were weird, there were too many callbacks to past jokes that fell flat, and the Disney stuff was too much. Believe me, I love when they attack Disney, but it just didn't work here. The show did have one, or two, moments. I enjoyed the finale, and I liked an element from the beginning. However, this was just bad. Like, really, really bad. Granted, I will probably sit through the show again at some point. Definitely will be there for the last show. Breaks my heart to say it, but it's just bad this year. 

So, that's it for me this week. I may, MAY try for another HHN power hour on Sunday. Once again, that depends on if Football runs late on us again. 

​Hasta La Bye-bye for now. 

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REOPENING THE X-FILES: SEASON 2

10/12/2015

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Greetings internet dwellers!

SEASON 2

A few quick notes on Season 2. The X-Files began to heavily build on its mythology during the season. If you listen to Chris Carter talk about the end of season 1 and moving into season 2, Gillian Anderson became pregnant in real life as season 1 was wrapping up. So, they decided to write around the pregnancy for the show.

Anderson, is noticeably pregnant at the end of the first season, and at the start of season 2. Scully's abduction, and her disappearance, was no accident on the show's part. Anderson went off and had her baby. However, it created one of the show's best mysteries in Scully's abduction, and the subsequent search for answers about it, as the show moved on.

One of the things I always found interesting about season 2, is the mythology of The X-Files, seems to seep into even the standalone episodes. Things are set-up, and there is a through-line that flows as the season goes on. An example of this happens very early on in the season, when Alex Krycek, is introduced in the episode Sleepless. 

Season 2, also introduces us to The Syndicate. The mysterious group who are trying to foil Mulder's efforts to find the truth. The Cigarette Smoking Man, is also a part of the group. A.D. Skinner's role is beefed up in season 2 as well, and Mitch Pileggi gets a whole lot more screen time. Skinner, is a great character and Pileggi, is fantastic in the part. More Skinner, is a good thing.

Overall, season 2 is a solid season, however I've always felt a lot of it gets bogged down in the mythology aspect of the show. There is an obvious stacking going on with the story, and The X-Files really wouldn't perfect its mythology storytelling until season 3. However, it is still a solid season.   

HONORABLE MENTIONS

This was tough to narrow down for the season. So many good episodes.

IRRESISTABLE

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: JANUARY 13, 1995
OK, so here's the deal. I flipped a coin for this first mention. I think people who aren't even that familiar with the show, know of the episode The Host. It is a classic X-files episode. I love the episode, but in the end, decided to go against the obvious choice, and go with a spectacular episode that doesn't get much attention. The episode was written by Chris Carter, and is wonderfully weird and disturbing. Nick Chinlund, is FANTASTIC in this episode. It is such a subtle and creepy performance. The subject matter here is truly bizarre. Mulder and Scully, are dispatched to find a serial killer, who takes weird "trophies" from his victims- their hair and fingernails. The episode is tense, scary, and kind of unique. It's haunting too, and it will stick with you once it is over. It gets under your skin. 

DIE HAND DIE VERLETZT

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: JANUARY 27, 1995
Glen Morgan and James Wong, are responsible for some of the best X-Files episodes ever. They are fantastic writers. This was their last episode, before they left the series to produce Space: Above and Beyond. The duo would later return to The X-files, after Above and Beyond failed to find an audience. This episode is nuts. Mulder and Scully are sent to investigate the death of a teenager, who may have been killed by a Satanic cult. There is a lot of craziness happening in this episode. Snakes eating people, child sacrifices, black magic, suicides, and many other strange things. This was kind of out of the box for The X-Files, and it took the show into another direction. Very weird and fun episode. Fun fact: Morgan and Wong would later go on to create the Final Destination series. 


TOP 5

In original broadcast order.

1. DUANE BARRY/ASCENSION

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: OCTOBER 14, 1994
Also known as the episode(s) where Gillian Anderson starts her maternity leave. This may be a little bit of cheating as well, but Duane Barry is actually the first of a two-part episode, so both should be watched. I am actually more partial to the first episode, which is a really tense, hostage standoff between the title character, and Mulder. There is a lot of mind manipulation going on, even though we as the audience know that Barry is telling the truth. It is quite effective. In the second part of the episode, Ascension, we have a few very famous X-Files scenes going on as well. CCH Pounder, is really good in the first episode too. Classic X-Files mythology episodes at its best.

