Crossing Jordan Virtual Season 7 Reviews


 







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Review of Crossing Jordan Virtual Season 7 Episodes 1 to 15
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The reviews below may contain spoilers to both Crossing Jordan Seasons 1-6 and Virtual Season 7 Episodes

Review of: Episode 1 "Hold That Thought"
Story Link:
Reviewed by: Jilly

After the mountain, what? Is it enough, after six seasons, to have Jordan say, “I love you” and for Woody to kiss her in the dying seconds of the series? For Garret to be wounded seriously as helicopters hover overhead? For important issues to remain unresolved? The premise of Crossing Jordan: Virtual Season 7 is that it is not. And that is a thought you must hold.
More specifically, this introduction toVS7 sets up a scenario in Boston where safety may well be presumed. The fact that this presumption is unwarranted is the basis for this episode. In a world of terrorist threats, safety can never be assumed. Hold that thought.

The plot moves deftly between Jordan and Woody’s still fragile relationship and the seeking out of a terrorist cell. Drew Haley’s reappearance serves to promote both of these factors in a script where the voices of familiar characters are recreated skilfully by the team of writers collaborating to present this series.

Script format is tight and the dialogue moves the action, with directions indicating the subtle details that would have been seen in an actual television presentation. The added elements of the graphic art and the music combine to enhance the script in a way that encourages readers to visualise the details of narrative and action. Some of the graphics are a realistic representation of what would be seen of the screen, others have a moody and impressionistic intensity. The music is in keeping with the trademark selections of the original show.

The writers have obviously planned a series that delivers not merely a selection of Jordan and Woody moments. Development of the whole cast of characters is foreshadowed and the centrality of forensic investigation and police action to the script is evident.

The episode was enthusiastically welcomed by the Coffeerooms Crossing Jordan Board but people there are, of course, committed fans. Readers less familiar with the original show will still find this good and pleasurable reading. Background details of characters and prior incidents are accessible on , the host website for VS7.

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The reviews below may contain spoilers to both Crossing Jordan Seasons 1-6 and Virtual Season 7 Episodes


Review of: Episode 2 “1000 Miles Off Course’
Story Link: http://www.crossingjordanencyclopedia.com/virtualseason7/episode2.php
Reviewed by: Jilly

The two plots of this episode are carefully constructed. The first deals with the death of a man in an alley – an inauspicious beginning for an event that will challenge Jordan to reassess what her life is governed by post-survival of the air crash and also where she is going in her relationship with Woody. The second concerns Lily, Bug and baby Madeline in a plot that examines not only fears of contaminated baby formula but of Lily’s feelings of inadequacy as a mother.

This is a complex episode for a number of reasons. Firstly, the script moves beyond imitation to intertextuality. Imitation in itself is not really a limiting factor. Too much fan fiction recreates its characters to the point where they are barely recognisable. The ‘original’ is important. Reproducing a convincing voice and appropriate actions and attitude is no mean feat and this episode accomplishes this well.

It is a bold move to appropriate elements of another text through subtle intertextuality. A new dimension is added to this Crossing Jordan VS7 script in this way. The pivotal role of Man #1 (Sawyer) asks ‘viewers’ to consider aspects of fate, chance and opportunities for grace in the lives of Jordan and the rest of the cast. What if the characters from Lost return? Can they really escape the fate that threatened them on the island? Does the island represent a state of grace – purgatory having been discarded? “Lost” fans have been debating such issues for some seasons now.

The interplay of shared elements is there for fans of both shows to discover. Oceanic Airlines, a plane crash in a remote area with the possibility of not being found and Sawyer’s ambiguous presence in both shows are a part of the texture of this episode. Add to that the fact that Damon Lindelof was the Executive Story Editor for Crossing Jordan and is Executive Producer for Lost.

