Tails I Live, Heads You Die is probably one of my favourite episodes of the series, so I admit to having a bit of bias towards it. But don't take my word for it, watch it and see the quality for yourself.
First the flaws. The speech Sylvan gives at each ceremony is a bit cheesy, but that's the writer's fault. The makeup on Tyriel is very cheesy, but still has a creep factor. Another thing that could have had a little more attention paid to it is the voice of Satan. It just wasn't threatening enough, sounding like a growling, generic heavy metal singer instead of the Prince of Darkness. But these flaws are minor in the overall picture.
Colin Fox gives one of the most solid performances in his second of three appearances . Here he is Sylvan Winters, a taxidermist who also happens to be a powerful Satanist. I don't find he over or under acts at all in this one. He is evil incarnate and yet has a moment or two where he is charismatic. I especially like how calm he is at all times talking with Jack, Ryan, and Hewlett. Until Satan turns on the cult he never raised his voice at all, maintaining calm yet threatening control at all times.
Ryan and Jack's exchange after Micki's death is probably the best acting exchange between these two in the series and solidly demonstrates the father figure role Jack fills for both Micki and Ryan. Ryan's grief over her death and his anger towards Jack is believable, and Jack's speech about having to do the job whether they like it or not because no one else can is inspirational. Jack actually has not one but two dark moments (unusual for him) where he threatens Sylvan ('will destiny decides who gets a slit throat?' and 'you're not much use to me alive, I'll leave the choice up to you'). Ryan's speech about leaving before they go after them is downbeat but touching, and his change of heart at the end is a relief. And the way they trick Sylvan into bringing Micki back to life is explained at the end (Scooby Doo, anyone?) was genius, even if it wasn't shown.
Overall, one of the most solid episodes of the series. Suitably creepy, slightly cheesy, and well acted by everyone all around.
First the flaws. The speech Sylvan gives at each ceremony is a bit cheesy, but that's the writer's fault. The makeup on Tyriel is very cheesy, but still has a creep factor. Another thing that could have had a little more attention paid to it is the voice of Satan. It just wasn't threatening enough, sounding like a growling, generic heavy metal singer instead of the Prince of Darkness. But these flaws are minor in the overall picture.
Colin Fox gives one of the most solid performances in his second of three appearances . Here he is Sylvan Winters, a taxidermist who also happens to be a powerful Satanist. I don't find he over or under acts at all in this one. He is evil incarnate and yet has a moment or two where he is charismatic. I especially like how calm he is at all times talking with Jack, Ryan, and Hewlett. Until Satan turns on the cult he never raised his voice at all, maintaining calm yet threatening control at all times.
Ryan and Jack's exchange after Micki's death is probably the best acting exchange between these two in the series and solidly demonstrates the father figure role Jack fills for both Micki and Ryan. Ryan's grief over her death and his anger towards Jack is believable, and Jack's speech about having to do the job whether they like it or not because no one else can is inspirational. Jack actually has not one but two dark moments (unusual for him) where he threatens Sylvan ('will destiny decides who gets a slit throat?' and 'you're not much use to me alive, I'll leave the choice up to you'). Ryan's speech about leaving before they go after them is downbeat but touching, and his change of heart at the end is a relief. And the way they trick Sylvan into bringing Micki back to life is explained at the end (Scooby Doo, anyone?) was genius, even if it wasn't shown.
Overall, one of the most solid episodes of the series. Suitably creepy, slightly cheesy, and well acted by everyone all around.