Episode Guides Books

... This UNOFFICIAL episode guide includes plot synopses, guest star and production crew credits, cast and primary crew biographies, original air dates, production numbers and extremely hard-hitting detailed critiques of each Crusade episode, including the telefilm that began it all: "A Call to Arms." I hope you consider joining us on a trip through J. Michael Straczynski's thought-provoking universe - enjoy the ride! We certainly did.

This should have been the definitive guide to Crusade. From the point of view of content, it certainly was. The plot summaries and critiques were well-written and comprehensive. There was little left out that should have been there. However, the book itself left much to be desired, beginning with pictures. Most guide books to television series, as The Watcher's Guides of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel: Casefiles contain numerous pictures, usually in color. There were NO pictures in this book; at least there should have been pictures of the cast and the basic sets. The printing itself was too dark; spaces between paragraphs were too small, making the book less easy to read. I feel that the publisher did not do justice to what could have been an outstanding book. I actually give the book 5 stars for content and 1 star for publication.

An authoritative look at Gerry Anderson's follow up series to the legendary "Thunderbirds" TV series. The author's knowledge and love for his subject shine through in this well written and researched book. It covers the original series and the more recent CGI version. The only thing I can (reluctantly) fault is that the episode plot synopses are a little thin on detail. (maybe due to space constraints?) Nonetheless, I'd recommend this book to all fans of Captain Scarlet, Gerry Anderson and classic British scifi.

Arrived promptly in excellent condition. Great book. Very small print. Packed with details and some rare photos. Very well researched.

After buying ep3, seeing the depth of the game and being overwhelmed by the sheer number of diverse cards and strategies, you may start thinking about purchasing this strategy guide to help you make sense of its complexity. And this strategy guide from Prima does a pretty good job at sorting it all out. It explains the basics of the game, how the game works, the strengths and weaknesses of each character, it has a very in-depth single player walkthrough, and a massive cardlist with pictures, card stats, and card abilities.

But its not perfect. For one, out of the 150 pages only 2 are devoted to online play. The majority of people buy this just to play online. Despite its lack of dedicated online coverage, it makes up for in part just because many strategies used in the single player can be carried over online. And this guide has a very strong walkthrough with descriptions and tactics for every battle. It also gives you tips on basic and advanced strategies.
The guide is well written, and is organized neatly, making it very easy to read.
I like this guide, and if you are new to the game this is definetly for you. Dedicated online players will benefit from the complete card lists and story charcter stats, but not much else.

I could pick bones with some minor errors in here.
I think I know a bit more than Karen does on some
things, but overall (since I lived in Hawai'i and
attended U/H) it's a very thorough effort. Good
job Karen!

I'm glad I have this book - it's a handy resource when I need to find out if someone ever appeared on the series (though some of the names in the index are out of order - John Lennon, for example, who btw is not THE John Lennon) or in a particular episode.

However, as an "episode guide," it's of limited usefulness; if you happen to remember each episode by name that's fine, but if you are reading one of these entries and trying to figure out if it's one you've seen, good luck. I was really hoping for a brief synopsis of each episode. That would make for a much bigger book, granted, but also a more useful one. We are talking about nearly 300 episodes here - some of us (and even historians) might need a little help.

This might be excusable if the episode writeups were lighter on opinion and heavier on relevant information. "The Guarnerius Caper," for example, is the story of a Soviet violinist whose instrument is stolen, causing considerable diplomatic discomfort. Hawaii Five-O often did episodes about political relations with make-believe nations; this is one of the few episodes that acknowledges real-life politics: the Cold War. Is any of this mentioned in Rhodes's discussion of the episode? Sadly, no.

Thus, as a "critical history," it is even more disappointing than the episode guide. It's a sketchy history at best, and reads more like a fan's personal memoir. Criticism is far more credible when the author tries to be objective; at times it seems Rhodes is writing a love poem to Steve McGarrett (and/or Jack Lord). She makes a catty remark about someone who quit the show to pursue other interests (Zulu wanted to do comedy), and editorializes on the worthlessness of basketball (the show was sometimes pre-empted by basketball during its original run).

