1. WHY GRANT, WHATEVER POSSESSED YOU? Okay, from tonight's episode we get the distinct impression that Grant IS NOT an alien. Rather--he is a victim of alien possession...or at least that is what it appeared to me. What did you think of that little scene? Is Grant as innocent as he appeared to be when Valenti was punching him? And what of those thefts? Do you think he remembers? Or is Grant simply a vehicle like Brody is for Larak? And if so...who is pulling Grant's strings?

2. GANDARIUM (sp?)= AN ALIEN...WHAT? Max says it looks like alien bacteria. Liz likens the crystals to a water born parasite. And Larak--Larak asks if the "Gandarium" (sp?) from the ship is loose. What in the world is "Gandarium"? Why is it so dangerous--both to Earth and to our aliens? Why didn't it affect Max's hand (remember Max remarks that it appeared the crystals didn't like the "taste" of aliens). If they don't then why does Larak warn Max?

3. LAURIE--SHE'S ONE IN A MILLION. Or at least she's not your average girl. The Crystals don't bother Kyle...but tonight's eppy implied that they do like Laurie...or at least they would have had she stayed in that grave much longer. What is so special about Laurie? And if those crystals were coming up from the underground water source...what would they have done if Laurie remained in that shallow grave?

4. PHONING HOME MAY BE DANGEROUS TO THE PHONE'S HEALTH. Poor Brody. Now we know that the communication process can be reversed. Our aliens can phone home. But pity the poor vehicle they use to contact their home planet. I wonder what "prep" is necessary for humans to be communication friendly?

Well folk...a great eppy with a lot of new ideas...and promises of even more in its coming conclusion. What did you think of tonight's SF?

LSS

Let me take a stab at this one because this epi was great!!! I believe that Grant is definitly being manipulated by some alien being.. Maybe Kavar??? hmmmmm... as for this parasite, seems to be very interesting and I cant wait to find out it's purpose..
As for Isabelle "new" gift... since when?? now they just have to find a human who is prepared for this sort of transmission... but how...?? and who???? Laurie??? soo many questions.... two weeks will be torture!!! All I know is Max smiled in this epi and that is a rare thing..

Also, about Izzy being psychic, I thought at first that she was going to tell Duff that. But then I figured that Duff would probably not believe her and then want to find the truth even more. So I guess it was best that she not say anything to her. But it would have been a good explanation for her being at the crime scene and being around the Sheriff so much, wouldn't it?

According to Valenti's theory, there are two sides of him, and the human side and the evil alien side are in conflict. The human Grant wants to help the investigation while the alien possessor wants to hurt it. So I asked myself, why doesn't the evil alien just hold on to the body for the entire duration of his operation? But then I'm reminded of Larek's quote in MitC where he said taking hold of a human's body is expensive and uses up a lot of their resources. Hmm... okay.

Hmmm... Larek's speech to Max at the end. (by the way, what a great job by the actor who played Brody's character!) How was Larek able to instantly repossess the Brody's body? Is there a permanent connection between him and his human host? In other words, could Isabel have used any other human to contact Larek? But this doesn't make sense because Isabel has never met Larek so how could she make a connection to just a name?

And about the content of his speech... I'm keep bothered by the fact that from End of the World, (and we're assuming that fMax and fLiz were at the granolith chamber on earth) Max and Liz were still alive. So whatever harm the blue parasite may do, its effects are not immediate.

About Max's comment that perhaps the parasite didn't like the taste of him... I originally took that as Max's sense of humor. But I guess now I see it may have a deeper implication that perhaps the parasite cannot affect Max.

"4. PHONING HOME MAY BE DANGEROUS TO THE PHONE'S HEALTH." LSS.

Maybe thats why Brody got the dreams before he was "abducted". The preparation. He said it happened before. But- i'm kinda stepping away from DB- why was he used in the first place?

Blue gel -- not only is it a parasite, it seems to be a sentient parasite. Notice how it 'escaped' out of the glass in Max's room? What I'm wondering is: Clearly Larek knew the stuff is dangerous. So why did they send it off to Earth in the first place? What other purpose does it have?

Isabel -- I'm wondering what she intended to do to "phone home". Just plant an idea in Brody's head, and hope that the next time Larek needed a host, he'd get the message? I don't think she intended to force Larek's presence that instant (IMO), although it was a useful side effect.

A bit OT: Anyone else bothered by the poor use of CPR? Max pumps Brody's heart 3 times, no respiratory assistance, and "poof", Brody's back, and feelin' fine. CPR breaks your ribs, guys...

Laurie -- she's clearly been feeling the alien effects for YEARS. Her aunt/uncle knew about the "aliens are after me/us" claim, but not where Laurie had been for the past 3+ years. How long has whoever/whatever been using Laurie? And for what purpose?

Valenti was wearing gloves and touching it through a plastic bag. Kyle touched it through a plastic bag. Thats why it didnt affect them.

I think.

Larek tells Max to leave the planet. But how?

Yes, I noticed that! I mentioned it on another thread, and I thought the exact same thing about the ribs breaking. Well, at least Brody did seem to be in deep pain afterwards. The broken ribs do heal on their own, right?

The crystals - now there's a topic for discussion. If they didn't hurt Max then why did Larek say the planet wasn't safe anymore and they had to get off? What is the connection between the crystals and Laurie Dupree?

The only explanation I could come up with is that the crytals do something to the humans so that the humans become dangerous to the aliens - it's not the crystals themselves that are a danger.

As for Laurie - maybe the crystals cause some kind of reaction so that the genetic material that took place to create Michael would be destroyed and therefore - heaven forbid - Michael.

Does any of this make sense or am I just sleepy and grasping at straws?

They'd better, since there's no way to put them in a cast! lol But I imagine he would still need some treatment to make sure the ends were lined up appropriately, etc. They can break off your sternum, too.

I'm glad I wasn't the only one who noticed this...

And I also wondered how they were supposed to leave the planet. Presumeably *everyone* should leave the planet -- that'll be a neat trick!

linangel, good point about the plastic gloves, although we don't see Kyle put the stuff in a plastic bag, unless it was in one already. When he retrieves it from his dad's office, it was in a paper bag, I think.

I am wondering what is causing the crystal/parasite/bacteria to change molecular structure. We know that on Twilo, living organisms have the ability to adjust molecular shape (or so we learned in Pilot.) Take water for instance; at room temperature, it is a liquid, over 100 degrees FEHReinheit it becomes a gas, at 32 degrees or below it becomes a solid. That stuff, if alive, went from crystal (solid), to soft pliable material, and at times it looks like a liquid. Heat is usually a catalyst of for molecular change. However, as you suggest on the last thread, is the crystal/parasite/bacteria sentient? The fact that we have only seen sentient life forms (podsters and Nasedo/Tictac) with the ability to change molecular shapes would add to the conclusion that the bluish goo is a thinking life form. Thus it wills itself into the necessary structure it needs for survival.

After it tried to leech onto Max, it went totally solid. Is the solid form a resting phase/hybernation phase or hunting ploy for the crystal like whatever it is.

I'm turning in... to an crazed fan: Noticed my extra star! (some of you know that boat sailed a long time ago for me)

I have theorized for a long time that Grant was a temp for Kvar, but now, oddly enough, I don't think so anymore--it just got too obvious. I'm sorry, I don't have the knack to explain Sci Fi in a scientific way, this is all pretty much intuition.

That blue stuff sure has personality. It seemed to hide after it got caught climbing up on the table to find something to eat while its master was sleeping--kind of like a cat.

