The Gates (TV Series 2010) Poster

(2010)

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8/10
a great show....
r-o-n22 July 2010
Warning: Spoilers
if you want to watch a show that treats sci fi characters in a mature, modern and not exaggerated way, then watch this one. it is not a teen series like "true blood', and although we're all probably fed up with vampire shows, this one is really surprising, and most of the actors are great. it was nice to see that there are other options for sci fi characters like witches, wolf-men (not werewolves), and a succubus. lots of intrigues and subtext, but not in a heavy way, and the suspense is flowing. I think it would add if the writers would focus a little more on the witches. It is nice to see that the wolf-men are not puppet werewolves with that cheap look. all in all a good show and let's hope it won't get cancelled.
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8/10
Shows Promise
mweller-779-50785826 July 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Not a bad show when compared to the talent shows and reality / dating shows we are bombarded with on network television. Usually you have to go to the cable stations to get decent original programing so it is nice to see that broadcast programing it finally starting to get back to scripted entertainment. Only aspect I found fault with so far was the contractor was slightly more likable then you would want for a victim at the beginning of a show. However as the show goes on and the plot starts to unravel and pull you in, it becomes easier to forget about the guy. The underlying plots and interpersonal relationships within the town make it seem like this might be a supernatural Desperate Housewives. Impressive beginning, looking forward to what they have in store.
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8/10
Please do not cancel!
jschmidt3-634-90186021 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
At first this was a lovely summer diversion. Then I hated it. But about episode 5 I was hooked. (I cannot watch True Blood, too much graphic sex. I only made it to episode 3 or 4 and the DVD set is still in the shrink wrap and needs sold.) I do enjoy Vampire Diaries, and the Twilight series. However this show is Desperate Housewives with Vampires, Werewolves, a succubus, and a few mysteries. I love watching the episodes repeatedly for the details.

I like the teen angle, with their high school problems, added to their 'unique' status, this makes for an interesting twist. Then the evil twists, the sides, werewolves versus Vampires, and how they come together to protect their neighborhood, even when they are mortal enemies. I only hope the season finale is not the series finale, most TV lately is canceled before its time. I also do not look forward to jumping the shark, but I know they are all competing for our viewing so hard, I know its inevitable.

Either way, I am excitedly looking forward to the next show. "A place where no matter who you are, what you are, you can make a home."
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10/10
Don't give up ...gets better!
donnie-geovanni25 July 2010
I've watched all current seasons of Moonlight, Blood Ties, True Blood, Vampire Diaries & Being Human. If you are a fan of any of these shows you will most likely enjoy 'The Gates'. The first episode sets up the story (which seems a little dull) but progresses quickly as episodes two and three roll along. Hang in there and you might be pleasantly surprised. Viewers who appreciate the 'in your face', slick blood and sexually driven 'True Blood' type of stories may be a bit disappointed here. The tone of this show in comparisons is very light. It focuses more on drama then on suspense, thrills and horror. I'll give you a spoiler free summary of the show if you have not yet watched it. It's a story of an enclosed community (surround by a gate ...surprise!) of super natural beings hiding their real identities from those who are human. Normal stuff (drama) of everyday human life takes place. Work, school, stress, love, hate and romance. The town sheriff (human) helps unravel the story as unexpected events require investigations. Through this slow process the secret identities of the characters are revealed to the viewer. There's much room for development so the possibilities are endless. I hope the writers can take it to the next level.
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Worth a series I think
zinglebarb26 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed this enough to hope it makes a full series.

To JohnnyFenton and vampires in daylight ,well the husband works at a lab. You clearly saw her smother herself in some kind of lotion and you also saw a part of her burn in sunlight where she had not put said lotion.

Some people are happy to just pick holes when they have not even watched it properly.

Anyway I do like the idea of a group of different types of supernatural entities try to live normal lives outside of normal society.I also think the fact some find it hard and give way to instinct works
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6/10
Hit and Miss
spiralbelt19 September 2010
This show is hit and miss so far for me. The characters and premise have a lot of potential, but some episodes are just boring, and full of somewhat "manufactured" drama. Other episodes are better. The later episodes have been getting better, enough so that I'm sticking with it for now, but, I may give up if we get more dud episodes.

This show has some "soapy" elements. Certain aspects remind me a little bit of Desperate Housewives. But the show also has some more exciting supernatural action to it - it the writers are just trying to figure out the right balance, I guess.