She also makes nonsensical observations. For example, she says it was a sad social comment that "The Child Stealers" passed up a healthy Asian boy in favor of a white one. Since neither of the kidnappers were Asian and they were trying to pass off the kidnapped children as their own, it wasn't sad - it was necessary.)

Nevertheless, I do feel the book's a keeper. No one else has taken the time to compile a book like this, and it was sorely needed. While it comes up short both as an episode guide and as a critical history, it's still a good read. There are fewer photos than some of us would like (I'll look again, but I don't recall seeing any photos of Duke or Ben), but many of the photos are rarities, and that was a treat. Rhodes's enthusiasm leaves objectivity by the wayside, but it also gives the book a lively voice that makes you want to bask in the genius of one episode after another. The book was written with care and love, and it shows.

Now that they are finally releasing the TV series on DVD (faster please!) this book is a great companion-the background stories, trivia and tidbits are terrific. It's fun watching the episodes to look for the things Ms. Rhodes mentions-the "looks", exchanges, dialogue, relationships, the music. It's also interesting to consider, as Ms Rhodes does, the issues that were raised by the series and how characters were treated, given the era and the nature of the show. There are summaries about the trials and tribulations of the series production and scheduling for each season, as well as for some significant episodes.
I remember some of the episodes from my childhood but have not seen the show in decades. I'm looking forward to reading up on the episodes, then watching them as more seasons are released in the future. I enjoyed reading Ms. Rhodes opinions and commentaries and am looking forward to comparing her throughts to mine.
As an episode guide the material is kind of sketchy; there is a very general description of each episode, and sometimes there are spoilers. A careful reader can intuit most of the episode plots, and there is more detailed plot information available elsewhere on-line.
I wish there were more photographs, especially candid ones and better quality reproduction. I would also love more anecdotes from the set (the cast and crew "talk story") and about life in the islands during production. But then maybe someone should write a history of production and pictorial guide; this is not that book. It is an episode-by-episode critical commentary (most a page or less in length), with an introduction to each season, and information about the cast of each episode and the crew for each season.

I've had the hardcover for quite awhile. It reads like a self-published fan book, which it probably is. It lacks real insight into what made the show special. The episode reviews are amateurish. Lots of "fan" comments and observations sprinkled throughout. Very little substance about the history and making of the show. Not recommended. If you want an ep. guide, get one online.

Beware! This is NOT an episode guide. It is only commentary on all of the episodes. An episode guide SHOULD give a synopsis, or at least 2 or 3 lines describing the episode. This book lists each episode title with credits. Then it makes commentary on each episode and only in a rare few cases does it describe the episode. It assumes that you already know each episode. Descriptions of most of the episodes just don't exist in this book. What an expensive disappointment! Save your money and use internet episode guides for this great TV series.

i loved it, i used to watch the episodes on the si-fi chanel all the time, i was addicted to it. i been looking all over for the episodes in dvd but i can't find them i guess they never came out; i whish they did because i would buy the whole collecion. i liked the show ever since it started, and then when kari whurer started in it i liked it even more.

if you are a fan of the Sliders television show I highly recommend this book. If you are a social studies or science teacher I highly recommend this book. If you have ever considered how the changing of one minor detail might completely alter civilization this book is for you. Although, the series in action I will admit is of course better for now this is the best I can do to enjoy it. Being as it was canceled. It was probably best that it was canceled though, because man, the series had really started to (...)! Actually, pretty much the moment Sabrina Lloyd left the show was (...). That doesn't matter though for this book, because it only covers seasons one through three which are truly "the classic episodes."

Brad Linaweaver has pulled, this book off in style,having watched Sliders since its birth, I was doubtful of the author being able to recreate, the suspene and magic of the show into descriptive writing contained in the episode scripts within the book.

Other aspects witch are a treat are the interviews, with the shows creators, and stars (Tracy Torme'& Jerry O'connell) to name a few.

The only downside is the lack of any decent colour pictures, as they are black & white. Never the less a worthwhile investment for any Slider's fan and their bookshelf.

