Sunday, July 18, 2010

LEVERAGE #306 Question post

Dulcet tones and the Duke boy. Leave your questions, assumptions and inferences in the Comments.

321 comments:

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Jen_Ann_W said...

Ok, so I know who *I* think Elliot/Christian sounds like, but who were the writers referring to?
Also whoever thought to dress Parker like Bjork/Lady Gaga is a GENIUS. Her best cover EVER.

Anonymous said...

Kudos to the A-Team quote! Would have liked to have seen more of the rest of the team's faces as Eliot sang, like everyone's reactions to Hardison's violin solo. I loved learning little tidbits of Eliots past - not so much his lost love, we already knew that (but enjoyed seeing his more compassionate/emotional side). But more so how he's wanted in other countries ("Eliot did kill people"). I have always wondered, why is it Eliot is the only one who ever gets laid? I was disappointed when season 2 DVD didn't include scenes not in the original eps, like season 1 had - will season 3 have them?

Anonymous said...

The scene where Eliot is singing in the bar tonight in ep 6 "The Studio Job" was that filmed at Dantes?

Christina Lollobrigida said...

@Jen_Ann_W - Personal thought on that line about him sounding like someone else, is that he sounded like Mitchell Kirkwood (John Schneider) which would make it easy for him to steal the song.

There was a bit of Ke$ha in her too with the eye-make-up.

---

As for my own remark, it's just a quick note on a line in one scene.

Nate says: I do love it when a plan comes together.

I immediately was sent back to Leverage ConCon when the boys had to say their trademark lines and Christian Kane had to be lead into his line. Tim Hutton graciously said (after a bit of coaching) "I do love it when a plan comes together."

Probably just a coincidence, but I would've loved to hear it was an inside joke for all of us at ConCon.

Christina Lollobrigida said...

@Anonymous re: the "Plan comes together"

I totally misquoted my own Leverage ConCon moment. It wasn't when they were doing their trademark lines, it was when Christian was discussing the motivation of using Mr. T and the iPity app on his iPhone. They were trying to get Christian to say a Mr. T line. "I pity the fool that don't let a plan come together."

Still, the ConCon inside joke does come to mind, even with me mistaking my memory.

Anonymous said...

"I love it when a plan comes together." - repeat line from The A-Team.

Can't wait to see next weeks ep w/ Eliot and Hardison teamed up to investigate and kick ass together, again.

Caitlin said...

Is there any chance that the shirts the fangirls were wearing will be made available for sale?

And was the "pitchy" "I don't think it means what you think it means" a shout out to The Princess Bride?

Sunny Gurl said...

Not done yet, just finished the part where Elliot is fighting and Parker and Hardison are literally not aware. Great show so far! Loving the punchy one liners! Parkers not wierd enough, smurf voice, I love it when a plan comes together. Great Bjork dress by the way!

Anonymous said...

So wher can we get those t-shirts - who is doing the merch?

Vanessa (fighting cook) said...

Phone is off, TV is on, & Leverage in 5...4..3..2..1!!!

Yowzas! What an intro! John Schneider's scary!

Parker so funny! Awesome line/lift dance!

Nate looks good in the hat.

Hot diggity daggone!

Where is this fiddle? It just walked through the door *enter the very hot Christian Kane*

Where's the real Saddlebag Saloon?

"Lemme show you" Jaw drop, can't breathe!!!

TV gets turned up to full volume...oh if only I had a big screen..

Twitter follow list just had a mutual orgasm.

Scary tattoo guys.

OMG!! What a 3rd act!

Eliot's startin' to like autographs. ;-)

OMG! What's Parker wearing?!!

Ooh 2nd set!! AAHH!!

LOL! Pitchy!

Parker is priceless!

Cool overhead camera shot in the recording studio.

Amazing fight!! I'll never look at musical instruments the same way again. ;-)

I love it when a plan comes together. DAMMIT Hardison!

I want a bike ride! & a fangirl shirt!!

Nice use of the earbuds.

Speaking from experience, the solar plexus definitely makes a difference.

Where were you? Getting notes on my performance ;-)

Jezebel said...

So... how did Nate take out those two thugs?

Vanessa (fighting cook) said...

A version of the fangirl shirts were designed by a fan before Con-Con.

Liz said...

All right, I was uncertain about this episode going in. But y'all sold it. My apologies. :-)

More later, I'm tired.

Anonymous said...

Who is that girl? She's an ah-mazing singer! :D

Jezebel said...

Followup from my husband: Now that we've seen Parker as Bjorn, can we look forward to Hardison or Nate in a Duran Duran of Flock of Seagulls tribute?
(I take no responsibility whatsoever for this question)

Havenward said...

I'm absolutely loving tonight's episode. Like everyone else, I think I've been waiting for this episode since sometime during season 1 when someone or another mentioned this sort of plot. Obviously near and dear to Kane's heart... And I loved the whole "pitchy" argument between Eliot and Hardison - especially since it was the perfect sort of moment for a Princess Bride nod.

A few questions: 1) How did you end up casting Alona Tal? (Who was brilliant, by the way!) 2) Was the "I don't think you know what it means" moment (and I'm totally paraphrasing, sorry) an indication that Eliot has seen the movie? Or just that the writing staff are wonderful, amazing geeks? 3) Who directed Kirkwood's music video? The color shadows were kinda trippy... 4) You realize you're a tease right? I seem to remember you promising we'd see Eliot hit someone over the head with a guitar. Or could Kane just not bring himself to do that, even if it was only a prop?

Jen_Ann_W said...

@Christina, good point, but then he didn't lip sync it like I thought he would.

Also loved Elliot's Princess Bride quote (PITCHY!), & the bit of background about working for the government. Makes me more curious about his past - Spec Ops turned Black Ops? Not freelance, since he still does jobs for them now & then (a la the hinkiness in Pakistan last season), but more of a kite (somebody's holding the strings but he flies on his own). iiiiinteresting.

MelodyAnne88 said...

Fangirls everywhere screamed when CK sang. We have been begging for this for 2 years and it happened. Thank you! And double yay for some Eliot lip action! No questions really. Just really liked this episode. lol Kudos to everyone!
Oh wait do any of the cast or crew read these posts?

NG said...

No questions. Just had to log in to say best episode yet. Classic Leverage humor. Loved it!

Havenward said...

Sliding in for one more I forgot... Eliot's garnered small tidbits of fame - first with the minor leagues, and now with music. Do you foresee this (the latter especially, since Eliot even mentions it) coming back to bite him and the team in the ass? Or should we assume that Hardison does some hardcore scrubbing to diminish what's out there?

Video Beagle said...

So this is what happens when fangirls break through the 4th wall.

I'd say Elliot has seen Princess Bride. The fight between Wesley and Inigo is one of the greatest fencing scenes ever filmed, so as a trained fighter, he'd have watched it.

So...Mickey Gilley was evil?

Miss Feliciano said...

I loved Kaye Lynn and Eliot. Is there a chance we can see more of them? Poor Eliot needs some love... even if it isnt something steady, just saying.

Also they did more fuzz about Hardison playing than they did of Eliot singing.

Stacy said...

Words cannot describe how much I loved this episode. It is hands down my favorite of all three seasons.

I think my favorite bit had to be Eliot and Haridson and the 'pitchy' argument, though Parker was pretty damn awesome as the Bjorke/Gaga freakazoid hybrid. Also her pickpocket dance was pretty damn cool.

1. Was that Christian actually riding the motorcycle or a stuntman?

2. How did Nate take out those two huge goons? Does Nate have some skillz we don't know about yet?

Good Lord, I'm still so hyped up from the episode that I can't get my thoughts together! I'm sure I'll have more questions later.

And somebody please tell me I'm not the only sap who got a little teary the first time Christian sang that song. Please.

Erin said...

Oh, man, I was *dying* during the recording session with Hardison and Eliot. "Say pitchy one more time. Say it and see what happens." COMIC GOLD.

Not that I had any doubts, but kudos on making the "Christian sings!" episode work so well. His singing made sense, was handled beautifully, and added to the story instead of overwhelming it.

Oh, I suppose I should ask an actual question. Whose idea was popstar!Parker? And at what point in the process was that specific "Bjork by way of Gaga/Kesha" look developed? Because she came damn close to stealing the show!

DMoss said...

Wow, what a great episode! And major kudos to Christian, who really brought it tonight, in more ways than one!

So the first few questions off the top of my head:

Was the scene where Eliot is being chased by his newfound groupies inspired by Chris O'Donnell in the Bachelor? I think he was chased by brides-to-be not fans though.

Is the fiddle scam real or made up for purposes of the ep?

How much of his stunts did John Schneider do?

Who's idea was it for Parker to channel Bjork? And I loved that y'all went with a duck/chick dress instead of the swan.

Does Hardison really know what pitchy means, and if not, what does he think it means?

Melissa Alexander said...

Well done on the ribs -- ain't Memphis without them! But country music? Uh, not so much. Memphis is the home of the blues and King of Rock 'n Roll. Loved seeing the shots of my hometown though.

This was one of my favorite episodes yet! Elliot was awesome. Parker was HYSTERICAL. And it was fun watching Bo Duke be a bad, bad boy.

I kept expecting Sophie to try the ribs and get hooked on them like everyone else.

Tom Galloway said...

Just so whoever came up with it will know that someone noticed, I particularly liked that Bjorker's duck had little "X"s for eyes, thus making it a dead duck.

Christina Lollobrigida said...

@eternallygrace7 re: Who is that girl? She's an ah-mazing singer! :D


That lovely talent is Alona Tal! She played Jo Harvelle on Supernatural and has sung Karaoke at the SPN Conventions for years. We all knew she could do it! Ah-mazing indeed!

David Wintheiser said...

No questions -- just a 'thanks' for having "Dixie" (i.e. the General Lee's horn tune) as the Duke boy's ringtone.

Fanservice comes in all kinds.

Shelley said...

Haven't seen it yet, the joys of time shifting.

Just want to say before 300 odd comments get added, that I have so enjoyed series 3! Interesting twist with the Italian, and I'm loving all the mind games.

Jordan said...

This is nothing major but just two minor details. 1) Brooks and Dunn broke up and played their last show in may, 2) Nashville is country music and Memphis is more of he blues. Like i said two minor details still loved the episode very well done.

Denita said...

Very fun episode. Loved the scenes between Christian and Alona Tal. I had no idea she sang so well.

John Schneider was awesome as the bad guy. I disliked his character from the opening act and was thrilled at the way the team took him down.

Of course, I loved Chris' song and seeing him sing on-screen again was great but the recording scenes in the studio with Eliot and Hardison was what made the episode for me. They were extremely funny.

Parker's line-dance was a thing of beauty but the Lady Gaga/Bjorn thing did nothing for me. I found it very distracting.

