For a decade, an original story idea has percolated in my head - a modern sci-fi thriller with an alien vibe. The premise isn't unique by any stretch, but when I think of its love/hate relationship, the bouts of writer's block, and gut feeling toward my literary 'baby', it's become a deep rooted fascination that won't die.

They say nothing worthwhile is ever easy, and couldn't be truer. At first, my ideas seemed exciting and cool. Then I realised how contrived they were. Yet, the only saving graces were the four people I spawned. No matter how many times I cast it aside, I could feel 'something' primal about them. Beneath their cliched surface, they were weirdly compelling! Why did I choose this archetype over another? What was relevant about their personality? What part of my soul did they represent?

Over the years, I struggled to grasp this behemoth, and turn the concepts into a workable project. However, I'm now getting there slowly but surely, and feels good moving beyond those cliched first efforts.

Perhaps, it's the mark of a creative person to have an itch they can't scratch? Once the seed is planted, it needs to be seen through to fruition? Sometimes the seed is complex, requiring patience. Inception took a decade, and Tolkien's Lord Of The Rings took a dozen years. Maybe the long wait, while frustrating and equally crucial, is pack and parcel? It won't be ready to unfold until the right elements are drawn together?

The notion emerged during the first year of college. (I studied communication and media for two.) The inspiration's fuzzy, not being down with the finer intricacies of narative, nor being a dedicated bookworm back then. I reckon though, a passion for movies and televised drama forged the urge to craft my own universe.

My early attempts were cute though. For some reason I wanted to deal with angels or aliens under their clever guise. The heroine would be drawn into a conspiracy, when she discovers a man who is different. Revisions featured cracks in reality, soul eating energy to amnesia and hybrid clones. However, I couldn't produce an original thought without comparing it to my favourite material.

Originally, the story was dubbed 'Archangel: First Chapter.' These days, I can see the irony and how bad it sounds. Like a bad Japanese anime or straight to video release. Over time, I switched to 'Fallen', which couldn't get away from the god awful cheesiness either. (No pun intended.)

(Stephanie Seymour, Travis Fimmel, and Mehki Phifer.)

My hero looked like model Travis Fimmel, filling the ethereal, lonely drifter role. He wore a long duster coat, rocking the Liquid Snake/David Lee Roth look. In reality, he was a poor copy of a certain vampire with a soul, only with mutant powers.

The heroine was full of rookie mistakes - long, fiery red hair, gothic cross tattoo, beautiful features and a naval piercing. Later versions were toned down, showing her with natural brown hair. If I were to draw comparisons, she looked like Stephanie Seymour in the Guns 'N' Roses 'Don't Cry' video.

The younger sister was nothing more than an afterthought, being the least visualised of the group. I also threw in a wise cracking spirit guide and travelling buddy, based on ER's Mehki Phifer.

As an artist, I liked to sketch full colour potraits to bring them to life. Magazine ads were a source of inspiration, but weren't reliable. Thankfully, I didn't keep a hold of the drawings and probably for the best. Some artists scrap their older work unless it can be improved upon. Looking back, those renders were kind of lame.

A few years ago, I threw myself into the process again. Was I nuts to put myself through the stress? There was a risk, but one I was willing to take. The curiosity refused to leave, and clearly had a profound effect. If I took a disciplined approach, then I could put this fictional poltergeist to rest.

By now, I'd developed my own 'voice', pouring it into horror and comedy fan fiction. My art skills had advanced since college too, finding it easier to draw people from scratch rather than using reference. I wasn't afraid to mix things up, improve weaker aspects, or change them completely. With a little bit more life experience behind me, I looked at everything with a mature eye.

Coming full circle, I started how I began, with a pencil sketch of my heroine. The slate was clean - no more red hair, ugly tattoos, or daft supermodel appearance. I wanted to ground her in reality, like Sarah Connor or Buffy Summers. She would come straight from the heart, and tell me what she was all about.

