Continuing with UNCLE Friday, when do you think Napoleon was at his best? Is there a particular episode or season that you think really captured the essence of Napoleon?
Personally, I believe Season One did the best at developing Napoleon's character, and that he was particularly good on his own in "Iowa Scuba" and "Dove".
Cousins, would you like to share your thoughts?
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"The Man from U.N.C.L.E.",
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but please remember this is a "slash-free" zone!
This site is specifically designed for anyone, 18 yrs. or older,
who prefers heterosexual or general posts about
"The Man from U.N.C.L.E.",
David McCallum, Robert Vaughn,
and their alter egos.
Suggested posts include discussion forums,
fics (site links and self-promotion okay),
resources for writers,
pics and news about the guys.
Adult content is okay,
but please remember this is a "slash-free" zone!
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Mini-Profile
I am a "Man From U.N.C.L.E." first cousin (I realize I've just told you I'm old, but I'm not ancient - yet), and I've learned that there are a lot of first, second and third cousins who love UNCLE!
Because of UNCLE, I have followed the careers of both actors, although I admit that I'm a devoted, non-stalking, David McCallum fan.
After being unknowingly side-lined in December 2008 by my employer and further side-lined by a health issue, I decided to take one of my 2008 Christmas presents, my MFU DVD set, and renew my love of UNCLE. When I watch the episodes now, I'm surprised that I remember many of the scenes and even bits of dialogue. It makes me feel like a kid again - almost.
With time to devote to my personal interests now, I have a few creative writing projects underway:
- An UNCLE story that will be submitted to "Eyes Only" when it's completed. It has evolved from a short story to a series of vignettes from the life of Illya Kuryakin from his stepping on the plane at the end of "Seven Wonders" until sometime in the early 1990's. A few months ago, after starting the bio project, I realized how events should flow. Once I have finished a rough sketch of the story, it will move aside for awhile so I can finish two other projects.
- An Illya bio or "Idol Reflection" for Live Journal. I've finished the first season, and the reflection is longer than the LJ limit. I have decided that a summary will be posted online, with the full text to be published.
- A true-to-the-series resolution for "Sapphire and Steel". I was 80-90% finished with the resolution when I watched the video, "Counting Out Time". In the video, Joanna Lumley made a comment about bringing Sapphire and Steel out of "The Trap" in the present day. I thought, (oh crap!) okay, I know how to make that happen. It's back to the storyboard for "Miles and Virginia". Because of the time-frame, this story is my first priority.
When I began my research for the Illya "Idol Reflection" in July 2009. I was given a two-month deadline. (Who's kidding whom?) With all the fanfic and episodes to review, it could take me the rest of this year to finish!
In joining the UNCLE world online, I've made several friends, as well as adopting a few cousins and a sister. From my extended family, I've realized there is a niche for a slash-free site to discuss MFU and MFU-based gen/het fanfic.
On Section II, gen/het fanfic authors have a forum to promote their work. As I've learned writing is a craft that is perfected through both effort and education, I'm including writers' resources on this site.
As a final note, since many Vaughn and McCallum fans have followed their careers since "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.", this site provides a forum to chat about other roles.
I hope you will visit Section II often. Please share your thoughts on the discussion topics and take advantage of the opportunity to promote your creativity. I also hope you will find something valuable in the information passed along on the site.
Because of UNCLE, I have followed the careers of both actors, although I admit that I'm a devoted, non-stalking, David McCallum fan.
After being unknowingly side-lined in December 2008 by my employer and further side-lined by a health issue, I decided to take one of my 2008 Christmas presents, my MFU DVD set, and renew my love of UNCLE. When I watch the episodes now, I'm surprised that I remember many of the scenes and even bits of dialogue. It makes me feel like a kid again - almost.
With time to devote to my personal interests now, I have a few creative writing projects underway:
- An UNCLE story that will be submitted to "Eyes Only" when it's completed. It has evolved from a short story to a series of vignettes from the life of Illya Kuryakin from his stepping on the plane at the end of "Seven Wonders" until sometime in the early 1990's. A few months ago, after starting the bio project, I realized how events should flow. Once I have finished a rough sketch of the story, it will move aside for awhile so I can finish two other projects.
- An Illya bio or "Idol Reflection" for Live Journal. I've finished the first season, and the reflection is longer than the LJ limit. I have decided that a summary will be posted online, with the full text to be published.
- A true-to-the-series resolution for "Sapphire and Steel". I was 80-90% finished with the resolution when I watched the video, "Counting Out Time". In the video, Joanna Lumley made a comment about bringing Sapphire and Steel out of "The Trap" in the present day. I thought, (oh crap!) okay, I know how to make that happen. It's back to the storyboard for "Miles and Virginia". Because of the time-frame, this story is my first priority.
When I began my research for the Illya "Idol Reflection" in July 2009. I was given a two-month deadline. (Who's kidding whom?) With all the fanfic and episodes to review, it could take me the rest of this year to finish!
In joining the UNCLE world online, I've made several friends, as well as adopting a few cousins and a sister. From my extended family, I've realized there is a niche for a slash-free site to discuss MFU and MFU-based gen/het fanfic.