2. ONE BREATH

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: NOVEMBER 11, 1994
There seems to be a love/hate relationship with One Breath and fans. It is a quiet episode, however a very powerful one. One Breath, is a great character piece for Mulder, and David Duchovny is really showboating his acting skills in this one. There is an incredible scene where Mulder breaks down and cries, after talking to a comatose Scully in the hospital. It is a powerful moment for both Duchovny and the character. We also get a lot of character motivations in this episode. Is Skinner on Mulder's side, and is he really working for CSM? What's the deal with Mr. X? There is a great scene involving Mulder and CSM, that can't be missed in this episode. 

3. HUMBUG

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: MARCH 31, 1995
I love when The X-Files is funny. Writer Darin Morgan, has penned some darkly comic episodes of The X-Files. Humbug, is no exception. Most people probably know this as the freak show episode. Yes, before American Horror Story did it, Mulder and Scully, investigated strange deaths, among a community of Freak Show performers. Funny, odd and twisted, Humbug is classic X-Files. 

2. F. EMASCULATA

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: APRIL 28, 1995
A very interesting episode, that is a mix of mythology, and standalone. Mulder and Scully, are dispatched to investigate strange death's, occurring at a prison. There are some great effects happening in this episode, as a mysterious virus causes giant pustules to form on the victims. There is a tense moment towards the end, where Mulder confronts a prisoner who has escaped, and is infected with the virus. The episode is simple, and effective. Fun fact: Dean Norris is in this episode.

1. ANASAZI

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: MAY 19, 1995
Once again, The X-Files gives us a great cliffhanging season finale. There is so much stuff going on in this episode, yet, it is very simple to follow. Mulder, gets his hands on an encrypted computer disk, which provides clear-cut proof the government is hiding the existence of aliens. Mulder is so close to the truth, the bad guys are willing to kill to prevent him from finding out. Anasazi, expands the mythology, it is tense, there are twists and turns around every corner, and is an edge of your seat episode. 


I am well into season 3, and we will reopen that one, sometime next week.

​Hasta La Bye-bye for now.

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HHN XXV WEEK 4 UPDATE

10/10/2015

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Greetings internet dwellers!

And another HHN week has come and gone here at HHN Legacy. This week, has been most excellent. I basically just did stuff. I just walked around and soaked it all in. While Thursday and Friday have come and gone, I MAY try and get down to HHN on Sunday night after work. It all depends on if the news is late because of Football. 

I haven't done an HHN power-hour in quite some time, so perhaps, I will get to do that on Sunday. I did finally catch all of The Carnage Returns. More on that later. Still have not seen Bill & Ted. If I do get to go on Sunday, and the lines are way too long, I may try and catch the last Bill & Ted of the night.  

​Anyway, let's get to the updated house rankings. 
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HOUSES

9. THE WALKING DEAD: THE LIVING AND THE DEAD

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  • CURRENT RATING: 2/5
While the house still lacks overall, they have made efforts to improve the thing. By far, the weakest house this year. 

8. ASYLUM IN WONDERLAND 3D

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  • CURRENT RATING: 2.5/5
I did Asylum quite a few times on Thursday and Friday. The waits seem to fluctuate in the extremes with this house. I saw Asylum jump from 10 minutes, to 45 minutes, to 20 minutes, all in the span of 15 minutes. It was kind of weird. The house still does nothing for me. I even did it without the 3D glasses on, to see if that helped. I really like some of the character designs in here, but that's about it. 

7. RUN: BLOOD, SWEAT AND FEARS

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  • CURRENT RATING: 3.5/5
​Still a fun house. One cast is better than the other cast. We got to do Run with virtually nobody else behind, or in front of us on Friday. That was really cool. Still waiting for that extra punch to go a little higher with the rating.

6. AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON

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  • CURRENT RATING: 4/5
I'm keeping AWIL at a 4 right now. The house is vastly inconsistent from run to run. However, when it's on point, it is on point. Sometimes the energy and flow is there, other times, it is not. However, it is still really enjoyable when everything is clicking. 

5. THE PURGE

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  • CURRENT RATING: 4/5
If you would have told me opening weekend, that The Purge would be a better house than An American Werewolf in London, I would have said you were crazy. The energy by the actor's in here is so good. They brought it this week again. They are intense and fearless in here. Once again, I have to tip my cap to this cast. 

4. BODY COLLECTORS: RECOLLECTIONS

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  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5
Something odd happened this Thursday and Friday. Something was missing in Recollections. I did it a total of three times over the two days. There was something off. Still, I'm keeping it at a 5 for now. We will see if I have to drop it down come next week.