This book is great! I personaly only liked seasons 1 -3 of Sliders and this book has very detailed episode guides for these seasons. Ontop of this the book is full of nuggets of Sliders Triva and has interviews with the cast and crew. Slide-tastic (sorry but I had to say it)

I was very disappointed by this work. Not only does the author seem vastly incompetent and egotistical, but even the pictures were not good.

I would also like to note that another reviewer (J. Neil) is incorrect. This book was well documented in public throughout it's many delays, and was first listed as "Sliders: Parallel Universes" in several catalogues for pre order (such as Diamond: Previews). These orders were subsequently cancelled and the book delayed (though I can not see a reason for any delay...could this book have been worse at some point?).

If there is any industry conspirarcy going on here, it must be J. Neil taking up for his friend...even if it means bending the truth.

That cover looks nothing like the one I have, but let us get serious. Many people seem to have mixed feelings about Talis Pelucir's views on the episodes. But what it comes down to, for whatever the reason he likes or dislikes an episode, is that he likes the same ones I do and has problems with the same ones I do. I don't know about his spelling or not - really wasn't looking to see if he spelled stuff like an American or like an Englishmen. The only problem I have is he didn't like Jeremiah Crichton episode and I did. I liked it mostly for the scenes with Rygel but I do understand how it could be compared to a bad Star Trek episode. How would it have been if Aeryn had come down to the planet instead of D'Argo? I plan to buy the next book and see what he says about the Second Season.

This a great way to get introduced to the show. Pelucir provides really great plot synopisis as well as some very interesting critiques of the episodes.

I've bought a bunch of official and unofficial guides to both this series and others, and in this case, the unofficial ones are better.

Why? MOstly because the official guides to this show are just a bunch of recycled interviews and photographs. I can get those elsewhere--in fact I already had everything I found in the official books.

This is a really cool book and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Farscape.

The book has decent summaries of the episodes, but the episode critiques often are very weak. While they offer occasional insight, they frequently nitpick or resort to vulgar feminist rants. In several cases it is clear the author completely misses the point of an episode, or even the show itself. If you are a thoughtful, educated fan of the show, the book will likely really annoy you.

This book has amateur written all over it. Plot summaries often miss the point or don't know when something is tongue-in-cheek. Detsails are frequently overlooked and references to other sci-fi shows are either beside the point or were diliberately done by the producers. Critiques show immaturity of the author and his concern for the sexuality of the show affecting a 10-year-old viewer will become absurd as the adult themes of the show develop. No photos, no humour, no brains.

This author doesn't even seem to like the show. He loves Zahn but that is about it. Factual errors, thin skinned about jokes, and way over sensitive to imagined woman hating. He made a few good points but not worth the time or the money.

Listen, most of what the author says makes sense, is right on target and goes along with most of my thoughts. Yet, as with the first book, there are slight problems. Talis Pelucir sees sexism ALMOST everywhere and the book really needed more editing. Not sure it needed any photos but it did need more proof reading and some more polishing before being released. Slim, cheap and all you really need.

I really love Farscape and the second season was a pretty good one. I agree that some of the episodes took some real negative swipes at women, which was disappointing since the show has such strong women characters. It's great that Pelucir calls them out on that because no one wants to see that on such a good show.

Although a few photos would have been nice, I understand from my uncle who is an entertainment lawyer, that only official guides can have photographs and quotes. This was news to me, but it makes sense. Henson and CO probably wouldn't be too keen on critiques that aren't 100% positive, but that's what makes this book cool.

Season 2 is generally better than season 1--in most shows--because everyone is hitting their groove and this book is a great way to experience the show, whether for the first time or for the hundreth time.

As with the previous book in this series, you get nice episode recaps paired with thoughtful, careful analysis provided by someone who often does not really understand the show and is completely oblivious of this shortcoming. Criticisms and analysis range from insightful, to trivial, to clearly misguided. I'm getting rid of my copy of this book and wish I had not spent money on it.