So, to paraphrase Liz: they bury a girl in the earth where the alien parasite will come and do what to her? Maybe that's what happened to Grant? In the preview he has a crystal growing out of his chest ( sorry for laughing, but it reminds me of those crystals that grow monkeys that they used to advertise in the back of Superman and Archie comics)--so I am now guessing that Grant the Geologist came in contact with the crystal while out doing his geological thing. And the crystal is making him get the materials necessary to do the burial thing to Laurie so the crystal can have a host/feast. I guess it would be too out of even Nasedo's character if the crystal was his essence?

At the DeLuca residence we see six small windows between the two front doors. Could this symbolize the original six of the Roswell High alien-human group? Seems to coincidental too me.

GANDARIUM!!-->It has to be something like fuel for the spaceship, a/c coolant, lube oil, propulsion fluid or something to do with the operation of the craft. Sentient, maybe. Under normal circumstances it is nontoxic, but with the right catalyst(Laurie??) it becomes noxious to humans. I believe it crystalizes for protection.

But Roswell really lacks continuity, so after these Hyrid Cronciles I doubt we will hear much about the "GANDARIUM".

Poor Brody.. I am curious about how they need to prepare the vessel before use. And it seemed to easy, way too easy for Isabel to contact Larek... Maybe, (keep an open mind), she didn't reach Larek... maybe she reached Kivar.. I believe that she had/has more of a mental connection with Kivar than Larek.. Oh-No...now Kivar knows where they are.. A few weeks ago Ron Moore said in an article that the enemy won't appear til the finale...Kivar...

I do not believe that Grant is possessed by Kivar, that's too simple. Remember, there are 5 planets up there who are upset and looking for that Granolith (I wish they'd shed some light on this at silverhandprint.com). One group may be trying to wipe out the humans, to easily locate the granolith without interFEHRance via those crystals and the genetics of Laurie Dupree...

I am going back into lurking mode... I really enjoy reading everyone's posts here!

Me too. Grant being possessed by Kivar would explain Isabel's instant attraction to him. But you are right, it is too easy to suspect him. Perhaps she was attracted to him because she latently sensed something alien about him, some possession afterproduct.

Okay... All of the podsters have developed new powers in S2. Max with his Matrix ripoff force field, Tess with her genocidal fire bombs and Isabel with her greatly enhanced psychic abilities.... Will Michael be developing a new power too?... or is his hair his new weapon..

plus i can SSSOOO c alex as possessed by kivar i mean teh absence was him actually being readied as a host like larek, all of his memories could b false and the aliens certainly have superior enough tech to falsify slides and photographs

I do too. In "We are Family" he talked about how he felt like a different person.

But that also seems a little obvious...

Maybe the CPR was just a cover, and Max actually restarted Brody's heart with his powers somehow?

And I was about
quote:PHONING HOME MAY BE DANGEROUS TO THE PHONE'S HEALTH.
too. I've gotta remember to tell that one to dh tomorrow morning.

Hi Dawnee:

That is an interesting supposition--especially given the hostile dimension of Grant's activities AND the attraction between Grant and Izzy.

I honestly don't know the answer since I'm not "spoiled" in this story elemente--but your idea has a lot of merit.

LSS

I think Grant is an alien temp. the way he seems to have a split personality. Laurie's family were very creepy. are they a bunch of skins or other aliens? That whole estate freaked me out!
Can't wait to see what happens in the finale!

oh yes-any more guesses as to who the shooter was? We saw his car now that might be a clue!

LOL. I remember those! But my impression for the promo (and it went so fast that I didn't even realize it was Grant) was more like, if you'll excuse the reference, the "Alien" movies -- where large living things suddenly sprout out of people's chests!!

I had another idea to bounce around on this thread as I was falling asleep last night, but, wouldn't you know it? I can't remember what it was now.

Oh, and about the texture variations of the blue crystals (Qfanny mentioned this)... It reminds me of an experiment a college classmate once showed me. If you mix water and cornstarch in exactly the right proportions, it behaves as both a liquid and a solid -- solid if you're manipulating it, liquid if you just let it be. Maybe there's something similar in the molecular structure of the blue goo? Or maybe, since it seems sentient, it's a protoplasmic shapeshifter.

Hi Plumeria!

Well--I don't know much about CPR--but did you catch the fact that Max was going to heal him and was stopped? Only then did Max resort to the more mundane CPR. Are we to think of avoiding palm prints here? Or has Max gone out of the healing business?

LSS

After it tried to leech onto Max, it went totally solid. Is the solid form a resting phase/hybernation phase or hunting ploy for the crystal like whatever it is.

Hi QFanny!

Nice discussion of the gandarium's shifts from crystal to mobile ooze and then back again. If Liz is to be believed, it is also found in a liquid form (in water). That only leaves "gas" as a form it hasn't taken. Hope this thing doesn't become air-born...the CDC won't know what hit them!

LSS

Hi Kzinti_Killer!

Ouch...I hate when that happens. And yes--you are right about the importance of this eppy. I think that its conclusion will indeed provide us with some important information for our SF framework!

LSS

LSS

Yeah, I caught that Max was going to heal Brody first, but Isabel stopped him. I assume it has to do with palm prints, nothing else. Especially since Sydney had a palm print on her (from ARCC)-- that would make Brody doubly suspicious!

As for how she was able to contact Larek on another planet when Larek said in MiTC that it took so much energy, I postulate that as implied in other episodes the Royal Four are much more powerful than they imagine (they used to hide & try not to use much power), are growing more powerful and/or may be tapping into the Granolith without realizing it.

Re: the extra-planetary aliens using humans as hosts... We know that they can't possess the humans for very long periods of time because it drains the host, right? Well, go back to MITC -- Brody travelled all the way from NM to NYC and THEN attended the summit. He must have been "possessed" the entire time, otherwise why would Brody suddenly get up and leave home? That's an awfully long time to be possessed, don't you think? So why was Larek's visit to Brody so short in DB? Because of the damage?

Hi zanbehr!

Nice. Very Nice. Good way of explaining the hesitation. Well done!

LSS

Hi sdseddie!

Don't forget the Granolith. If the writers can use it for temporal travel they could also use it for spatial transportation. At least within the realms of SF they could.

LSS

Yes, I believe it was the damage to the unprepared body or else he was just panicked about the Crystal/Slime stuff. As to the travel time in MiTC, that always bothered me too. It's definitely a "CHAD", but we never really are told HOW he traveled to NY. For all we know he could have been transported/abducted instantaneously thus eliminating the travel time but increasing the energy requirements?

About how Larek expected them to get off Earth, I don't think it was ever mentioned in MiTC that the ship had crashed. He may not have known. Or perhaps the ship has repaired itself like the piece of metal Michael got in the flashback to the crash episode. We never really found out what finally happened to the ship after that episode either. Except we now know that the Crystal/Slime stuff got out.

Uh--I hope you read this soon...you have actually wandered over into "spoler" material. Could you erase your message?

Thanks!

LSS

Uh--I hope you read this soon...you have actually wandered over into "spoler" material. Could you erase your message?

Thanks!

LSS

Hi Sydbarrett!

Thanks for your prompt attention to the above. Sometimes it is hard to sort out what is speculation from spoiler!!!

I noticed that you a "fan-in-training" -- don't let this deter you from coming back and posting on this thread!

Once again--thanks!

LSS

Maybe this is what the crystals do. the Twilonese used a sterile Gandarium to pass the alien essence of each Podster into a human embryo.