The question that confronts Jordan is whether she and her friends can escape a dark fate also. Or is grace to be their experience? Jordan’s illness and apparent recovery, the survival and rescue after the plane crash and the possibility – no, the developing reality – of a deepening relationship with Woody where the ‘dance’ has not always been constructed of harmonious moves all point to a more satisfactory resolution, if only Jordan can believe it and act on it.

That the voices of both shows, from Sawyer’s “Right, Sugarcakes” to Jordan’s “Oh, this one’s gonna be fun” to Woody’s ‘Oh! You want me to be the first someone”, are convincing allows this episode to succeed on many levels. An impressive and moody episode banner, a carefully thought-out set of graphics and an apt selection of music further enhance the episode.

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The reviews below may contain spoilers to both Crossing Jordan Seasons 1-6 and Virtual Season 7 Episodes


Review of: Episode 3 “Dinner for Two”
Story Link: http://www.crossingjordanencyclopedia.com/virtualseason7/episode3.php 
Reviewed by: Jilly

If you have been waiting for more Jordan/Woody action, this episode is named to entice you. The anticipation created in the opening scene, then, is no surprise. Rather it is a clever, even mischievous, strategy. The writer of this episode, jmkw, plays around with her audience’s expectations and, as happens in  much good drama, begins with an argument. It’s witty and very much in character, right down to its conclusion: Officer: What happens at seven? Woody (growls): First date.

Crossing Jordan fans know enough to realise that this is not going to be plain sailing, by any stretch of the imagination. That a dinner date ending in a murder may not be universal experience is admitted; that this happens to Jordan and Woody as it sets up the main plot of this episode is highly entertaining. Put a glamorous but nervous Jordan with an earnest and somewhat bumbling Woody and watch the sparks fly. In the meantime, a marriage and a business partnership are examined and a vengeful murder mystery unravelled.

The second plot is carefully constructed to entertain with a degree of whimsy. Peter Parker, Spiderman and a children’s song  anticipate an unusual diagnosis of cause of death by the morgue staff.

The music is well-chosen and the opening banner particularly well-constructed. The inclusion of a “Next time on Crossing Jordan” trailer at the end of each episode is becoming a most welcome feature.

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The reviews below may contain spoilers to both Crossing Jordan Seasons 1-6 and Virtual Season 7 Episodes
 
Review of: Episode 4 “Homecoming”
Story Link: http://www.crossingjordanencyclopedia.com/virtualseason7/episode4.php
Reviewed by: Jilly

 This is an episode that draws on the practised collaboration of Bourbon and NCCJFAN. With the history of “Nina La Vough” behind them in Crossing Jordan fan fiction, they slip seamlessly into a script that continues to follow VS7’s pattern of drawing in characters and particular moments from the previous seasons. Careful attention is being paid to continuity.

Woody’s refusal to acknowledge Cal is bound to be a temporary state. The dialogue in the original series between them, particularly in relation to Jordan, is too good an opportunity to miss. That the writers manage to capture the banter between the two without losing the spark is one of the pleasures of this episode. Cal’s habit of bringing into the open the feelings Woody has for Jordan is well known. This time, however, the joke is on him - partly, anyway.

Cal’s problems in Kewaunee precipitate Woody’s “homecoming” and it is not long, of course, before Jordan follows him. Woody’s encounters with characters we have heard of before identify clearly the ‘before’ and ‘now’ aspects of his character. The idea of ‘home’ resonates also with the “There’s No Place Like Home” episodes. In fact, ‘home’ and ‘family’ are issues that recur frequently in Crossing Jordan, a fact that draws our attention to the dysfunctional aspects of Jordan’s past. VS7 is all about resolution, and however cautious the move to resolution may be, its progress is distinct. Moving towards a Jordan who is still edgy, still full of surprises but also increasingly sure of herself and her relationship with Woody is a part of the way “Homecoming” works.

Kate’s being left in charge of the morgue provides some entertaining background scenes. Fast-paced and tongue-in-cheek, they deliver a series of moments to counter the anxieties of the Kewaunee scenes. Neatly juxtaposed, they serve to highlight Kate’s frustrations, to say nothing of her exasperation with Jordan.