On a lighter note, I remember watching House M.D at the time, and trying to get away from Olivia Wilde's likeness. Subconsciously, I began rendering her when I wanted to remain uninfluenced. When I finished, a unique person stared back, looking naturally beautiful and strong. THIS was my heroine, and as close to what had been swirling inside my imagination. Below is a picture edited version of the artwork:

Earlier this year, I purchased a 'writing' for dummies' book, to keep me motivated, and it's helped thus far. One of the new year's resolutions was to start the ball rolling in a big way. Now, I have a better understanding of the heroine and the relationship with her younger sister. My alien hero is no longer bound to his do-gooder persona, and evolved into a grittier, layered individual. He's less Hercules and more Punisher. ;)

Horror is a genre I'm comfortable writing, (as mentioned above), and wouldn't mind making it a present day sci-fi horror. I think that's one of the bigger, shocking jumps that never crossed my mind until today. I tend to write better when the characters are being put through the wringer.

I'm adding so much more meat on the bones of what were, essentially, cardboard cutouts. Also, I managed to find a title that doesn't suck and has nothing to do with angels or aliens. I've gone down the snappy, subtle route, and picked a title that has different connotations.

Anywho.. I'm pleased to have given the ideas a final shot, and not leave it on the floor of development hell. It's an odd feeling taking a story that didn't quite work, and then turn it into one with potential. To literally build something from nothing.

Today, I bought a preowned, silver Gamecube for around $23! (£14.99) In a strange way, I'm excited, because I haven't religeously followed the Nintendo side of gaming. (A Gameboy and N64 once graced my collection, which were cool, but only a handful of games were ever owned and played.)

The list of 'most wanted' from the current gen is ever growing. I seem to be looking back though, in search of a different experience. There's a bit of missed chances thrown into the mix as well. Why did I never own this console and that one? How much of a gamer am I?

Anywho.. Here's the first batch of games I purchased:

Are these good first choices?

I've returned from Collectormania 2010, and it was an okay experience. Annoyingly, Joe Flanigan (Stargate Atlantis) and Alice Krige (Star Trek First Contact) cancelled. They were the main reason I traded a chunk of my DvD and game collection for extra cash, dammit. :x Ahem.. :) This 'news' reshuffled the incentive to go, however, I was able to meet some other names who weren't too bad.

• Chris Barrie and Danny John Jules (Red Dwarf.)
• Kenny Baker. (R2D2 Star Wars.) (Met him again.)
• Paul Darrow. (Blakes Seven.)
• Paul Freeman. (played Ivan Ooze in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers the movie, Rene Bellog in Raiders Of The Lost Ark.)
• Sylvester McCoy. (Doctor Who.)
• Dominic Keating. (Star Trek Enterprise.)

The above were third and fourth pickings, but ended up a being a nice, different experience to meet overall.

To be honest, I cut my stay short a couple hours towards the end. A decision, I don't usually make at these events, because it's important to milk the price for all it's worth. The Red Dwarf q&a would've been funny as hell, although I was genuinely knackered before it started. My attention span dipped a little earler, but I enjoyed what I saw and heard. Paul Darrow was charming and quick witted. Dominic Keating discussed pranks, favourite episodes and sang an alternate Enterprise theme song, which was brilliant!

Wandering around the floor gets boring as f*** though, if you don't have enough cash for merchandise. A two hour gap existed between the Dominic Keating (Star Trek Enterprise) talk, and the Chris Barrie/Danny John Jules (Red Dwarf) one. Sensibly, I knew it was time to call it a day, because I was getting agoraphobia.

Talking about merchandise, I snagged a copy of Lost season two on DvD for $15 (£10.) Considering the fact part one, of my original set which had been traded away, (getting me there in the first place) it was jammy buying the full season at such a low cost. :)

This year, my interest lay in props and cosplayers. I've photographed them in previous years, although not extensively. They're the heart of conventions, bringing a touch of colour to the zombie hoarde. 501st stormtroopers were a personal highlight - especially when one called me Sir in the passing. :D The Colonial marines were out in force, with their creepy xenomorph in tow.

"Another glorious day in the corps!"