I don't know why the Twilonese would keep live and dangerous gandarium on the ship if it could harm the 4. That doesn't make since to me. Someone mentioned it might only hurt humans. This seems too risky. If only humans are getting sick or killed, that also puts the Podsters at risk. Scientists would want to study why they were healthy and their enemies would easily recognize them. Pretty dumb.

I really like this idea from zanbehr of the podsters unconsciously tapping into the granolith. It reminds me of the way Tess had an unexpectedly violent reaction when she tried to use her power in Wipe Out. The effect was similar, Isabel was shown surrounded by white light very like to the way Tess was surrounded by the flame effect.

Maybe each of the four podsters with their complementary powers represent the four elements, Tess for fire, Isabel for air, Max & Michael for earth and fire in some order. Okay, I know this belongs on another thread...

Also, I was wondering about how fast the blue goo would have spread through the water table in fifty years. It seems it would be widely spread throughout the Roswell area by now, virtually impossible to eradicate. Unless they are very slow to replicate.

If the blue goo is sentient, does anyone think it would be possible for Isabel to dreamwalk it?

I believe Agent Duff said that it was a stolen car.

Hi Luna G:

Being sentient and being able to convey a message that is coherent to another being's thought system are two radically different concepts. We really haven't seen Izzy dreamwalk anything truly "other" (after all she IS part human) and I would think it would be a real credibility flaw if she could to it with the blue ooze/crystal.

LSS

P.S.(Gosh--I just got a flashback of the Vulcan mind meld when Spock melded with that rock creature)

LSS

I also thought that was odd. Glad others did too.

Isabel claiming to be psychic -- if this is how she weaselled out of the interview with Coco from Fame (sorry, she'll always be Coco to me), then it's about time somebody did something to attempt to explain the Evans' constant presence when trouble is brewing. It bothers me that they never did show the net result of her FBI questioning. But Law enforcement uses psychics all the time.

I got the email below today and thought this would interest people:

All life on Earth could be destroyed by genetically modified bacteria, a scientist has told the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification. Four scientists gave evidence for the Green Party at the hearing this week via video link from the United States.

Soil ecologist Elaine Ingham spoke about a plant-killing GM bacteria that her Oregon State University research team prevented from being released into the environment. Dr Ingham said the alcohol-producing bacteria had been approved for field trials when her team discovered its lethal effects.

She believed the widespread plant deaths caused by the bacteria would in turn affect all life on Earth. The GM Klebsiella planticola produced alcohol from post-harvest crop residue. The leftover organic sludge, containing the bacteria, would be returned to fields as fertilizer.

Dr Ingham said she had independently tested the bacteria on plants, which the regulatory authority had failed to do.
"After seven days, all wheat plants turned into slime."

This example showed the need for better risk assessment of ecological impact.
Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said the risks of GM organisms to the environment were currently unknown. Outdoor field trials of GM crops should never be allowed under these circumstances.

(end)

Sounds like the blue goo to me.

I have theorized for a long time that Grant was a temp for Kvar, but now, oddly enough, I don't think so anymore--it just got too obvious.

(snip)
I am now guessing that Grant the Geologist came in contact with the crystal while out doing his geological thing. And the crystal is making him get the materials necessary to do the burial thing to Laurie so the crystal can have a host/feast. [/B]

Shapeshifter, either one of these seem like totally plausible explanations (by Roswell standards). In both cases, we have Grant as an innocent victim of either extraterrestrial political machinations or a biological disaster.

In the first case, he's posesed by K'var because K'var sees him as the easiest way to get to Isabel AND accomplish a fairly scientific task (bury a DNA donor in the woods to grow the parasite that will ultimately be the end of life as we know it). If it's so darn difficult to posess a human body long distance, I somehow doubt that the whole kidnapping could have been carried off by an alien host who was just "temping" in Grant's body.

In the second case (and there's better dramatic evidence for this scenario), Grant's been exposed to the blue goo and has begun to suffer the ill effects -- split personality, violent outbursts, a borderline Lolita complex that causes him to be inexplicably attracted to teenagers (sorry). Did the infection also make him into a kidnapper/sniper, or was Laurie trapped and planted in the ground via some other operation (something related to her awful family) and Grant simply placed in charge of her as a caretaker for the burial?

Unrelated note: Doesn't it seem like he's living in the woods now? We've seen his apartment. How much time in the field does he have to spend?

We first saw her use it to see whether they could trust Maria and later on Alex for the same purpose. Now I could see her looking into Kyle's dream to see if he could be trusted as well. If I had that ability, I would use it only when I felt I had to. I do think that Isabelle should use it on that FBI agent who took her into custody to see what this person is about.

I can see that the Gandarium could be used in this matter, but from what I saw, the blue goo was functioning off of survival instincts. The Liz theory states that they collected in Laurie's gravesite because it was attracted to Laurie as a food item. The blue goo is a hunter. It basically jumped out of the glass Max had it in. And when it doesn't find what it wants, it dormants into a safe, unassumming crystal.

Notes on the Map:

So Frazier Woods is next to Pohlman Ranch. Liz described the underground water table as a system of rivers and streams. The same streams are probably responsible for the cave that has the painting in it. Also, Frazier Woods was the location of the alien sighting/whirlwind symbol from ITW. Pohlman Ranch is the location of the crash site and is near the granolith chamber (it could be the location of the granolith chamber--unclear.) I don't know about you, but I think the reservation (cave), the crash site, granolith chamber, Frazier Woods and the water table are all related in some funky way.

I think I agree with our 1900+ posts lurker AnonWatcher that the blue goo could have been used as a fuel. Why else would anyone want to collect it?

Anyone else bothered by the dates of possession. Larek does enter and leave Brody while he's en route, per Ask Not. He can be possessed for a few days. Grant on the otherhand mystifies me. He has either been possessed since July of 2000 or he's in on the plan at some level.

Grant knew to steal the rifle in July from Wymoning (where he got his degree?), and steal the head box from Las Cruses, (cyclotron). This was done before CW ever showed up in Roswell. This was done before the pod squad had learned about skins. This was done when Nasedo played the role of Pierce in Washington, D.C.

Suddenly, I am thinking that Grant finding the bones of Agent Pierce was not concidence. Big time.

It bothered me that Max's CPR was so incorrect--CPR is not something to screw up on (inter)national television no less. And by the way, the heart is on the LEFT side of the chest.

I hate Sean, but I liked seeing Liz come to life a little bit with him--so where was our scene post-pillow fight with Max and Liz? Sorry to get on a Dreamer vein, but come on Katims--just one little spark!--I can't believe it, but Max and Liz bore me to death lately.

Michael and Maria--welcome back!

LSS

In addition to what others have said regarding this matter, remember that if Max had saved Brody, he would have changed him too. (like Liz and Kyle)

I hit the button to disagree, but as this screen loaded, I realized you were right. Brody's heart had stopped. If that's not dead, I'm not sure what is.

Maybe each of the four podsters with their complementary powers represent the four elements, Tess for fire, Isabel for air, Max & Michael for earth and fire in some order. Okay, I know this belongs on another thread...

[/B]

I find this idea interesting...we've obviously seen that each of them have powers that the others don't. But on your elements: it's earth, wind, fire and *water*.
Tess is clearly fire; Isabel--wind/air; Michael--earth (strength); and perhaps Max is water...

LunaG, you mentioned the water table plot point right after the above quote. That's what made me think perhaps Max is water, especially since he (the healer) is on the case of this water-bourne parasite. I wonder if, since it resisted his hand, Max will be the key to defeating the parasite (cleaning up the water if you will...)