Graphics intersperse the narrative. Some are particularly evocative: Jordan and the goldfish bowl, Woody lying on his bed. Those depicting the  “interviewees” reflect the humour of that part of  the episode well. The music is thoughtfully selected, Yello’s “Oh Yeah” and Simple Plan’s “I Miss You” being very effective in the context each is given.

This episode continues the Crossing Jordan narrative with style. It delivers a mystery plot with wit and entertainment, a key element in Crossing Jordan’s popularity with its fans.

Another interesting element of the publishing of the VS7 scripts is the addition of the  multilingual translator Babel Fish to the web site. Currently, you can read Crossing Jordan in English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish. Readers of Virtual Season 7 are certainly logging on to the website from these countries.

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Review of Episode 5,  Yours Truly
Story Link: http://www.crossingjordanencyclopedia.com/virtualseason7/episode5.php
Review by Julie (crossingboston)

Halloween is a time for out-of the ordinary happenings, and this episode is no exception. Yours Truly opens with Jordan and Woody finally getting some alone time, but that time is interrupted, and they, along with Nigel and Kate, find themselves on their way to London to provide information about the terrorists aboard the Venezia. Meanwhile, back at the morgue, a man dies without an apparent cause of death—except for a curse.

Faithful Crossing Jordan viewers will find this episode especially entertaining. The characters are true-to-form, expressing sentiments and banter in words and tone that truly represent their personae. Behaviors are also typical of the television characters. Some examples of true-to-character behavior include Jordan and Kate arguing with Simon over the conclusion that a killer was left handed based on the slash of a throat. Also, Jordan ducking out to solve the mystery—and lying about her intent—was typical Jordan behavior.

Eerie tonal monochromatic pictures add to the spooky ambience that permeates the episode, and carefully selected music adds depth to this work of fiction as well. Fanfic readers unfamiliar with the show would also find this episode enjoyable on face value, as a great mixture of the spooky, creepy, amusing, and mysterious elements come together for a solid work of fan fiction.

One additional strength of this episode is the elements that set the scene. Point-of-view information as well as clear descriptions of the scene provide vivid imagery and inform the viewer how the episode would play on camera.

Episode writers, bourbon and mecedeme and episode artist Harbor runner, have provided fanfic readers with 2 amazing feats: a holiday episode (rarely provided by the original series) and a 4 out of 4 scalpel rating.

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Review of:  Episode 6, Strange Bedfellows
Story Link:

Review by Julie (crossingboston)

With an election just days away, every vote counts, and in this episode, Renée Walcott's re-election is put in danger when a scandal rocks her campaign. Strange Bedfellows opens with Renée facing allegations that she interfered with witness testimony in a past case. Meanwhile, Jordan and Woody continue to struggle with relationship issues when Jordan is sought out by Ivers to bring down a physician who sells prescriptions for pain killers.

Faithful Crossing Jordan viewers will likely enjoy this episode more than those who are less familiar with the series, as a knowledge of Garret's and Renée's relationship would be beneficial. Characters in this episode are mostly true-to-form, and actions and reactions are mostly characteristic of the established personalities. Woody would definitely have reservations about Jordan's participation in a sting operation. Renée would also have turned to Garret (and the morgue) for proof that she didn't interfere. Only one line stuck out as "iffy", and that involved Garret calling Renée the hottest lawyer he knows.

The episode banner, created by Nynaeve, is excellent, and the in-story artwork (created by Emma), while not as abundant as prior Virtual Season 7 episodes, is for the most part, good. True nitpickers would notice that Renee has "man hands" in a press shot and that there is a Kerry/Edwards sign in the crowd shot. But those items do not detract from the artwork and actually add to the amusement factor. Whether readers are fanfic readers unfamiliar with the show or are hard-core Crossing Jordan fans, the art and the script are a pleasant diversion as a total package.

