(S01E11) H.O.U.S.E. Rules presented another opportunity for some righteous character development. Some of the camera work fell short of my usual expectations, but I can forgive a lapse now and then.

(S01E10) The worst nightmare you can have is of an out of control, giggling clown wielding a knife. No wait, it's when you realize there's a class at school you've never been to, but you have to take an exam for it. Or is it going to class naked? Wait, why is that last one scary?

This episode has a theme that's used in a few others in later seasons, in particular the Halloween episodes where fears and costumes take over Sunnydale. It's a theme that definitely works well in providing opportunities for an equal share of drama (through the facing of fears) and humor.

(S01E05) This is where I feel comfortable saying that Buffy started to find what kinds of stories defined the series. We've got the right kind of humor, the subtle hints of what's to come, and an ending that throws you for a loop.

Do not adjust your web browser. You are now entering the Retro Squad, where we are reviewing past episodes of your favorite shows, in order, every week.

(S01E01) And it all started with this. Well, actually, if you want to be all anal about it, it started with the craptastic movie with Kristy Swanson and Donald Sutherland, but we won't go there ... much. What is interesting, though, is how anyone who's seen the movie can relate to some of what's spoken of in this episode -- Buffy burned down the school in L.A., left a life of slaying vampires there behind, had an old Watcher. Hey, it works.

One of the things that's made this show so special is its continuity and how one can follow the episodes of the first season and relate ahead to episodes in its last season. For example, Darla, who we later learn much more about as she relates to Angel. She even crosses over into the Angel series for a long spell, and one has to wonder if she was ever meant to take on such a prominent role of the Buffy lore.

The big finales are finally over. Though we have a few cool premieres starting in the coming weeks, from Rescue Me (5/30) to Deadwood (6/11), let's face it -- TV isn't the same after May sweeps. The question that's floated around the TV Squad headquarters in the past couple of months has been, "what else can we review for the readers?" Enter "Retro Squad."

Starting this coming Sunday, we're going to take you back in time just a little bit. Remember all of those great shows that are no longer airing, either from being cancelled or ending long runs and taking a bow? Or maybe you remember the first seasons of shows still on the air? Of course you do; it's what makes you one of the millions of fans of these cult-classic shows. Well, we're going to bring them back to you, one episode at a time, every week. Read on for the exciting details.

(S01E21) Alright, now this is what I'm talking about. The entire hour of this episode was tense. Couldn't you feel it? It made the long season leading up to this point worth it. Heck, even some of the scenes with Nick and Veronica were worth watching. Well, the last scenes with Nick, at least.

You know, I was actually a little surprised that Pope was so angry at Michael right from the start, though that was a little more realistic of a reaction. I had thought he'd at least try to talk Michael down, or maybe just cooperate. And if Michael had put Pope's line on a pay porn phone line, there's no way the secretary would've interrupted him; she'd be horrified and probably just leave. And hell, I'd find it damned funny.

(S01E20) For all the times I've been down on this show, tonight made up for it all. The tension has come to an all-time high in this episode, and it's almost unfathomable that there's still two seasons episodes to sit through before the season ends. I have to admit that I didn't see some of what happened coming, especially the ending. But hey, I did have at least a close guess on what happened to Bellick.

By the way, I got a couple of tips in tonight wondering why they didn't break out yet. There's actually two more episodes left guys, so there's a little time left. I'm actually hearing that most of the guys get out in the next episode, and the last episode is what happens right afterward.

(S01E19) Like I'd mentioned in one of the recent APB podcasts, I already saw this episode a couple of weeks ago. Luckily the version I saw was the same as this one and ended just as shockingly. It's hard to believe that there's only one three more episodes left, and then that long wait for the next season ... if there is a next season, for sure.

The first surprise (for some of you, at least) was the return of Abruzzi. His back story was sadly missing a couple of episodes back, and it's too bad, since his story was likely one we'd have little remorse for, unlike all the other 'Breakers. Even Tweener has a sob story to tell, sitting in prison for a mere baseball card theft.

But is Abruzzi just playing everyone? Is he really reformed and forgiving of T-Bag? The fact he asked about Fibonachi again shure makes him out to be a player.

(S01E18) First of all, let me start by saying that I fell victim to my spoiler whorey ways and was able to watch next week's episode last Friday night (I spill the beans on huge spoilers in the latest APB podcast -- the ending will shock you.) Since I hadn't seen tonight's episode yet, it was weird seeing things in reverse order, but seeing how things connect didn't disappoint.

It makes sense that these guys are taking more risks now, seeing as they've got nothing to lose at this point. There are way too many things for the guards to discover that will make sure they all stay at Fox River for a loooong time.

(S01E17) OK, I guess I was quite alone in liking last week's flashback episode. Seriously, I understand where a lot of you are coming from because, as I've said in other show reviews, I can be a nitpicker when it comes to continuity and accuracy. The primary complaint was that, for inmates, their pasts show them in way too nice a light. I agree -- they shouldn't all come across as nice guys, but I guess it's just one thing I was able to overlook. Maybe it's because the past for these people is just that, and I'm interested in the present right now.

I know a lot of you disagreed with me with regards to the last two episodes, but  this time I think we're all in agreement. This was a great episode. Finally we learn what put our favorite (and not-so favorite) inmates into Fox River. Some stories were more shocking than others, and we get a better sense of who these people really are.

Battlestar Galactica resumes the second half of its second season on January 6th, and if you're one of the unlucky few who might feel left out of this incredible show, you're in luck! If you're sort on time and want a quick 22-minute recap of the previous season-and-a-half of episodes up to this point, iTMS has a free, downloadable clip available for your viewing pleasure. I'd really love to see this done for many other shows before new seasons begin, as a completely new audience can be reached, one who may have otherwise given up on the show for fear of being lost.

As already mentioned here, iTMS is also carrying all episodes of the new series (including the mini-series), though those are not free.

[via Lost Remote]