Hi anonwatcher. I think that it may be a plausible idea but I personally don't think that is what happened. It is just a feeling, but mostly because Larek (or whomever took over Brody) seemed to actually care what happened to him. I don't think that Khivar or one of the 'evil' aliens would have. Certainly none of the skins would care what human was 'accidentally' hurt along the way. But as soon as the contact was established Larek stated that they shouldn't have done that because Brody had not been prepared. The contact had made his heart stop. If he was one of the bad guys, I don't think he would even have bothered mentioning that.

Also, about the comments earlier on how Larek was able to possess Brody long enough to get him to NY in MITC...I think it has more to do with the fact that he had been prepped first. As mentioned earlier maybe it had to do with his dreams, etc. But either way, I think whatever the preparation was allowed them to take over the body without harming it (i.e. stopping its heart).

Qfan et al, I think it would have been very intriguing if Brody the Possessed had also been Brody the Changed. But it also would have been very complicated.

The blue goo seems to have a personality--it definitely reminds me of the capricious, survivalist Nasedo. But this doesn't fit with Larek's description, so I think it's more like a giant hallucinagenic that perhaps has a mind of its own.

The more I've thought about this episode, the more my blood refridgerates. Let me ponder and wander here....

First the obvious.

1) Grant is the shooter.

2) The Gandarium was there deliberately.

3) Laurie wasn't chosen at random.

4) Either Grant is a schizophrenic alien hunter, or someone else is using his
body.

Grant is weird on several counts. For one thing his "possesion" makes no sense. If he's an avatar then there's something that we don't understand about the process. We were given to understand that the process of possessing a host and keeping conrtrol is costly. Presumably, if one of the factions back home were doing it, the others would notice and act to interfere. It would be cheaper to use a skin to do your dirty work.

Also, Grant didn't behave like your usual possessee. His reaction to Valenti was savage, primal, and uncontrolled. Almost beastial. Yet when Valenti fought back, Grant was shocked out of control.

I think that the Gandarium is a bio-weapon. A failsafe for the mission. If all else fails and the Royal Four are in danger, the bailout is to get the kids off-planet and turn loose the germs. The resulting chaos should cover your tracks quite nicely. Larak knows what it is and knows that it was aboard ship......and he knows that it's dangerous to the podsters. Why? Well, he was obviously privy to some aspect of the mission planning. Also, since the crud couldn't munch on Max, it must be indirectly dangerous. As in the effect it would have on the human society the kids are growing up in.

So here's the points...

1) Grant is infected with the organism.

2) It's a very fussy organism. It will only attack humans that whose DNA shows some compatibility with it's own. Oh like say anyone from a gene-line that could provide donors to produce people like our special four. How many humans this is I don't know. But certainly enough to wreak some havoc.

3) Post infection it slowly assumes control of the host (except under stress conditions...like getting your butt thrashed...which can break the hold). We're talking invasion of the body snatchers here. Presumably the nurse at the hospital is under control. And Grant is under part time control.

4) The organism ignores some humans, like Kyle. (DNA incompatible) Yet it *tried* to get to Max. Because Max comes from a suitable DNA line, otherwise his donor wouldn't have been selected. However his own alien DNA makes him unsuitable. Laurie comes from Michael's line, which makes her suitable. Which is why she was selected.

5) Grant wasn't using her as bait. He was staking her out to be infected. His attack was to keep others from meddling.

6) I'd give a week's pay to get a peak at Grant's family tree. I'd shake it and see if a Podster donor falls out. *g*

7) What makes it dangerous to the kids now is that it will a) attract attention, b) tear the society they're living in to pieces, and c) as a semi-sentient weapon it presumably has a homing instinct. After all, if it was meant to be used *after* the kids bailed out, then the only aliens on planet would be skins. So those infected will recognize instinctively a)uninfected humans that can be infected and b) aliens to be killed at all costs. Imagine humans, infected with this stuff, programmed to seek and destroy aliens, no matter what. And with an ability to sense them. The kids are looking at a "Night of the Living Dead" scenario. It'd be like a microscopic version of the bio-mechanical monstrosities in Aliens. Liz said that it resembled an Earth organism. And we know the aliens have been coming here for quite a while. So perhaps it IS/WAS an Earth organism...modified into it's present form. *g*

*g* Hows *that* for speculation????

It's not that I'm uninterested, I just find it to be too sophisticated a theory for the average tv viewer. Not unlike a lot of stuff we throw out there!

Valenti was wearing gloves and touching it through a plastic bag. Kyle touched it through a plastic bag. Thats why it didnt affect them.

I think.

[/B]

Interestingly, Kyle found the goo in a chewing tobacco pouch in his dad's desk. Makes me think once again of the TEETH motif.

Maybe it's just my TV set, but that stuff looked green to me, not blue. Okay, once it looked blue-green.

The way Larek said, You mean the gandarium from the ship escaped, or words to that effect, made me suppose that it is some sort of fuel or propellant, as one of the posters above theorized. But it has other properties as well, apparently. Is it a protector? Nasedo as he really looks? Or is it Plan B: since the Skin Invasion-and retrieval of the FabFour scheme failed, now we trot out the Attack of the Killer Virus?

(If so, I've already got it, been home all week with it. )

All my fluish little brain can come up with today.

VF

If Isabel is connected to Grant through his family tree somehow, it makes her instant "attraction" reasonable.

Also, everyone has seen the new updates at
silverhandprint.com, with Agent Topolosky's emails... Is Suzanne Duff, the Suzanne she wrote to?

Does anyone think that Duff's agenda is not quite what she stated when she spoke to Valenti? I have a feeling that she might be trying to find out what happened to her friend Kat.

Also, about Izzy being psychic, I thought at first that she was going to tell Duff that. But then I figured that Duff would probably not believe her and then want to find the truth even more. So I guess it was best that she not say anything to her. But it would have been a good explanation for her being at the crime scene and being around the Sheriff so much, wouldn't it?
Excellent point about the crystals. If they've been here for 50+ years, where have they been?

As for Isabel being psychic, yes ! I've been shouting this at the TV since the Hybrid Chronicles started. (I may have even posted this, but it's probably gone forever now.) It kills two birds with one stone:
*Isabel found out about the abduction psychicly. She does not want to be identified publicly as a psychic, and I must respect her wishes. Her father's a lawyer, and we could be liable for invasion of privacy, libel, etc. Best keep it quiet, right?
*Isabel realized that Max had been kidnapped by Hubble psychicly. Hubble was nuts; he thought Max was an alien which killed his wife. Of course, Max doesn't look like an , does he? Besides, this was before he was born, so he has an alibi. Anyway, Agent Duff, I thought it best not to mention Max as an alien in any reports. You can see how alien-crazed people are here in Roswell. They would have torn Max apart! And since Max's father is a lawyer, our Department would have been looking at a nasty lawsuit. Invasion of privacy, libel, etc.; and him a minor to boot! Best keep it entirely out of the records, don't you agree?

So when Isabel told Brody she was a bit psychic, I hollered at the TV again: "YES !!!"

Now Sean is a different story. I agree with you guys that Max is going to have to rescue Liz from him at some point.

V-fan, I hope your true blue is no longer looking green!

As for K'var possessing him, it doesn't seem likely. His behavior in attacking Valenti didn't seem to be very well reasoned. It was almost savage. Not your usual possessee behavior.

As for Laurie was indeed there to be infected with the Grandarium, but what the condisions are need for a person to be a candidate for being infected is beyond me, but I think htat each person that has been infected had spent time burried in Fraures Woods.