Episode writer, Mecedeme, has provided an episode with excellent writing, strong editing, and nice "stage direction", all in all, making this a pleasant Virtual Season 7 "viewing".

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The review below may contain spoilers to both Crossing Jordan Seasons 1-6 and Virtual Season 7 Episodes

Review of Episode 7, Reality Bites
Story Link: http://www.crossingjordanencyclopedia.com/virtualseason7/episode7.php
Review by Julie (crossingboston)

Good dancing goes bad when volatile Dancing with the Celebrities star Mitch Duvall is killed during a rehearsal for the show's reality road tour. Meanwhile, Jordan is doing everything she can to get out of 5th grade career day.

Regular Crossing Jordan and fanfic "viewers" will enjoy jkmw's episode, though a bit of knowledge about Seely's character may make this episode slightly more meaningful to those starting out as television viewers. Characters in Reality Bites were well written and were true to character, and Seely's and Nigel's characters were particularly well done. When Seely delivered the line, "Finished—who died?", the essence of Matt Seely was perfectly captured.

Harbor Runner's artwork was complementary to the text, providing excellent images and well timed visual breaks for readers. Additionally, the artwork served to interject humor. The shot of Seely covered in mud and the newspaper featuring his doodles were funny.

The episode wrap was artfully penned. Though Jordan was initially intimidated by fifth graders and was escorted out of the building by security, she had such rapt attention from the children that she was asked to return for more career days. And the resolution to the Seely storyline, with Matt turning down his former fiancé, was bittersweet, but very appropriate.

Whether readers are fanfic readers unfamiliar with the show or are dyed-in-the-wool Crossing Jordan fans, the art and the script for Reality Bites together are an entertaining piece of drama.

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The review below may contain spoilers to both Crossing Jordan Seasons 1-6 and Virtual Season 7 Episodes

Review of Episode 8, Up in Smoke
Story Link: http://www.crossingjordanencyclopedia.com/virtualseason7/episode8.php
Review by Julie (crossingboston)

On the day of Lily's and Bug's commitment ceremony, nothing goes as planned, and instead of experiencing a poignant ceremony, the crew from the morgue find themselves in another fight for their lives when they have to outrun a forest fire.

Television Crossing Jordan fans and fanfic "viewers" will enjoy bourbon's episode equally, as the episode does well as a stand-alone ep. The descriptions of the scenes, especially with the external shots in the beginning, really set the stage, allowing readers to "play the episode in their heads". References to past episodes are creatively woven into the plot in such a way that it does not puzzle fans who have experienced the show only in the fanfic venue. The story was creative, especially with the revelation of the true cause of the fire. Sometimes unintended consequences, rather than malicious intent, make for fascinating reading.

Dialogue was well written, with quick wit ruling the episode. Kate's sharp rhetoric and clever banter took center stage, and her dialogue alone had several "favorite quote" candidates. From her early comment about high heels being classified as instruments of torture under the Geneva Convention", to her Noah's Ark to her later statement, to her commentary on heels being considered a deadly weapon in at least 38 states, Kate stole the scene on several occasions. Additionally, bourbon nailed the dialogue for Nigel's, Garret's, and Bug's characters.

Art Gal's and Cissou's artwork was phenomenal and complicated, and their pictures that involved the fire element were especially creative and complex. But there was more to the art than just the action photos. Nice touches, such as the shot of Kate rubbing her foot because her heels are killing her added some polish and detail to the episode.

This episode marked a great deal of progress in relationship development. Bug and Lily reach the conclusion that they really want to be married. Nigel and Kate's banter is intriguing, and Nigel continues to prod her to get to her vulnerable side. Kate won't go easily, but we get the feeling that she will eventually go. Jordan and Woody hit many relationship milestones. Woody realizes and accepts that Jordan won't put herself out of harm's way if he is in harm's way. And Jordan admits that she feels safe when she's with Woody. They make a lot of progress in this episode, and in the end, they decide "the time is right".  