It's about time some one took an honest look at this show. I love Farscape and though I don't agree with all of Pelucir's comments, it sure is nice to have someone actually talk about the pros and cons of the episodes rather than just say what a great job everyone is doing.

You'll find thoughtful information here.

SInce this isn't an official guide, there aren't any photos, etc. because you can only get those if you are on the studio's payroll!!

Hey, just remember than anything which claims to be unofficial and has photos of the actors has been okayed by the studio. If you want to read the same old corporate line, go there. If you want to really discuss the show -- buy this book!

This writer doesn't really like farscape. He focuses on inane details and has factual errors. If you don't like farscape this book is for you.

These people do not love Star Trek. They just like the first two seasons of the original series. Especially Altman is the kind of critic Woody Allen had in mind in his descend to Hell. He diminishes some of the best Trek episodes, particularly in New Generation and Voyager, trying at the same time to make himself "look" good by using words like "adroitness", or inventing ones like "technobabble". What a load of CRAP! Gross reads Altman's review FIRST and then he adds a star in his rating. Altman really has a personality problem. If you love star trek, it's better to rate it yourself. The only value of the book is in some trivia regarding the episodes.

OK, any book that gives you a review of most of the Star Trek out there is worth at least 3 stars. That's the only reason I gave this book that high a rating. I love being able to see what's coming up on TV, and then zip through the book so I can see if I've seen the show 1 million times or one that I'd really like to see again.

That's the only good thing I can say about this book. The two authors are so incredibly biased for The Original Series, and so biased against The Next Generation, it's mind blowing. I counted three ways in which these two old folks showed their age:

1. They say that Kirk blows Picard away and that Shatner is a better actor than Picard. ROFL!! Obviously, this could only be said by someone growing up with TOS (and frankly someone without much of an ability to judge acting ability).

2. They constantly harp on all TNG's "techo-babble." Now, I always thought that "techno-babble" was cool. Once in a while it goes over the top, but to see a show that revolved around science and people who knew science was pretty exciting when I was first introduced to the series. It's because these two old guys just can't get their crusty old brains wrapped around a warp core!

3. Their 60's-style sexism gets pretty blatant. In some cases, they give a TOS show a high rating b/c of the great-looking and scantily-clad women! And they are always saying stuff like "It's always a pleasure to see that sexy and spunky Ensign Ro." GIVE ME A BREAK!

In a way, this book is not just a review of Star Trek, it's a great comedy book as you see them drool over Shatner's lousy acting and then criticize the rest of Star Trek. I don't care who Altman is -- as a life-long Star Trek fan who's never been to a convention but watches all the shows religiously, I thought his book left much to be desired!

This is a must-have for any true trekker in the universe. The authors, although slanted towards TOS and DS9, do a good job of reviewing every Star Trek episode (including animated)through 1997. I felt Altman's criticism overly harsh at times, but for the most part the duo sticks behind Star Trek and delivers a gem.

This is a great compact guide for reading alongside watching most of Star Trek. I didn't always agree with their opinion, but their honesty is refreshing and it was nice to see someone liking some stories that don't always get attention. Some reviewers claim that the writers are baised towards TOS but this isn't reallt the case. TOS episodes get a fair bashing when deserved and it's true to say that only TOS was a cultural phenomenon that entered the culture in a powerful and meaningful way. Their opinion on TNG and DS9 is fair and they do rightfully praise these series, particularly the later seasons. The Patrick Stewart-Shatner debate is not quite what other people are describing. Basically, one actor gives a more internal and restrained while the other is full of energy and intensity. It's possible to like both for different reasons and to ignore Shatner's contribution to ST is to be pretty ignorant about why there are any ST today.

Trek Navigator is the most complete Trek book I have ever bought. As the LA Times sys, "Altman is the world's foremost trekspert" His knowledge shnes through in his comments and reviews. Some of you may find the reviews to negative but that only means you need to look past your worship of trek and be honest about the shows. This book is as complete as it can be up to the point it was published. Altman deserves 5 stars, Gross only 3 1/2 but this book is a must for any trek fan.

