That was the best thing about the insane episode 1.5 of the insano Watchmen on Sunday—"Some Enchanted Evening"—sung first by Sinatra at the beginning of the episode and at the end by some group unknown to me. But my favorite rendition of the song that Ezio Pinza first sang in Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific all those years ago has always been this one by Jay and the Americans.
As to the tale in this episode, we get the back-story of Looking Glass, who's traumatized as a teenaged boy in Hoboken. Yeah, I know, Hoboken, NJ can be frightening in our reality, but not that bad. In the alternate reality that is Watchmen, Hoboken and nearby NYC are attacked by a squid that kills countless people. Those squids, again, prompting the FBI guy years later to talk about a squid pro quo, giving this episode an odd resonance to our own political situation (I was tempted to use that as the title).
I just want to take a moment here to say that I still have almost no idea what's going on with Adrian Veidt, which is one of the reasons I said I liked "Some Enchanted Evening" the best on Sunday night. I can only hope that he'll escape from his prison before this first season (I don't know, has it been renewed?) ends, and proceed to Tulsa or some place pertinent to the main story, which would give all these scenes of his trying to escape and failing at least some modicum of relevance.
I liked the Jay and the Americans' version the best because of the harmony. I used to sing the song with my folk rock group, The New Outlook, in the Alcove at CCNY when we were still more of a doo-wop than a folk-rock group. The Alcove was indoors, and we sang there rather than outside because we were worried about raining squids—no, only kidding, we liked the acoustics.
Anyhoo, see you here next week, when we'll learn the fate of Looking Glass, I hope.
In the meantime, one more thing: Don Frankel, in a group called Sundial Symphony with Robbie Rist which has recorded some of my songs on Big Stir Records—like "Looking for Sunsets (In the Early Morning)"—always sounded a lot like Jay.
About the Creator
Paul Levinson
Novels The Silk Code, The Plot To Save Socrates, It's Real Life: An Alternate History of The Beatles; LPs Twice Upon A Rhyme & Welcome Up; nonfiction The Soft Edge & Digital McLuhan, translated into 15 languages. Prof, Fordham Univ.
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Review of 'Watchmen' 1.3
Watchmen checked in with a clarifying, excellent episode 1.3 this week, introducing Jean Smart as FBI honcho and super good-guy killer Laurie Blake, and giving us a nice extended rendition of Desmond Dekker's "Israelites," one of my many all-time favorite songs (in fact, I'm listening to it on YouTube right now).
By Paul Levinson6 years ago in Geeks
No Other Choice (2025)
It is only February, so other films may well surpass “No Other Choice”, but I think this is the best film I’ve seen so far this year. And that surprises me, because, it is a subtitled film and while I am pretentious enough to choose to watch foreign-language films, I was also very tired and that was an extra commitment from me. But more importantly, let me warn you, this film is gruesome and violent. There were times I had to turn away from the screen to avoid the worst of it (including some self-inflicted dentistry).
By Rachel Robbinsa day ago in Geeks
Steven Spielberg, Dawson Leery’s Idol, Donates $25,000 to James Van Der Beek Fundraiser
When Steven Spielberg quietly donated $25,000 to a charity fundraiser organized by James Van Der Beek, it became more than just a generous financial gesture. For fans of the television series Dawson’s Creek, the moment carried symbolic weight: Spielberg was the lifelong hero of Dawson Leery, the aspiring filmmaker Van Der Beek portrayed so memorably for six seasons. The fundraiser was launched to support a children’s mental health and cancer research initiative, causes that Van Der Beek has actively promoted following personal family struggles and his broader advocacy for health awareness. Spielberg’s donation was revealed by organizers as one of the largest individual contributions, instantly drawing attention from both Hollywood insiders and longtime fans of the actor’s work. For Van Der Beek, the donation felt deeply personal. During Dawson’s Creek, his character frequently referenced Spielberg as the ultimate inspiration, modeling his dreams of filmmaking on the legendary director’s career. Dawson Leery’s bedroom walls were famously lined with movie posters, and his dialogue often echoed Spielberg’s influence on American cinema. Seeing that influence come full circle in real life added an emotional dimension to what might otherwise have been a routine charity contribution. In a brief statement shared by the fundraiser’s organizers, Van Der Beek expressed gratitude for the unexpected support. He described Spielberg’s contribution as “an incredible honor” and said it represented “a moment where fiction and real life beautifully intersect.” While Spielberg has not made extensive public comments about the donation, sources close to the campaign noted that he was aware of the cultural connection and appreciated the symbolic resonance. The fundraiser itself was created to raise money for pediatric care programs and research into childhood illnesses. Van Der Beek has used his public platform to draw attention to the emotional toll families face when navigating serious health challenges. By inviting fans and colleagues to contribute, he hoped to turn personal hardship into collective action. Spielberg’s donation also highlights a long tradition of philanthropy in his career. Beyond filmmaking, he has supported education, historical preservation, and medical research for decades. His involvement in this campaign reflects a broader Hollywood trend in which established figures lend their influence and resources to initiatives championed by younger or mid-career actors. The story resonated strongly online, with fans of Dawson’s Creek sharing clips and quotes from the show that referenced Spielberg. Many noted how Dawson Leery once dreamed of meeting his idol, and now, years later, that idol had stepped forward to support the actor who brought him to life. Social media reactions described the moment as “full circle” and “unexpectedly moving,” blending pop culture nostalgia with real-world generosity. Media analysts say such moments demonstrate the enduring cultural impact of television storytelling. A fictional character’s admiration for a real director created a narrative thread that continued long after the show ended. Spielberg’s donation did not just support a cause—it revived a shared memory for an entire generation that grew up watching Dawson chase his filmmaking dreams. The donation has also boosted the fundraiser’s visibility. Within hours of the announcement, contributions reportedly increased, as fans were encouraged by Spielberg’s endorsement of the campaign. Organizers noted that celebrity involvement often acts as a catalyst, transforming modest fundraising efforts into national conversations. For Van Der Beek, the gesture reaffirmed the idea that entertainment can inspire meaningful connections beyond the screen. He has spoken in interviews about how portraying Dawson Leery shaped his own understanding of ambition and vulnerability. Receiving support from the very person his character idolized seemed to blur the boundary between role and reality. While $25,000 is only a fraction of Spielberg’s vast wealth, its impact lies in symbolism as much as in funding. It underscores how figures from different eras of Hollywood can unite around shared values of compassion and responsibility. In an industry often criticized for excess, moments of genuine generosity can reshape public perception. Ultimately, the donation stands as a reminder that stories do not end when the credits roll. The fictional admiration of Dawson Leery for Steven Spielberg has evolved into a real-world act of kindness—one that benefits children in need and connects two generations of entertainment history. What began as a character’s dream has become a tangible expression of solidarity, proving that inspiration, when carried forward, can result in meaningful action.
By Fiaz Ahmed about 4 hours ago in Geeks
The Saddest Thing - The Billionaires Who Rule America Aren't Even Enjoying Themselves
This single post says more about our ruling class than a thousand policy papers. The saddest thing about today's system is that the men robbing the rest of us - sabotaging our economic prospects, our pensions, our access to affordable healthcare - are not even happy.
By Scott Christenson🌴7 days ago in The Swamp
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