Can't wait to watch it again, not just to hear CK sing again but to try and catch everything I apparently missed first time around. (the ringtone was the General Lee's horn? How'd I miss that?)

A highly entertaining episode, truly. Absolutely loved it.

Mary (thmr7481) said...

Good ep. Singing was great! Really loved Nate's confidence in Eliot's abilities and the proud look in the back ground while clapping when song was done. Parker, on her own, stepping up on stage to by time and help Eliot, nice! Tim sure looked good in the black hat and the shirt he wore. I know it's late, but I have a question from DBJ. Was that Nate sitting in the corner with the light directly above his head,watching when Sophie leaves the bar in last scene?

Jordan said...

Jus watched the episode again and noticed Kane's line about Nashville. Also was there an evil speech of evil or am i just so stupid i missed it twice? Was the name Crane so similar to Kane on purpose or am i giving the writing staff to much credit? Once again, loved the episode and I hope the episodes stay this good.

Anonymous said...

ok, so i have some compliments first. this is without a doubt my absolute favorite episode even though i am a tiny bit bias. whoever thought of smurf!eliot should be given an award as well as for parkers character. thank you for the enormous fanservice of kane singing acoustic and the new MP3 and by "you" i mean everybody involved in this episode.

so now for my question, was that really Alona singing?

Macie said...

So... we know Nate was an insurance cop, and we know that he's badass. What we don't know is if he could beat the hell out of those two guys. Besides, Nate's the more 'mind game' guy. He insists they got in a fight. What I want to know is:
1. Is this true?
2. If not, did he beat them up himself?
3. Did he start the fight? (Turn them against each other)
I've also noticed that, in particular, for the last two eps, Nate and Sophie have been on par with each other for the cons. They've been ridiculously in sync.
4. So... are you trying to show that they're starting to really become equals, instead of Nate being in control? Or is it just a Nate/Sophie lovey thing?
5. Nate just noticed Hardison's tendency to say 'baby'? SERIOUSLY?

Tori R said...

Congratulations on an excellent episode! My family watched it with me (which they don't often do) and loved it.

1. Thank you for letting us know more of Eliot's past. I wasn't expecting that at all, but it totally worked. Who else's past do we learn more about this season?
2. Did the two guys guarding Nate really start fighting each other?
3. We're going to start seeing more of the Italian soon, right?
4. Will the season finale be a two-parter again? I liked that format in the previous two seasons.
5. Did Nate hypnotize Eliot, too? Will that particular talent of Nate's return in later episodes?
6. I've noticed a few of the team's cons that were actually used by real-life grifters - for example, "The Tap Out Job" featured a slightly changed Fight Club Con that was popular among grifters in the 1920s and 30s. Are most of the cons that Nate or Sophie mention offhandedly sometimes plans that were used by real-life grifters?

G said...

1. I felt this episode was a bit slower paced compared to the earlier episodes this season. Not complaining, but wondering whether this was a conscious choice.
2. Also, this episode I felt there wasn't a "this plan is going wrong" moment. Even forgetting the tape was more of a "someone screwed up" as opposed to "the situation has changed" moment.
3. What happened to Eliot not crapping where he eats? Is that why he decided to stay away from her?

Anonymous said...

Does Eliot actually regret the things he's done and the life he's lived? Was his "100 miles down that road" comment just a statement of fact or a statement of regret?

Sammie323 said...

I also wondered if that was really Alona singing.

Between Aimee and Kayce, Eliot seems to have type of fiesty Southern blondes. Except when Raquel Dayan is around :)

Anonymous said...

you guys nailed this one, absolutely breathtaking :D

was kane using his own guitar cause i saw him at Dantes on Saturday and i was right in front of him and it sure looked like his guitar?

Anonymous said...

Parker as Bjork is a work of genius. Congrats to everyone for that one.

My question is one I've had before, but Eliot's predicament brings it to mind.

With Eliot mentioning that he can't have his picture out on the internet because of the multiple death warrants and the fatwah... well, that makes question involves Sophie's past attempts to become an actress.

Did Sophie never second guess the wisdom of getting a high profile job like an actress when somebody she may have defrauded at one point may have seen her?

Video Beagle said...

The "Who he sounds like" asked above, isn't Kirkwood, but Jenkins? (the guy they killed originally to give Kirkwood a hit).

As for Memphis and country...yes, there is Country in Memphis..think of it as the farm leagues for Nashville.

(No crossover with Memphis Blues though? TNT not wanting a cameo by DJ Qualls or something?).

Elliot finished his ....celebrating...after his song pretty quickly...guess it's not just the bad guys he takes down fast :p

Elliot doesn't need hypnosis to sing..he's the best there is at what he does, and what he does is sink purty.

David Wintheiser said...

@Demita

The ringtone didn't sound like a car horn, but more of a band-sounding instrumental tone. It was definitely "Dixie", though; with any other actor it would have been a throwaway moment, but with John Schneider…

Anonymous said...

My question: Will Alona be back sometime in the future. Absolutely love her. She's just the sweetest person. She did very well playing opposite Chris and I would love to see her in some scenes w/ everyone else.

briddie said...

Sophie's "I thought I'd give it another beat. Okay then." was brilliant. I really loved the way Tim handled that, all innocent like "what did I do now??"

Anonymous said...

So how *did* Nate take down those two guys? Totally figured Eliot had arrived in time until the very end ... but surely even Nate isn't good enough to con them into getting in a fight?

msd said...

@ Jordan -
ummm - if Brooks and Dunn played their last concert in May, you may want to talk to Ticketmaster because they are selling tickets to the Brooks and Dunn summer tour.....granted, their LAST tour but they are still playing.

Sophie doesn't like chicken-fried steak (btw - I don't mean to bring up a sore subject) and now isn't fond of ribs - is she a vegetarian?

Kenneth Crane was supposed to sound like Jesse Jenkins. I'm assuming that Christian sang that track as well?

Top of the line episode. I can imagine that Frakes had fun directing it.

msd said...

I also loved Parker being stunned that she had 1) startled Eliot and 2) Eliot was nervous about singing in front of that many people. It sort of showed that she sees Eliot as unflappable.

LawMonkey said...

So, first: Fabulous episode all around. :) I especially liked the background comedy with Elliot fighting Kirkwood's heavy in the studio while Parker and Hardison argued over whatever. As a fan of Police Squad! from way back, I dig that kinda thing.

My question: is it just me, or have we had the team get tripped up in two episodes by something other than a con going too well or... the other thing, which eludes me at the moment. (I blame that Wild Turkey I'm fighting at the moment. Very distracting.) First Hardison with the client, getting distracted and forgetting to give Parker the code; now Hardison forgetting to grab the master tape. Maybe Hardison's just losing his edge, and this is setting something up for later...

Christina Lollobrigida said...

Having been in Dante's even I can't vouch for if the interiors were shot there, however I can say that the Exteriors are not even in Portland!

When I was in PDX for ConCon, I abused Google Street View forever looking for two locations. 1) Where Eliot hit Parker with the car during the Three Days of Hunter and 2) the coffee shop where Tara gave Luke Perry his "psychic" reading. Looking at surrounding signs and angles and abusing Google, I was able to find them both before I departed from PDX.

This time, I paused the DVR'd copy on that shot of the exterior and Google'd the Hell out of that Visitor & Information Center Neon sign. I finally found it, located in Austin Texas.

http://austintexasdailyphoto.blogspot.com/2008/01/welcome-visitors.html

I have been doing this for a lot of episodes, since that confusing Walking Tour I took in PDX this year. I figure, next time, I can be better prepared and look for things I want to see!

SueN. said...

Loved the ep! I loved Christian singing (duh), but what I really loved was that it didn't seem "stuntish" and didn't overpower the story, but just fit the story naturally. So kudos for that.

Also, Christian really nailed Eliot's nervousness. Nice to see Eliot not certain about his abilities for a change.

Parker dancing while picking pockets was a thing of beauty. And the Bjork get-up was beyond hysterical. (Though, sadly, hubby and I had to explain who Bjork was to our daughters. You ever tried to explain Bjork?!)

But I am forced to admit that as much as I loved watching CK sing, my favorite parts had to be the "pitchy" argument between Eliot and Hardison (and "Princess Bride" quote FTW!) and Eliot's fight in the studio while Hardison and Parker are totally oblivious. Seriously, these three together are gold!

And John Schneider makes one badass bad guy. Y'all made me hate Bo Duke/Jonathan Kent. That makes me cry in my special angry place.

Finally, to justify my presence here, two questions:

1) Why Memphis and not Nashville? (Just curious)

2) Sophie and the ribs. Still picking at the chicken fried steak scab? ;-)

And let me say, I am SO looking forward to next week! Eliot and Hardison chained together. Which one chews off the limb to escape?

SueN. said...

@G, the "Eliot not crapping where he eats" thing refers to Eliot not dating his teammates. As we've seen in past seasons (Aimee in "Two Horse," the car-rental girl, off-screen, in "Stork Job" and Mykel Dayan in "Two Live Crew,") he has no problem dating outside the team, even during a job.

Denita said...

I have a question, one that's been bugging me for some time.

Is it Raquel Dayan or Mykel Dayan?

gwangung said...

Parker dancing while picking pockets was a thing of beauty.

Yeah, a lovely, lovely shot and idea, and the best thing is that it isn't contrived; you just KNOW Parker's done the same sort of thing dozens, even hundreds of times before---makes you wonder why we haven't seen it before

ChelseaNH said...

Hmm. I'll have to watch it again (repeatedly, of course) but my initial reaction is, I feel a bit pandered to. Christian sings, Eliot gets some action (in the middle of a con. With a client! And flakes out on Nate!) and, perhaps most disconcerting of all, Eliot Takes. It. Personally!

I guess I just prefer Eliot a little more in control.

Tia Dugan said...

Again, great episode. My two things:

1. I will throw in my cash to get a fangirl tshirt.

2. The 'nice to meet you' to 'let's make out' seemedrushed. Are we missing something?

Thank you! Just bought Thinking of you on iTunes!!

Denita said...

@David Wintheiser-I caught it on the second showing-it was definitely "Dixie" that the cell phone was playing. I have no idea how I missed that.

Sneaky show.

Calla said...

What does Sophie have against down-home American food? First chicken-fried steak, now ribs. As if what the Brits do to mashed peas is some kind of thing to be proud of! (Sophie is British, isn't she? My bad, if she's not.)

I *loved* Eliot's fight in the recording studio - wish we'd gotten to see more of it, though!

Now, I actually have a real question. How did Kirkwood expect to get away with singing Crane's song when the night before Crane had sung that very song in the very same bar? Sure, the same customers weren't there, but some of the waitresses were. Or was it just a case of Kirkwood being just so damned oh-so-sure-of-himself that Crane would be out of the picture and no one would notice in time to make a difference?