Great catch, Shapeshifter! I definitely could see those as related. Sort of gives you an idea how much raw power is involved in these temp connections.

quote:Kzinti Killer said about Grant:
As for K'var possessing him, it doesn't seem likely. His behavior in attacking Valenti didn't seem to be very well reasoned. It was almost savage. Not your usual possessee behavior.

As much as I've been rooting for Grant to be channelling Kivar, I have to agree that his reaction to Valenti made the blue goo possession seem more likely. But I run into an immediate problem in that if Grant was involved with the Tess kidnapping (scratch on neck), then the blue goo (or whoever released the blue goo) and the skins have to be in league with each other.

Now Sean is a different story. I agree with you guys that Max is going to have to rescue Liz from him at some point.

I can see this happening. TPTB brought him onto the show for a reason, and I doubt they added him just to tickle Liz and eat crackers.

I'm glad they used the more natural way, too. No reason to make Brody more suspicious than he will be. We might want to give the actors a break here, too. Performing CPR on a heart that is beating can make it stop, so they really were having to fake it!!

I didn't see that it was mentioned, but we seem to be hearing/seeing a lot about crystals this season and I haven't heard anyone relate them (ie, the crystal used by FMax to activate the Granilith, the crystals Courtney smashed to destory the simbiotic relationship between the Skins and their new husks and now the parasities).

If correct-- scary thought. Sort of means you volunteer for the job. You carry this galattic pager with you. I just can't believe that there would be so many temps out there. Why would you need so many?

It would imply that Brody actually does know what's going on with everyone, and let's face it, he seems clueless to me.

shapeshifter I think you are right on about Isabel/Brody alien toss. Also noticed the proximity of Michael's and Isabel/Brody's alien power encounter is in the UFO center. What do you want to bet the ship is under the building????

If I had to hide a big item where no one would find it, I would put it in plain site. The UFO center was built during the cold war period as a bomb shelter, (which nicely fits into the timeline of Roswell). The construction of the bomb shelter would be sturdy enough to protect the ship from the elements and hide the ship as well. Concrete walls and etc.

Perhaps the presense of the alien beeper and Michael triggered something from the ship that cause the pulse in Ask Not.

What if Isabel's pyschic ability triggered something from the ship too?

I just think it would be hilirious if they discovered later that the ship was in the building title, "UFO CENTER".

As near as I can recall, the whole Skin fling was introduced a) to provide an enemy du jour and b) to give details on the "mission-critical" Granolith (further explained in the Dupes arc). If you're right about the skins and the blue goo being interconnected, and I'll bet you are on to something, then the connection may lie in the Granolith. It's a marvel, that Granolith. The ship crashes to bits, blue goo leaches into the underground water system, yet this big structure remains intact. Didn't FutureMax use crystals to activate the Granolith for time travel? A crystallic/solid form of Gandarium? I guess it's a G-thing, as Dr. Dre said.

Another interesting point - over at silverhandprint.com, the fbi files show that the special unit did some excavating at the crash site in the 80's. Do you think their digging could have released this stuff into the water supply?

LSS - your summations are just the best!

Personally, I'm wondering if it might be "normal" alien bacteria form the ship's sewage system. Hey, aliens are people too; and an alien's gotta do what an alien's gotta do...

I've always thought that Brody's warning signs: "missing moments of time, bizarre dreams I can't remember in the morning" would be useful--Now it seems even more so--rather like knowing when the computer is booted, the modem is connected, and the member is logged on to the board before trying to post a message. It seems imperative that Brody join the I-Know-An-Alien Club--especially since Larek is the closest thing they've got to an ally.

If I had to hide a big item where no one would find it, I would put it in plain site. The UFO center was built during the cold war period as a bomb shelter, (which nicely fits into the timeline of Roswell). The construction of the bomb shelter would be sturdy enough to protect the ship from the elements and hide the ship as well. Concrete walls and etc.

Qfanny, I love love love this idea. Hiding in plain sight. But wasn't the ship destroyed in the crash? Or are you suggesting there was more than one ship? If there were multiple ships, it would explain how the Granolith was undamaged in the crash.

Speaking of the books, there's a Compare and Contrast thread for discussion of the books and show, and it's a great, friendly, 'shipper-neutral, thread.

I just posted a c&c theory about the "Gandarion" (?) there an hour or so ago.
http://bbs2.fanforum.com/Forum3/HTML/004369.html

Reggie I believe that Larek exclaimed something like "What!? The grandarium from your ship has infected earth's eco-system??" Right before he told them all to run for their lives. So I think it is safe to assume that it did come from the ship. But he did not specify why it was there or what it was used for.

Though your idea about the sewage system has some merit. If you think about the idea that nasedo was able to shapeshift so well and that the blue crystals seem to be able to do the same. Maybe it is some kind of excretion from the 'Full Blood' alien beings that were on the ship? Its perfectly harmless to them but to humans it causes some kind of crazy reaction? Maybe it is something that is usually destroyed but since the ship crashed they weren't able to safely get rid of the last bit?

I always suspected that Grant was possessed or was an alien himself. Mostly this came from Isabel's instant attraction to him, to the point where she completely ignored Alex as if he didn't even exist. Now, Isabel hasn't always been the kindest person in the world, but she wouldn't usually be quite that thoughtless. It reminded me of the instant fascination she had with Tess, which also involved totally ignoring poor Alex. I actually wondered why nobody on the show suspected Grant from that. Isabel doesn't exactly warm up to people instantly. And then when I saw Grant attack Valenti, I thought it was further evidence of the possession theory. But then, wouldn't Grant realize it? Maybe not that he was possessed, but that something was going on? Brody does. Although maybe Grant does, but hasn't mentioned it to anyone. Hmmm... I agree, though, that his growling reaction to Valenti didn't exactly seem consistent with the attitudes of the temps we've seen. Unless the evil aliens have realized that Valenti is the closest thing the Pod Squad have to a protector now, and they're upset with him. So, Temp Grant attacks Valenti, but backs off when Valenti proves capable of defending himself. Although the infection theory also works to explain Grant's wierdness. Maybe Isabel was just reacting to the alien element present in Grant from his infection. Okay, that probably didn't make much sense, and I'm no closer to making up my mind. I do believe that Grant is the kidnapper, but that's all I'm willing to commit to.

Someone wondered why they would have the Grenarium (how do you spell that anyway?) on the ship if they're so dangerous. We've never learned why the ship crashed, have we? Perhaps the Skins put them on the ship in order to sabatoge Mommy's mission, and they caused the crash.

I really enjoyed reading all the intelligent posts here!

I think the aliens had to have visited Earth more than once. The Pod & Granilith chambers are too well designed to be an emergency response. I think the granilith might be used to transport people but I think it's an adaptation and not its original design purpose. I keep thinking if it is used primarily as a transit station there would need to be a receiver somewhere. If I were a skin, I would try to get the receiver to work as the transmiter to find the granilith.

i also think nasedo would have used the big G to get help once the plan went FUBAR in 47.

Luna, it would have to be a second ship if Larek is aware that first ship crashed. I think that he is, there is obviously communications between the aliens to this planet.

For all we know, the aliens could have built the UFO center through the Temp agency they keep. Maybe that's what Milton saw at the Ice Cream parlor.

Hi Anla! I think that the escape? of the Grandarium(sp?) was more like an oil spill. It may not have been dangerous while it was on the ship but once released into the eco-system it wreaks havoc. If all the life forms on earth are threatened by it (plant, animal, etc.) then it would also be a threat to the pod squad. If for no other reason than the humans would go into a panic.