A prop display was arranged in the lobby, showcasing replica and authentic costumes etc. I wanted to photograph some of those this year. Randomly, a life sized statue of Iron Man and Heath Ledger's Joker stood alongside each other on the main floor, providing a good photo opportunity. Here's a selection of pictures showcasing them:

Replica of a pilot's helmet, from Aliens.

Starship Troopers. Or, the Alliance from Firefly. ;)

Has he lost his mind? Can he see or is he blind? Can he walk at all, or if he moves will he fall?

"Why hello beautiful."

"Why so serious?"

Collectormania kicks off in two weeks, and I'm fairly excited! The event runs every August, where the public can meet cult tv and movie actors. As convention experiences go, I prefer this kind to spending three nights at a hotel. Everything's held within a big sports arena and mall. Day tickets are cheap, and it's cool mingling with favoured guests.

I've missed the last few, (really wanted to meet The A Team's Dirk Benedict two years ago), and determined to spoil myself silly. Notably, Alice Krige is a must see. She played the deliciously sexy and creepy Borg Queen in Star Trek: First Contact. I'm not a huge Trekkie, but FC has a place in my heart. I also enjoyed her Silent Hill and The Little Vampire roles.

Joe Flanigan is a genuinely awesome surprise too. Being a picky sci-fi fan, there's few key franchises etched onto my geek psyche. 'Stargate: Atlantis' is fondly loved, for its art direction and likable characters. Sheppard was a good successor to SG1's Jack O'Neill. However, I stopped tuning in religiously after a couple seasons. With nostalgia being a frequent buzz word these days, shaping my entertainment choices, I'm really pleased he's attending!

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Marina Sirtis (Star Trek TNG), Peter Davidson (Doctor Who), Anthony Head (Buffy), John Rhys Davis (Lord Of The Rings), Dave Prowse (Star Wars), Robert Englund (Nightmare On Elm Street), Kenny Baker (Star Wars), Paul Blake (Greedo, Star Wars), Nicholas Brendon (Buffy), Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters), Shane Rangi (Nazgul Witch King, LOTR)

It's funny, when you follow good actors and their work, but rarely hold the belief: 'I want to meet them!' Then, considering talent you just vaguely admire, realise they impacted more than first thought. This applies to people such as Danny John Jules (Red Dwarf), Sylvester McCoy (Dr Who) and Dominic Keating (Enterprise.)

So, yeah.. I'm keen to meet the above for different reasons. I also want to pose a couple unique questions, which isn't a regular habit. (Importantly, they'll be behind the scenes related, because I like the technical side of tv production.) Normally, I can't think of anything intelligent, and listen away. Fingers crossed I don't chicken out beforehand!

There won't be a chance of buying tonnes of memorabilia. Well, cheap items aren't out of the question, cash flow pending. I'm hoping to pick up the third issue of Dark Horse's Serenity comic, completing the set. I'm not an obsessed comic aficionado, but need my Firefly fix. :D Photo shoots are a lot of hassle, taking away from everything else. Sensibly, I'm dodging them completely. I hate the hurried nature, and getting lumped with an awful snapshot. The only shoot I liked, came from the year Collectormania launched in 2007, with Robert 'Freddie Krueger' Englund. Playfully, I struck an uber worried expression, complimenting the tradmark claw on my shoulder, and his maniacal snarl. It's a comical and memorable picture. I can remember the process clearly - and his fierce, chilling laugh. :D

August twenty first is the only day I can attend. Given the location, and long distance, I usually try to go on the opening day. If I can score what I need, then I'm not fussed about the remainder. Secretly, I don't want any huge, last minute announcements, least those who mean a s***. There's nothing worse than sorting your budget, deciding who's important and who isn't etc, and another huge name is kept to the end. Aaargh! It's a total decision making nightmare, hehe.

I've got a digital camera prepped, (same one I used for the TNA tour) and am glad there's enough money put aside generally. I nearly didn't, eventually having to scrounge an extra thirty six smackers, generated from trading in DvDs, video games and a DAB radio. The travel alone is expensive, between taxis and a forty minute train journey back home.