On Section II, gen/het fanfic authors have a forum to promote their work. As I've learned writing is a craft that is perfected through both effort and education, I'm including writers' resources on this site.
As a final note, since many Vaughn and McCallum fans have followed their careers since "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.", this site provides a forum to chat about other roles.
I hope you will visit Section II often. Please share your thoughts on the discussion topics and take advantage of the opportunity to promote your creativity. I also hope you will find something valuable in the information passed along on the site.
Thanks to all of you who have expressed your support for the site and have sent me kind words of encouragement!
All the best,
Cousin Cat
VOTE FOR DVDS OF MOVIES!
Please visit the Turner Classic Movie website and database search the MFU movies and other MGM movies from the 60's. These movies will be put on DVD if sufficient votes are received!
Voting is simple: In the database search bar, type in the name of the movie. A list of movies with the title (and any similar titles) will show in the center. Select the title to go to the movie. Most movies have trailers that can be watched and downloaded.
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Here is a list of titles:
"To Trap a Spy"
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Double Affair
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Alexander the Greater Affair
"The Spy in the Green Hat"
Concrete Overcoat Affair
"One of Our Spies Is Missing"
Bridge of Lions Affair
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Prince of Darkness Affair
"How to Steal the World"
Seven Wonders of the World Affair
"Around the World under the Sea"
"Three Bites of the Apple"
"The Venetian Affair"
"Sol Madrid"
Voting is simple: In the database search bar, type in the name of the movie. A list of movies with the title (and any similar titles) will show in the center. Select the title to go to the movie. Most movies have trailers that can be watched and downloaded.
To the right, look for the box with the word "vote". Click on vote, type in your email address and submit. You are not obligated to buy the movies, and you won't get a bunch of emails from TCM. Only one vote is allowed for each movie per email address.
Here is a list of titles:
"To Trap a Spy"
Vulcan Affair
"Spy with My Face"
Double Affair
"One Spy Too Many"
Alexander the Greater Affair
"The Spy in the Green Hat"
Concrete Overcoat Affair
"One of Our Spies Is Missing"
Bridge of Lions Affair
"Karate Killers"
Five Daughters Affair
"Helicopter Spies"
Prince of Darkness Affair
"How to Steal the World"
Seven Wonders of the World Affair
"Around the World under the Sea"
"Three Bites of the Apple"
"The Venetian Affair"
"Sol Madrid"
2 comments:
"Dove," certainly, is the early story in which he shows why he's the Chief Enforcement Agent. I also like "Strigas," for his diabolical plotting (though Illya has a lot to do with how it all works out), and "Iowa Scuba" and "Yellow Scarf," in which he seems very private eye-like. In fact, in almost any story where he's on his own, he'll shine in a way, because all the spotlight is on him.
I'd have to say that the climactic scene in "Never-Never," in which he first delays Gervais with his threat, and then actually manages to plug the guy in the shoulder by looking in the mirror, is The Classic Solo Moment. Note how we see he's astonished that he managed it, and then passes it off to Illya with, "Smart American"!
First Season offered the most great stories that showcased and thus developed Solo's character. DOVE, as mentioned, is definitely one of those. We can't forget TERBUF though, where his romantic and loyal-to-old-feelings inner streak is so showcased. And his clever way of plotting shines in many of the Season 1 episodes, like STRIGAS, FIDDLESTICKS and YELLOW SCARF.
That moment Benzadmiral mentions in NEVER-NEVER is definitely classic Solo, and in that episode as well the side of his personality that likes to make folks feel appreciated (what he does for Mandy though it backfires) is shown as well. Another classic Solo moment I think is in LOVE when he tells the scientist guy to attach the explosive charge taken from the heel of his shoe to the wires binding his wrists but to first scrape off some of the charge since he'd like to come out of the incident with wrists (reckless to a point, but no dummy).
But various aspects are showcased throughout all the seasons. Certainly NOWHERE in Season 2 can't be overlooked where we see his vulnerable side. In CHERRY BLOSSOM we see again the guy that wants others to realize and appreciate their own worth when he is talking with the girl as they are both tied up as marionettes. And though INDIAN AFFAIRS is a poorly written episode overall, I think the moment when a nonchalant and very sure-of-what-he-conceives-as-the-answer-to-the-puzzle-of-where-the-bomb-is Solo shoots open each possible-bomb-housing briefcase in turn is another Solo classic. The guy was self-confident in a way most aren't, i.e., he was willing to risk everything once he had made a decision about something. He didn't cling to doubts in such circumstances as most would. All or nothing: that was often true with Solo.
In Season 4 SUMMIT FIVE shows us a Solo with enough self-confidence to risk more than his life when he insists on undergoing interrogation by his own so he can catch out who the real mole is.
Even oftentimes bad Season 3 shows us how an amorous Solo accepts "no" for an answer with charming good grace in OFF-BROADWAY, thus revealing/developing another aspect of his character.
On the whole I have to say that Napoleon's character was much more developed than Illya's ever was in the series. That's okay by me though, cause Napoleon is my favorite [chuckle].
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