Also I wanted to comment about your thoughts on Grant. I was also wondering about the way that Isable seemed to become instant friends with Tess. I had finally reasoned it away to Tess' mind warp. That she had somehow 'convinced' Isabel that she could be trusted. Maybe sent her some re-assuring images? But it does make sense that Isabel somehow sensed that Tess was one of them. Though why is Isabel the only one to be able to sense these things? First Tess, now Grant? Her powers seem to be on the same sort of wave as Tess'. Both having to do with the human minds/thoughts. Why can't Tess also feel the vibes coming off of Grant? And why did Isabel not get the same sort of feelings from Nasedo, their protector. In fact it seemed more like she was afraid of him rather than being attracted, at least in the beginning. I guess I don't have a lot of answers, only a lot of questions!

Luna, it would have to be a second ship if Larek is aware that first ship crashed. I think that he is, there is obviously communications between the aliens to this planet.

For all we know, the aliens could have built the UFO center through the Temp agency they keep. Maybe that's what Milton saw at the Ice Cream parlor.
Not necessarily a second ship, it could be the reconstruction of the original. But then it could be the second--would that be the Skins' ship?

On the G-stuff: Larek seemed to be aware that the stuff was on the ship and that its escape on Earth would be a disaster. So, then, I guess our real question is: what was its original purpose? Alien sewage doesn't fit with the fact that there have been aliens living and excreting on Earth since at least 1947, which Larek definitely knows about. Somebody on the Roswell Books Comparison thread said it would be like the crystals that healed Max & Is when they went through "Aquino," the alien puberty experience. While this doesn't fit our TV version, maybe a variation of the theme would do.

And that's the conclusion that the podsters came to they realized that Tess had mindwarping abilities (of course, they thought she was Nasedo at the time . . .)

quote: MAX: Isabel’s right. It’s a shape-shifter. Who knows what other powers it has that we don’t have. The three of us, no matter what we may discover about ourselves...we were raised human. Nasedo’s an alien. Nasedo’s killed. And judging from the way I felt when I was with Tess, it definitely has some kind of power over us.

ISABEL: Yeah, I felt it too. Like I was drawn to her for some specific reason. Like I had to let her in.

On the G-stuff: Larek seemed to be aware that the stuff was on the ship and that its escape on Earth would be a disaster. So, then, I guess our real question is: what was its original purpose?
Well, the crashed ship's debris is in the Army's custody, as of So47, so I doubt it's available. I believe that the Skins were specificly stranded here, with no ship, to "encourage" them to find The Granolyth and the Royal Four. I doubt that there is another ship; but one could have been hidden here a long time ago in case it was needed. I still think The Granolyth is a FTL matter transciever.

Kzinti Killer suggested that the granarium (?) is a biological weapon of mass destruction; a planetkiller. It sounds possible, but why would the podster's ship have such a weapon on their mission?

So, hit ten square block area in a major city with this stuff and everyone in the area becomes a pychotic serial killer afflicted with immense strength for a few days...until they die of secondary effects.

As weapons go, they called it a "demoralizer".

This stuff, if it's what I think it is, is more subtle.

For one thing it seems to prefer particular humans. For another it seems to spread itself "intelligently". And it's victims seem to remain "human" part of the time. Look at Grant.

I think it's a "demoralizer". It was the mission failsafe. If the mission is in danger, turn it loose and get the kids off planet. The resulting chaos covers your tracks. If it's the humans who are on to you, well they won't be in any shape to try and stop you from leaving. If it's the skins, chances are they'll become the prey of infected humans.

How did it get loose? Well I can't believe that it's been loose in the Roswell area since 47 without problems emerging. I think it was released recently. Who knows what Nacedo was doing between the time he realized the skins were there, and he died in Max's arms? Perhaps he'd tripped the failsafe, but was attacked before he could proceed with phase two? Evacuation.

Hmmm, the glimmerings of a second theory are forming. Grant has been poking around out there in the New Mexico wilds for a while now. Perhaps monkey boy found more than he bargained for? An accidental release?

That's what I've thought since MITC. Brody said that he bought it off some guy that dealt in alien artifacts. Ring a bell??? Nasedo and his "precious collection"! Just a theory. But I don't think it's a coincidence that Brody had the opportunity to buy said beeper.

I agree that all of the "puppets" have a beeper...for whatever purpose.

As to why Isabel didn't seem connected to Nacedo, maybe it only works with aliens from their own species, and he's not? I don't know - I have lots of questions where Nacedo is concerned.

ITA.

That would be a lot of puppets!

What if Brody really had gotten the beeper as he said, and the seller had gotten it from a dead or careless Skin? Since there are a lot of Skins, there are many possible explainations for a Skin being separated from their beeper. Maybe Brody was given a false memory of buying it by Larek. Also, what if these are not a devise of just one race. What if they are like guns, tissues, or brownies - anyone can have one.

Where is Tic-tac?
Sleeping with the red herrings.

...What if they are like guns, tissues, or brownies - anyone can have one.

Where is Tic-tac?
Sleeping with the red herrings.[/B]Or like bandaids? Glad you still have your sense of humor, Palomino! long time, no see!

Yes, true Brody's heart stopped because he wasn't 'prepared,' but still, I think there is an implication here that it's not particularly easy on the body--but maybe I'm deducing something without enough evidence?

And, yes, I also understood it to mean the 'drain' was on the alien resources. So I was just thinking that all those beepers would represent a potentially big drain.

Back to the blue Goo, we have Gandarium, Granolith, and Grant--all hard G's. Maybe just a co-incidence--or a clue?

And thinking about Grant being implicated as the thief over time of the burial equipment: maybe the blueGoo is the Skins' version of the beepers? Or...?

One more musing on the Blue Goo:
Someone (Valenti?) says that it wasn't in the grave the night before when they rescued Laurie. So, how did it get there?
Possibilities:
1)Grant (or one of his personnas) did it
2)Laurie carries 'spores' or 'crystals' or whatever, and, given the right environment (dark, lack of oxygen, cold, moist), they can reproduce
3)Dan or someone else planted it
4)It was attracted out of the water by Laurie (and would have entered her?)

Anymore anyone?

What if Brody really had gotten the beeper as he said, and the seller had gotten it from a dead or careless Skin? Since there are a lot of Skins, there are many possible explainations for a Skin being separated from their beeper. Maybe Brody was given a false memory of buying it by Larek. Also, what if these are not a devise of just one race. What if they are like guns, tissues, or brownies - anyone can have one.

Where is Tic-tac?
Sleeping with the red herrings.[/B]

We don't necessarily know that the beepers belong(ed) to the skins. It seemed to me that ALL of the skins lived in Copper Summit, and we never saw Courtney, Whitaker, or Nickolas or any other skin with a beeper.

We saw the beeping at the end of Destiny. Howie was the first one with a beeper. Brody was the second, and we haven't seen anyone else with one.

With my theory that the "puppets" have beepers, I can assume that Howie may have been a puppet, perhaps one of the "rulers" of the other four planets. The beeper could serve a variety of purposes...a mini-granolith?

I don't know who mentioned this, but the idea that the actual possession doesn't begin until the puppet is where it is needed is quite possible. If these beings can possess a body, then they surely could influence the mind, telling their subject to go to a certain place or do a certain thing. Then when in place, the being possess the body and carries out his plan. Then through hypnotic suggestion the body returns to it's home or wherever the being chooses. Snapped out of the hypnotic suggestion, the body and mind have no recollection of the events, but does know that it has lost time and is somewhere unfamiliar.

It's possible...because we all know...on ROSWELL, anything is possible!