For diehard Crossing Jordan fans and for fanfic readers, Up in Smoke was an excellent work of drama.

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The review below may contain spoilers to both Crossing Jordan Seasons 1-6 and Virtual Season 7 Episodes 

Review of Episode 9, Mightier/Margin for Murder
Story Link:
Review by Julie (crossingboston)

A restless Garret sets aside his letter of resignation to pen a novelette, and the morgue staff, DA's office, and members of the BPD morph into characters in a film noir style setting. Murder, mayhem, and a missing diamond bracelet ensue. This Virtual Season 7's episode nine will appeal to a broad audience, more than just Crossing Jordan fans and fanfic "viewers".

The dialogue in this creative episode was fantastic, with each novelette alter-ego character taking on elements of their regular Crossing Jordan character. Kate was still Kate, even as Camille, but there was an added layer of amusement seeing her as Nick's (Nigel's) wife. Janice, like Jordan, didn't like to be told what to do. Casey, like Garret, was struggling with the demons of alcoholism. There were also elements of the television series craftily woven into the episode…Janice's (Jordan's) mother died when she was 10. A door had a 311 on it. One of the most comical lines in the episode was Janice's comment "that's the police's job. Not a private investigator's." Let's all try to remember even once when Jordan left the police's work to the police.

Jmkw meticulously included elements appropriate to the time period and film noir style. Language, the musical selections, the appearance of items like adding machines and an Electrolux vacuum, and the declaration that Casey (Garret) had "more than a lead…we have the murderer. Right here. In this room" was evidence of the painstaking work that went into crafting this unique and innovative episode.

Harbor Runner's artwork was exceptional, from the cover of the novelette to the skillfully created black and whites that demonstrated careful attention to detail, including period costume and hair. In addition to the quality of the artwork, its placement—wrapping text around the pictures—aided in the reading of the episode, allowing the reader to enjoy the art while reading corresponding text instead of after reading it.

For all Crossing Jordan fans, film noir enthusiasts, and those amused by old-time gumshoe novels, Mightier/Margin for Murder was a first-rate dramatic composition.

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The review below may contain spoilers to both Crossing Jordan Seasons 1-6 and Virtual Season 7 Episodes

Review of Episode 10, Charmer
Story Link: http: http://www.crossingjordanencyclopedia.com/virtualseason7/episode10.php
Review by Julie (crossingboston)

As Jordan and Nigel swap Indiana Jones lines, they are directed to the body of a 22-year old man covered in snake bites. The investigation leads to a charismatic man, a charmer who believes he is doing God's work with those challenged by drug addiction.

Virtual or not, this episode's dialogue was entirely consistent with an on-air crossing Jordan episode. While reading, it was easy to slip into imagining the characters delivering their lines. It would be difficult to pick out characters that seemed particularly strong, because each was written well. One comment, however, stood out as being particularly "Garret": You can either stay in here…in this storage closet…and admire all the cleaning supplies or you can get up and go back with me into Trace and try to find something that will lead us to him.

The storyline in this episode was excellent. While there are admittedly many stories in whodunit dramas related to cult leaders, this one was fascinating, demonstrating how those in power can twist and abuse authority, entangling trusting followers in their web. The first victim's brother was so caught up in the program that instead of trying escape, he participated in the reverend's ploy.

Artwork in this episode effectively conveyed scenes vividly described by the writers. Details, particularly in the shots picturing Woody's ordeal as a prisoner, conveyed to the reader the weight the artwork can carry as an essential element in a Virtual Season 7 episode. Additionally, the music was well timed and was appropriate for the episode, particularly the amusing pick Tube Snake Boogie and the poignant selection only you.

If there was any weakness at all in the episode, it was that the drug information was not 100% accurately conveyed. Compazine is prochlorperazine, and that and perphenazine are not sedatives. They're antiemetics, and they aren't drugs that patients get hooked on. But that would only be meaningful to those in the pharmacy/medical profession…

Charmer, brought to us by writers Bourbon and NCCJFAN and episode artist, Harbor Runner, was an edge-of-your seat dramatic work that would have worked well as an on-air Crossing Jordan episode.

