When I considered that we might begin watching/discussing the DS episodes on the current DVD releases, it was because I figured following along with the releases would be topical because they're what's currently being offered. Also, the releases are now at a point where the Cassandra storyline has wrapped, the new phase of Angelique as a vampire has just begun, Don Briscoe is just coming on the scene, the second half of the Adam storyline is just beginning, and the introduction of Quentin is but a few months away, so it's an opportune place. But at the same time I can see going back and starting with Set 1. So, Midnite, Dom and I discussed it earlier today, and in a rare bit of benevolence, we've decided to post a poll and let everyone have their say. (A dangerous decision to be sure, because no matter what's ultimately decided, it isn't likely that everyone can be happy - but, hey, it's a new year - let's live dangerously for one week!
) This poll will run until 12am ET, January 11th. In the event of a tie, Midnite, Dom and I will vote to break it. And whatever the results turn out to be, that's how we'll proceed beginning January 12th. But before you vote, please carefully consider your choice:
Yes, it could be nice to start from episode #210. Those are some of DS' best episodes and they're always exciting to watch. But keep in mind that if DS were to find a new home within the next few months, chances are that's exactly where the new run will begin. Consider whether or not you might want to discuss the introduction of Barnabas episodes for a few to several months only to leave those discussions to start discussing them all over again? Whereas it's highly unlikely (to say the least!) that any new run would begin in the summer of 1968, so people whose cable companies might not carry DS' new home (particularly if that new home turns out to be Soapnet) could continue to discuss the DVD releases, while those who might be lucky enough to be able to watch DS on its new home could still discuss the introduction of Barnabas completely independently (perhaps even on a totally different version of Current Talk). (We could even backtrack to episode #523 rather than begin with #564 (currently listed for January 12th on the calendar) so that people who want to actually watch the DVDs would have a two month cushion to purchase each DVD set rather than get it as close as possible to when it's released and then possibly catch up with the schedule.)
Also consider (and this could actually be most important
) at the point the DVDs are at Jeff Clark has but a few months left of his run, while starting with the introduction of Barnabas means that his entire run is yet to come!!
The decision of where we begin is but two mouse clicks away...