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. 

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.

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.  

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...

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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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?

• 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. 

• 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!

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

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

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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.

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. ​

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. 

So, without further delay, let's re-open The X-Files, and explore some cases. 

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. 

I will do two honorable mentions per season.

• 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. 

• 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. 

In original broadcast order.

• 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.  

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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.   

• 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!