13 O'Clock

This is another favorite episode of the show, yeah, it's kind of another of those time stopper stories, but this one is one of the best ones in my book anyway.

I really like the time stopping effect and its physics. We see as soon as the watch reaches that deadly 13th hour which we know doesn't exist. Though here it does and as Jack stated in occult folklore/belief, one o clock is known for being that hour, the hour for evil. Anyway, once it reaches that time, we see everything around the characters turn black and white.

It's a cool effect, it reminds me of the world in the movie "Pleasantville" and this episode was years before that film. It makes sense when you think about it where a realm where time constantly moves color would exist because of constant activity, but in a realm where it doesn't color wouldn't because there is no activity. The only color we see is in the holder or anyone in contact with the watch at the appointed time, in which they have for at least one hour to have the freedom to do whatever they want.

It's a fascinating concept but it's also scary when you realize it's power in the wrong hands (ok, the watch is cursed so it doesn't matter whose hands), because with this it means you could not just do anything but get away with just about anything without consequence.

The new allies are good; you really get a good feel for them though mainly Skye, which even more makes you want the good guys to win. As we see, both are good people but unfortunately have had rotten luck, though in this case you can say their luck is about to change for the better or worse. The girl Skye was played well by Ingrid Veniger who of course was in a previous episode of the show and looked and sounded radically different. In this episode this time she's a good guy and without the makeup, really like her character as is kind of cute with a spunky persona. As we see she has some gymnastics talent, from seeing that you feel if she can get herself into some good athletic programs, she can hone her skills to go further, but also further in life.

Both Skye and her brother Eric deep down aren't content with living on the streets and want more out of life, but they don't know how to get it. And part of the reason is because both mainly Sky isn't giving anyone a chance to help them and worst of all themselves. It's true that both have survived without the help of others; but there comes a time when there are some things too hot to handle by yourself, and of course this is that time.

Really like the final conflict which plays out like a heist, as we see the Dark Antiquity Hunters and Sky and her brother have a plan in retrieving the watch. But of course, like all heist schemes something is bound to go wrong, and the suspense is wondering how the group will make things right.

Can the Dark Antiquity Hunters and their new allies reclaim the watch before time runs out. You'll just have to wait to find out, but as a saying goes "those that live their lives unwisely have no time at all."

Rating: 3 and a half stars.

The series, as a whole, was far superior to the theatrical films from which came the title. Featuring the exploits of a trio of curiosity shop owners, seeking to retrieve cursed objects, the show had uniqueness about it that separated it from many of the shows that aired during its three year run.

This particular installment features actress Gwyneth Walsh as the owner of a watch that enables her to stop time around her, allowing her to do all sorts of mischief, from robbery to murder.

The special effects of this episode were so impressive that the show garnered an Emmy nomination.

It was certainly an exceptional presentation in a show that deserved another season.