Dylan is the best! And Claire and the chief. The chief's wife is a bit annoying, I feel, and most of the other characters are a bit "meh" so far. So, in short I'm still watching this because I watch too much TV, and I'm enjoying it enough, but I'm not that excited about this show. And if I was ever really busy with something, it would be one of the first casualties of my TV viewing schedule.
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10/10
Fantastic Show.(Love IT)
burden459 August 2010
Initially I watched the first few episodes, because there was nothing on in the summer months. I quickly got hooked. I think the time slot is perfect in that it follows True Blood and I get a double dose of vamparism on the same night. The show is a supernaturals dream and has everything that deals with the supernatural; Vampires, Wearwolfs,Succubus, and witches. It has the feel of Desperate Houseswives ( Another of my favorite shows) I love the plot twist and the characters are extremely interesting. This show has a lot of room to minipulate its plots and characters without the show ever getting boring and I hope ABC realize what a great hit it has on it's hands and keep it coming.
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7/10
Ended too soon
helwigs11 August 2022
It was a good concept, supernatural beings living among humans in a gated community but it ends after only one season and so many questions are left unanswered.
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10/10
Marvelous
fikamugg18 July 2012
When i viewed the 13 episodes of the first season, in a span of two days, i had no idea there wouldn't be a second season. I'm totally baffled over this decision by the ABC executives.

As a fan of the occult and vampires some of the basic elements for good entertainment were there, but The Gates were so much more than another show about bloodsuckers, for the same reasons HBO:s Walking Dead is more than a zombie series.

This quality production had a great storytelling and a marvelous cast that blended harmoniously together. Some classical themes from vampire movies were used but many ideas were also fresh and incorporated in the template for a good drama series. Without giving away any plot-info i simply state the obvious fact that the co-existence of vampires, werewolves, witches and humans in a gated community with all of the problems this could and of course would impose, would it be real, was nothing less than a stroke of geniality from the creators Richard Hatem and Grant Scharbo. The development of the plot is skilfully crafted and as some questions are answered during the final episodes new ones are raised and with the final scene in episode thirteen still in front of my eyes it's more than a bizarre feeling that this episode was also the last one.

To single out one actor wouldn't be fair, but with that said, no fan of this series probably won't deny that Frank Grillo was phenomenal as head of police Nick Monahan or that Rhona Mitras cold elegance served as a perfect contrast to Claires blood cravings.

I simply can't understand why this suspenseful show didn't appeal to an American audience. Maybe the world wasn't ready for another show about vampires, after True Blood aired in 2008, but compared to The Gates that show, though humorous, lacks suspense.

It's my firm belief that had the show aired in Europe, or Sweden for that matter, the success had been total. A Shame, and i hope ABC changes their twisted minds because I want more of this.
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4/10
My opinion
indiastarr14 December 2012
This is BS! They suck you into this show, and just leave you hanging at the end of season 1... WTF!? THAN they don't even make a season 2 or 3. TOTAL FREAKING BS! Who ever decided to cancel this show needs a slap in the face for being a D!C#.... GRRRR! If you start something freaking finish it people.

I'm giving this a 4 because it's a great drama, but they never finished it... (>_<)

I mean you can't leave the show ending with so much suspense then just never freaking finish the story... WHO DOES THIS!????

AND F YOU IMDb FOR SAYING MY REVIEW ISN"T FREAKING LONG ENOUGH! GUESS WHAT NEITHER WAS THIS SHOW >_<
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10/10
I Am Pleasantly Surprised
el720 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
And that probably means this will wind up being canceled. I wasn't expecting any more than a supernatural soap opera as a summer diversion, and that element is there alright, but there's more going on under the surface. It's a really good sign that there's subtext as early as the Pilot, so I actually hope this show will last.

The Gates follows a Chicago homicide detective who moves his family to an affluent gated community to become its new Chief of Police. What he doesn't realize is that the community is really a sort of retreat/preserve for a variety of supernatural beings. There are subplots involving a handsome vampire couple trying to become well-adjusted participants in human society, a teenage werewolf pack trying to integrate a lone wolf into their group, and a witch trying to bring her rogue apprentice back from the left hand path. And that's not including the requisite teenage love triangle, only in this case it's looking like it's one of the teen boys who is the human in the equation.

This is a show posing the question about whether or not it's a futile effort to try to tame predatory urges, and it's not just the monsters who fit the theme. The cop also finds himself eager to hunt, his instincts tweaked by the mysterious goings-on. Each of the characters has a compelling reason to want to settle down, and an equally compelling reason to want to break free of the constraints represented by the stylized suburban setting.

