Venice, The Series: Lucky No. 7, or Is This a Winning Streak?
January 31, 2010 by admin
Filed under Entertainment, Web
I just watched Venice, Episode 7 for the fourth time. That’s at least two more times than I watched the others, and I have to say, well done, ladies. On the heels of a much improved Episode 6, I am hoping this is a trend of lessons learned, the wheels back on the train, and full speed ahead.
Episode 7 is well shot, well edited, and well acted. There is so much chemistry in the air, it’s as if Crystal Chappell, Jessica Leccia, and Michelle N. Carter sat down to a buffet at the periodic table. Although the beginning scene should have probably been the end of last week’s episode, there are no bells and whistles, no standard dialogue, and no oddly squeezed in exposition to distract my attention. It flows; it is believable; it leaves me interested and more importantly, wanting more.
Prior episodes have been a demonstration in what appears to have been a learning experience. I posted my thoughts on Episode 1 and 2, and the more I think about it, Episode 2 was more like something from an entirely different series. When placed side by side against the rest of the programming, you don’t have to be a Sesame Street alum to know one of these things is not like the others.
Episode 3 left me confused as to what Michael Sabatino’s character portrays. Is he a metro-sexual male with a shoe fetish, or is he a married-to-a-woman gay man who collects Mama Mia memorabilia? I’m still not quite sure, but Michael was good enough to make me wonder. Where I am more “huh?” than curious is what did I miss between Gina (Chappell) and Tracy’s (Lesli Kay) curious playfulness at an afternoon business meeting and their VERY familiar display in public that evening. Soaps are as much about the dance as they are about the pay off, and I would have liked to have seen Gina, fueled by liquid courage, tango with Tracy.
I do get the limitations of a web budget, but skipping the Gina/Tracy date and going right into Episode 4 left a gap in the timing that makes me say, “Show me, don’t tell me.” Build this thing block by block, create a good foundation, and then build the walls for me to scale. Make me wonder; make me want more. Perhaps then, the chemistry between Gina and Tracy would have had more time to react. My praise goes to Hillary B. Smith and Jordan Clarke. Although had I not known from the website the connections these characters have to each other, I might have been somewhat confused. I loved the character confrontation between these two talented, veteran, daytime actors. Guya (Smith) is the maternal champion of this family. This is the cosmic energy I wanted to see out of the essence of Guya, not that quack-job from Episode 2.
By Episode 5 we finally get the date scene, but the chemistry between Lesli and Crystal is just not there. I say this not because I can’t see “Olivia” with anyone else but “Natalia”, because quite frankly I was ready to move on from those two by the time Guiding Light ended. I say this because, for me, there is no spark, no fire, and no smoke. I found Crystal relaxed and attentive, but Lesli as a seductress is posed, and comes off more like late-night cable. I understand the desired effect, but the somewhat-Madonna-ish British accent is distracting and should be dropped.
In Episode 6, Gina Tognoni is introduced as Owen’s (Galen Gering) blind date. The scene is shot up-close in the hatchback of a car and leaves little to distract from the dialogue. Maybe it’s just picky me, but I listen, and you lost me at “small village outside of Zambia”…Zambia is a country, so the geographic possibilities are endless. Galen’s version of the Owen character as gentle giant, little brother buffoon, and screw-up reminds me of all those stoners I once knew. He makes me lean forward in a feeble attempt to hurry his words. I have to believe my perception of bad acting has transcended to be merely an aspect of his character. Episode 6 is beginning to find its way as Crystal Chappell does what she does best, fight scenes. She scores a long overdue TKO as Gina initiates an act of paternal defiance and declares verbal war on her intolerant, homophobic, and hurtful soldier father (Clarke). I heard my audible, “Yes,” as she and Owen slam out of the Colonel’s house. This is what I have been waiting for.
Back full circle to Episode 7, I hope the series continues to get better from here. If such is the case, I would be willing to forget the myriad of technical problems, the platitude of script, the editing problems, the over/under exposition, telling me and not showing me, and yes, Episode 2. Could it be that Jessica Leccia is what we have been lacking so far? I adore the normal, “antithesis-Natalia” that is sweet, quirky, a gentle smart ass, and yes, talented. After seeing Episode 7 several times, my advice for season two would be to cut the cast and shoot episodically around these three core characters, Gina, Ani, and Michele. The waters of Venice Beach will continue to drift characters in and out of the loves and lives of these diverse, engaging, women. When it comes to the future of this webseries, I say take these three actresses, and ride the high tide.
