Heroes in Masks

Spiderman, Dr Sam Beckett, The Flash and The Batman. These 4 people all have 2 things in common:

1. They are all heroes.
2. They All wear masks.

The Rod can hear someone now:

"But Rod, Sam didn’t wear a mask!!"

Ahh…But he did. Ok, it may not have been a costumed mask he wore, but he always ‘wore’ the guise of the person he had leapt into, his identity kept secret as people would not understand.

The popularity of Quantum Leap and indeed other shows such as "Spiderman", "The Flash" and the "Batman" shows (both animated and live action) are one aspect of 80’s culture that has thankfully not left our screens.

The Justice League (featuring Superman, Batman et al) is going from strength to strength, while the new Batman flick "Batman Begins" is due out next year. There is another animated Batman show coming to kids WB very soon.

Spiderman 2 is an awesome movie, and there are gonna be at least another 3 sequels, with talk of a sixth to follow.

Talk of the Quantum Leap TV film is still ongoing, again the film is expected out next year, hopefully with a follow on series too.

While the Action genre of the 80’s met its death, it is good to see it being brought back to life, at least with regards to Heroes (Super or Non).

So what, if anything, does this suggest about society. Does it suggest that people are so ashamed about doing good things, that they cannot reveal their faces? Perhaps its meant to reflect that Super Heroes are beyond the average persons reach, after all not just anybody can put on a mask and climb walls!

Maybe it’s a way of showing that Heroes feel they are "just doing a job" and do not want special recognition.

Quantum Leap Spinoffs?

Quite a lot of great shows had good off shoots. "Cheers" had "Frasier", "CSI" has "CSI-Miami" and soon "CSI-NY".

It’s a shame that there were never any Quantum leap spinoffs. There was certainly plenty of scope for a spin off show, Sam had plenty of adventures leaping into other people, why not focus on one particular Leapee and his/her post leap adventures.

Who knows, perhaps if the new TV Movie ever arrives, a spin off could be derived.

Prequel

Alternatively, a prequel series based on Al Calavicci’s pre PQL career. Project Starbright was mentioned a few times in Quantum Leap, maybe DPB had planned to visit it.

He started this last year, and is a very enjoyable read. Unfortunately, its on Hiatus, so read it and pester him with emails demanding it back….

This week was a great week for The Rod. On Monday He received His long anticipated and eagerly awaited Knight Rider Season 1 DVD, and on Wednesday The Next Incarnation of The RodMobile was delivered to Him.

As He is in such a Fabulous mood, He has decided to treat His readers with not one, not two but THREE CD Recommendations.

AC/DC - High Voltage

This is the Debut album of perhaps the greatest Rock n Rollers of all time, The Rod’s favorite band in its original and best line up.

Great tracks such as "It’s a Long way to the top (If you wanna rock n roll)", "Rock n Roll Singer", "Live Wire" and of course "High Voltage" grace this masterpiece of a CD.

The Darkness – Permission to Land

This band are perhaps the greatest tribute to all things Rock n roll and ultimately to AC/DC.

OK, so perhaps the band can be accused of being cheesy, their videos certainly reflect that. They also reflect the fact that the Rock N Roll spirit so well defined in the 70’s and early 80’s is not dead, oh no….its just been sleeping baby!

This album has some damn good tracks:

"I believe in a thing called Love", "Black Shuck" and "Growing on Me" to name just a few.

The Rod has read a lot of mixed reviews on this, but ignore them, The Rod is ALWAYS right, and He say YES!

Electric 6 – Fire

Another simply incredible rock n roll rollercoaster. This album is as funny as it is pleasing to listen to. It also has the somewhat humorous gimmick of including the word "Fire" in every song…

Tracks such as "Dance Commander", "Gay Bar", "Danger! High Voltage" and "Naked Pictures (Of your mother)" all put a smile on your face as your rockin and a rollin in your car.