Anywho... Life's been uneventful since January, and boredom's irritated the hell out of me. I look forward to injecting fanboyish glee back into my routine.

Turn based/strategy adventures lack prominence in my collection. Generally, I don't unleash mass adulation or irritation toward them. I've entertained at least three Final Fantasies, dabbled in Command & Conquer, and own the noobish Halo Wars. For unknown reason, I sit on the proverbial fence, rarely forming a balanced view.

Where do I stand with RPG's and the real time sub culture? Hybrid controls appear elsewhere, and I don't have a problem. I appreciate Resident Evil's item management; and just like magical distribution, it can either make or break an encounter. Sergeant Mitchell's orders kind of mirror point and click logic. At what point did elitist rules mar choice? Is HP levelling, monster killing and potion giving my bête-noir, or deserving of a second shot?

This gen, I've pushed against convention, renurturing a diverse genre. I'd heard a lot of buzz about Valkyria Chronicles. Annoyingly though, couldn't find this two year old gem anywhere local. Least not, at my usual bargain haunts. Luckily, a shopping trip outside the region worked fine, and I spotted a new copy for $19 (£13.)

First impressions are surprising. Cut scenes adopt quaint anime presentation, bleeding into the game world. Visually, everything is vibrant and homely. If interactive anime existed then Valkyria Chronicles, set in an alternative World War II, fits the bill.

Cute visuals aside, face offs are bloody addictive and calculating. :) I'm a few chapters in, but have a good enough idea. Thankfully one difficulty exists, making for rewarding effort. I'm failing to progress after the first try, but that's where all the fun is! Enemy A.I will eliminate your team no bother if you're sloppy. The last section had me dodging a tank on foot, and it wasn't straightforward. Clever foresight and careful thought is key to beating, what's a large in number military force.

Welkin is a kind natured hero. A sketch book and university background defines his character. I reckon he's a thinker than a fighter. Alicia is my favourite hands down, conveying an eager, vigilant persona. Her introduction was adorable and funny!

Campaign mode takes you through each section in a novel way. I like the fact 'chapters' are laid out in a ye olde book format, showcasing an artist's interpretation. Controls are easy to pick up, and characters fulfil different, specialist purpose. Commandeering a tank is badass! Similar to character mobility, range is limited per round, adding to the tension.

Anywho, RPG's look set to be the current pleasure. Final Fantasy XIII is a no brainer, and caught my eye pre launch, however I delayed buying. Then, I wasn't ready for an involved challenge. The same applied to C&C Red Alert, even if the humour appealed.

Pondering the pros and cons, and reaching a solid answer, I'm ready to make a turn for the best.

For the past month, I've been enjoying The Wire on DVD. Near finishing one, I snagged the next akin to a low rise pusher, because it's quality stuff. Right away, I grew enamoured with murky characters on both side of the law, and its accurate portrayal of street life. Admittedly, I'm late to the bandwagon, but it's wholeheartedly my favourite show in a while.

This might be an odd segue, given the Lost addiction. (See previous blog.) Yet, with viewing habits I keep a time honoured tradition. Since '95, cult television has remained the norm – from Buffy to Dark Angel. Around eight years ago, I switched up my usual habits, in favour of something different. Roughly, it lasted a year, before I fell back on old comforts.

Acquired tastes are hard to drop, especially if they're ingrained. Deep down, I couldn't stop being an artist or film aficionado. The funny thing though was how I still clocked in new aspects - procedural cop shows being one of them. Looking at both genres, there's not much difference narratively. They deal with mystery and explore human nature on some level. As a result, I kick started a trend. When geeky offerings wrap, (for another year or in general), I welcome more grounded work.

Anywho... Strong language and violence are now much a part of my tv lexicon as Vic Mackie's. Long held bias for off world adventure no longer dominates. Sons Of Anarchy is the only hard hitter I'm currently watching, and a rare gem in an ocean of reality dross. Maybe it's a sign of getting old or inherently fussy. Maybe it's common to dance the line of two extremes, I dunno?

