melanie-massengale

I certainly enjoyed watching "Flow." This is a unique film that should appeal to adults perhaps more than to children. "Flow'" animation is astonishingly beautiful, especially considering that the creators used open-source software on a meager $3.8M budget. Characters are appealing, less anthropomorphic than in Disneyesque movies and distinctly developed despite the lack of dialogue. Refreshingly, we are spared the smart-mouth sidekicks, silly sight-gags and precocious youngsters that pockmark many animated features. The message is as clear as it is serious: humans are wrecking the Earth and making life impossible for the other creatures inhabiting it. A secondary and equally important theme: cooperate to survive catastrophes. "Flow" is a film of great originality that is definitely worth your time.

Enjoyable if not exceptional episode with good performances, most notably by Mary Crosby as the alleged witch. Episodes set in Cabot Cove, especially those highlighting William Windom, Ron Masak and Julie Adams are often stronger than shows set out of town. This reality can be attributed to the actors' great gifts and chemistry as well as to better writing that plays to the featured characters' particular strengths. We have come to care about the town's regulars, and it is a weakness of the show's premise that Cabot Cove can only host so many murders.

The theme of embedded residents a tiny town turning against an unknown and seemingly unusual newcomer is always a compelling trope.

Unfortunately, the story suggests that 17th century Puritan accused "witches" were burned at the stake, but this trope is a persistent and erroneous myth. Those condemned in New England were hanged, not burned. Executions of witches by burning took place in medieval Europe.

This little story is a hidden gem in the series. Jessica is in the wrong place at the wrong time and is jailed for murder. Lou Cariou as Michael Hagerty is thoroughly engaging and has terrific chemistry with Angela Lansbury. Perhaps the tale is a little more implausible than usual, but Jessica in the slammer is worth a watch. Grady (Michael Horton) is entertaining as always and is actually of some use despite an early seeming betrayal of Jessica. Great cast including the wonderful John Rhys-Davies...for once, a plot that utilizes these people to advantage. Excellent lead-in episode for a new season.