I'm curious to see where these writers are going to go with this, but cautious, because ABC has not really been a long-term home to shows like this, with the notable exception of Lost. I hope they give this one a chance. Unlike the recently canceled Happy Town (also of ABC) this one is shaping up to be something more substantial than a guilty pleasure.
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5/10
The Gates, Jeez, what at housing tract
jackstone21 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Its a rather small gated upscale community and neighborhood of vampires and flesh eaters. They have a Police Dept with one Chief, two officers (that's six on a 24/7 basis). For some reason an ex Chgo cop with bad baggage (no pun) arrives as the new Chief being able to afford this despicable tract. Did they buy it on a video tour or did they just take a wild shot and move to wherever the Gates are from Chgo?

With the Gates shown in a few frames it shows a tract of homes, not a City. How can it afford a Police Dept? There must be a Fire dept as well with Denis Leary rejects manning the House. The only really familiar face is Rhona Mitra, whose been knocking around TV for a few years, Boston legal, Nip Tuck, etc. The pilot is worthwhile because it shouts out the inane nature of this get ABC on the vampire wagon show. My feeling is that they rushed to put on this summer reject together. I wonder what the Gate's monthly maintenance fee might be, what $10K to $15K a month? You gotta pay the cops, pay for all the high security stuff, the high school, insurance, utilities, garbage, etc. The series is irritatingly silly and time-wasting, pick up a book or your Ipad or something and entertain yourself by ignoring slapped together summer junk like this. Stick with shows like "the Riches" or "SOA", they will be worth the wait and leaving you wanting to see the next show. The Gates doesn't do this and there better shows and reruns on basic cable. It misses whatever mark they tried to hit, as a matter of fact it missed the target totally.
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10/10
ABC made another great show they take nowhere
stella-eversonoo20 December 2012
I loved the whole show, the dynamics of how wolves, vampires and others tried to live together without killing each other. The coolest part was to put an unknown in and get her to bring them all together. The witch doing things that people knew but could not prove was awesome. I want to know what Charlie is, what was Devon going to use him for besides just getting herself out of the situation she was in. Was Devon "Charlie's Master in a sorts because she brought him back"? Someone needs to pick this up and finish it because it could be a real hit. I know a lot of my friends talked about it so I finally watched it on Netflix and it was awesome. TNT, CW, Spike, USA, any one pick it up and use it and I can bet you will have a lot of followers. People are wanting someone to do something with this show, it was a great starter and we are all on the edge of our seats waiting for someone to do something with it.
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10/10
The Gates is a great show to watch.
BeBeDe15 August 2010
The Gates is a great adult soap style series like Desperate Housewives with a twist. If you like supernatural story lines and upscale settings in today's world then this is a great place to spend and hour enjoying a little mystery. Definitely a keeper. Too many peoples expect a big bang on the first few episodes instead of giving characters time to grow and develop relationships within the story. I can see potential for all the characters to grow and give lots of entertainment to all the fans of this genre of show. What is considered original these days? How can any show be condemned as unoriginal when television is bombarded with spin off crime dramas. I think this show has a lot of originality and hopefully will stay around for more seasons to come.
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10/10
Good combination of intrigue and Supernatural to last...
cjrmnf20 June 2010
Watching the pilot as I type. First impressions are good. Mysterious gated community. Security...seclusion...vampires.

Has decent character development and conflicts to make you want to watch the next episode and the next and the next. As long as it doesn't turn into a "monster of the week" series, I predict it will have long term success. And it doesn't hurt that it features beautiful women who aren't too overtly sexual.

It reminds you of the Best Stephen King novels and movies.

I find it intriguing even though to supernatural is overt. There seems to be a lot of potential for real dramatic development.

The "big bads" haven't even been revealed (or more than thinly eluded to) and I'm already hooked!!!
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Summer fun
Beginthebeguine20 July 2010
Vampires have always had one thing in common, from their darkest days in Romania, to the Meyers chronicles of today: They are what we fear the most--us dead. You can coat them with glitter, you can make a soap opera out of them; but in the end they are us dead. That has to be the main conflict of the story. What makes the Vampire really interesting, to me, is not the Vampire themselves; but the living humans who are forced to deal with the consequences of the living dead among them. A story line, is just a story line after all: 'A police office and his family move into a gated community where many are denizens of the supernatural world'.What the writers do with plot and conflict will make the difference of whether this show is worth the investment of your time. Here Nick, a police officer --with a past-- is conflicted to begin with. Underneith the professional exterior he is driven to make up for sins of his past. It doesn't take long before he is confronted with the fact that he murdered a suspect in cold blood, and due to this, he is forced to make an allegiance with darkness. This, so far, is the main storyline.