Thanks for a fun episode. It went by too quickly!

Lee Ann said...

@Jordan - Brooks and Dunn are in the midst of their farewell tour. Actually, they were playing Cincinnati during tonight's episode.

No questions - just an awesome episode!

SueN. said...

And before I call it a night …

@MSD, re: Sophie and food, I don't think she's a vegetarian, I just think she's not into "peasant" food. To those not raised with it, chicken fried steak is, um, strange (we once had to explain it to relatives from New York), and I just cannot see Sophie picking up ribs slathered in sauce with her hands and chowing down.

As Rogers has said, our lovely Sophie is a bit of a princess. ;-

Christina Lollobrigida said...

Okay, honestly, this is my last comment to this post. (Hopefully)

I've just rewatched the re-airing of the ep and when Eliot returns to Kaye Lynn's house and she's going through the emotional lines about how he promised to get her money and their song back, there is a definite feeling of ADR going on for like four of those words, but it's nearly seamless for the rest of it.

Was it just a simple ADR missed sync or was there something that got re-written in post?

(I also need to figure out how to properly link things on here, since my link up there didn't do anything at all, apparently)

paulinalogan said...

Tonight's show was great, and I loved the use of music in the episode. How do you guys generally find songs for the show? Is there a way for indie artists to pitch music?

Anonymous said...

don't think i missed the Kaniacs shout out with the leverage!verse version of twitter saying "craniacs" lol i'm onto you guys. ;P

Anonymous said...

So, we know that Hardison makes their costumes jackets for when they need to be FBI or CSI or whatever. Did he also make Parker's duck dress?

Kathleen said...

1. Please tell me why it seemed that Sophie was so blase' and gave up so easily when the con started going wrong. She is usually Eliot's champion, but here her attitude seemed to be (to paraphrase) oh well, you can't have everything, it doesn't always work out, maybe next time. That's not usually her character. Usually Nate is the one who wants to give up. Of course, it's usually some sort of test or mind game. So what was Sophie's deal here?

2. If y'all ever make the t-shirts from this episode available, they have to have the name Kenneth Crane on them or the inside joke will not be complete. Speaking of inside jokes, I heard Christian say in a top 5 that Princess Bride was one of his favorite fairy tales.

3. And, as a woman, thank you for this wonderfully funny, sexy, touching episode. We're with y'all forever. Loving you dearly!

Rebecca said...

Oh. My. God. Favorite Parker ever. Yes, I love and appreciate Kane, but Parker was a shooting star in this ep.

I was totally thrown by seeing the show come back from a break and Nate's handing out money. Was expecting an Eliot rescue scene. So, what happened there? What's the story behind that plot development?

(I love how knowing the behind the scenes stuff only makes us love the show more, instead of ruining the magic. So much more work for you, I know, but we love you for it. We really do.)

Heather G. said...

Anonymous said...

The scene where Eliot is singing in the bar tonight in ep 6 "The Studio Job" was that filmed at Dantes?

- - No, it was not filmed at Dante's, I want to say it was probably filmed in studio. Now the "breakfast" scene, looked to me like it could have been at The Governor Hotel, again...but that's just a guess w/o any investigation. - -

Christina Lollobrigida said...

- - "I do love it when a plan comes together." Yup, with the addition of the "do" it was from their panel at Con-con. Seeing as how Con-con was in March and they started filming around late February and the episode was filmed in April I think it was a Nod to those who went to Con-con. No, @ Con-con iFMagazine guy and Christian got Tim to say "I love it when a plan comes together." so Christian could (and did) say "I pity the fool who doesn't love it when a plan comes together". - -

Caitlin said...

- - The "pitchy" statement was a throw back to a previous episode where they were giving Hardison a hard time during a con. Plus, I think they were trying to drive the other guy a lil crazy too...or at least that was a side bonus! ; ) - -

Jezebel said...

So... how did Nate take out those two thugs?

- - He didn't, he got them to fight each other. - -

Anonymous - - Season 2 DVD had some deleted scenes...just they were at the end of each disc if/when they were there. - -

eternallygrace7 said...

Who is that girl? She's an ah-mazing singer! :D

- - Alona Tal, she was on Supernatural on and off and then on again until this last season when her character, and her character's mother were killed. - -

Nicole said...

- - Where did you hear anything about Christian hitting John over the head with a guitar? If it was shot and they liked it would have been in the ep. If it was shot and they didn't like that's why it wasn't in the ep...that, or it was never shot in the first place. Honestly, Christian wouldn't have a problem breaking a prop guitar over someone's head...he'd probably like it...especially if it was a friend of his like @therealtrueshit aka John S. - -

Jen_Ann_W said...

...& the bit of background about working for the government. Makes me more curious about his past...

- - This is the, I think, 3rd time he mentions "the government" when talking about his past...I think Eliot actually goes just a bit deeper in Season 2, check out the DVD if you haven't already - -

MelodyAnne88 said...

- - As far as I know, or have deduced, John R. and/or Dean D. look at them, as for the rest of the cast I honestly don't know...but assume yes so you avoid any possibility of future embarrassment...not that you did anything embarrassing just now - -

Heather G. said...

Anonymous said...

The scene where Eliot is singing in the bar tonight in ep 6 "The Studio Job" was that filmed at Dantes?

- - No, it was not filmed at Dante's, I want to say it was probably filmed in studio. Now the "breakfast" scene, looked to me like it could have been at The Governor Hotel, again...but that's just a guess w/o any investigation. - -

Christina Lollobrigida said...

- - "I do love it when a plan comes together." Yup, with the addition of the "do" it was from their panel at Con-con. Seeing as how Con-con was in March and they started filming around late February and the episode was filmed in April I think it was a Nod to those who went to Con-con. No, @ Con-con iFMagazine guy and Christian got Tim to say "I love it when a plan comes together." so Christian could (and did) say "I pity the fool who doesn't love it when a plan comes together". - -

Caitlin said...

- - The "pitchy" statement was a throw back to a previous episode where they were giving Hardison a hard time during a con. Plus, I think they were trying to drive the other guy a lil crazy too...or at least that was a side bonus! ; ) - -

Jezebel said...

So... how did Nate take out those two thugs?

- - He didn't, he got them to fight each other. - -

Anonymous - - Season 2 DVD had some deleted scenes...just they were at the end of each disc if/when they were there. - -

eternallygrace7 said...

Who is that girl? She's an ah-mazing singer! :D

- - Alona Tal, she was on Supernatural on and off and then on again until this last season when her character, and her character's mother were killed. - -

Nicole said...

- - Where did you hear anything about Christian hitting John over the head with a guitar? If it was shot and they liked it would have been in the ep. If it was shot and they didn't like that's why it wasn't in the ep...that, or it was never shot in the first place. Honestly, Christian wouldn't have a problem breaking a prop guitar over someone's head...he'd probably like it...especially if it was a friend of his like @therealtrueshit aka John S. - -

Jen_Ann_W said...

...& the bit of background about working for the government. Makes me more curious about his past...

- - This is the, I think, 3rd time he mentions "the government" when talking about his past...I think Eliot actually goes just a bit deeper in Season 2, check out the DVD if you haven't already - -

MelodyAnne88 said...

- - As far as I know, or have deduced, John R. and/or Dean D. look at them, as for the rest of the cast I honestly don't know...but assume yes so you avoid any possibility of future embarrassment...not that you did anything embarrassing just now - -

Heather G. said...

Anonymous said...

The scene where Eliot is singing in the bar tonight in ep 6 "The Studio Job" was that filmed at Dantes?

- - No, it was not filmed at Dante's, I want to say it was probably filmed in studio. Now the "breakfast" scene, looked to me like it could have been at The Governor Hotel, again...but that's just a guess w/o any investigation. - -

Christina Lollobrigida said...

- - "I do love it when a plan comes together." Yup, with the addition of the "do" it was from their panel at Con-con. Seeing as how Con-con was in March and they started filming around late February and the episode was filmed in April I think it was a Nod to those who went to Con-con. No, @ Con-con iFMagazine guy and Christian got Tim to say "I love it when a plan comes together." so Christian could (and did) say "I pity the fool who doesn't love it when a plan comes together". - -

Caitlin said...

- - The "pitchy" statement was a throw back to a previous episode where they were giving Hardison a hard time during a con. Plus, I think they were trying to drive the other guy a lil crazy too...or at least that was a side bonus! ; ) - -

Jezebel said...

So... how did Nate take out those two thugs?

- - He didn't, he got them to fight each other. - -

Anonymous - - Season 2 DVD had some deleted scenes...just they were at the end of each disc if/when they were there. - -

eternallygrace7 said...

Who is that girl? She's an ah-mazing singer! :D

- - Alona Tal, she was on Supernatural on and off and then on again until this last season when her character, and her character's mother were killed. - -

Nicole said...

- - Where did you hear anything about Christian hitting John over the head with a guitar? If it was shot and they liked it would have been in the ep. If it was shot and they didn't like that's why it wasn't in the ep...that, or it was never shot in the first place. Honestly, Christian wouldn't have a problem breaking a prop guitar over someone's head...he'd probably like it...especially if it was a friend of his like @therealtrueshit aka John S. - -

Jen_Ann_W said...

...& the bit of background about working for the government. Makes me more curious about his past...

- - This is the, I think, 3rd time he mentions "the government" when talking about his past...I think Eliot actually goes just a bit deeper in Season 2, check out the DVD if you haven't already - -

MelodyAnne88 said...

- - As far as I know, or have deduced, John R. and/or Dean D. look at them, as for the rest of the cast I honestly don't know...but assume yes so you avoid any possibility of future embarrassment...not that you did anything embarrassing just now - -

Heather G. said...

SORRY!! I didn't mean to double post...stupid computer/site! lol

Anyway, here's that other half of my post...apparently too long.

Nicole said...

- - I think, as far as the baseball thing, he didn't have as many close ups, minor leagues don't always film their games and if local TV crews do usually only locals watch it and if any of Eliot's enemies were in town to even see the coverage they already knew he was there...and vice versa. As for tonight's ep...All Hale Alec Hardison! Guru of the internet! lol - -

Laz said...

- - As for Eliot gettin' some action: I've been saying it since @ LEAST "The Homecoming Job" when everyone was all "poor Eliot" because he was like the odd man out...Eliot doesn't have trouble "gettin' some", and he's too all over the place to do anything long-term. Eliot gets his "needs" met, so to speak, "outside" of episodic view, when he's with the gang he's with his family. And I mean Sophie basically was "with" Nate from the beginning...and Eliot and Parker are like siblings who bicker a lot so there's nothing there, plus she likes Alec so...yeah, that's my rant on that topic. - -

Stacy said...