STAR WARS: REVENGE OF THE SITH - INCREDIBLE CROSS-SECTIONS is so visually captivating and interesting that I don't quite know how to begin describing it. The incredibly detailed, superbly painted cutaways of the major vehicles and vessels of STAR WARS: Episode III provide for a unique experience in literature.

This book commands your attention as it forces you to soak in several intricately detailed paintings of the amazing craft of Episode III. The text that accompanies each picture provides excellent descriptions of each ship's engines, weapons systems, radiation, shielding, etc. and shows you how each individual part of the ship works. (The descriptions go in-depth so far, in fact, that they almost leave me wondering if any of the technology of STAR WARS might be possible. The credit for this must go to the author's degree in theoretical astrophysics.) Each craft also has a "Data File" text box for a quick analysis of the manufacturer, dimensions, hyperdrive, and maximum speed of the specific vehicle.

In contrast to all of the pros, I do have a couple of cons: grammar in some parts of the book is not quite as good as it should be for such a major work. Also, I found that beneath the protective jacket, the hardcover has little splotches of glue smeared on it. Though this isn't a problem at all for me, it might be one for someone who must have their books looking perfectly clean inside and out.

Overall, this book is an excellent work of art that is certainly worthy of STAR WARS fans' time and money. Its commitment to perfection in its utterly detailed and spectacular paintings and its very good descriptive writing easily give this book the power to hammer out its very minor flaws and earn itself 5 stars.

The art is great. The commentary is nice to read. My problems with this item have nothing to do with it's content. I received this item with damage to the dust cover. Pretty bad, too. The material seperated, peeling back on the dust cover, causing a large whitish area visible on the cover. Then the replacement had similar damage to the dust jacket on the spine. Amazon told me that this is a wide-spread problem as of the last time I talked with them, 4/20/05. So, if you want the book, but don't care what condition the dust cover is in, order away. If you care about the apearance of the book, look elsewhere.

I love the DK Episode's VI-IV & I,II Vehicles and Locations but I found the Episode III Space ships and Vehicles not all that amuseing I feel that it wasn't a completed book to end the spectacualr tiology books in the detailing of the great space ships and vehicles. The reason why I didn't get this one as my collection was becuase I didn't see Padme's Naboo Skiff, which we really didn't get to see much in the film, but i would of have liked to see the detaling at least . Over all it's a great book but not enough.

I thought this book was great! It has very detailed illustrations and is a must buy for any Star Wars fan! The books binding and everything was great, including the dust jacket. So dont turn away from this book just becuase some white is showing in the binding.

This is on the whole an excellent book that has cross-sections of almost all of the key vehicles participating in The Revenge of the Sith. Of particular interest are the cross-sections of the Vector-Class Star Destroyers and the big-wheeled infantry armored-personnel carrier. I especially like how the vehicles that appear in Return of the Sith appear outwardly to be inferior, earlier versions of vehicles that appear in Episodes 4, 5, and 6, which makes perfect sense since the vehicles in the later episodes represent a 20-year evolution of technology. One thing that doesn't make particular sense, though, are that vehicles that have such amazing propulstion technology (hyperdrives, intergalactic travel, etc.) rely on what are basically Napoleonic-era battle strategies (i.e., broadside salvoes of main armament between capital ships) rather than a more realistic strategy of using capital ships as stand-off missile-platforms or carriers for small assault craft which represent the capital ships' main striking power (as in, an aircraft carrier's fighters and attack aircraft). This is to a large extent understandable in the fictional Star Wars universe, as watching big battleships exhanging broadsides is immensely entertaining, probably moreso than watching a big, beautiful star destroyer go down because some stupid A-win crashes through its bridge (apparently, people who have mastered intergalactic travel haven't mastered the art of having backup control centers for a capital ship). It also makes sense since its more entertaining to watch X-wings and TIE fighters dogfight WWi/WWII style rather than a cold, impersonal missile-launch contest. Having said all that, I disliked how this book devoted an entire section to Yoda's escape pod but neglected to have a page for those archaic versions of the TIE fighters that escorted Emperor Palpatine's shuttle to Coruscant at the end of Return of the Sith (when a wounded Darth Vader was being wheeled into the surgery center). It would have been interesting to see a cross section of that spacecraft. Also missing was a cross section of the archaic Corellian corvette that took Bail Organa and Princess Leia to Alderran at the end of the movie, when infants Luke and Leia were split up and hidden by the surviving Jedi to keep them from Vader.