Having looked at current sci-fi, I'm not rabidly excited. The reimagined V hasn't engrossed – can't get past the talent seen elsewhere. Plus, I hate shows where everyone never has a hair out of place, while trying to tell a straight story. (Ghost Whisper I'm talking to you.) :) Caprica started out great, although it might have jumped the shark with robo-girl-in-a-van. Fingers crossed this isn't the case! True Blood and Spartacus are brutal fun; just lacking real depth in the story department. I also roll with Painkiller Jane, and Legend of the Seeker who play it safe. Often, I need high brow material to offset the rest though, otherwise my brain cells melt and I tune into Heidi Montag.

The Wire compliments my love of smart writing, where characters give the finger to established archetype. Dialogue flows naturally; every third or fourth word is a strong one, and doesn't feel forced. On a side note, authentic slang adds another level of realism.

There are few leads that capture my heart in a Fox Mulder or Mal Reynolds fashion. Simply, I cheer for Jimmy McNulty's altruism. Especially, when defying the bureaucracy within his own corrupt police force. The guy has layers too – alcohol problem and dogged determination et al. That's what's intriguing about McNulty. He rallies doing everything by the book, while home life judders around him.

Usually, I'm a female sidekick groupie, totally bypassing the main hero. Here, Kimi Greggs isn't forgotten. She's a tough, smart partner, gradually playing a key role towards the end of season one.

Even the bad guys are non conformist. Omar stands out in my mind – a revered gangster in Baltimore, (where the show is based), who swings the other way. A shotgun, cool demeanor and whistling tune are all that's needed to make people flee indoors. D'Angelo Barksdale is another sympathetic bad guy who I love. Basically, his uncle Avon Barksdale is the big drug lord/businessman, and he put D'Angelo to work in the projects. Facial expression alone, you can feel the gears turning inside his conflicted head.

Basically, The Wire is a breath of fresh air at the moment. I genuinely care for the team, and their respective quirks. The theme music is deliciously bluesy, changing tempo each season. They focus on different parts of Baltimore, so it makes sense. So far, I have to eke out episodes. Once you start watching in tandem, it's hard to stop. Plus, I don't want to rush through it given the heavy tone.

The Wire is a twisty ride, featuring cops as they uncover citywide fraud, at the displeasure of bent superiors. Where, good guys are emotionally flawed and bad guys display glimmers of compassion.

**WARNING!**

**SPOILERS AHEAD!**

On Monday, I woke up around 04:20. Naturally, it's a crazy time, but also proved to be an exciting one also.

What's the reason for such a dedicated rise? At five am, the last two episodes of Lost premiered; wrapping up six years of mind bending intrigue. I know what you're thinking - why the hell did they air a prime time show at this hour?

On Friday night, I did a double take after watching the penultimate episode. When 'Monday 5am Last' flashed onto the screen, I was filled with both shock and excitement. I assumed the final eps would be at the regular 9pm slot. I'm not really a morning person in general, but definitely loyal (read mad) enough to witness televisual history. Basically, a live feed from the U.S went global in a bid to curb internet spoilers.

After years of polar bears in the jungle, a crazy French lady, time travel, hatches, Dharma Initiative, cables leading into the ocean, whispering voices, dead people, electromagnetism, weird giant statue feet, a one eyed Russian, submarines, Widmore's freighter, a pirate ship, dynamite, nukes and creepy black smoke, I wanted to find out what really happened.

Anywho... An early Lost marathon proved more enjoyable than anticipated. There's something oddly intriguing and emotional about high drama at the crack of dawn. Admittedly, a lump formed in my throat towards the end. Whether it was the product of over caffeinated thoughts, tiredness, or my senses being bombarded by violence and romance, I'm not going to forget the experience either.

Moving onto the finale itself, I'm still trying to digest the two and half hour ordeal. Am I happy or sad? Did the writers satisfy my viewership? Did it all make perfect sense in the end? The answers weren't all clean cut, but the end hasn't really quite sunk in for me either.