1. Was that Christian actually riding the motorcycle or a stuntman?

- - My money is on the safe bet of stunt doubles for both. I would think insurance would pitch a fit if they drove through the streets on a motorcycle through "traffic". Now heading into the building I would bet that it was them because they would have had to just come from around the corner. - -

2. How did Nate take out those two huge goons? Does Nate have some skillz we don't know about yet?

- - He does have some skills, but I believe he actually conned them into getting into a fight with each other...like he said, they had a fight ;) - -

And somebody please tell me I'm not the only sap who got a little teary the first time Christian sang that song. Please.

- - Suurree..."You are NOT the only sap how got a lil teary when Christian sang that song." Feel better? lol I don't know about anyone else but I didn't, I did love it though...downloaded it from iTunes this morning (Sunday morning). - -

DMoss said...

Is the fiddle scam real or made up for purposes of the ep?

- - Based on what the writers/producers have said before, I am sure it is a real con - -

How much of his stunts did John Schneider do?

- - From what I saw, he did all of his stunts...they weren't all that dangerous as far as stunts go...mainly just fights and 'everyone' can do those. :) - -

Who's idea was it for Parker to channel Bjork? And I loved that y'all went with a duck/chick dress instead of the swan.

- - I loved how she went up on stage and "did her thing" lol - -

Does Hardison really know what pitchy means, and if not, what does he think it means?

- - I think he was just trying to pick on something that was brought up via his program from the original performance when he thought it wasn't working...and it got a rise out of his "brother" so to speak, so that's his added bonus...that, and he could turn the sound off and ignore him. - -

OK, that's it for now. I gotta get some videos/pics from the Concert onto my computer and start working (or get them ready to start working on them tomorrow) and then it's off to bed for me. Night All!

Anonymous said...

I understand not being able to get leverage itself on itunes outside the US but we can't even get the song.

I'd love to pay for it, but it doesn't look like i can.

Jimbo said...

Is there any way you'll be able to get the song available internationally so that those of us overseas can buy it as well, please?

(While you ponder how someone in England can watch US TV shows this soon after they air, also realise that I'm willing to pay for the track rather than pirating it. Yarr.)

Jimbo said...

From the iF magazine interview with Christian:

"I got to sing and my song’s up there and it has to deal with some personal stuff that I went through. This story is not out of thin air – John made sure of that."

I understand that it is personal to Christian, but if you can shed some light on it I'd be grateful, please - it sounds intriguing!

Alex said...

Firstly, Aldis is looking good in the wife beater. Wish I knew nerds like that...

Secondly, I was wondering how you guys chose which song of Christian's to sing this episode. Did it just fit best with the overall mood, or was it a personal favourite of someone's?

Also, I love Parker as Bj... I mean, as a famous Icelandic singer. "I don't think I was weird enough."

scooter5203249 said...

However Nate took down those two guys (and I want to know, too) was it another skill he learned in prison along with cooking and hypnotism?

Loved Hardison's reply to Nate over the use of the word "Baby." "How old *are* you?" LOL

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to say, I'm loving all of the little shot outs this season. The A-Team, Smurfs, Princess Bride in this one, and all of the comic book references made so far(mostly by Harrdison) make me literally squeak! It's so nice to see geeks writing TV. I absolutely LOVE this season. I think I appreciate it more for having gone to ConCon and hearing some of the thought processes that goes into it.

Anonymous said...

Back in April John Schneider posted a pic on Twitter saying he was filming in "The Erickson in Portland. Worlds longest bar!"
Is hat where the bar scene's were filmed?
And was the hotel room and restaurant scenes shot at The Governor?
Thanx for another awesome ep of my fav show. I, like many of you can also NOT WAIT till next week ep.

Anonymous said...

I absolutely loved the episode last night (and not JUST Christian sang that beautiful song). Just one teeny-weeny suggestion: While the nods to different characters and/or programs is still fresh & funny, please don't go overkill on that.

Anonymous said...

I absolutely loved the episode last night (and not JUST Christian sang that beautiful song). Just one teeny-weeny suggestion: While the nods to different characters and/or programs is still fresh & funny, please don't go overkill on that.

LarryFleming said...

All the questions I have have been posted, just wanted to chime in and compliment you and the team on a fantastic job. You had something for everybody. Sophie slapping Nate, Parker in a Duck suit (priceless), Hardison proving he's a well rounded geek (doing sound editing too), Eliot fighting, Eliot fighting...and the best for last, Eliot really singing.

Kimmie said...

@International Folks: The song should be available for purchase for you from Christian's website: www.christiankane.com

@Nicole and Anonymous: Yes, that appeared to be Christian's own guitar, which would explain the not breaking it on anyone's head.

I loved, loved, LOVED this episode and can't wait to watch it again to see what I might have missed.

babysmoke said...

@Jimbo & Anonymous (and anyone else not in the US): if you head over to Christian Kane's website http://www.christiankane.com/, you will find a link to buy the song for US$0.99

As for the breaking guitar...I think I saw Eliot tossing a broken guitar (or something) at the end of the fight in the recording studio. Hmm...gotta rewatch that again.

Dawn/StL-MO said...

@Christina Lollobrigida
your link worked for me when I just left off the "http://" part

JOHN & Leverage crew - GREAT balance of the "L-team", the guest stars & "Kane"!

John - Only question that's NOT been asked ties in with my question & confusion from last week: Since Nate & the group agreed in Jailhouse Job they would only take cases doing good for people who were connected with Moreau &/or would lead them to him, how does Kaye Lynn, her brother, Memphis or Mitchell Kirkwood tie in with Damien Moreau?

Thanks again for all you do!

Dawn/StL-MO

Anonymous said...

I didn't think I would like an episode based around country music. I really enjoyed it. CK really had a nice song. No questions right now. Just wanted to say that this season of Leverage has been A+ so far. I don't know if it's Gina being back on a regular or just getting to know all the characters better but keep up the great work.

Rob Pugh said...

John Schneider is a great bad guy. Highly recommend him for the team of Evil Avenging Marks.

Great ep.

Traeia said...

Leverage is the first show I think I've ever sat down and watched at its weekly time. Its amazing, so thanks!

So far this season, we've had a Parker ep, then Hardison, then P&H and now Eliot. Debatably, also a Nate episode, but its hard to tell because he's so central and we're used to his issues.

Anyway, we didn't really see Eliot or Hardison's "how I got into it" backstory. Are we going to see that too? I'd ask about Sophie, but I'm pretty sure we have a Sophie episode coming up shortly. (Right?)

Anonymous said...

LOVED the show. The only ? I had that I didn't see here was how did Kaye Lynn hear about the team? She must have gone to Boston to see them and get their help, how did she know who/where they were?

Anonymous said...

Love the Kenneth Crane name. Was it Chris who came up with that or the writers ?

Didn't know that John Schneider sang. He sounded a lot like the australian singer James Blundell.

Hope for more Kane music.

Jen Erickson said...

Knee-slappin', belly laughin' great show! Beth's dance/lift was camera-tastic amazing. I am assuming it was really her with that fancy footwork. Did Kane drive the motorbike? My guess would be yes. Thanks for bringing us such a fun show.

Anonymous said...

@Dawn/StL-MO...
Nate said that some of the cases will lead to Moreau, not all of them.

Bg Porter said...

When the colors started to trail and separate behind Schneider in the old music video, was that just an attempt to look like cheesy old video effects, or was it the most obscure Trek reference ever? (David Gerrold's unfilmed treatment 'The Protracted Man' would have used that effect through the whole episode)

DaveMB said...

I can think of two reasons the episode was set in Memphis rather than Nashville:

1) TNT suits liked the backdoor promo for their new series

2) The helicopter establishing shots of Memphis (showing, e.g., the pyramid by the river) were cheaply available from the other series.

Either of these ideas true?

I expect that Nate's alleged "let's you and him fight" triumph will not and should not be explained farther.

I find that I'm consistently liking Frakes' episodes best. Sentimental and funny, but not to the point where it interferes with the core of the show. And it's good that there are darker episodes that make the sentimental and funny ones stand out.

I like the reference to the potential sample in a rap song being economically more important than a breakout career as a young country star. The music business is very strange -- Nick Lowe is a legend in indy circles, but he is independently wealthy only because "What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding" was covered on the soundtrack album for The Bodyguard.

WV: "terjeci" -- Latin for "I threw it three times"

Anonymous said...

John Scheider played a reall seedy guy on Nip/Tuck as well. He does bad really well.

Sarah W said...

I have to say, I'd thought for a second that Eliot had laid the two goons out at the nick of time and hid---it was a beautiful 'thunk' moment of realization. And a timely reminder that Eliot is not the only dangerous man on the team.

It's not difficult for me to believe that Nate managed to get the goons to fight each other---this is the man who gave someone a nosebleed with the power of suggestion (Order 23 Job). I'm glad there wasn't a reveal for this---it would have spoiled the spooky--- but if one was filmed, I'd love to see it on the season 3 outtakes (please).

Another thing---my mother visited us a few weeks ago, and I made her watch the pilot and the next episode. I called her last night, and she was the one who cut the call short (before I could) so she wouldn't miss her new favorite show. You hooked another one!

SueN. said...

My take on Nate and the tattooed bad guys, I'm taking him at his word when he said they got into a fight. We've seen how he can manipulate people throughout the show ("Did you just give a guy a nose bleed with the power of your mind?"), so I'm guessing he turned his Professor X-like powers on those two guys and got them to fight each other.

Anonymous said...

Fantastic episode! Despite having been a fan of Christian's music for years, I was a little nervous that the insertion into the storyline of him singing might feel clunky, but I should know by now to trust you. :)

It's always marvellous to see John Schneider and Alona Tal on my screen, and to have the treat of them singing on top of that... Well, I can't really thank you enough.

As others have said, the high spot for me in an episode full of them just has to be the Eliot/Hardison studio interaction.

I want to justify this post by asking a question but can't actually think of any except why is it not yet next Sunday?

Sam

Anonymous said...

Well, I was a skeptic, but you guys really pulled this one off! I adore any combination of Parker-Hardison-Eliot, so the entire sequence in the studio was probably my favorite part. While I was a bit jarred by the shout-outs to followers of Christian Kane, the loss of immersion was made up for by the fact that it was all in-character (I knew I should have trusted you guys). I liked hearing bits of Eliot's past confirmed. I've been under the impression that he joined the military out of high school like a good son of America and ended up doing most of the really horrible things he's done (covert ops assassin?) prior to becoming an actual criminal. But he's only wanted in three different countries? That's not as impressive a list as I was expecting. ;P

No real questions here, just praise. Maybe I'll think of questions later.

Anonymous said...

Calla said...

"As if what the Brits do to mashed peas is some kind of thing to be proud of! (Sophie is British, isn't she? My bad, if she's not.)"