Excelent!
This is the kind of commentary that the creators of Venice need. Thank you for providing it on such a timely manner (while season 2 is being written).
Nice review of the season so far. I would add Guya as free spirit and acerbic point of view for Gina. Gina needs someone she trusts to talk truth to her and who knows her family history. And I’d love to follow Guya’s adventures in the world. She has potential to break free of her stereotype and fly.
Love your Blogs…you always say it the way it needs to be said!!
Wonderful review to read. Spot on. I think you nailed exactly what’s good and working with Venice, and what is just not. For me, episode 7 was probably the best yet. I also think the use of music is getting better (not so blatant and over-powering).
Loved your review…it was spot-on with all that I have noticed about Venice the series, both good and bad. I see a light at the end of the tunnel, the improvements are increasing with each episode. I concur that the main focus really needs to be on Gina and Ani and just have the other characters come and go and interweave. I was also pleasantly charmed by Michele in this last episode as well and wouldn’t mind more of her.
Couldn’t agree more with your last statement and really appreciate a balanced, thoughtful, and smart, critical review of the series. I am really enjoying Venice but also firmly believe like any new series, in any media format, it has had it’s ups and downs. The ups have certainly been the writing and acting of the three characters you mentioned… along with that of Jordan Clarke as Gina’s father.
This week has been by far my favorite and also not because we saw Jessica and Crystal on camera again together. There chemistry is undeniable but a soap is about growing close and growing apart. I also want to see triangles that leave me conflicted as to who to root for but the Tracy/Gina pairing doesn’t do it for me. Perhaps it is, as you said, in the set-up (the telling not showing) but thus far I have been unmoved to think Tracy is Gina’s true soul mate. I am more interested to learn what heart break has made Gina this way (her mother’s death, a former lover???) then in how Tracy will open Gina back up to love.
Perhaps next week we will see Ani move on and the potential of said no possibility might be the triangle I want to see.
But overall this week was the ‘it factor’ for me:
- in the subtle hints that were dropped about Michele’s past and Carter’s blend of comedy, deflection, friendship, and heartbreak.
- in the strong “decision making” that Ani made this week is where I see conflict and potential.
- in the softness of the beach scene, the comedy with a friend, and the break-up (along with last weeks strength in the confrontation with her father) that I see a journey worth taking along with Gina.
Great review Mindschmootz
I think when season one we are going to be even more madly in love with Jessica then we already are. I am so pleased to see Jessica play a “mature” woman / role.
“After seeing Episode 7 several times, my advice for season two would be to cut the cast and shoot episodically around these three core characters, Gina, Ani, and Michele. The waters of Venice Beach will continue to drift characters in and out of the loves and lives of these diverse, engaging, women. When it comes to the future of this webseries, I say take these three actresses, and ride the high tide.”
I totally agree with this statement! The show needs to center around these 3 and any other interactions need to be in relation to them! Although I would allow for 4- I like Owen. Which is what they got right in the last 2 episodes and why we are all singing praise!
now take note u so call constructive criticism mofos on twitter. this is now u give constructive criticism, this is what it looks like. i kinda agree with almost everything except that i don’t just want to see those three characters,because i feel like that could get boring. but yeah episode 2 was out of place. i am loving venice thought, and still can’t wait for season 2
Thank you for your professional and unbiased review of the series. This is how constructive criticism is done. Kudos to you!!!
I always love to read what you have to say. This review was brilliant and respectful in its critique. I agree with everything except personally i will never tire of the romantic pairing of CC and JL…I adore Otalia but it is also nice to see them in new roles.
Spot on Schmootz! I have always wanted Venice to succeed and am so glad to see the improvements made in episode 6 and especially episode 7 which was by far the best in my opinion also.
Totally agree with Amazon12′s comment on your writing here–
“Thank you for your professional and unbiased review of the series. This is how constructive criticism is done. Kudos to you!!!”