3. INSIDIOUS

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  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5
​While one run through of Insidious wasn't as good as the other, when it's good, it's very good. Still great, still creepy, and still intense. 

2. JACK PRESENTS: 25 YEARS OF MONSTERS & MAYHEM

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  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5
While the house has lost a bit of steam for me, it is still a wonderful house. We did notice that some characters have been removed from the house. Not sure why, but they were noticeably gone. Still, a great house, and shouldn't be missed. 

1. FREDDY VS. JASON

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  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5
Pure, unadulterated, blissful fun. Everything in here just clicks. The actors are great, the atmosphere is wonderful, the scares are good, and it has been the most consistent house of the year. While the top four can all be number one, Freddy Vs. Jason still has the slight edge for me. 


SCARE ZONES

Not going to go too in detail with the Scare Zones this week. Everything has pretty much stayed where they were.

5. SCARY TALES: SCREAMPUNK

  • CURRENT RATING: 2/5

4. ICONS- HHN

  • CURRENT RATING: 4/5
​Note: they added The Crypt Keeper in the Zone!

3. EVIL'S ROOTS

  • CURRENT RATING: 4.5/5

2. ALL NITE DIE-IN: DOUBLE FEATURE

  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5

1. PSYCHOSCAREAPY: UNLEASHED

  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5
​Still so much fun!

SHOWS

THE CARNAGE RETURNS

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  • CURRENT RATING: 4/5
Finally. The Carnage Returns is a lot of fun. It's loud, bloody, violent, funny, and a good crowd eater. While some of the show can come off as cheesy, it pretty much works. Jack, is awesome, and Chance is always fun. It's a good time.  


So, that's it for me folks! Again, I may try and get down to HHN, for a brief time on Sunday. Hopefully football don't make us late.

​Hasta La Bye-bye for now. 

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HHN XXV WEEK THREE UPDATE

10/3/2015

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Greetings internet dwellers!

We here at HHN Legacy, are having a great time at HHN XXV. Been a busy first few weeks. We've been hanging out with a lot of people at the event, doing houses, and just watching in the Scare Zones. It's a good testament to the event, that all we want to do is the houses and Zones. I still have not yet seen The Carnage Returns show all the way through, nor Bill & Ted. My goal is to get to those on Thursday.

This week at HHN, I've seen some interesting improvements. It seemed to me that on Thursday and Friday, things were kicked up a notch. Psychoscareapy: Unleashed, is just complete insanity these days. We are also always seeing new crazies being thrown into the mix. These guys and gals, are awesome. 

I also noticed, things in the houses have changed up a bit. Jack Presents: 25 Years of Monsters & Mayhem, finally have all of the Jack's in there with masks. ALL of the wolf puppets are working in An American Werewolf in London, and they have added some fun changes in Freddy Vs. Jason. 
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I have also noticed another trend. Crowds have been fairly light. I have yet to see the horrors that were HHN last year. No three hour waits for The Walking Dead, or other IP properties. The majority of the nights, have been light with the original properties. Freddy Vs. Jason, Insidious and The Purge, seem to have the longest wait times. Despite its 2013 reputation, An American Werewolf in London has been pretty light on crowds as well.

The longest I've seen for a wait time, is 90 minutes for Insidious. And that was opening night. Friday night's crowds, were really rather light as well. People seem to be flocking to the three IP's I mentioned above, and saving the rest. It's been an odd situation. I snapped the picture below, around 11:40pm on Friday night. The event was open until 2:00am. It is the line for An American Werewolf in London. It is a STARK contrast to what we have seen in this same spot the last few years.
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As of this writing, I don't think The Walking Dead is pulling the crowds like it has done recently. On Friday night, around 10ish, The Purge had a 60 minute wait. The Walking Dead, had a 25 minute wait. That is a huge difference than the past three years. The Walking Dead consistently had an hour or more wait, every night, the past three events. Even the awful first house.

To give a little perspective, when the photo above was taken, Monsters & Mayhem had a 25 minute wait, An American Werewolf in London was 15, Body Collectors was 15, and Freddy Vs. Jason was 75. That is a massive difference. Compare that also to the last three years, where early in the HHN season, the crowds were huge.