I was going to say that assuming she is indeed British I don't think she is of a class which would view mushy peas as food, let alone socially acceptable food, and I can definitely see that attitude carrying over to ribs and chicken fried steak. But then I remembered that we've seen her tucking in to pork rinds in the street at the end of the Tap Out Job - a gross social solecism on two counts - so perhaps as a talented grifter she's managed to convince me she's something she's not. :)

Jay said...

I don't know who was cuter/sexier in that episode -- Alona Tal or Honky Tonk Parker. The dance through the crowd was brilliant!

John Schneider as the bad guy was well-chosen. He had that smarmy vibe down pat. (He's also at the top of my list for favorite TV Dad as Jonathan Kent in SMALLVILLE...)

So did Alona Tal actually sing at the end? Please say yes, so the next question I can ask if "where is HER record deal?"...

Jay said...

2. Also, this episode I felt there wasn't a "this plan is going wrong" moment. Even forgetting the tape was more of a "someone screwed up" as opposed to "the situation has changed" moment.

You don't think Kirkwood deciding he was going to steal the song and kill Elliot instead counts?

24jg13 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
24jg13 said...

Okay thank you thank you thank you for CK singing. Love to hear anytime, anywhere. Loved Hardison busting him on being "pitchy" so very much the center of Eliot/Hardison relationship.

Gotta love Alona Tal singing but damn first she gets kissed by Jensen Ackles and now Christian, the girl sure has the luck.

Loved that Eliot is ex-US government/military explains just about everything.

And for all those worried about Eliot being the odd man out, let's remember he is the only one getting any...

I have no questions on the episode right now, but when can we expect to hear about season 4?????

Jane said...

This episode was amazing, I think it's my favorite of the last two seasons, a very welcome (and long overdue) return to the team dynamic of the first season.

Such a great sight to see them all discussing the case and I loved that the episode ended with all of them as a team.

Nefarie said...

I think this ep was for the Eliot fans because this was my least favorite. Eliot is an important part of the team and his role is important, but I find him less interesting than the others. I still liked the episode because an average Leverage is still a fantastic Leverage.

@Macie - These questions on Nate are all questions that popped into my head as well during that scene, so I'm hoping they get answered. At first I thought somehow Eliot managed to get in there and knock those two guys' heads together. Nate looked so cool and collected and not a little bit smug when he said 'they got in the fight'. As badass as we know he can be, I don't believe he couldn't take on two huge bodyguards. I think he mindgamed them to turn on one another. That would be more Nate like.

As for Nate and Sophie. It's very cute to see how in-sync they are together this season. I'm missing the sexual tension between them though.

@G - "I felt there wasn't a "this plan is going wrong" moment. Even forgetting the tape was more of a "someone screwed up" as opposed to "the situation has changed" moment."

Agreed. It was all too smooth evening at the end. No flashbacks to how they pulled it off or misdiretion.

I LOVED Parker as the Lady GaGa/Bjork hybrid and Hardison channeling his inner P.Diddy. Very funny. Parker's pickpocket dance was very cute. I just adore those two.

So my only question is: Who in the wardrobe department should I send chocolate to for putting Timothy Hutton in that rocking black cowboy hat? I had to consider pausing for a cold shower at that point.

Melissa in St Louis (MacSTL) said...

It is 11:30 monday morning and I have already watched this episode 3.5 times (fell asleep during the TNT re-airing)

I have tried to think up questions - but any I had have already been answered.

What a great episode! It is currently my favorite -- multiple Levels of WIN

Parker: The costume, the gerbil speak, her amazement at startling Eliot, the dance/thief line!!! and they way she helped stall at the end!

Hardison: OMG no one has mentioned his baaad attempts at hick vernacular. (Hot Diggity Dang Gum -- Butter Britches)

Eliot: wow - what a full show of emotions for this character!


LOVE the shout out to the Kaniacs with the Craniacs. (and yes, I looked for a Craniac ID on twitter last night)


There were so many little subtle things that made this episode so much fun.

But - as a Christian Kane fan, I was delighted to be able to see Christian blend his two greatest passions into one terrific episode. How special for him.


and - I also had to go watch the 'Broadway Version of Leverage' twit vid last night! Love how you all share those things with us!

Thank you!

MsKitty said...

While the nods to different characters and/or programs is still fresh & funny, please don't go overkill on that.

Delurking to co-sign. That's exactly what killed Psych for me.

Really enjoying season 3, keep it rolling.

Sammie323 said...

Ok, so I know who *I* think Elliot/Christian sounds like, but who were the writers referring to?


I thought they meant Eliot sounds like the previous guy whom they killed. That's why John Schneider's character could steal his song.

Either that or Garth Brooks :)

Sammie323 said...

I can think of two reasons the episode was set in Memphis rather than Nashville: 1) TNT suits liked the backdoor promo for their new series

The show is normally set in Boston, which is where TNT's other new show Rizzoli and Isles is set. Please don't let TNT push any crossovers on Leverage.

Paige E. Ewing said...

Did Christian write the song?

Great episode, btw, but that's already been said.

Paige

24jg13 said...

CK did indeed write the song several years ago and Alona was singing in the episode. Both are mentioned in articles that came out last week.

ChelseaNH said...

I realized this morning: The real victim this week was the brother, and we never saw him after the opener. Instead, he was shunted offscreen in favor of the sister, who is prettier and who attracted the attention of someone who mattered. Very appropriate for a show biz story...

Courtney said...

A few questions for you...well, maybe more than a few.

Why Memphis and not Nashville? Legal issues (since Nashville is known as Music City) or just easier/cheaper to get the place establishing footage at the beginning of the ep?

Did John Schneider enjoy playing the bad guy for a change? And did he like getting to sing a bit in this ep?

Did Dante's double as the club in this ep? Or was it another Portland area bar?

Nate didn't hypnotize Eliot because you would've showed it in a flashback, right? Speaking of which, did Nate have any idea Eliot could sing? Or was it a lucky guess?

Kudos to Beth for taking the whole crazy over-the-top pop star thing and running with it.

Would somebody please pull the stick out of Sophie's butt? Her attitude since they broke Nate out of jail really sucks.

Hardison's all white get-up made me think of P. Diddy, or whatever he's calling himself these days. Was that the association you were going for?

I thought Eliot was wanted in more than 3 countries.

All in all, outstanding ep. Of course, I was too busy squeeing to notice things like Kirkwood's ringtone being "Dixie". Guess I'll just have to rewatch. ;)

Liz said...

At random (because Twitter seems to have destroyed my ability to put paragraphs together):

I love you, Jonathan Frakes. In a strictly platonic, non-stalker sort of way.

Liked John Schneider's turn as the bad guy in this one. Used to be a huge fan of "Bo Duke" when I was a kid. :-)

I think one of my favorite scenes in this ep was Parker's graceful dance of thievery. Could have watched just that for five minutes, probably. Reminded me a little of River Tam (Firefly), moving about like a beautiful dancer...while kicking people's asses left and right. Anyone else?

The terrifying love-child of Lady Gaga and Bjork was pretty awesome too. I almost forgot that was Parker for a few minutes.

I would love to know what Nate did to those two huge guys. In some ways, he's a mysterious guy since returning from prison.

A-Team line, Princess Bride line, awesome. In fact the whole recording studio was great, from the classic Hardison/Eliot arguing, down to the knock-down, drag-out fight scene while Hardison and Parker talk.

As far as Eliot goes, I think the scenes with he and Kaye gave us a glimpse of who Eliot was, and who he might have been today, had circumstances been different. The character often comes off as invulnerable -- in fact he has to be, given what he does -- so it's nice to get a peek at what's beneath.

I don't think I have any questions. Just the usual thanks. Had fun!

Anonymous said...

I think the assumption is that, with the money, the sister will take care of her brother. There is not much the Leverage team can do for him other than get back the rights to the song and get him money for his health cost. If his hands may never move again, as stated in the episode, playing music will be the least of his worries.

Gotta ask, did you guys script Beth hitting Aldis in the face when she raised her hand? Did she adlib or was it accidental? He looked surprised when she hit him.

Nefarie said...

@Liz: I think one of my favorite scenes in this ep was Parker's graceful dance of thievery. Could have watched just that for five minutes, probably. Reminded me a little of River Tam (Firefly), moving about like a beautiful dancer...while kicking people's asses left and right. Anyone else?

I immediatley thought of River Tam! Glad I'm not the only one. I believe I read that Summer Glau was a trained ballerina? Beth/Parker had that beautiful grace to her while she pickpocketed everyone in her path, just like River would elegantly kick everyone's ass. Excellent scene.

Jesse said...

Great ep again last night

Just one question we've seen parker beaten in her area of expertise in the inside job and nate beaten in last seasons finale
Are we ever going to see elliot passed out after a fight he didnt win? or Hardison completely unable to hack something and the team have to work in the dark??

Thanks again for a great episode

Unknown said...

Kane's song available for download made me wonder - have you considered selling in-universe merch on your website like The Office does? I'd love to have a mouse pad with the drug company logo from Double Blind on it.

Anonymous said...

@Jesse Hardison has referred to several things as "unhackable" and they've had to go roundabout as a result. Remember how tough the Steranko was on him? Also, the issue with Eliot losing a fight is that this show seems to take a pretty realistic approach to the consequences of getting beat up. It doesn't take much to permanently impair someone, and many people he fights wouldn't let him live if he lost to them.

Anonymous said...

I have not had a chance to go and check, but didn't Nate's line, "So do you two work out together?" come from Danny Ocean (George Clooney) in Ocean's Eleven? I seem to recall him being in a similar situation during the heist.

Kathleen said...

Why I was expecting Kirkwood to be a villian we loved to hate? Ahhhh... I hate hating him! He has no soul..[I feel like one of Mudd's Women, is there steam coming out of my ears?]
As for Eliot moving fast with Ashley? It was love at first "sigh". Even tho' it ended mutually, I think Eliot wanted it more.
Memphis vs. Nashville, I didn't suspect TNT, just thought Veach was painting Kirkwood so evil that placing him in Nashville would have made finding him like looking for a needle in a stack of needles.
I love the small details of the con, Hardison manipulating Kirkwood into the only empty stool at a crowded bar.
Of all of the reasons to love Tim Hutton, listening to him work a dialect keeps me hanging on every word.
Everyone seemed to love the "pick pocket slide" but c'mon, beautiful girl like Parker dancing alone in a pack of wolves and no one is watching? lol
That pottery wheel scene was HOT, I mean Eliot's guitar lesson.. ;)
As for men and ribs... maybe deep down they are fulfilling the need to replace the one they lost?
I love the use of @Twitter #Craniacs #meme
btw... I don't know how y'all posted so fast, Leverage is one hour of television I can't be pulled away from. Even if I wanted to say... count scene changes or camera angles, I couldn't.
So I read through the 100 or so comments and watched it again, had to pause a couple of times, laugh it out, i.e. Hardison hitting Parkers hand with his face, Eliot reminding me of ELF "one more time" and PB "that word" [God wouldn't I love to see Mandy Patinkin on Leverage]and the entire studio pitch adjustment scene, which reminds me, someone has a Birthday coming up soon, baby!!
I guess I don't really have questions.. I'm really digging what the writers have done.. Teasers>Spoilers=Awesomesauce

PhantomMinuet said...