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The review below may contain spoilers to both Crossing Jordan Seasons 1-6 and Virtual Season 7 Episodes

Review of Episode 11, Long Way Down
Story Link: http://www.crossingjordanencyclopedia.com/virtualseason7/episode11.php
Review by Julie (crossingboston)

Woody clears space in his apartment for Jordan, but is the ghost of Lu still haunting him? When a female officer is shot and killed on the job, Woody experiences some post-traumatic stress and confuses elements of this crime with Lu's death, affecting his job and his relationship with Jordan. Meanwhile, Lois Carver and Garret investigate a jumper's death, but was it really suicide?

Though many on-air fans do not typically read fanfic, there were two distinct strengths in this virtual episode that would play well Crossing Jordan fans from any venue: dialogue and "stage direction" Episode writers Bourbon and Nynaeve1723 nailed the dialogue. All the lines were so true-to-character that there wasn't a single line that would cause noses to wrinkle. Stage direction, from descriptions of the scenes to the expressions the characters were making to the actions they were performing made the episode come alive. There were several great lines in the episode, but one that really stood out as funny was one from Lois Carver when she was reenacting the crime with Garret.  So what now? You’re Antonelli and I’m a Chihuahua with an anger management issue?

The first storyline in this episode provided the viewers with something the original series did not: dealing with and discussing Lu's death. While it was tough to see Woody so affected, it was better than having him seemingly unaffected beyond a single episode wrap. The second storyline, however, was taken right from an urban legend circulating the internet since 1994 (based on a 1987 story told at a forensics conference). If you are unfamiliar with the legend, here's the link: http://www.snopes.com/horrors/freakish/opus.asp

BigCJFan's artwork, especially the episode banner, was complex and multi-layered. The angles and the details were realistic, adding dimension to the scenes they enhanced. Several of the shots were placed to the right of text, and viewers could look at the shot while reading the related scene.  Additionally, the music was well placed and poignant, truly fitting the mood of the episode.

If there are weaknesses in this episode, they would be the following: use of the urban legend storyline and a medical inaccuracy (humans have 12 ribs on each side, not 14!).  That aside, the episode was still entertaining and worthy of the Crossing Jordan name.

Charmer, brought to us by writers Bourbon and NCCJFAN and episode artist, Harbor Runner, was an edge-of-your seat dramatic work that would have worked well as an on-air Crossing Jordan episode.

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The review below may contain spoilers to both Crossing Jordan Seasons 1-6 and Virtual Season 7 Episodes

Review of Episode 12, For Whom the Bell Tolls
Story Link: http: http://www.crossingjordanencyclopedia.com/virtualseason7/episode12.php
Review by Julie (crossingboston)

A seasonal bell ringer is found dead, the contents of the kettle missing. Who silenced the incessant ringing? Nigel has something in mind for Christmas, but everyone at the morgue and the police station seem to object. Can everyone come together to fulfill the terms of Nigel's request? And will Jordan face the music and go for her follow-up appointment with Dr. Sanchez?

Fans of the Crossing Jordan television series will be especially delighted with this episode because they've been granted a wish not fulfilled in many years—there is a Christmas episode! Though there is only one "mystery" story to be had in this episode, Nigel's story is a pleasant diversion from the typical morgue fare.  Conversation in this episode was extremely entertaining, with a few laugh-out-loud lines such as Bug's "We work in a MORGUE. We cut up dead people!" and Kate's "No. That's not great. That's a preview of hell."

One thing writer Nynaeve provided in this episode was the characters' departures from their comfort zones. All the characters stepped out of the morgue or BPD and into costumes reminiscent of Dickens' A Christmas Carol to sing carols for nursing home residents. And Jordan stepped far beyond her comfort zone when she went to see Dr. Sanchez.