I will also say that, this feels like it used to. In recent history, Frequent Fear Pass dates, have been pretty unbearable. Fridays, oddly became light, while Sundays, Thursdays, and sometimes Wednesday's, became crowded. This, hasn't been the case this year. Thursday's have been light, as well as Friday's. I suspect as we get closer to Halloween, crowds will pick up. That is how it used to work, before The Walking Dead era. I can't speak for Saturday's, but I suspect those are busy. As they usually are.  
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Anyway, needless to say it's been a fun few weeks, and I am already itching to get back to the event on Thursday. All of that being said, let's get to the updated house rankings. Things have changed a bit...

CURRENT HOUSE RANKINGS

My, my, what a difference a week makes. Is it weird that the houses are still being tweaked after three weeks? Yep. Is that a bad thing? Nope. It only helps the content. 

9. THE WALKING DEAD: THE LIVING AND THE DEAD

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  • CURRENT RATING: 1/5
To be fair, when we went through on Thursday night, something weird happened in here. People were really confused as to where to go in front of us. So the entire conga line followed everyone the wrong way. The last third of the house was missed because of this. We all exited the house around the back of the walls. Even weirder, I didn't see one attendant try to rectify the situation. Everyone just kept pouring out the wrong way. The first part of the house, was still bad, but because I didn't technically do the whole thing, it stays at the same rating. 

8. ASYLUM IN WONDERLAND 3D

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  • CURRENT RATING: 2.5/5
This house does very little for me. I'm not particularly fond of the 3D in here either. The scares are very hit or miss. Very low energy by everyone in here. I do like some of the character designs, and there are one or two rooms that are pretty cool. Other than that, Asylum is pretty bland. 

7. RUN: BLOOD, SWEAT AND FEARS

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  • CURRENT RATING: 3.5/5
They've made some changes in here. The house is less bright these days. All the transition rooms with the updated scores, are darker. I've noticed more of a sense of urgency by the actor's in here as well. We did Run twice on Thursday and Friday. Thursday's run through was really solid, Friday's was not. This house is going to be dependent on which cast you get. If the weird insanity of the house kind of turns you off, at least with one of the cast, you may get something out of it. 

6. AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON

5. THE PURGE

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  • CURRENT RATING: 4/5
Wait, what? I said it last week, The Purge is a house where the Scareactor's need to up their game. And my, word, did they do that on Friday. We had a blast in here on our run through. It seems like the cast may be settling in to their surroundings. The lighting was better in here too. Certain area's were less bright, and scares were way better hidden. There were also effects working, that were not working last time. We had people coming at us from all over the place. The house still feels a bit random, and the sets are nothing to write home about, but man, the cast upped their game big time in here. If they can maintain that level of intensity, this could be one of my favorites when all is said and done. Did I just say that?

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  • CURRENT RATING: 4/5
Overall, the house is still missing that same level of intensity as the one in 2013. However, we did two run through's on Friday. The first time, was night and day compared to the last two weeks. The wolves are getting more mobile, the actor's were intense, and everything was clicking. The second time through, it was a notch down. Still, things are better in here then they were the last two weeks. ALL of the wolves were working as well. And they are getting more fluid with their movements, which could prove to be nightmarish if that continues. In a good way. I don't think we are going to get the same level of intensity as 2013. Still, it makes me happy that things have changed for the better in here. If it weren't for the other strong houses this year, who knows where this would be. 

4. INSIDIOUS

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  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5
Oh, they got me good in here. Yes, yes they did. The house finally crossed that threshold for me. It was intense, creepy, and deeply satisfying. The start of the house has picked up finally, and is truly one of my favorites of the year. I liked the house before, but now I LOVE this house. Kudos to the cast in here. They are awesome!

3. BODY COLLECTORS: RECOLLECTIONS

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  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5
Still intense, still visceral, still scary. Body Collectors continues to be a fantastic house. While one of our three run through's over Thursday and Friday were not as intense as they have been, that doesn't take away from how consistent it has been. Still one of our absolute favorite houses this year. 

2. JACK PRESENTS: 25 YEARS OF MONSTERS & MAYHEM

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  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5
Wait, this dropped a spot? Yes, but fret not. Monsters & Mayhem is still awesome. We did this multiple times Thursday and Friday. I noticed a little less intensity in here than previous times. We also noticed a few actors missing in a couple of spots. Still an awesome house, and should not be missed during the event. 