Was the choice to go with Memphis, rather than Nashville a sly promotional nod to TNT's new series, "Memphis Beat"? Because, when it comes to music and food, you go to Memphis for the blues and the ribs, and you come to Nashville for the honky-tonk and the biscuits.

Anonymous said...

I agree. Elliot does need to lose a fight at some point. I don't want the character to become cartoonish. Hopefully to a hot chick.

Didn't Hardison lose to Wesley Crusher in The Two Live Crew job before eventually beating him?

Speaking of Hardison, he's starting to lose his edge. The only reason the job wasn't completed was him forgetting the tape. The previous week he forgot the the code for Parker and had to have help to find it. What's going on with him?

Dolfyn Rider said...

After reading through all of the rest of the comments, my head is spinning, but I didn't notice anyone else ask...

Sophie has always been trying to instruct Parker on how to interact with people, and she's heavy on "the touch". Was Parker hitting Hardison in the forehead her misguided way of trying to show him she was interested since she chickened out of actually telling him?

Casey Moore said...

What, you couldn't give us at Memphis Beat a little crossover action?

Kevin said...

Oooh, I can't decide if this one or inside job is my favorite of this season. Great job on this episode. I think everyone else hit all the moments of win so that's all I have.

Lesley said...

Positives first - CK was wonderful, nicely played Eliot being able to sing and I loved the connection with the sister (blanking on the character name sorry.)

John Schneider - woah, he can be a bad guy and a half! I was very impressed with him, thought he hit all the right notes (sorry!) in that performance.

CK will get all the fangirly squee but shout out to Aldis for rocking bare arms look in the recording studio. Yum!

The fight scene in the music studio was outstanding.

Parker - stole the show!

Otherwise, for me, this was the weakest episode so far. I felt the con was poorly explained, the wrap up made no mention of the money still owed to the sister (unless I missed it, in which case happy to be proved wrong) and I didn't really understand why they'd lose the song if it was sung once: thought there was more to copyright than that. The bad guy going to shoot Eliot without even checking for witnesses in the control booth was too big a plot hole for me to ride the happy fun train over but the fight scene was a plus :) Both Nate and Sophie giving up at the end felt several levels of wrong, but at least Parker got to be Problem Solver there.

Overall it was ok, but it's not going to make my fave episodes list. I'm sure you'll cope :D

One question though - CK singing as Eliot. Wasn't this the episode you swore you'd never do? :)

Murphy Jacobs said...

Loved, loved, LOVED the episode, like that was any surprise. Have to watch a few more times to actually come up with a question. But -- one comment to the world at large. Why can't Sophie dislike whatever food she dislikes?

I'm born and raised in the Deep South, from a long, long line of hillbillies (seriously, I have an ancestor on record who died in the US in 1796). It's not one monolithic, identical culture place -- tastes vary all over, just as they do everywhere. And I will say this out loud -- I hate ribs. HATE them. Have yet to try a bite that I didn't spit it out, so now I just avoid them. And I am NOT a vegetarian. Just Don't Like Ribs.

Or Chicken-Friend Steak. Just not a flavor combo that gives me thrills. Steak should be grilled.

However, I do put my cornbread (NO sugar, please) in my milk to eat (which my husband can barely watch). Fried okra? I'm there. Greens? With a little bacon grease, please. In fact, bacon is a perfect food.

Still, it would be a fun bit to have Sophie meet up with a new-to-her American food classic that she loves.

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed this episode. Björk/Lady Gaga!Parker especially was fantastic, and Hardison and Eliot bickering about pitch made me laugh.

One thing, though - I don't understand why Eliot would, mid-con, take out his ear piece to fool around with The Woman of the Week. I'm having a hard time believing he'd risk it, considering his protective streak.

Anonymous said...

The man's ego is how big?

I was really hoping (when it was mentioned that CK was going to be singing in the ep over on twitter) that the Eliot-singing ep was going to be a mickey take. I mean, the guy's gotta be sure enough in his own ability now that he doesn't need to prove it to us on screen in *every* role? The idea of Eliot being bad at something really amuses me.

My question is - how many of those self-loving lines did CK write for himself, and how many did the writers grimace at having to put on paper? They were only-slightly-sickening in places.

PS: Parker as... well... that... rules in all places and times to the highest magnitude possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

MoxieSue said...

Was that Beth doing the thieving dance or a double?

SueN. said...

@Anonymous, Eliot's been known to take out his earbud before when he's doing something he doesn't want the others to hear/know about. Remember last season during "The Order 23 Job"? It's not entirely out of character.

Siouxzanne said...

Beth tweeted about a baton bit between Parker and Hardison that was cut out of the episode. What was the baton bit?

Anonymous said...

@Mitchy

You said: "I didn't really understand why they'd lose the song if it was sung once: thought there was more to copyright than that"

I took it to mean that if a Name in the business sang the song as his own in front of a bunch of A&R people and the complainant had no evidence otherwise (at that point they didn't have the tape and, as far as I can remember, no guaranteed way of getting the tape), that Kirkwood would be on the fast track back to recognition as a singer/songwriter, with Alona's character unable to provide any evidence let alone pay lawyers to fight her corner. And that's assuming she would have engaged lawyers again after last time.

Which reminds me, I agree with ChelseaNH that the ultimate victim here was Alona's brother who had no screentime after the opening scene. I know time constraints dictate, but it was a bit of a shame to zero in on the blonde damsel in distress at his expense, no matter how beautiful Alona is.

And finally I have a question! What is it that Kirkwood says to Sophie when he's saying that he and Nate go way back? It sounds not unlike 'We did four inch together', and then adds 'It's a cowboy thing'. Funnily enough, googling for 'four inch' together with 'cowboy' throws up results that I suspect were not what Kirkwood was talking about... Please help my British ears out here.

Oh, and I loved Eliot Spencer, fearless mulcher of men, running from fangirls.

Stacy said...

@Anonymous

Not four inch, 4-H. Its a national organization that teaches farm children about responsible agriculture and animal husbandry. Its a pretty big deal in rural areas where there's nothing else to do.

Paige E. Ewing said...

One plot question bugged me through most of this, How did Nate know that Eliot could sing?

He was surprised to find out that Eliot could cook. "What, you think the only thing I know how to do is bust heads?" Nate hypnotized Alec to make sure he could play violin, so his confidence there seemed logical. But there was no indication on screen that I saw that would have told Nate that Eliot could sing. Yet, he didn't seem at all surprised by Eliot's level of competence, and he was the one to propose Eliot as the "fiddle" to begin with.

Just wondering if there was something that got cut, possibly.

Paige

Anonymous said...

@Stacy

Thank you! I knew I was mishearing, but it was the closest my brain could come to make sense of the sounds.

Bex said...

Was it scripted for Parker to slap Hardison in the face when she raised her hand or was that an accident/Beth's choice?

Tori said...

This isn't a question specifically about this episode, but how do Nate and Sophie get away with loudly talking about their plans on their earbuds?

Lesley said...

@anonymous - thank you, that makes a lot of sense. I can see what they meant now. Ta! :)

Nina May said...

@tori-angeli (& Courtney)
But he's only wanted in three different countries? That's not as impressive a list as I was expecting. ;P

I think the line was about a price on his head. (And was that next line something about a fatwa being issued, too?) Is there a difference between wanted and bounty offered? Because that would explain it. When Sterling was talking about where the team was wanted (was it five countries for Eliot? nine? gah, not going to check), I think it was outstanding warrants, because they made a point of mentioning there was a price on his head in ... Myanmar?

Put me down in the column of people who love that Sophie's drawn boundaries and sticking to them. That's not a stick up her butt, that's not putting up with crap she shouldn't have to put up with. She is now someone who I can believe can and would walk out on Nate if he goes too far (not an impression I've had since about mid-way through S1).

Hey, Kane is great and all, yada yada, but any way to get a recording of Alona Tal covering that song? Because damn.

Dawn/StL-MO said...

@rogue-telepath

Even if Nate said that SOME of the cases will lead to Moreau – which ones have so far? There are only 13 episodes this season & we’ve seen 6 already. I know Moto had a file on ‘The Italian’, but that didn’t necessarily connect Moto with Moreau.

@courtney

Did John Schneider enjoy playing the bad guy for a change? And did he like getting to sing a bit in this ep?
Yes & yes.

Dean Devlin tweeted an IFMag article with John Schneider. See: http://bit.ly/8Zkubc

@Nefarie

The wardrobe genius is Nadine Haders! Tweet today from Beth Riesgraf “Me with Leverage Costume Designer” (& Nadine has on a ‘FANGIRL’ tee!!)

http://twitpic.com/26vzu6

Dawn/StL-MO

Anonymous said...

Oh yes, I've been wanting to ask this question for a while: how long does the show's excellent composer have to write and record the score for each episode? I know much of the music is re-used, but there are some unique bits here and there in most episodes.

Stacy said...

@Dawn

There are 16 episodes this season.

gwangung said...

Even if Nate said that SOME of the cases will lead to Moreau – which ones have so far? There are only 13 episodes this season & we’ve seen 6 already. I know Moto had a file on ‘The Italian’, but that didn’t necessarily connect Moto with Moreau.

16 episodes, I think. And the Moreau conflict probably won't be resolved until December. (Perfect time for it, I think).

Also, I think we'll see connections in flashback to jobs that SEEMED pretty straightforward.

Yobeb said...

I love that episodes its humorous kung fu monkey king

Anonymous said...

Haven't been on the board thus far this season. (I know, shame on me!) I haven't missed a minute of each week's episode, though. And I was finally able to get my copy of the 2nd season, so I'm good to go.

Anyway, just wanted to tell y'all I think your work again this season is sensational! I continue to be impressed and appreciative.

(P.S. Thanks for Eliot's more natural hair style!)

Kathleen said...

Denita said...
... the Lady Gaga/Bjorn thing did nothing for me. I found it very distracting.

Sounds like a case of the characters intent so successfully executed that it breaks through the fourth wall? Shocking? Distracting? Effective? YES! Kudos Beth/Frakes/Veach

Kathleen said...

correction...
Kudos Beth/Haders/Frakes/Veach

inexcusable omission..

Stacy said...

One more question: How the hell does Bo Duke stil look that damn good? Wasn't Dukes of Hazard like 80 years ago? Is he drinking the blood of unbaptized virgins or what?

