User Reviews

This episode focuses more on Amanda Pays' character in regards to her brother being involved in a violent underground sport involving skateboarding and full contact called raking. It takes place in a reasonably guarded bingo hall that carries the resemblance of a small skatepark. Network 23 seems interested in the sport (not knowing that the underground rules of the sport is "survival" through who can incapacitate the other in the reward of a victor), but when Edison (looking for Theora's brother) gains an understanding of the danger that comes with raking he will try to put a stop to it through his reporting of it to a worldwide audience. This episode shines a light on the poverty and homelessness (and starvation) of the city that Edison and cast live. The culture of raking is just a way for aggressive kids with little hope to compete and belong to something potentially meaningful, exploited by adults with eyes wide open to big profits and massive earnings. The message against easily accessible violence, popularized and mainstream, is rather loud, especially the way Max Headroom addresses it with the suits at Network 23 (Missile Mike). The kids trying to kill each other on skateboards while adults bet on their welfare also comments on how violence can be used through manipulation (a coach in charge of a team that included Theora's brother knowingly badgers the kid to compete even while badly injured) by exploiting the young to benefit the older. It'll take Edison and a "source" (an inside guy who knows about the sport and what it entails) to put a spotlight on the nefarious misdeeds of those allowing the kids to harm each other while they cheer and celebrate. There are little hints that Edison and Theora might have a slight thing for each other. As Max would say, "A f-f-f-fond-fond-fondddnnn-fondness for each other." We notice that "credits" are used to purchase things. And we also learn that Murray should stick to producing because his work at control sucks. Bryce has a few minutes in this episode, not exactly forthcoming in pulling a conversation between Theora and her sister-in-law after Edison has to damn near beg and plead for it (Max actually does it instead). Theora is bit of a bitch when Edison freely offers to help her find her brother; not her finest moment is a club table scene where she flat defies Edison's every attempt to give her assistance. Without her at control, though, Edison isn't quite the same…they are a great team. And ultimately she understands that Edison deserves the benefit of the doubt as he can get to the truth and find her brother easier than perhaps she can.

Theora (the excellent Amanda Pays) discovers hat her wayward brother Shawn (well played by Peter Cohl) has become involved with a vicious and dangerous underground sport known as raking. Edison (a fine and likable Matt Frewer) helps Theora save Shawn before it's too late. Director Thomas J. Wright keeps the involving story moving along at a steady pace and stages the harsh'n'harrowing raking game scenes with real aplomb. J.W. Smith contributes a neat performance as Edison's streetwise pal Rik while Howard Sherman gives a notably slimy portrayal of sleazy mobster Peller. Paul Goldsmith's hazy and shadowy cinematography gives the show a cool smoky noirish look. Cory Lerios' moody score qualifies as another major asset. But it's the bold and biting script by James Crocker and Steve Roberts that really gives this episode a big dose of gutsy and provocative substance: Essentially a spot-on incisive critique of mindless violence being served up as acceptable entertainment to the masses by shameless opportunistic television executives (Network 23 broadcasts an especially over-the-top slaughterfest named "Missile Mike" as a children's show and naturally expresses an interest in televising raking), the basic premise predicts with uncanny accuracy the popularity of such brutal boob tube fare as "American Gladiators." And Max's trademark sharp sardonic remarks add a hilarious dash of wickedly funny and spiky impudent humor.