Overall a highly-interesting book that makes an airline flight or wait in the doctor's office go by very fast, but the few missing vehicles put a slight damper on it overall.

My review will accomplish three things:

1) It will persuade you that the Leibys' Reference Guide to Television's "Bonanza" is worth owning and/or consulting.
2) It will refute the January 22, 2004, review from "A Customer"
3) It will refute the May 4, 2004, review from "A Customer"

The Leibys book, published in both deluxe-hardcover Library Binding as well as paperback by McFarland--a company that specializes in bio-bibliographical books like this title--is superlative in terms of its content and organization. It provides research-intensive, detailed, comprehensive insight into significant facets of "Bonanza": the show's history, its every episode, and its creative contributors. It features numerous appendices covering a wide variety of interesting material: from the show's awards and honors to its related collectibles, musical recordings, newspaper and magazine references, and books.

In their preface, the authors state: "[We] hope this work will provide the reader with useful information and the researcher a foundation on which to further their research. "
They have accomplished this goal admirably.

Also in the preface, they state: "We welcome any additions or corrections and will make every effort to incorporate them in any future editions."
This invitation affirms the authors' responsible scholarship as well as their accountability.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Leibys' Reference Guide to Television's "Bonanza" for its superbly organized, detailed, and objective information.

The nameless "A Customer," in his/her January 22, 2004, review obviously entertained false expectations about this book. The book is everything its preface promises it to be: "an in-depth chronicle of the series and its stars to be used by libraries, researchers and those interested in classic television." It is NOT a Virginia City tour guide. It is not a lavish picture book.

The May 4, 2004, review by another nameless "A Customer" is completely unreliable. He/she makes one libelous, unsupported, unfounded, and even irrelevant declaration after another. I encourage you to dismiss this nameless one's witless comments with the contempt they deserve.

I love Bonanza-its my favorite tv show. So one would think I would prrobably enjoy this book--wrong! Its not only dull, its totally inaccurate. Did the author ever watch the show? It looks like he read some bad fanfiction (the Calder books) and wrote his book from there. There is no excse for such poor research--and why the big price tag? It should be a nice coffee table book for that price. BTW, this book was totally unauthorized by the show's creator. I can see why!

Spend your money on the Greenland book--its the best Bonanza book out there. More entertaining and much better researched.

As a fan of Bonanza, I looked forward to getting this book. When I got it, my thought was: "Is this all there is?" There was no dust jacket; just a plain green cover. There was a short history of Virginia City, and black and white pictures of Virginia City as it is today. As a resident of the area, it did not show the any of charm and beauty Virginia City and the Tahoe area has today or in its past history. There were very few pictures of the stars and the episode locations, and all pictures were in black and white. They could have added more trivia regarding the location of the shows (which was very sketchy and assumed you knew where the "Golden Oak Ranch", for example, was located) and other tidbits about the episodes, which they occasionally provided at the end of the episode summary. There was a episode guide, but the summary of the episodes were incomplete. Perhaps it was an effort not to spoil the ending of the show for those who had not seen them, but it would have been better to have a complete summary of the episode. TV Land has better summaries of the episodes! That being said, it had excellent biographies of the stars and the supporting actors, as well as a complete filmography and discography and TV appearances of the stars and the supporting actors. ...

Not a good read, but an excellent source of info on the series. I found it fascinating that they not only gave bios of the actors but the characters themselves - when they were born, and how they died. Lists all episodes along with guest stars, writers, producers and directors. Excellently arranged, very comprehensive.

If you are a die hard Bonanza fan who would like all and any facts concerning this show, then this is the book for you. Not many photos but a great wealth of info and a great reference book.