Anonymous said...

Great ep!! I actually bought the CK song on itunes.

Was wondering if the crowd in the club scenes could actually hear Christian/Alona singing? Usually when they shoot music (I don't understand exactly why) directors talk about how there was no actual music playing so the crowd has to react / dance to nothing - was that the case here?

Very fun ep!

Melissa in St Louis (MacSTL) said...

@stacy

Both John Schneider and Tim Hutton turn 50 this year - John is about 6 mos older.

Both have aged very nicely!


Rogers: Did finally think of a question....

Why did Hardison take Kaye Lynn's tape out and place it in the deck in the first place? They knew they didn't have a lot of time.

Jason said...

During one of the commercial breaks, a keypad explodes and leaves the numbers 2,4,5,6,9 dislodged. Any significance?

msd said...

This question isn't in regard to the episode. I see Kyra Sedgwick, Dylan McDermott,Jada Pinkett Smith appearing on the various talk shows promoting their shows but I don't see anyone from Leverage. Any reason?? Is it because you are shooting in Portland or something?

Dawn/StL-MO said...

@stacy

16 episodes this season – My mistake (hit wrong key)

@gwangung

Aware Moreau conflict will be resolved in this season’s December finale. My original question was – Since the arc was introduced in this season’s first episode, how do these clients, companies, towns, villains, etc. in the last 5 episodes connect with Moreau? Know Moto had a file on ‘The Italian’, but that didn’t necessarily connect Moto with Moreau.

Didn’t know if I was totally missing the connection(s) or if nothing has actually been revealed about that yet. The “L-team” is supposed to be working their way into Moreau’s territory so they can ultimately overtake him in the finale. Was just trying to put it all together.

JOHN - Name 'Kirkwood' anything special? Just asking because I'm actually from the St. Louis suburb of Kirkwood, MO. Thx!

Dawn/StL-MO

Caillie said...

Sorry, but I've got to ask. You've said Eliot is a bad man, and now we know Eliot was working for the government. So is he bad as in evil and immoral, or bad as in doing things not necessarily sanctioned by law but justified nonetheless? I hope that makes sense. Kind of like snipers can be seen as "murderers" or "enforcers", depending which side of the equation you're on.

Cam_Banks said...

I have to say, given that we at Margaret Weis Productions also publish a Smallville and a Supernatural RPG, having John and Alona appear on this episode is like mega-license crossover city.

I've always thought that if Mark Sheppard would guest star on Smallville, we would manage to have all our licensed RPGs based on shows he's on . . . and then somebody could run a game where all the characters were Mark's characters.

Anonymous said...

What ever happened to Eliot's "don't shit where you sleep" motto?

Great job. I loved this episode so much. Especially Parker's costume. Who's idea was that? Her entire character was fantabulous!

So ... Nate knew that Eliot could sing from sometime in their past, right? That's the only way that part of the con makes sense to me.

OH! And LOVED Hardison's "Smurf Eliot" and "God Eliot" voices! They were full of win.

Nate and the two guards ... that really does remind us that Nate not only isn't a nice man, but is a very dangerous one as well. ... When Eliot's getting laid and can't come to the phone, that is.

SueN. said...

Something I just noticed. Posters on various walls pimped "Roger and the Jonathans." Anyone we know? ;-)

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry...I have a non-episode question...when you refer to season one episodes by number, do you mean the sequence it was filmed (and on the dvd) or the sequence in which it aired?

love the show, thank you!

gwangung said...

Didn’t know if I was totally missing the connection(s) or if nothing has actually been revealed about that yet.

Nothing's been revealed...but given the style of the show, with flashbacks detailing how the cons are done, I would bet that they'll do flashbacks to show how the various shows this season got them to the Big Bad.

(And personally...I'd be surprised if this show wasn't somehow worked into it...)

Caitlin said...

You guys realize that with that studio set up you would not have had a "guitar track"? Christians vocals would have been on every track because you recorded the guitar and vocals simultaneously. Hardison misusing the word pitchy was genius though.

Erin said...

While I think it would have been hilarious to see a classic Eliot-in-mortal-danger flashback explaining how Nate knew Eliot could carry a tune, in terms of plot there's really no need for Nate know that Eliot can sing as well as he does. I imagine the conversation was basically, "Eliot, I'm thinking you're the fiddle," and Eliot made a frowny face and then agreed. The team would trust Eliot's assessment of his own abilities; he'd never knowingly let a con go forward if he didn't *know* he was competent to play his part. Anyway, it's easy to imagine that Nate listened to one of his practice sessions with Kaye Lynn to reassure himself that Eliot was, if not actually good, good enough to pass.

Here I think people were confused a little bit by the repeated mentions of Eliot being the fiddle - the thing to keep in mind is that it's "Thinking Of You" having been sampled by K-Gent, not Eliot/Kenneth Crane being a particularly talented performer, that's the key to the con as they planned it. The "fiddle" they want Kirkwood to pay for is the rights to the song, and they know that Kirkwood will string "Kenneth Crane" along, including letting him record the song, in order to get those rights cheaply. In this scenario, Eliot only has to be good enough (with coaching from Kaye Lynn *and* the help of Hardison's real-time auto-tuning) to not completely blow the con right off the bat by sucking beyond belief. The ability to carry a tune as well as your average karaoke enthusiast would have done just fine.

The fact that he's as good as he is is a surprise to everyone. Really, Kirkwood deciding to kill Eliot and steal his song/performance outright is just a classic example of the con going awry because the team was too good.

Nina May said...

@Erin

*applauds*

Very well put, Sir*! Although speaking for myself, and pretty much everyone else here, I DO demand to see that flashback. There should also be tutus involved, methinks, but that's a side issue.

There's also the fact, as Rogers has stressed, that we do not see all of the L-Team's time together, and not even all their jobs. It's not completely beyond the inconceivable** that at some point in the last three years, Nate heard Eliot humming to himself while cooking, or something. Or they got drunk and went to kareoke sometime. Really, after spending three years working with people, I knew who were decent singers or liked to sing. And this is Nate, who has a tendency to track what people are good at – putting that stuff together is what makes him the mastermind, after all.


*"Sir" used to signify non-gender-specific respect and admiration. (I'd guess you're a lady, but given my track record so far, I shall take no chances.)

**Had to get the salute in there.

Anonymous said...

@Dawn/StL-MO

Even if Nate said that SOME of the cases will lead to Moreau – which ones have so far?

I think they will let us know how exactly they were connected later in the season with flashbacks as usual. When it will work best for the show)))

@Daisy Bookworm

"God Eliot" voices
It was "Darth Eliot" voice)))
...i love me some Darth Eliot...

Erin said...

@Nina May

Thanks! And you're totally right - at this point the team knows a lot about one another just by virtue of having been so close for so long, and Nate in particular would always have an eye out for hidden talents that could be useful in a future con.

So I guess I should say that it's entirely *possible* that Nate knew Eliot could sing like a bastard, but that this con still works even if he didn't :)

And, God, yes, that flashback needs to happen. Tutus would be excellent - tutus and show tunes and a bomb rigged to a tuning fork.

Katie said...

Loved the whole thing pretty much. I really liked Sophie in this, how she has a proud mama look on her face when Eliot is singing and again when Parker goes up to stall. Also, her line to Eliot at the end about "How were you?" was PRICELESS! Love her getting some teasing in, I feel like we don't get to see that side of Sophie nearly enough. Superstar nerd references btw and I loved that Hardison just legitimately screwed up. Its nice to see a con falling apart because of a bonehead mistake rather than the bad guy just being too damned smart. And to the several people who thought Sophie was being cold when she was saying that sometimes you don't get a second chance, I feel like that was more of a teaching moment for Parker, since she doesn't have all that great a grip on real world things. Am I right or completely off base? When do we get to have a more Sophie-centric episode? Keep on rockin'!

Nina May said...

@Erin

tutus and show tunes and a bomb rigged to a tuning fork.

This. Now! Now now now!!!

... ahem. *is adult*

You're right, it works whether Nate knows or not. I just like the idea that Nate basically has a filofax in his head of all the little quirks and abilities that he's noticed in the team over the years (and wow does it feel weird to legitimately use the phrase "over the years"). The line from the pilot keeps hanging around in my head, "I know what all you can do, that gives me the edge, gives me the plan...." (paraphrased)

wv: ifizess. State of extreme glee, ie, fandom upon seeing that flashback.

Anonymous said...

nefarie said
As for Nate and Sophie. It's very cute to see how in-sync they are together this season. I'm missing the sexual tension between them though.


I'm missing Nate and Sophie-centric episodes... :( Plus, fighting is not sexy, you can kill the sexual tension between characters when you make them fight, you have to find a good balance. How hot and full of sexual tension was the kitchen scene or the scene at the end of The Jailhouse Job, though? Not to mention the dance.

Seriously can't wait until we get more Nate and Sophie.

Anonymous said...

The scene where Parker steals the Brooks & Dunn tickets really reminded me of River from Firefly, so is that maybe one of the inspirations for that scene?

SueN. said...

@Nina and Erin, tutus are all fine and good, but I still want chaps and spurs.

Maybe a Village People-style setup?

SueN. said...

@Daisy Bookworm, Eliot's "don't shit where you sleep" thing refers to teammates. Outside the team, he's shown a willingness to, eh, nab some time with anybody, including clients (Aimee), opponents (Mykel/Raquel - what IS her name), and the scenery (models in "Runway"). And, offscreen, there was the car rental girl in Belgrade in "Stork Job." Not to mention Nate warning him away from Cora and kicking him when he flirted with one of McRory's waitresses in … oh, my God, I forgot!

But, yeah, Eliot's dating pool is much wider than his non-dating pool. ;-)

SueN. said...

@Caillie, I think the inferences all along have been that Eliot has done some bad, bad things in the course of his career, whether working for the government (not that our government ever does bad things; oh noooo) or for himself. He's admitted several times that "I hurt people" and "I'm a bad guy."

At the same time, though, he does have a strong moral/ethical code (don't screw with kids, don't hit cops unnecessarily, protect the family, don't con your own crew and you don't collect money at a wake).

I think his lines of what's acceptable and what's not are very cleanly drawn in his own mind, though still maybe not where we would draw them. For instance, I can see him thinking it's perfectly acceptable to steal from, say, a big, soulless store like Walmart, but not from the local mom-and-pop operation.

Eliot is all about context. ;-)

ChelseaNH said...

Yet, he didn't seem at all surprised by Eliot's level of competence
Eliot is Batman.

I got busy over the weekend. Recaps of all season 3 episodes thus far are on my blog (http://chelseanh.blogspot.com/). It's been an interesting experiment.

Melissa in St Louis (MacSTL) said...