Overall, I thought some loose ends were tied up nicely. Everyone important left the island. Jack and John Lotte (black smoke) squared off in an epic battle. (Loved the proceeding line from Kate.) :D In fact, there were a lot of memorable lines in the finale. Luckily, I never managed to figure it all out too quickly. Early on, I knew about the alt time line, and how Desmond played matchmaker for a perfect future with Penny. The whys and hows of getting there just lingered in the background, waiting to be unleashed.

Good twists came via the alt time line. Discovering its true nature - a created reality, designed to bring all of the survivors together in death, caught me off guard. I liked the notion of the 'real world' being a chance to find everyone again, before passing over to the afterlife. It wrapped up the 'are they all dead' theory. I mean, how could they survive the nuke blast at the end of season five?

As a Jack/Kate shipper, I was pleased to see them get together at last. I loved the moment Sawyer and Juliet reunite at the vending machine. Old, familiar faces in the shape of Boone and Shannon elicited a smile. Bizarrely, I fixated on the whereabouts of Walt's damned golden retriever. Thankfully, the writers didn't forget either. My eyes lit up when he ran into shot again. :D In the end, he managed to play an endearing role.

In terms of niggles, a couple of parts didn't sit well in my mind. Richard's fate wasn't properly handled. I mean, what happened to him? Why would he attempt to leave the island, coming from eighteen sixty seven? He'd be a big ol' pile of dust by now. In hindsight, I wanted him to go down with the island in a poetical, self sacrificing way.

I'll always remember the opening in a fond/comical way. A momentary loss of signal, right out of the gate, kinda broke the tempo. No doubt, hearts were flopping inside the mouths of Losties nationwide, hehehe. :D

I'll miss the thrill of new episodes, and continue to embrace the nostalgia. In terms of cast members,I'd really love to see Evangeline Lilly move onto a new project. Her acting skills have matured, and I've had a small crush on her from day one too. Fingers are crossed for a leading role in the future.

So yeah.. Monday morning was a weird swirl of emotion. How I managed to settle into the rest of the day, without the island consuming my thoughts too much, deserves a gold star. :) Although, it's one of the most memorable finales I've seen in a long while too.

It's the aftermath of TNA's Maximum Impact Tour, (opening night at least), and I'm feeling rougher than a badger's crotch. :shock: :? In a good way though :D - the bouts and dramas from last night were bloody epic! Luckily, my voice is pretty much intact, but the rest is recovering from Total Non-stop Awe.

Here are a select few pics from the three hour event:

** Chris Sabin. (Motorcity Machine Guns.)

** Chris Sabin & Amazing Red in a wrist lock.

** Amazing Red gains the momentum over Sabin.

** Sabin charges at Red while he's on the ropes.

** Guns have momentum.

** Eric Young piledrives Suicide.

** In the Wolfe's clutches.

Lately, I've been feeling pretty overtired and restless.

Maybe it's a product of the Christmas and New Year period, or total creative burnout. Last month, I was running around with my DSLR camera, making multiple trips to document this crazy weather. I was inspired by the landscape, but to the detriment of my health.

Either way, the effects are starting to take their toll. The need to slow down is apparent, and I'm now looking for good ways to unwind. Listening to music is helping, but not heavily. The same applies to DvDs and video games. Basically, I need to really shake off these cobwebs, and start a shock and awe campaign against my senses. :D

Oprah Winfrey said that you must make that trip to watch your idols live, at least once in your life. (Or, something to that effect. The sentiment stuck with me though.)

So, at the end of the month, I'm attending the TNA Maximum Impact Tour. :D There's two weeks until it kicks off, and I made a determined effort to snag a ticket. Luckily, I got a floor seat, right next to the ring entrance, which is more than I expected. :shock:

This is a historical time in the pro wrestling company's history, with the arrival of Hulk Hogan. Even if he doesn't attend, I'll be pleased to see The Dudley Boyz (Team 3D), Mick Foley and the Phenomenal AJ amongst others. The opportunity to see my favourites, in the flesh, is a great way to kickstart the new year.

I want to have some seriously crazy fun. A three hour live wrestling event is the ideal remedy to recharge the batteries. Fingers crossed that the event isn't snowed in, or the event isn't cancelled.