There are werewolves teens (for the tween crowd) and there are other fringe supernatural characters (R.H. Macy's always said you must diversify if you are going to succeed at selling anything over a long period of time) even a succubus (perhaps she can eventually find a nice incubus, settle down, and buy a house in "The Gates"). They will, no doubt, be forced to jump the shark eventually, but for now it is great fun.

It is a beautiful cast and I have yet to see an unattractive person walking the streets of "The Gates". It is the Melrose Place of the supernatural. We carry a lot of baggage with us about Vampires and their kin the Werewolves. I like The Hammer Films of the 1950-1970's. I like the Werewolves of "The Howling" or even "American Werewolf in London" best. The egocentric evil of the Vampire or the Jekyll and Hyde conflict of the Werewolf is my genre home, but it is alright to leave the safety of your home and visit someone else's imagination for a spell. In the end, "The Gates" is summer fun and has something for every generation. A distraction from the heat of this summer. I plan to enjoy it for what it is.....
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1/10
Why is TV getting worse and worse every year
smallrage128 June 2010
What is it with the vampire bandwagon that just about every TV networks are jumping on these days? Give it up all ready I'm sick and tired of watching leeches almost every day of the week while great ORIGINAL shows like Legend of the Seeker, Happy Town and some get canceled immediately after airing 4 or 5 episodes. First came reality shows then talent shows, Prime time cartoons and now the in thing to do is Vampires Bram Stoker must be rolling around in his grave right now with all the vampire crap that's on right now.

The first comment from "it's sick" hit the nail on the head with is comments when he said bad acting. He at least watched it all, I myself changed the channel after the first bite. Heed the first writers warning stop watch so that the network can put on something ORIGINAL on. I think I'll start watching reruns of Cricket matches I might start making myself like it better than the trash that's on now
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10/10
Getting better!
weileder12 July 2010
Warning: Spoilers
With the first two episodes, I thought the show was giving away too much information, too fast. Then there was a rerun, due to the fourth of July holiday. When it came back last night, with the third episode, I thought, "now it's getting good." Last nights episode had a clever plot and went off with me asking questions. (What's in the box?) That's good. Questions make me want to keep watching. I'm glad it's moving in the right direction. It's a new show and may take a little while to get it's footing. I really hope the network gives it the chance to do so. If someone only watched the first episode, and decided it wasn't worth your time, you should really go back and watch it again. If you haven't watched any of it, start. I think it's going to be a fun show to be a part of.
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1/10
What a horrible experience
its_sick24 June 2010
Originality is not a must when looking to create viewers interest. True Blood wasn't very original and yet it did a great all around job. When you don't have an original idea, everything else gets a lot harder. Without originality you do need the best actors, directors, dialog writers and even good editors. It seemed to me and to my beloved wife that "The gates" cut corners in every department. We had shivers watching badly written scenes performed by unconvincing actors, when even the lighting, music and camera angels were clichés to seal the deal. Don't watch this show if you value your free time. There are just so many better shows out there, go for one that will have at least one good thing about it. This show does not.

Itsik
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9/10
I like it!
uniquemel31 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I have read some of the other reviews about this show and felt compelled to give my opinion...

I am enjoying watching it. It may not be completely original with its format as some other people have pointed out, but then so what? with the amount of shows out there these days I imagine it is extremely difficult to come up with a completely unique and original concept.

Yes I agree Twilight has re-sparked the public interest in vampires but for me it was always Buffy and Angel that really paved the way for all the other vampire shows we have today. Also something to keep in mind is although The Gates does contain vampires it's not solely based on vampires.

I'm a little confused as to why some people are taking issue with the fact that the vampires can go out in sunlight? The explanation of them using sun cream is quite logical/believable and I find this much more acceptable than them being all sparkly like in Twilight lol

The Gates was a little slow to start with but has improved with every episode, I'm loving the tension and snide comments between the vampires and the were-people.

I am also liking Devon, it's interesting to see what evil plot she is trying to implement. And as another reviewer mentioned I'd also like to know what's in the box!

I think that you need to watch this show with an open mind and not be too quick to compare it to other shows in its genre and just enjoy it for what it is. It is worth a watch.
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10/10
I thoroughly have enjoyed this show.
mmsemer14 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I was looking forward to this TV show from when I first saw the teasers and have enjoyed it ever since. It's quirky and in a very modern setting. Not as darkly filmed as most "vampire" and horror movies are filmed. I am getting attached to the characters and the different supernatural interactions. I am looking forward to a second season. It's fun entertainment, they are people, just like you and me.