The artwork was inspiring, from the snow globe (an element that keeps reappearing throughout the on-air and virtual series) to the characters' appearance in period costume. Harbor Runner put a great deal of thought and effort into creating just the right pictures to accompany the episode.  The animation in the snow globe was arresting, calling for the viewer to watch and appreciate the detail, from the falling snow and Jordan and Woody in the foreground, to Nigel and the bell ringer's more subtle appearance.
Episode music was copious, and the episode music's look received quite a facelift. All the songs now appear with a Crossing Jordan Virtual Season 7 Soundtrack banner.  That banner is one more step in creating a very effective Virtual Season 7 brand image. Those reading Virtual Season 7 for the first time will know that this is a legitimate operation with dedicated writers and artists and a serious fan base.
If there are any weaknesses in the episode, there are 2. First, the text related to the picture of the bell ringer has an inaccuracy—the ringer is not wearing a Santa hat. And there is one minor misstep in the "science" of the episode—the liver temperature was referred to as basal temperature (which is the temperature of the body when it first awakens or the temperature charted for fertility purposes).
For Whom the Bell Tolls was an entertaining tale with a heartwarming ending just in time for the holidays.
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The review below may contain spoilers to both Crossing Jordan Seasons 1-6 and Virtual Season 7 Episodes

 
Review of Episode 13, Auld Acquaintance
Story Link: http://www.crossingjordanencyclopedia.com/virtualseason7/episode13.php
Review by Julie (crossingboston)

A scrooge-like character comes into the morgue, and none of his family wants to claim the body. The case seems to be on the mind of everyone at the morgue, and it gets people thinking of family at Christmas. Will everyone have Christmas on a sour note, or will the crew from the morgue mend fences?

Crossing Jordan television fans will find this second holiday episode especially charming because the "Santas" at VS7 have granted viewers another Christmas episode! Though only one morgue "mystery" runs through the story, the story plays well as all the characters face family issues.  Madambeth filled the episode with engaging dialogue, as there was an abundance of deep conversation as well as the typical one-liners. Jordan, Woody, Kate, and Lily, Bug, and Jeffrey each faced difficult family issues, talked them out, and emerged as better people for it. And it all complemented the family issues brewing in the morgue story.

One thing that made this episode stand out was the background information provided with the scenes. Descriptions of facial expressions, settings, and what was happening in the scene made this episode stand out as feeling real.

Additionally, BigCJFan's artwork was very well executed. It was especially amusing to see Woody dressed in red and green, holding the snow globe that has appeared throughout Crossing Jordan, from the television series through Virtual Season 7. Only the picture of Bug, Lily, Maddie, and Jeffrey seemed a bit off. Facial expressions did not exactly match what one would have expected from the events in the scene.

The music was well chosen; especially You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch and The Chipmunk Song. When those songs began playing, they were at just the right time and place in the scene. It would have been easy to imagine the Crossing Jordan writers selecting those songs had they written more than one holiday episode.

This episode was very well put together and did not appear to have much in the way of weaknesses. Auld Acquaintance was an entertaining Virtual Season 7 episode that expertly had the characters facing their "ghosts of Christmas past" to hopefully have a better future.

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Review of Episode 14, Boys Will Be Boys
Story Link: http://www.crossingjordanencyclopedia.com/virtualseason7/episode13.php
Review by Julie (crossingboston)

Delinda Deline and Danny McCoy breeze into town for a New Year's Eve party, and it's not long before the host ends up a victim at his own party. When Woody makes a snide remark, the challenge to solve the crime in a boys versus girls contest is on. Meanwhile, at the morgue, the BPD becomes a thorn in Garret's side as everyone wants in on the case of the demise of Maxi Melons.

VS7 writers Madambeth and jmkw have provided a virtual treat to Crossing Jordan and Las Vegas viewers as well as fanfic readers. And once again, it's a holiday (New Year's) episode.  Banter in this episode was quick and well written, and all the characters, including Danny and Delinda, were extremely well written.  The exchanges between Woody and Danny; Delinda and Jordan; Roz and Seely; and Nigel and Kate; and Jordan and Woody (especially at the end of the episode) were priceless.

