RWTV season focus: Redwall

[rowanoak]

Overall, I have enjoyed the book focuses on the book forum. I have decided to start Redwall TV series focuses. The first one is on the first season "Redwall." Here are the questions:

What were the series strengths?
What were the series weaknesses?
What characters do you think were protrayed well?
What scenes were done well?

Lastly, is there anything you like about the original episodes?
Personally, I throught the original episodes were ok, but I can understand why some people dislike or hate those episodes.

[Lord Servone]

I liked the Redwall season but it's probably my least favorite of the the three...

The strengths of it: I think the voice acting and the animation were good

Weaknesses: Some of the writing. I know, its an adaptation of Redwall but there are some things that would have been better in the series if it stayed truer to the book.

Characters portrayed well: I think Cluny and Basil were portrayed the best. The way they were animated as well as the lines they were given and the voice acting behind them were perfect.

Scenes done well: Personally, I thought the stealing of the tapestry was done pretty well.... I can't really compare stuff with the book because I saw the show first, as I said repeatedly and probably don't need to say again...that's the only scene I can think of right now because I haven't seen the original show in a while except for what I saw on the DVD...

[Martin the Warrior]

What were the series strengths?

The episodes that focused on the actual book, I'd have to say, and the amazing tapestry closings (something I'll always love about the series). Not to mention the incredible music by Jack and Daniel-- the main theme and the finale from episode #13 remain my favorite tracks.

What were the series weaknesses?

I'd have to say their tendency to take events that happened in the book and do them early-- having Cluny tunnel into Redwall very early on, having Farlo's predicament mirror Plumpen's, and so-forth. And, while you could say the "original" episodes were a weakness, I enjoyed them enough that I, personally, wouldn't go that far.

What characters do you think were protrayed well?

Well, naturally Basil takes the cake. He is, by far, the most spot-on character from the entire series. I'd also have to say they did a great job with Asmodeus and Cluny.

What scenes were done well?

This is going to be tough to recall-- just about any of the tapestry scenes, although I remember the one of Matthias standing at Methuselah's grave especially. I thought all of Episode #11, where Matthias fought Asmodeus, was very well done. I thought Cheesethief's death was handled masterfully. And Cluny's march to Redwall (intersecting with Matthias & co.) in episode #12 was a favorite scene of mine. It'd probably be easier to just check out my reviews at RWTV as I'd single out any scene I liked there. ;)

Lastly, is there anything you like about the original episodes?

Oh, sure. Despite not occurring in the books, I thought they were enjoyable nonetheless and gave us more Redwall to watch. It was a nice glimpse into hectic Abbey life-- even if I would have preferred the time be spent on Matthias & Methuselah's quest.

[VanessaNB]

What were the strengths?

The music. Yummy, sounds brilliant. Especially some of the music during the tapestry scenes. I also thought that even though it followed the book none-to-well, it was still a great adaption. Another thing I noticed in the new Terrouge article. Characters in the background walk around and pick up imaginary objects, but at least they move.

Weaknesses?

Some of the inconsistancies between episodes. Still made for a laugh. Can't complain about the animation, 'cos Nelvana equates Redwall to poo as far as successful series are concerned. And what Martin said.

Well portrayed character?

Cluny and Basil! They're two of my favorite characters. They sounded and looked great. I noticed that their illustrations in the Anniversary addition looked very similar to the TV designs.

What scenes were done well?

I always liked the belltower scene, and the part where Cluny and Matthias's paths are about to cross in ep. 12. The music matched the pace perfectly. And Cheesethief's death. And, and, and...

What do you like about the orginal episodes?

Eh, what Martin said.

[Delaila]

What were the series strengths?
The voice actors, I think, were well-cast. The music was unbelievable; I have yet to love a show's or movie's music as much as RWTV's.

What were the series weaknesses?
The ... weird differences between shows. Inconsistencies, as Vanessa said.

What characters do you think were protrayed well?
Basil Stag Hare, wot! Got to love Binsley's interpretation of him. Cluny was good, too, as were Matthias and Constance.
What scenes were done well?
The bell tower battle scene. The music, the weather, the dramatic atmosphere ... had me so far on the edge of my seat, I was on the floor.

Lastly, is there anything you like about the original episodes?
Well, I haven't seen "The Visitor", but I count "Cluny's Clowns" as one of my favourite episodes. Admittedly, it was distinctly non-Redwall, but I loved it nonetheless.

[VanessaNB]

'tis Del! *waves madly*
You know me on Terrouge, I think.

[Delaila]

Yup--vaguely. Let's see ... you had some comments about QBII ... you had the pale grey rat avatar before you changed to the one with the green background ... and, of course, you knew that there was going to be a debate in the discussion of my RWTV article. Yeah, I know you. :) </off-topic>

[Martin the Warrior]

I've already asked Shorestar to pass it along, but since the author is here, I don't mind repeating it: nice work on the RWTV article in Terrouge. Very interesting read. :)

[Foremole]

I know this is off subject but, what chanes is rwtv on?

[Martin the Warrior]

In the US, PBS. Check TVGuide.com to see if it's airing in your area.

In Canada, Teletoon usually aired it. One of the Canadian members would have to let us know if they still do.

[Foremole]

Thanks:D.

[VanessaNB]

Teletoon still airs it. Sat. and Sun. at 7:30 PM, by my time.

And of no relation to Redwall whatsoever...they're gonna be airing the Silverwing TV series this fall! *pees her pants*

[Delaila]

Originally posted by Martin the Warrior
I've already asked Shorestar to pass it along, but since the author is here, I don't mind repeating it: nice work on the RWTV article in Terrouge. Very interesting read. :)

Thank you, Martin. :) That was one of the most fun things I've ever written. Glad you enjoyed it!

[rowanoak]

Since it was mentioned, I did go to Terrouge and read Delaila's article. I just wanted to say that I enjoyed reading the article too and thought it was well thought out. Overall I do like the "Redwall" TV series; later I might go into details.

[rowanoak]

I thought it was about time that I answered my questions.

1. The strengths of the "Redwall" series are the animation, the characters, and the music IMO.
2. The weaknesses; probably the story telling could been a little more solid. Some examples, the order of events that have been mentioned, and the major mistake realating to some character(s) at the end. Plus the whole Sela and Chickenhound insident might have worked better spread out, more like the book, to more then one episode.
3. All of the characters, I thought, were done well.
4. There were a member of well done scenes, and I can't really "single out" one niether.
5. The orginial episodes were good, I don't mind them probably because I saw the series, which introduced me to the books, before I had the chance to read the book.