Posted by Suzanne Sutherland on
URL: https://www.shado-forum.com/IDENTIFIED-tp1490915p1490969.html

Ok, for what it's worth:

I agree with the general consensus that Identified does an excellent job
of introducing all the hardware, people, SHADO HQ and moonbase, however,
this episode was not the first one I ever saw! I saw it on its second
airing in 1973 and I was pleased as punch to see it at the time.

I watched this ep a few day's ago and one thing that I noticed that has
never registered before is in the very beginning when Peter and Leila
Carlin and friend are in the woods. I never realised that he was shot
by the alien. I suppose if they hadn't shot him then he would have been
abducted, too. But then we would have missed groovy hip-shakin' 'it's a
body' Captain Carlin, wouldn't we?

One of my favourite bits about this episode is when a very sleek,
svelte, and sexy Straker (complete with sunglasses) walks in Harlington-
Straker studios. He catches the eye of a pretty girl sitting in a chair
as he walks past her. Obviously, the girl has excellent taste. But the
throwing the cigarette butt on the ground as he enters the building is a
definite no-no.

Isn't Colonel Freeman a lecher in this episode? Gee whiz. In fact, I
remember Marc saying in a message last year that one of his scenes with
the reception secretary, Janice, was taken out. I'm rather glad about
that. Miss Ealand was very diplomatic when dealing with his 'advances'.
Had it been me, I would have said: "Awa an' go boil yer heid!"

Having said that, I think that there is a certain chemistry between him
and Colonel Lake. I don't retch when I see him 'doing his stuff' with
the passengers, in particular, with the lovely Virginia. I can
understand why George suggested Wanda reprise her role when he left the
show. I'm sure there is still many a fan-fic to be written about
Colonels' Freeman and Lake.

I'm not one for cigarette smoking but I have to say the use of smoke
rings in Identified was used to artistic effect. Straker blows a
perfect smoke ring in SHADO HQ and as it floats away with its shape
still intact, he barks "Get me Moonbase!". The camera then pans to the
circular shape of the moon. I find that quite arty. I bet that was
Sylvia's influence. I wonder how many takes it took Ed to do that? And
could he still do that today?;-)

And I promise not to mention Straker's bulge. Oops, there, I said it;-)

Ok, there are a few ideas for you.


--
Suzanne Sutherland
The Fat Fetuccine Mama