I CAN'T WAIT for this!! :oops: :)

**Legend Of The Seeker.**

This series caught my eye a while back, but I never had the chance to follow until now. From initial promos, I thought it was a mini series, with its high production value. Thankfully, Sci-Fi UK is showing reruns, which is great.

Two weeks ago, I tuned into the fifth and sixth episodes. On Thursday night, the next two were shown in consecutive order. (I love double bills!) With a blend of fight choreography and juicy characterisation, it didn't take me long to get hooked on the premise.

Legend Of The Seeker is loosely based on 'The Sword Of Truth' novels, written by Terry Goodkind. Disney is attached to the franchise, and the same company, who brought us Xena, are responsible for production. Which means, a gorgeous New Zealand shoot and familiar local talent.

Admittedly, that's why I love it. However, this is no Xena mk II. The tongue in cheek humour is absent, and the stories are played out seriously. Surprisingly, this isn't kiddie friendly viewing – despite the Disney nametag.

The content is mature in the relationship department. I like the chemistry between the main leads especially; one based on protection. Here's hoping they treat it with respect! (More details below.)

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid45030600001?bctid=45603602001

The hero, Richard Cypher is a special soul. He's a seeker - prophesied to defeat Rahl; a nefarious leader, hell bent on procuring an ancient magic.

A hero is incomplete without a trusty sidearm. Xena rocked the chakram, Buffy dusted the vamps of Sunnydale with Mr Pointy, and Indiana Jones whipped the ass of many a Nazi soldier. The seeker's sword is loaded with ancestry and isn't always reliable in the face of evil. That's a nice touch, not really seen often.

I also like the notion of Cypher being green to the whole 'save the world' gig. How will he deal with the responsibility of being a hero? When will he really come into his own? He's a hero in the making, aided by powerful and loyal friends.

In the past, I've always preferred sidekicks to the actual hero. Dana Scully (X-Files), Gabrielle (Xena), Abby Sciouto (NCIS), Dr Cameron (House MD), Spike (Buffy), Fred (Angel), Karl C. Agathon and the Chief (Galactica), The Biscuit (Ally McBeal.) The list goes on and on… No matter what tv series, or story driven material, I identify with these guys better.

Cypher's beautiful yet troubled partner, Kahlan, is also endowed with a special gift. She's a confessor- whose power lies in touch. The X-Men's Rogue is a good comparison, if only for the thorny issue of romance.

Finally, we have the all powerful wizard, Zedd. He's responsible for the Seeker's wellbeing. Bruce Spence, was the first person I noticed out of the cast. 'Mad Max 2' is one of my all time favourite movies, so it's fun to see him in a traditional role.

The villains are deliciously screwed up. They aren't pantomime, cardboard baddies spiralling into the path of good, like some maniacal end level boss. Ultimately, each comes with genuine human qualities. In particular, the following comes with serious messed up baggage. Layers and layers of it!

Mord'Sith Denna is a sexy, heartless b**** who dishes out torture in the name of Rahl. Imagine Portia de Rossi in a brown cat suit, avec ponytail, and you're halfway there.

Remnants of Callisto (Xena's foe) did creep into my head - a young child damaged by evil, albeit in a different way. Luckily, Denna isn't bat s*** crazy like the latter. Her pain stick is probably worse! The twisted part is how difficult it is to hold, even for its owner.

In terms of characters, Kahlan intrigues me the most. Or, maybe the huge crush on Bridget Regan is responsible. :) Torn by her own feelings towards Cypher, and the curse of her own magical strength, Kahlan is a complex gal. On the battlefield, she isn't the type to run for cover; entirely capable of taking out the enemy.

With the termination of Dollhouse, (last time I invest time in another F*x production), Legend Of The Seeker is a worthy replacement.

**Halo 3.**

On Friday 13th, I completed the last chapter in the Haloverse. Essentially, it was a mid game sprint to the credits; leaving my brain both frazzled and tickled with joy.