Where is Tic-tac?
Sleeping with the red herrings.
Where are the parents?
Sleeping.

As for the "bizzare dreams" - I just wonder what Isabel would make of them, if she walked in on one? She could have a nice, long, safe chat with Larek. And if she can do a 3-way with Liz (MitC), maybe she could bring Max in for a conference call? That could be very interesting, esp. if Larek provides an image of himself...

I've wondered about that burnt hair smell, and as of DB, I think I have an answer. Don't defibrillators cause burns?

I'm thinking that maybe that's how Larek knew that Brody hadn't been prepped properly. Maybe the first time Larek took over Brody, in 1993, his heart stopped and he had to be defibrillated.

As for why he didn't notice the burn marks, if Larek could heal Brody's cancer, he'd probably be able to heal a burn, too, or maybe one of the other attendees at whatever it was in 1993 could heal the burn, but didn't bother removing the smell of his burnt chest hair from the air.

Honestly AnonWatcher, I am hopeful that they will reappear. I have many unanswered questions.

There are just way too many unanswered questions..

When Brody said the abductors healed his cancer, did he mention coming to and seeing a silver handprint on his body?

I wonder if that means anything?

Honestly AnonWatcher, I am hopeful that they will reappear. I have many unanswered questions.

You aren't the only one!
Personally, I think Brody will let them look at his alien thingie, if Max lets Brody look at an Orb.
Hey, if Larek drops in, they can ask him about the Orbs, too!

If so, and the "bio" part got out, it would explain Larek's comments.

In any event, my mind harks back to that crystal that F-Max and F-Liz used to set the Granolith up for time travel. Is the main body of the Granolith itself a lifeform?

Why would they keep it in the natural state on the ship? They didn't know how much they would need. The Dupes were the original attempt but the aliens realized they were defective. So they tried again.

I like my theory because it can actually be done and this episode is supposed to explain the hybrid origins. I'd like to think TPTB would stick to the message.

Really interesting ideas everyone. When Isabel connected with Brody's subconscious mind, it seemed a lot like flipping a switch in an electrical circuit. Instantly they were blown apart; Isabel makes the connection and the energy starts flowing. Larek come's on line 30 seconds or less later, so he's aware that someone has tapped into the connection. The actual possession must take enormous resources (provided by the alien possessor), but reading between the lines, the possessor - possessee connection is constant and can't be that energy intensive. I'm envisioning some kind of psychic tether between Larek and Brody's subconsious.

SF

Honestly AnonWatcher, I am hopeful that they will reappear. I have many unanswered questions.

[/B]

Don't we all!!!!!! Hi QFanny...you are our Orb expert!

LSS

Unfortunately, I suspect that the whole "all of their questions about their human origins will be answered" thing was more the WB's marketing department than TPTB behind Roswell.

I would love to be mistaken on this, though!

In a show that doesn't lack continuity that would be an excellent thought... but I don't think TPTB even remember doing an episode called "In The Woods"...

Too many questions, not enough answers!

This is probably off the subject
but, I have always been wondering about this. If they knew the Dupes were defective, why were they not gotten rid of. I don't want to sound harsh, but it seems like a waste of resources. They had to have a protector, etc. And if they kept them as decoys, and decided that the Roswell group was the important group, why were they not given more info. Why didn't the roswell pod squad know where they came from etc., when the NY pod squad seemed to know it all?

I'm sorry if this is already discussed, but I am sort of new to the boards.

My own pet theory is that the shapeshifters believed the urban legends and abandoned the pods in the NYC sewer system in hopes the alligators would eat them.

As for what the NYC podsters knew, I have two theories.

(1) the defect *was* the knowledge of where they came from. Maybe they did some kind of computer projection or something and realized that their preprogrammed PSAWN memories were a bad idea.

(2) they really didn't remember anything until Nicholas found them and told them about their past. That would explain why Lonnie is so bad. I really don't believe that Vilandra was evil. I've sort of envisioned the Zan-and-Rath/Vilandra/K'Var thing as analogous to Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot.

1. They went by their alien names. This would make them easier to ID by evil aliens. The SSers could have at least given them fake names. They must have been raised from hatching to answer to those names, because they still used them amongst themselves, when it wasn't necessary.

2. They were dropped off in a city where high population would maybe work to their eventual discovery rather than their being lost in a crowd. From what I've seen of NYC on TV and in movies, it would also cut down on the podsters' chances of survival, and on the likelyhood that they would grow up to be decent people - look how the NY4 so willingly killed and even turned on their own. Not an advertisement for raising kids in NYC - sorry NYers.

3. The dupes told the NM4 that they (the NY4) were the only ones "they" knew about, when they were asked why the NM4 hadn't been contacted. It seems the NY4 were exposed in case of assassination attempts. They were targets. I doubt if Mommy even had the correct essences (DNA) in them. I don't think she would want ANY clones of her children being sacrificed. We don't even know if Lonnie was telling the truth about remembering being Volandra, or if she was just trying to convince Nicolas that she would do whatever he wanted in exchange for a ride home.

One problem I have is with the blips Brody detected when the messages (invitations) were sent. One was NY and got everybody excited, but the other looked like NM, and nobody got excited about the blip in the backyard. Does that mean that somebody did know about the NM4, and why didn't the NM4 get excited?

I would love to hear from the SSer/protector of the NY4, but I'm still afraid they ate him.

Where is Tic-tac?
Sleeping with the red herrings.

Another thing that has been bothering me: Max seems to be the only one of the NM4 that has an alien memory (the partial face w/eyeball as seen in AN flashbacks). Does Max have other memories not shared with the audience or other podsquaders? Is he aware this tidbit memory does not belong to Max Evens, but to Zan? Max wants to be human so bad, that I think if he was aware of the memory flash, he would be a little freaked about it. In AN Tess offered to share memory retrieval techniques, did he take her up on that? Is he trying on his own. About a dozen episodes later, we still don't know any more than when AN aired. Are any more memories going to be dusted off when he is in a tight spot? - he has been in several since, but we haven't seen anything yet. What is the holdup?

I keep wondering if one of the orbs is blinking. Did Mom get Orb Waiting?

But wait! We recognised all the other scenes. Max has never been in that situation...
not in this lifetime, anyway.

I love this theory! Have you ever read the series called The Blendings by Sharon Green? There is a character in that book that has the ability to see a little ways into the future. But she is constantly trying to figure out when to say something and when not to. The whole idea that having too much knowledge may do more bad than good is sort of the whole basis. I think the same sort of thing applies to the Pod Squad. I mean how does knowing that Vilandra betrayed her brother help Isabel in anyway? It can only weaken their relationships rather than strengthen them.

To me it looks like one of the pods from Sof47. The part where Hal finds the pods in a room. There is a really good shot of the pods just before the two alien's appear behind the screen. I think it was just creative foreshadowing. This foreshadowing also happened during one of the flashes Max had in an episode before sexual healing. Sorry, I can't remember the episode but a quick flash of the orb pops up among other images. Darn. I will have to go back and watch a few of those episodes. Twist my arm!

1. I did MANY slow-mo's and pauses on one of my VCR's which gives an excellent picture in both functions. It is a partial head-shot that inclues an eye. The outer layer is off-white and is textured, with ridges appearing red. The eye has a horizontal oval shaped pupil like a horse (prey animal). We are not sure of the position of the head, so we can not really be sure that it is upright and the pupil is horizontal.

2. This is not a memory of Max Evans, so it has to be Zan's. Why does this not freak out Max, who wants so desperately to be human? (Reminds me of Pinochio, but it's his ears that grow!)