I found it amusing when Clair and Dylan decided that they had better share their personal information with their daughter Emily. Sitting around the family table for the big confession, Mom and Dad sweating (if vampires could), and just as they tell Emily they have to tell her something about themselves Emily knocks them over with her knowledge and then proceeds to ask them very intelligent questions about their past. That was my favorite scene of a "normal" family meeting. Loved it. Please let there be more of "The Gates."
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10/10
Vampire in the sun is explained just watch it!! REAL DEAL VAMPIRES, NOT LIKE TWILIGHT + other cool characters
ragingrosa17 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
1.my friend is a vampire fanatic and hates Twilight because of how they make "vampires" or cold ones look, but she loves this show 2.This show makes it seem like your neighbors could be vampires! This is the only vampire show i watch because it has so many different characters and so much crazy stuff happens. 3.I know some people stopped watching once they saw a vampire out in the sun but if they stuck around to watch the rest they would know why she was able to be out in the sun (lotion/sunscreen type of thing) and that she does get burned by the sun if she is not careful. 4.Love that they have a Succubus and it's not just WW and VAMPS. Spirit, witches, girl with no heart....ah it is rich in characters finally something that is truly different. 5. I'm going to be sad if it is canceled because it is one of the best and doesn't just focus on vampires.
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Guilty Pleasure...???
Sweetnesstoyou19 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Well if you like Vampires, Werewolves,and Drama on top of Drama.. well you will like The Gates. So I went into it with no expectations at all. many people said it was like the desperate housewives and True blood wrapped up in one. Well I HATE the desperate housewives so I was not sure what to expect from this show. The Gates is basically about Social cliques constantly at each others neck. There is a teenage drama that sometimes bore me to death. but as the season progressed. I cannot put my hand on it but it is getting really good. I have gone from a skeptic to actually liking it. it passes time when i am getting ready for bed. by no means is it a must see IMO. but good to sit and watch just for the heck of it. I would give The Gates a 7.5 but since the rating system does not go by half intervals an 8 will suffice. Now I am not sure if 2.4 million people will give this show a new season.. but it was fun while it lasted.
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1/10
Wildly unimpressed!
vmwmdm5 July 2010
This show is another in a long line of media taking advantage of the vampire craze created by Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Saga. While Twilight has satisfied it's own niche of light, early teen romances about supernatural beings, the idea of vampires and other demihumans has now become synonymous with perpetuating Joss Whedon's high school super hero take-off of a classic one-off movie from the late 80s, early 90s. Vampires have become weak with moral dilemmas about something as simple as feeding, turning into pretty heroin addict tweakers and although most are hundreds of years old, they either don't know how to properly control their hunger so their food doesn't lead to deaths and/or can't get their feelings for someone under control. Not to mention they push around humans with their powers like it somehow makes them big and tough. It always makes them feel vindicated and confident, when it should make them feel like housepets, pushing their nibblets around while fancying themselves hunters.

Vampire Diaries is, at least, based on a series of books and although I've also found that to be as weak as The Gates, at least some thought has gone into the plot. The Gates has taken factors that work for a lot of other shows, crammed them together, and made one show. When Port Charles, a short-lived daytime soap, tried to incorporate vampires and angels into their plots, it got canned really fast.

If you want to read about vampires fighting creatures of their own caliber, like elves, demons, pixies, dwarfs, dragons and more, while fending off humans that have the firepower and resources to give the vampires at least a run for their money, check out The Demihuman Archives, by Marc Mattaliano. Email me for more details.
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10/10
The Gates (2010) AWESOME!!
warreng_online25 March 2012
I missed this on TV when it originally aired and THANK GOD for Netflix, I added this to my queue and came back to it. This is one awesome little series. Forget the little bio and such about vampires, werewolves and more.

The basis of this series is of a private community suburb with secrets and once you learn of these secrets, there are more secrets to learn. I can't really compare this show to any other show. The writing is not over the top, but is top-notch the further you get into it.

DO NOT think you are going to see GREAT transformation effects. This on the other hand has some awesome dramatic story telling that once you understand the 'rules', it is VERY intriguing. You'll love certain characters and hate certain characters. But what made this series stick out was the character Leigh Turner. for some reason, when she'd look into the camera, it was like she was 'looking' at me and as if I knew here.

I eventually looked up The Gates (2010) and learned Leigh Turner was played by actress/musician Janina Gavankar. Then I looked her up and learned she was Microsoft's project: Ms. Dewey. I was so shocked and surprised, I posted it on facebook and then on twitter and within 10 minutes SHE and one of her fans FAVORITED it! It was cool, but scary at the same time. The show The Gates is awesome and I honestly and looking for more and friends are too! 10 from me and friends.
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