This episode worked very well as a complete package. The mystery of who killed King Midas was especially engaging, particularly in light of the contest, and the slightly less serious, if not irreverent, case of Gail Archie/Maxi melons added a lot of humor to an already entertaining episode.

As usual, Harbor Runner's artwork was top notch, not only because it captured some hysterical moments, like Woody wearing the pimp costume, but because it also conveyed scene-defining shots such as the crime scene tape and the blight outside the Roxbury housing project.

The music, though much different that in previous VS7 episodes, was well chosen and varied. It's difficult to imagine any venue where Jay Z, Stevie Wonder, and Tchaikovsky would work together in context, but in this episode, it all really worked.

This episode was pulled together extremely well, with some truly entertaining and surprising moments. Kate's jealousy was endearing. It's good to see her so angry over Nigel's preoccupation with Delinda, though she'd never admit it. Nigel's delight with Kate's jealousy (and subsequent ranting) was also endearing. And the final exchange with Jordan and Woody was quite a pleasant surprise. Jordan and Woody actually discussing marriage without someone running or delivering completely sarcastic remarks represented progress in their relationship.

This episode was truly a strong showing for the VS7 crew. Kudos to the writers and the episode artist for bringing on such a compelling crossover episode.

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Review of Episode 15, Over the Rainbow
Story Link: http://www.crossingjordanencyclopedia.com/virtualseason7/episode15.php
Review by Julie (crossingboston)

Ties to Australia, through people and marsupials persist in this bi-continental episode. When Jordan is visited by a stranger with an Australian accent, she finds out not only that J.D. had a brother, but that J.D. left her a boat. Meanwhile the morgue staff and BPD are trying to solve a mystery…could the culprit be a kangaroo?

This virtual episode was definitely a journey into the unique. It finally dealt with issues Jordan had to put to rest regarding her relationship with J.D., but it required a healthy dose of suspension of disbelief for the reader in order to get there. During this episode, we learn that J.D. Pollack had a brother named Will—a brother who seemed to know everything about Jordan's and J.D.'s relationship, including issues related to Jordan and Woody—but Jordan never knew of Will's existence. That one premise was difficult to comprehend, especially given the fact that J.D. was (before the night at the inn) ready to propose to Jordan.

The "B" story was out there as well, but it was definitely creative and many layered, as the culprit could have been the ex-wife, who switched the pills; the ex-wife's boyfriend; or a Kangaroo named Sylvia.  The artwork that showed Woody acting out the part of the Kangaroo was hysterical.

Though the plotlines were a bit sketchy, Nynaeve delivered excellent conversation with some interesting pairings. Seeing Kate rib Woody about having the M.E. thing covered spoke to Kate's being part of the "family", as her comments were more teasing than her usual contempt.  Additionally, Nigel's attempt to be there for Woody was touching.

Three other elements were masterfully handled in this episode. First, setting descriptions were so detailed that the VS7 "viewer" could easily picture exactly what an episode "looked" like. The second item that was brilliant was the music. Using Hem's The Part Where You Let Go was well selected, as it so completely complemented the scene. Also when Woody turned off Kate's Four Star Mary song and indicated he was making the world safer for eardrums, music crossed a new threshold—it was used to add a touch of humor. The third well conveyed element was Big CJFan's and Nynaeve's artwork. Pictures like the hand with the pill bottle and the shot of the harbor with boats—the shots without faces—were as weighty in the episode as character pictures.

Though the storylines in this episode required a lot of suspension of disbelief, there were some important pieces of information conveyed here. We learned that Pollack either was working on a story tied to the death of Jordan's mother. We saw Jordan close the book on her relationship with Pollack. And we saw Woody accept that Jordan was doing what she was doing for a reason. So while the stories may have been a bit out there, the "takeaways" were substantial.

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