1. FREDDY VS. JASON

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  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5
Hands down, the most consistent, the most intense, run through's on Thursday and Friday. They've added a few surprises in here as well. Freddy wearing the Camp Crystal Lake shirt is a hoot, and young Jason is awesome. Very intense in here as well. They kicked that up a notch. Freddy Vs. Jason is so much fun. They pulled it off with this one. Quickly becoming my favorite of the event. 


CURRENT SCARE ZONE RANKINGS

The majority of the Zones are solid. A few have actually gotten better, if that is at all possible. 

5. SCARY TALES: SCREAMPUNK

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  • CURRENT RATING: 2/5
There is still very little going on in Screampunk. Most of the characters just quickly walk back and forth, doing noting. There are a few standout characters in here though, which we've been trying to see when we go through.

4. ICONS: HHN

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  • CURRENT RATING: 4/5
We noticed less of the other Icons and characters walking around on Thursday and Friday. Still, the vignettes are great, and the other characters are really fun. 

3. EVIL'S ROOTS

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  • CURRENT RATING: 4.5/5
Got to spend a little more time in here finally. Really great Zone. Very atmospheric, and pretty. The actor's were able to actually scare people, as they crowds were thinner compared to opening night. Those Ghillie suit guys get me every time. 

2. ALL NITE DIE-IN: DOUBLE FEATURE

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  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5
Love, love, love, just standing around in here. The actor's are terrific and very engaging with the crowd. Special props to the woman who plays Carrie. She is just so good, and is probably our favorite modern character walking around. Jason and Freddy are drawing huge crowds in here. Such a great Zone. 

1. PSYCHOSCAREAPY: UNLEASHED

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  • CURRENT RATING: 5/5
Hands down, the most fun I've had in a Scare Zone, in quite some time. It is absolute insanity in here at times. Every actor is on point. They are engaging with people, and are not afraid to be, well, insane. Please don't change a thing in here! It is perfect. Just, perfect.

These are still working very well. The clowns in Springfield are probably my favorite. 
That's it for us this week party people! HHN Legacy will return next Thursday and Friday, for more fun and shenanigans! 

Hasta La Bye-bye for now.

ROAMING HORDES


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RE-OPENING THE X-FILES: SEASON 1

10/2/2015

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Greetings internet dwellers!

To say that I am excited about The X-Files series revival, is an understatement. The X-Files is my favorite show in the history of television. And I am not afraid to scream that from the highest hills. I adore this show, and have ever since I was young.

When people ask me about what my influences were to study film, I always cite four things: Star Wars, Indiana Jones, My family, and The X-Files. This show was hugely influential in my life, and came at a time when my curiosity about the paranormal was at its height. ​
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The show also made its debut, at a time when TV itself was changing. Networks were taking risks with content, and The X-Files exploited that in its early seasons. The show was dark, scary, intense and even, darkly comic. This was really the first time, I watched an "adult" show as a kid. I was drawn to the subject matter, but it was a show that was squarely aimed at adults. 

As an adult, I am very happy my parents let me watch this show, even though at times, it would scare the bejeezus out of me. The beauty of this, is that I grew up with The X-Files. I matured with it, and even now, I still find stuff that may have gone way over my head as a kid.

This show has been a part of my life for a long time. I have named pets after these characters. My default ringtone is usually the great X-Files theme by Mark Snow. I live with this show. While I have seen all of the X-Files episodes multiple times over, I wanted to re-watch the series again in its entirety before the revival debuts in January. 

Since the series went off the air in 2002, and the last X-Files movie left theaters in 2008, there is a whole new generation of people who may be just finding out about the series. Perhaps the hype about the revival has some curious as well. The X-Files has a hugely rich mythology. This approach to television has been the inspiration for countless show's to come after it. 

While I won't be pinpointing the episodes to watch to prepare for the series revival, I thought it would be fun as I go through the show again, to reveal my five favorite episodes from each season. If there is some curious soul out there who may want to jump into the show, these could be a good gateway drug into the series. 

Because the mythology is so rich (and some may say got too convoluted by the series finale), there are a lot of episodes that pertain to that. But The X-Files isn't just about the mythology, or aliens. There are some great standalone episodes as well. Still, there may be some mythology episodes thrown in for good measure. 
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So, without further delay, let's re-open The X-Files, and explore some cases. 

SEASON 1

The search for the truth begins. The first season set the tone. The mythology episodes are great, and dense. However, they also established the "monster of the week" mentality as well. This show wasn't just about aliens, or government conspiracies. Mulder and Scully, also ran across all different types of monsters, human beings, and creatures of all types. Season 1 has some truly memorable episodes for X-Files fans. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS

I will do two honorable mentions per season.