Halo will always be a marmite game. There are people who love it, and others who hate it with an equal passion. For myself, it was the reason I got hooked on FPS; coming from the action adventure crowd.

The third game wasn't too bad. The plot might have felt a touch incidental here and there, but it more than made up for it in terms of set pieces. For the most part, the level design impressed me.

The first Scarab encounter is a good example. Shooting the legs out from underneath, (just to blow it up from the inside), was nutty. Good gaming memories are built on this kind of feat. No matter how many times I crashed, took a bullet, or got stuck, I was determined to climb onto this goliath and send it to the special hell. When destiny called, it unfurled in a satisfying cloud of blue.

'High Charity' is also burned into memory. The Flood infested corridors, while hauntingly beautiful, evoked a real claustrophobic milieu. On the walls, throbbing pustules dotted the way ahead. Doorways shimmered with gelatinous slime. The interior, filled with cavernous passages, resembled the texture of melted cheese.

The funny part is how much I dislike the Flood. Carriers exploding on impact, and the regenerative powers of the infected make them a total b****** to take down.

Paralysing fear aside, the Flood were the stars in my book this time around. As a level, 'High Charity' really stood. The concept was atmospheric and stylised. Plus, escaping, under the pretext of 'thar she blows' was bittersweet. :)

Sticky grenades are an old favourite, as well the covenant plasma rifle. Any type of shooter that doesn't overheat or has an awkward reload time is preferable. The new additions (spikers, fire bombs and gravity hammers) have crept into the most used category. I also liked the fact that you could sneak up on the enemy and perform a stealth kill. I needs all my ammo for the Flood! :)

The ending was nicely wrapped up, coming full circle. The campaign length was kinda short, as mentioned above. Upon reflection, the story was tightly paced which is no bad thing. If it were any longer, then I don't think the ending would have had the same impact.

Voice talent from Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, Adam Baldwin and Katee Sackoff made me a happy gamer. Also, I never realised that Ron Perlman had a role. A second play through will need to be undertaken! I liked him in Hellboy and Sons Of Anarchy respectively.

Which… Leads to the next biker gang related subject…

** Episodes From Liberty City.**

Since launch, Lost and Damned was on my radar, despite the fact I had no LIVE account. TBOGT elicited the same reaction. I was eager to get one for these games alone. However I'm chuffed to bits that R* developed an additional retail copy.

'Episodes' is the first title, (since San Andreas) to bring a true smile to my face. The life and times of Niko Bellic are satisfyingly morose, but the action lacks a certain pizzazz.

Anywho.. With L&D and TBOGT, the leads appear to have extra heart and depth. A greater sense of appeal, for want of a better term. The fun is back in Liberty City! The opening cut scenes immersed me into the lives of Johnny and Luis so much; each felt like an offbeat tv drama.

The characters in LAD are like gasoline; grimy on the surface, yet composed of different colour. The dynamic between Clay and Johnny is rich and complicated. I actually believe these guys could exist. I've recently played through the first Ashley/Johnny mission, and their relationship is heartbreaking and sweet.

Themes of friendship and family in TBOGT are prominent. I can feel the bond between Luis and his mates. The business relationship with Luis and Tony is a joy. Love it when Tony hurls a tirade of curse words! xD.

My biggest concern related to fresh content. Would it be no different to GTA IV? The good thing is there are new radio stations and tv shows. Lazlo is still as funny as hell. I usually have to pay close attention to the road when I listen to him. The Men's Room is another personal favourite. Bizarrely, I've started to enjoy the Republican Space Rangers more so in these games.

I like the option to call for vehicles, or buy weapons from the back of a van. Little tweaks make the world realistic. The mini games are good time wasters. Golf might never be seen in the same light again! ;)

TBGT appeals to my sense of fun. Whether, being pinned down by various SWAT teams at a drug bust, or shooting your way out of a Chinese building, there hasn't been a dull moment so far.

At the moment, it's too early to pick an all out favourite. I'm roughly at the same point in each game; with over half a dozen jobs finished. My first impressions are good in general I like the way each story crosses over in a subtle way.