gtl's Due South Page

Due South

Season 2

North

This is an all-time favorite episode of Duesers everywhere.  Unfortunately, it is not a favorite of mine.  I like the scenes in the airport with Red Green and in the airplane, "You realize, I'm going to have to arrest you when we land"  and Fraser's speculation that the plane couldn't be that different from a Sopwith Camel.  I also like the line, "My God, Ray, another plane crash! What are the odds?!"  Most people find the display of friendship between Ray and Fraser very forceful, since Ray carries Fraser through the woods for a good portion of the episode.  They also like the fact that Ray has to be the one to carry the burden, so to speak, of surviving in the wilderness which is Fraser's natural habitat.  

I agree that the premise is interesting but I found most of North to be silly and/or just plain uninteresting.  Fraser bumping into trees and falling down constantly is the kind of slapstick that I just don't find funny.  Fraser's delirious mutterings about the length of his legs and how they needed to be measured as well as his denying calling Ray "Steve" were annoying rather than humorous.   I was also not too thrilled with the very exaggerated portrayal of the two fathers.  I think so much more could have been done with an episode that took place in the wilderness. To me, it actually would have been interesting to see Fraser use those skills that we see him demonstrate in the city.  

Obviously, I am out of sync with the rest of the Dueser fandom but, so be it.   Just my opinion.  'Nuff said.

Vault

I like this episode.  It was hysterically funny.  Fran got a chance to shine.  She sees the bank heist as a chance to gain the respect that Ray has just told her she will never have.  She has great scenes and great lines, e.g. "Now I've got them just where I want them--they think I'm nuts." Ramona Milano is a gifted actress and I am glad she has the chance during this season to demonstrate some of her talent.  She gets a lot more air time in Season 3 which is a blessing for the viewers. The dialogue between Ray and Fraser in the vault is insightful and nicely delivered by two fine actors.  I could watch this episode over and over again, as I do most Due South episodes, without tiring of the good dialogue and the great scenes.  Some have expressed surprise at the fact that Ray fakes an insurance claim and that Fraser seems to find satisfaction over the fact that the "yutz in a hat" Mountie is knocked out at the end.  Some find these actions and reactions out of character for both characters.  I do not.  

The Promise

The story  was uninteresting, as were the characters--the brother and sister. I liked: the  dialogue between Fraser and Ray in the sewer; the Duck Boys "charm school" interviewing techniques; the interaction between Fraser and Thatcher (I always like those scenes); the tattoo shop visits; Fraser won't stop the car because of stopping and standing regulations; Dief sick--Fraser says just a play for sympathy; boiled shoes story to illustrate being young and alone and frightened; the carriage ride.

Red, White or Blue

This is another of my favorite episodes. Paul Gross wrote this fascinating sequel to "All the Queen's Horses." The beginning dialogue between the Bolt brothers is well written. Fraser's recollection of, and inability to erase the "contact" with Thatcher from his memory, is a touching moment. The dialogue between Ray and Fraser in different locations is brilliant and fascinating. The entire exploration of the relationship between Fraser and Ray in the separate but interlocking conversations is one of the cleverest things I have ever seen on a television show. Ray’s resentment is presented well by David Marciano—"Am I angry? Am I depressed? Or am I just jealous?" — and seems to be a natural progression from previous episodes.

I also liked Ray’s assessment of Fraser’s character—"You cover everything up, you squash it down." And "Are you human? Because if you are, human beings feel things. They feel anger, they feel lust and fear." This fits into my analysis of Fraser’s very repressed personality. The story of how Fraser met Dief was delightful. The Bolt brothers are well-drawn characters with interesting, abnormal depths to their personalities. The use of semaphore was both educational and clever. "Red suits you." Ahhhh.