ROLAND

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: MAY 6, 1994
When I saw this episode as a kid, I was deeply moved by it. I grew up around people with mental disabilities. Roland Fuller is a tragic figure here and as an adult, what ultimately happens to Roland, is sad. It tugs at the heartstrings. While the portrayal of Roland may draw some controversy, there's no denying it grabs you. Zeljko Ivanek, portrays Roland Fuller here, and he creates a tragic figure with him, nonetheless. His relationship with Tracy, also helps sell the character. There is a wonderful piano theme that plays over the scenes with Roland, that helps sell his innocence. A good watch, but could be a tearjerker for some. 

THE ERLENMEYER FLASK

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: MAY 13, 1994
The X-Files had some great season finales. They often left viewers on the edge of their seats until the fall. In the first season finale of the series, Mulder is tipped off by Deep Throat, about some experiments having to do with cloning viruses. Thing is, those viruses, are extraterrestrial in origin. Tracking down a fugitive who may be infected with such virus, Mulder is closer to the truth than ever. However, the Government has other plans. The episode is rich with X-Files mythology, and leaves viewers with an ending that will propel the series further, as season two begins. It's a great episode, with pivotal moments that will shape the series, as it goes on in its nine seasons. 


TOP 5

In original broadcast order.

1. THE PILOT

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: SEPTEMBER 10, 1993
The one that started it all. The Pilot episode of The X-Files, does everything a pilot should do. It sets the tone, sets the story, builds the mythology, and introduces the characters. Even though Agent Scully, may be spying on Agent Mulder in the beginning, there is an instant spark between these two. They play off each other nicely. While in these very early episodes of The X-Files the effects may be a little dated, it's the story and characters that propel the episode. It's full of intrigue, twists, turns, and will leave you wanting more when the credits roll.  

2. SQUEEZE

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: SEPTEMBER 24, 1993
In the X-Files' third episode, they establish the "monster of the week" scenario. The character of Victor Tooms, is creepy. Very creepy. Doug Hutchison, is extremely good as Tooms. Mulder and Scully are dispatched to investigate a murder, where the victim has had their liver eaten out. The Modus Operandi of the murder, can be traced back to X-File cases starting in the early 1900's. Creepy, atmospheric and frightening, Squeeze is a terrific episode. 

3. ICE

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: NOVEMBER 5, 1993
This is a fantastically tense episode. Taking obvious inspiration from John Carpenter's The Thing, Ice follows Mulder and Scully to Alaska. They, along with a small group, are sent to investigate what could have made a team of ice core drillers, go crazy and seemingly kill each other. There is some great character building going on between Mulder and Scully here. A familiar theme to pop up on The X-files, can the group trust each other? Who's infected? Who's not? Fun fact, Felicity Huffman is in this episode. 

4. BEYOND THE SEA

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: JANUARY 7, 1994
Beyond the Sea, is probably my favorite episode from Season One. It may not have aliens, monsters, or bugs, but it has some of the best performances ever on the show. Brad Dourif, is INCREDIBLE as Luther Lee Boggs. Boggs, is a death-row inmate, who claims to have acquired psychic powers, after having his execution stayed moments before it was carried out. He claims to know where two college students are, after being kidnapped by a serial killer, and wants to assist the FBI. Mulder, who has a history with Boggs, doesn't believe him, but Scully, just may. Gillian Anderson shines in this episode as well, as it is a story ultimately about Scully.   

5. E.B.E.

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  • ORIGINAL AIR DATE: FEBRUARY 18, 1994
This is a mythology episode, but highly entertaining. The Deep Throat character, was established in the second episode of the season. Mulder, is having doubts about the validity of the mysterious informant, but he and Scully, embark on a chase across the country after a truck that may, or may not, be holding pieces of a downed UFO. The episode is a good study to Mulder and Scully as friends. Scully may not believe in all this UFO conspiracy nonsense, but she trusts Mulder and his instincts. This episode also introduces us to The Lone Gunmen, a kooky group of conspiracy theorists, who occasionally assist Mulder and Scully, throughout the show. They became so popular as characters, the group got their own short-lived spinoff show later.



So that does it for Season 1. I have just started Season 2, so once I am finished with that, we will move on to the next batch of cases. Until then, happy watching!
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