07: The Guild: +5 Web Series = Epic Loot!
Well before the Spires of Dragonor, doth this tale begin…
The series opens with Cyd Sherman, who plays an online game that is loosely based on World of Warcraft. Cyd belongs to a guild called the Knights of Good, along with five other gamers. With the help of her Therapist, Cyd has been trying to defeat her online addiction. At the beginning of the first episode, we find out Cyd is now jobless, haven’t left the house in a week, therapist dropped her and a gnome warlock is… Hmm, best you see for yourself.
Season One:
Created & starring: Felicia Day (Codex). Also starring: Sandeep Parikh (Zaboo), Vincent Caso (Bladezz), Jeff Lewis (Vork), Amy Okuda (Tinkerballa) and Robin Thorsen (Clara)
Directed and Edited by Jane Selle Morgan, Greg Benson & Nick Towle.
Produced by: Felicia Day and Kim Evey
Associate producer Jane Selle Morgan.
The first episode gives you a glimpse into the personalities of the Guild characters. Focusing on the main, Cyd, a.k.a Codex (played by Felicia Day) and her stalker, who I’ll just call Zaboo (Played by Sandeep Parikh). To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The first 2 episodes seemed dark with the “stalker” issue, but as I watched the following episodes it all began to make sense, and I was hooked. Unlike most comedies on TV, that have shallow characters with no depth, to be there only for punchlines. The Guild has deep meaningful characters with troubles, and flaws and heart. Every character has an important role, whether now or in a future episode. I feel Felicia did a wonderful job writing this series. Take Zaboo, for instance, we first meet him, and label him as a stalker. But later, we are introduced to the catalyst that made him behave that way. Cyd, started off as depressed surrounded by a darken room, but later she seems more energetic and the room is brighter. Bladezz (Vincent Caso), starts off as a young kid with an attitude. Who later causes trouble for the Guild, but in the end we find he also has issues that motivate his actions. I realized since I started watching web series is that you can not be quick to judge on just the first episode. (Much like with this series and it’s characters, never judge a person upon first encounter. There is always a deeper story.) Episodes are too short for the writer/creator to describe the complete vision of the series in one episode. You must have faith in the writer, and try and be open to his or her vision.
Back to the story, The Knights of Good finally meet in person to tackle several issues. The “Meet up” was perfect. Having once met a complete group of strangers at a BBS meet up, I can relate to the awkwardness… Don’t ask what a BBS is… Feel old enough already :) Anyways! This season has only ten episodes, and wraps with a familiar boss battle that bonds the group even closer. In episode seven, you realize a little why Sandeep’s character is the way he is. So does Cyd, and soon gathers the guild again.
It is the progression of Cyd, understanding Zaboo and meeting the other guild members. That makes this season so enjoyable. Sure there is the witty and sometimes improv’d humor that makes this shine even brighter. But to sum up what i said earlier, these characters feel real and easily relatable to.
This season was funded by the generosity of caring & loyal fans. Which was paid back. This was not just a labor of love for the creator & Producer Felicia Day, co-Producer Kim Evey, the whole cast and crew, but also for the supporting fans… To all of them, I say thank you! :)
Now for Season Two:
As the dust settles after the boss fight, Cyd tries to sort out the loose ends and get back to a “normal” routine. As in Last season, and through this series, each episode opens with a video log by Cyd.
Additional cast: Brett Sheridan (George), Blake Sheridan (Baby), Gaby Gantvoort (Gaby), Delaney Spillaine (Bellamy),Tara Caso (Dena), Michele Boyd (Riley) and Fernando Chien (Wade)
Directed and Edited: Sean Becker
A few new characters are introduced. These characters add more depth and intrigue to this already great series. More real life interactions this season, as Cyd tries to find Zaboo a home, encounters her new neighbors and has a “Girls night” out. Zaboo, in his new home, tries to become the man he thinks he needs to be. Vork struggles with relating to his guildies in real life. Bladezz falls for an age old trap. Clara turns to the dark side, sorta… The season expands the story arcs by focusing on every guild member, and the consequence of their actions in real life.
Vork, Clara and Bladezz real life is looked into more, and we get a better understanding of them. New problems araise out of the old ones, and the ending sequence made my heart fill with sadness :(
.Season Two was picked up by Xbox, after the success of Season One. No longer a financial one, the fans have continued to support this series. In the party scene in the last few episodes, the guests were all fans of the show, and a few crew and relatives. Season Two had a total of twelve episodes
San Diego Comic Con 2009:
After Season two, and before the start of Season three, there was ComicCon. This was an amazing event for me. By this time I had watched all the episodes, and meeting The Guild was my main purpose for going… All 4.5 days. :) Was well before I thought of creating this blog site. Would have been a great opportunity to interview the cast… Did attend The Guild Panel, and it was awesome. They showed a music video, talked about the upcoming third season, the new Guild comic book and Wil Wheaton joined them on stage. More info here
Season Three:
The first episode of this season, starts off strong. It has been sometime after the dramatic events from last season, and the fall out is seen right at the beginning. Cyd is trying to move on, and not look back. While also keeping the guild together. At the end of this episode, a dark threat shadows over the guild…
With only several episodes in, so far this season focused on rebuilding and healing the rifts with in the guild. New guild leader, Cyd, has a lot of work ahead of her.
My overall opinion of this series (holding back on the fan-boy gushiness), it is extremely entertaining, funny and basically awesome! (Sorry some fan-boy leaked out) The writing is excellent, and the actors definitely shine. Love the progression of the characters story lines, and their interaction both “online” and off. Seriously would suggest you watch this series, if you haven’t yet. There will be another post at the end on this season.
You can watch the seasons on YouTube, on the official website WatchTheGuildMSN or watch the newest at . For those with a 360, you can look them up on XboxLive. Though for the maximum enjoyment possible, I would suggest buying the Season 1& 2 combo pack. It has the gag reels for both seasons (which is good enough reason to buy it), special Xmas music videos and commentaries that will truly enlighten or make you chuckle. Best place to find the DVDs is at Amazon
A great companion to watching The Guild, is Knights of the Guild. This pod cast gives you interviews with the cast (as well as the fans), great behind the scenes info and the hosts have a charming chemistry. The Knights of the Guild hosts, are Kenny Mittleider, who produces the Behind the Scenes segments on the DVDs, and Jenni Powell, who is the Second A.D. on Season two of the Guild.
Also check out the previews of The Guild Comic Book
Any comments or suggestions please Email me WebSeries2Watch@gmail.com
Posted on October 22, 2009