@Dawn/STL HA HA I am in Webster! talk about small Leverage world!!!

Toni said...

As usual, great ep. Can't say I'm much of a country music fan, but Christian makes it palatable.

I'm not sure who is responsible for all the great guest stars, but it feels like they know me really well. Even leaving aside past guests, like Mark Shepard and Wil Wheaton, this season with Ayre Gross, Richard Chamberlain, John Schneider this week and Clancy Brown next week! It's like you want to kill me or something. (But, you know, in a good way.) Clearly someone has been reading my diary. Of course, we call it blog now and people do read them, but you get my point. It's like I'm casting the show.

One question I haven't seen asked is why Eliot's hair is so much darker this season. I keep mistaking him for Sophie. Was that just something Christian wanted to do or was it for the show somehow?

StacyB said...

I gotta say, Christian Kane seriously has talent (and scores of Kaniacs look at me like "duh.") That's so hard to find in the music industry these days. If he can get -me- to like country songs, he's gotta have something special. You can tell him (and I'm sure you really will ;)) that he has earned himself an unlikely music fan. :)

On to the episode...OMZ Kirkwood's music video was so beyond awesome - I mean, a flag and an eagle? Give whoever created that a raise, because that was bad music video brilliance. Not gold - PLATINUM.

Craniaks - yeah, I saw what you did there.

John Schneider is one of my favorite bad guys yet. So deliciously evil.

The episodes seem to have a lot more energy this season. I'm glad to see that the writing has not slacked off yet, has picked up even, and hope we keep seeing it for at least a few more years.

StacyB said...

I also noticed that Kirkwood Records was the Sun Studio Bldg. Nice. So many little details here and there, it's like playing Where's Waldo while you watch Leverage.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/Sun_Studio.jpg

And I forgot to mention that I loved hearing 4 different people sing the song, plus the brother playing it. It really felt like a character itself.

Lest Aldis be overshadowed by Pjark, I thought his "producer" character was funny, "the attitude!" The young lady playing opposite them in those scenes did an excellent job, too.

But could someone explain the "pitchy" Princess Bride thing? I haven't seen the movie 3000 times, myself.

ChelseaNH said...

Princess Bride: A character keeps saying "Inconceivable!" as his brilliant plot keeps getting foiled. Finally, a henchman says, "I do not think that word means what you think it means." See Eliot telling Hardison to say "pitchy" again -- "I don't think it means what you think it means."

Stacy said...

OMG, Eliot's facial expressions all through the pitchy argument were just incredible. I rewound that scene at least a dozen times.

BTW John, just wanted to say thanks again for Aldis in a wifebeater. Its very much appreciated. VERY much.

Stacy said...

Also I wanted to add, I'm not sure where all the confusion about whether or not Nate knew Eliot could sing was coming from. Apparently when they were planning the con, Eliot said he could sing, and I would assume that Nate, knowing how incredibly competent Eliot is at everything, just took him at his word.

At the point where Hardison is freaking out about the machine not correcting pitch, Eliot is well into the song and Nate can hear for himself how good he was. Where are you guys getting confused?

Courtney said...

@ChelseaNH
Eliot is Batman So if Eliot is Batman, what does that make Dean Winchester? :P (Sorry, couldn't help but thinking of Bad Day At Black Rock when Dean uses the line, "I'm Batman".)

Anonymous said...

Eliot insists, when Parker asks, that he can't sing. If Eliot didn't know he had the talent, I doubt Nate knew. However, the con didn't rely on Eliot being able to sing, as they could fake his ability to carry a tune. It all relied more on the song than on Eliot's singing. It was the song, not the artist, that was supposed to be what Sophie was offering money for.

As for why Eliot was chosen as the "fiddle," they may have been considering the brutality of the man they were dealing with. I don't think Nate (or Eliot) would be comfortable with sending someone in there who couldn't defend against the thugs who broke both a man's hands for being suspected of contacting a lawyer.

Stacy said...

@tori-angeli

No, when Parker asks, Eliot says he CAN sing.

Erin said...

@tori-angeli

Just rewatched that scene, and this is what I hear:

Sophie: He's nervous, Parker.
Eliot: I'm not nervous.
Parker: I thought you said you could sing.
Eliot: I can sing. I just - I didn't realize there was gonna be this many people.

To be fair, Eliot's being particularly growly in this scene and the way he's speaking through gritted teeth does add a hint of a "t" sound between "can" and "sing." But in context, both of this scene and the con itself, it's clear he says "can."

Again, though, as you said - the way they set up the con doesn't depend on him being able to sing particularly *well*. Nate only had to be confident that Eliot's singing wasn't as transparently terrible as, say, Sophie's acting :)

Anonymous said...

Well, that makes more sense! XD

StacyB said...

ChelseaNH said...

Princess Bride: A character keeps saying "Inconceivable!" as his brilliant plot keeps getting foiled. Finally, a henchman says, "I do not think that word means what you think it means." See Eliot telling Hardison to say "pitchy" again -- "I don't think it means what you think it means.",


I do remember that in the movie now that you explain it. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Seriously...did Frakes sell his soul to Satan? His eps are too good for mere mortal skill...

Anonymous said...

Just viewed the last episode on my DVR. All I can say is, "My oh my. It is too wonderful for words!" Christian's new song is fantastic, and you guys did an excellent job of showcasing it. Thanks so much!!

kausingkayn said...

Loved it, as always. I completely did a fangirl squeal when he sang, and laughed at Kenneth Crane. Seriously?

Few questions.

1) Will the WWKD t-shirts be available to us humble fans?
2) Will Eliot's face being on the internet bring about repercussions from those people he was telling Hardison about?

Anonymous said...

@Mitchy

I'm so glad it made sense. I only hope it was correct. *g*

I really should see into getting myself registered here - I feel so rude constantly being anon.

@Stacy

Unbaptised virgin blood is the only explanation.

Samantha

Anonymous said...

@ Courtney
Good question!
It seems to me that Eliot is Superman to Dean Winchester's Batman. After all we know that Batman has perky nipples, and it wouldn't surprise me to learn that Superman is into guyliner.

Kinesys said...

For those who are having some confusion over what a "Fiddle Game" is:

Say, you gotta a guy, let's call him "Abbot" and he's having a bit of lunch, Only he realizes, that he's left his wallet at home. Truly contrite, He asks the manager of the lunch counter if he can leave his violin as collateral while he runs home and gets his wallet. Assuming the mark goes for it, They part company.

Now, Other Guy, who we'll call "Costello" comes into the place and notices the violin, being something of a player himself he asks to look at it, and is SHOCKED, SHOCKED I TELL YOU, to discover that the manager of the lunch counter has, in his possession, a rare stradivarius, Possibly even Paginnini's "Il Cannone"
"My god, as a collector i'd be willing to buy it from you for 50,000$. In fact i'll go to my bank right now and bring you back the cash."

Now this puts the mark, Who i'm calling "Shemp" into something of a pickle. Naturally, when Abbot comes back he's going to want his violin. So, Perhaps he offers to buy the violin from the man, "I dunno man, it's been in my family for ages. I am hurting, what with the economy and all, but i could never part with it...i don't think."

So, maybe Shemp, seeing long green dancing in his head offers a nice sized sum to the poor starving violinist. The only unfortunate bit is that Costello never comes back, and the mark finds he's bought a very costly but far from rare fiddle.

And that's a classic "Fiddle Game"

This is two times that i've noticed Nate and Sophie finishing one another's sentences. If i was Nate, i'd be scared to death of having Sophie Deveraux being able to read my mind.

Anonymous said...

I have noticed in Season 1 & 2 when Gina Bellman talks to the other characters she never looks them in the eye, is there any perticular reason for this?

Crystal said...

Loved the episode! Found out this week that my Dad watches Leverage! His comments: "That Parker is crazy!" and "wow, Eliot sang well!

Just curious as to how much of the audience you think didn't know CK is a singer of awesomeness before this ep. How fun.

allyone said...

Soooo . . . I was totally prepared to hate that episode. CK's music is just average to me, and I was totally bummed that my favorite show was pulling such a stunt move with Eliot singing. And so color me surprised that I enjoyed it for the most part.

Parker getting the "fiddle" thing was laugh out loud funny, and Hardison-Eliot in the recording studio was great, too. (Although, seemed like as much a nod to American Idol and Randy as it was to Princess Bride.)

Also LOVED Bo Duke, I mean John Schneider. I had posters of that guy from Tiger Beat on my wall, so I knew was good looking and charming, but who knew he could be such a convincing snake?!?!

I was not so crazy about Eliot taking his earbud out mid-con. I know he did it before in Order 23 Job, and it was wrong then, but a lot less dangerous, too, given the nature of that particular con - going after a patient/inmate in a hospital with no known bad guys other than a guy already in custody. In this case, they were right in the middle of conning a guy with very violent tendencies and the rest of the crew was on his home turf where he had lots of backup. That could have gone really bad. (And wasn't Eliot surprised by the hit man in Order 23 b/c he didn't have his earbud in? Hello? Learning experience?!?!) I guess the answer to this is - Alona Tal is just really hot.

Also - the Bjork thing bugged. I think someone pointed out that parodying something that was parodied to death right after it happened 10 years ago is a little tired. (see also McGruber movie)

Still, a pretty nice one overall. Thanks for not jumping the shark.

And now a question that probably won't get answered but what the hey:

Did you get who you wanted for the part of Moreau?

D' Lan 88 said...

first off, just wanna say that this is my favorite ep for season 3 so far..now the questions: 1) who's the girl playing as kate lyn? and is she an artist/singer? 2) are the girls chasing eliot are real kane fans? 3) how did nate knock off the 2 guys?

Anonymous said...

Quick DVD question unrelated to this particular episode: there don't appear to be deleted scenes on the Season 2 DVD, but you guys reference them in your commentary on the discs. Will those deleted scenes ever be released?

Anonymous said...

I'm pretty new to the 'Leverage' scene but after season ! on Netflix Watch Instantly pretty much made me run out and get both seasons and watch back to back. Been keeping up with Season 3 and have to comment that tho I love it all I'm kinda feeling like Eliot is getting really REALLY, um, grumpy. I know, right? Strange thing to comment on but after watching the second season again it seems the writers allowed for more of Kane's comedic talents outside of the fighting and during the cons he played less thug. Just an observation. Looking forward to seeing how the rest of the season plays out for all the characters! And Parker's guise-FANTASTIC!

Anonymous said...

"Worcester Studios" - when Kirkwood's goon dials the number from Sophie's phone, I had assumed he was calling her fake European studio, and I couldn't tell if Nate's accent when answering the phone was supposed to be British or something else.

Regardless, why did he pronounce it "Worchester"? The New England pronunciation of the name is "Wuhstah", as Nate, a Boston native, would know, and the British pronunciation is essentially the same.

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