Well you hit it for a six! Schmootz, I commend you on your candor which when coupled with intelligent writing makes for mesmerizing reading
I agree with all with the exception of not including Guya (who i adore) in the final three. i am so looking forward to more scenes featuring that character. Wonderful blog (as usual)!~ love Suze xx
Nicely done – I agree with your comments. You touched on the positive, not just the negative and gave great examples along with suggestions for improvement. I think Crystal and Kimmie would appreciate this type of honest feedback. You’re truthful without being abrasive. The chemistry between Crystal and Jessica is undeniable. Looking forward to the rest of Season 1.
I think you have painted a picture of crystal, as a one dimensional actress who should only stick to fight scenes.I think she is much better than that.I don’t think jessica was the savior of the show either.Imo,gina and tracy had great chemistry and i can’t wait to see more of them.Hopefully ,crystal and her team will keep getting better and better.
I agree that waiting until episode 7 to see Jessica was torture. I pray to god that next season gives her much more attention. The chemistry between Jessica and Crystal Chappell is off the chain. I agree with all your points, I also hope next season brings more Michelle Carter she brings a certain bravado to the screen that this show is lacking.
Your words are spot on. Season 2 would be much better if the main characters were pared down to 2 or 3 and the stories went around them. It cannot be a coincidence that the 2 best epis were the ones with Jessica Leccia in them.
Excellent points, as always, ‘schmootz!
I am so impressed with JL’s acting in this series (even though, thus far, she’s only been in two eps) because she simply shines. Subtlety, thy name is Jessica Leccia. Add to that the intensity of La Chappell..magic!
I have enjoyed the interaction of the characters and enjoyed watching gifted performers show us their skillz. I’m waiting for it all to FLOW..it seems the show may be hitting its’ stride with “Lucky Number 7″.
Improvement to a steaming pile of shit doesn’t make it stink any less. This webseries is a joke…it’s badly written, badly acted and the sound values are terrible. Get over Otalia ladies, that’s gone and over…this is not the same story and it’s not even close in quality. Forget season two and let’s put this thing out of it’s misery.
Thanks for that Kate.
How about you stop watching and let us decide for ourselves whether we think Venice is a joke, okay?
kate just spoke her opinion like the rest of us did. No different.
We appreciate your opinion, kate. But at least I want to see if the show can be saved. For me, episode 7 definitely showed that there’s hope for the series.
‘I hope the series continues to get better from here. If such is the case, I would be willing to forget the myriad of technical problems, the platitude of script, the editing problems, the over/under exposition, telling me and not showing me’
Totally agree, these are the points that need improvement, some of the writing and technical problems. If these are addressed I think we will have one hell of a webseries. I can’t fault any of the actors, the show has a brilliant cast. It’s only the first series and hopefully when they come to film season 2 they would have listened to feedback and critiques. Obviously I hope they are just ignoring the malicious idiots voicing their hate filled messages in a ridiculous manner. But some people need to realize that being critial dosen’t = hate all the time. Just saying!
I have to agree with Kate. I’ve seen nothing yet to give me even a glimmer of hope that this in anyway can be saved. Brilliant webseries? Not even close yet. I’ve seen some brilliant webseries out on the web, but for reasons unknown they don’t get much attention.
Great review! I was starting to lose interest in Venice until episode 7. I thought writing had been a little weak. The acting good. Particularly in episode 6 and 7. I am hoping in time that Venice will gel and step up a notch because I am really rooting for the series. I hope episode 8 is even better then 7.
Great review! You completely captured how I’ve felt about Venice so far. I really enjoyed episode 7 and it built nicely off the mostly great episode 6. The episodes have gotten better each week ( I too try to ignore the existence of Ep. 2, that doesn’t not belong) and I have hope for the future. I think team Venice are listening and responding to feedback, but there’s only so much they can do with what’s been shot. Given the improvement from episodes 1 and 2 through 7, I think that’s pretty solid evidence they were willing/able to recognize some problems and work on them. People are freaking out they won’t addresse some writing issues, but I think their efforts to correct problems thus far give them a little credit.
Venice is going to be a great web series, things are starting to moved on the story is been building up little by little. And those people that can’t give a criticisms in a constructive way please just stay away from watching the show,coz the things that some of you was saying it sounds like hatred and with hatred you won’t gain nothing if you want to critize do it in a respected way, criticisms was meand to build others up not to teared down others.
Team V you guy’s are doing a great job keep it up
Greetz from Amsterdam holland