3. Some suggested that it was the skinned head of a dead cow. As an Ag teacher which has taken fieldtrips to slaughter houses, I can tell you that this was no cow skull. This was a special effects creation. The red was not free blood, but highlights that do not look like veins, but more like markings. Also, there are no eyelashes, and there is no cut flesh as if the eyelids were removed from a terrestrial animal.

4. This could be almost anything from Zan's beloved pet, to his dying bride. If we are to take a clue from the other flashbacks that DO belong to Max, then we are to assume that this memory is also of a traumatic, violent, life-and-death event in his life. This could be a dead loved one, and perhaps even the last thing(person) Zan saw as he died (Michael, Isabel, Bride, loving pet?)

Just some thoughts.

Could it have been computer-generated? They're doing great things with cgi nowdays.

For example, have you seen the short film 405? Most of that movie is computer-generated or computer-manipulated.

If you haven't, I recommend it. It's excellently-made and highly amusing. http://www.405themovie.com/

I hope that didn't come across wrong. I'm just curious why they'd spend so much money on something that we'd only see for a few seconds.

And, most importantly, does anyone have a screencap of this that they can post? I'm desperate to see it, but we moved in November and I can't find my tape from the first part of the season right now.

First, who maintains Silverhandprint.com? Is the info on that website accurate to the show? I am asking because I read in one of the emails that when Topolsky went to take Atherton's files,etc. from the Max and Isabel she didn't find anything. But I remember that those files disappeared from Max and Iz's house. So if the email is true, who took the files? Was this explained on the show and I just missed it?

First, who maintains Silverhandprint.com? Is the info on that website accurate to the show? I am asking because I read in one of the emails that when Topolsky went to take Atherton's files,etc. from the Max and Isabel she didn't find anything. But I remember that those files disappeared from Max and Iz's house. So if the email is true, who took the files? Was this explained on the show and I just missed it?this question has been asked so many times. I'm starting a thread to answer it. It's at: http://bbs2.fanforum.com/Forum3/HTML/005423.html
My threads don't usually last long, but I thought I'd give it a try.

I do agree that this is a traumatic memory of a probably a dead or dying critter that was close to Max. It does not appear to be one of the SSers in natural form, but could be one of the many sentient beings of Zan's star system. As an animal lover, I must say that the eye was "kind" - a term used on Horseworld. Because of this, I don't think the being was an enemy, but a friend or loved one. I still do not rule out a pet that was killed or tried to help a mortally wounded Zan. (sniffle, sniffle)

And, um, Palomino, I think it could be a unicorn.

That is one fugly alien head....

'Ask Not'.. It was inserted in a series of other life & death stressful situations Max has been in before...

quote:Originally posted by shapeshifter:
That was my initial impression.

I saved it to my hard drive and flipped it upside-down, and it definitely looks more humanoid than animal when right-side-up, at least it does to me.

Where is the uniform now??

What is "87 ki stone"? Where is it now??

Somehow I think Isabel picked up on the alien possession inside of him..like some kind of pheromone.. that would kind of explain her attraction to him??

From a purely zoological standpoint, I doubt if the head was upright as we saw it.
1. If you notice the eye sockets, it would be difficult for it to see where it was going in that position, since the ridge "under" the eye is too high and would interfere with the field of vision. We can see the ridge of the other eye socket on the far right, so we know it has at least two eyes, with similar structures around each eye.
2. If you notice the upper right part of the visible eye, it is the inner corner of the eye, and in most terrestrial animals, the inner corner is lower than the outer corner, if they are not the same.

Some have noticed there appears to be a horn-like structure in the bottom left corner of the picture, a while ago there was talk that this was a skinned cow head.

Cattle horns are not positioned this close to the eye. Cattle horns may bleach white over years of exposure to the sun, but a freshly skinned head would have the original color. Cattle do not have a narrow nose ridge. Cattle have eyelashes or nasty flesh-cuts where the eyelids were removed. (The picture has neither.) Cattle do not have this type of eye - even upside down.

SSer's were frail-looking silvery glowing guys with little in the way of ridges or pronounced structures on their heads. They had large black eyes "vacant, ageless" as Hal Carver put it.
Another race from the home system?
Kivar? What if a dying Zan looked up into the face of his mortal enemy, and saw it upside down?(I doubt it - this poor creature has a kind, gentle look.)

What if it was lovely Isabel? - there is a resemblence.

What if this was a traumatic memory from Zan's wedding day - as he lifted the veil to kiss the bride? (snicker, snort)

Ahh well, all my speculation is in vein, the writers will do whatever they please.

Where is Tic-tac?
Sleeping with the red herrings.
Where are the parents?
Sleeping.

I think the glow that we see is the uniform..

Remember the laughs we had over Harding changing back and forth between naked and clothed when he was being healed in Destiny? Did any of you notice that when he dusted in Ask Not his shirt and jacket remained?

He is right here (eating leftover Chinese from last night). I also read the message and we will get to work on it. It shouldn't take long.

Otherwise I agree it probably is Zan when he was assassinated.

Imagine the gross screencaps if Max starts to remember his former life.

Just picture an alien love scene.

IIRC, we decided that it was "clothing optional". If a shapeshifter was cold, or needed protection (boots, jacket), then they could wear clothes. If they needed to take them off, then they'd have to have real, complete clothes.

If they'd rather, they could use their own flesh to simulate clothing, but that would neither keep them warm nor protect them. If they needed to be seen undressing, this wouldn't work, unless they can be seperated from some of their body and have it keep its shape. OTOH, if they had to make a fast shape change, real clothes might get in the way. In this case, the simulated clothes might be better.

Do I understand that you are thinking that the eye was somehow a glowy alien eye (I agree is surely looks bizarre)? Since we have nothing else to which to connect it, perhaps it is a retrieved, repressed memory from Max's past.

Do I understand that you are thinking that the eye was somehow a glowy alien eye (I agree is surely looks bizarre)? Since we have nothing else to which to connect it, perhaps it is a retrieved, repressed memory from Max's past.
[/B]Oops! I fixed it. It certainly is Ask Not and not To Serve And Protect. I think the altruistic, political nature of both titles tripped me up. Thanks for catching it.

Okay, here's one more shot of both "eyes" for comparison. note they are both black orbs with white, equatorial lines for pupils.
Glowy Guy's eye:
"eye" from Max's flashback:

"Note they are both black orbs with white, equatorial lines for pupils."

The flashback eye has a black pupil that appears to be oval in shape like a horse's, and an iris that looks grayish. (Believe me, I know what a horse eye looks like. I even had a Paint Horse filly with gray eyes like that.) I can see highlights from lights reflecting in the eye, but I don't see white equatorial lines for pupils. (?)

To me, the eyes look different. If the one from Max's memory is a dead SSer that is no longer capable of bioluminescence, then it should have matched Nasedo's eyes from Destiny when he was "mostly dead". One of the things that makes me think it is dead, is the way the pupil is so open in the apparently bright lighting. Dead pupils can't constrict.

Also, the SSers seem to have a rather smooth head with less structure than we have. The flashback head seems to have plenty of structure, which does not match our's or the glowy guys'.

Could it be a Skin Head? (snicker, snicker)

Where is the uniform now??

What is "87 ki stone"? Where is it now??

I think that should be "Item 8714", "stone". The left part of the four has drifted over against the "one". As for being a "stone", it could be what we're calling an orb? We know he had one he was playing with.

Interesting about the "uniform". Not just "alien clothes". This suggests that the pod couriers were military of some sort. (Twilonian Space Force?)