Every week I will be posting a new topic titled "Episode Discussion". In this we will discuss an episode, what we liked about it, what we didn't like, etc.
Episode 78 - Gold Rush
MacGyver joins a U.S.-Soviet team in Alaska trying to retrieve millions in gold from a wrecked World War II transport plane, but they're left out in the cold when they discover someone's gotten there first.
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votes from May 2006 Poor [ 0 ] [0.00%] Average [ 1 ] [7.14%] Ok [ 2 ] [14.29%] Good [ 8 ] [57.14%] Excellent [ 3 ] [21.43%] Total Votes: 14
Archived Posts Posted by: MacsChick Mar 6 2006, 12:46 PM
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I thought this episode had an interesting concept, kind of like an Indiana Jones adventure or something--missing WWII plane, a shipment of gold, intrigue, a corrupt military man, icy caves and clever booby traps left by dead men--it was pretty excellent. The guy who played the colonel did a good job. I was convinced he was a sleazeball! I also liked the MacGyverism where he rigged up that old recording to play using the Russian lady's pin, and how he blew an opening in the snow with alcohol! That was pretty cool!
One thing I didn't like, though...the relationship between MacGyver and the Russian woman didn't seem well-developed to me. I didn't think they had much chemistry, either. Still, he looks sweet when he's about to kiss her at the end, so that redeems it a little for me! His line about "learning" his "Russian" was cute, too, as well as his disappointed reaction when Pete comes in--great timing! That was a nice way to end that episode.
Posted by: rockatteer Mar 6 2006, 12:49 PM
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QUOTE One thing I didn't like, though...the relationship between MacGyver and the Russian woman didn't seem well-developed to me. I didn't think they had much chemistry, either
I kinda thought that was how it was ment to feel after MacGyvers reaction when he first saw her.
Posted by: MacsChick Mar 6 2006, 01:01 PM
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Well, I know they had a falling out over an assignment and weren't too fond of each other for awhile, but I think it was something different that bothered me. They just didn't seem "right" for each other, even after they got along. I don't know...I'm not sure what it is...
Posted by: MacGyver Mar 6 2006, 03:09 PM
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"Gold Rush" is a great episode! Definitely a great break for the people that felt some of the last few episodes didn't have enough action- though I really liked all of them. Anyway, the MacGyverisms are definitely great- especially MacGyver hooking up the Victrola and making another explosion (note- no one got killed or even hurt! ) And there were some sorta Indiana Jones elements to it- which is cool because I love Indy too- but not so much that it was copying it or anything. Very fun episode and I love the whole race between USA and USSR too- that was definitely very 1988! And Pete's bit at the end was great too. "Am I interrupting something?"
Posted by: Lothithil Mar 7 2006, 02:39 AM
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Excellent episode! Maybe because this was one that they never aired and I had to wait so long to see it, but I really enjoyed this one. The dialogue in this one makes me happy:
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QUOTE "I think you shouldn't go all 'Russian' on me just yet." "What do you mean, 'Russian'?... Oh, THAT Russian!"
And 'working on my Russian' takes on a whole new meaning when Mac says it!
MacGyverGod Posted on Mar 11 2006, 04:23 AM Quote Post
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I voted good on this one, though this was an episode I didn't really liked at first either but after watching a few times... an Indiana Jones style episode set in Alaska was cool, the whole plane thing, it was cool. I like stuff that happened in WWII and that forty-five years later is dug up again for another adventure. This is great. Great episode.
MACGYVERISMYDAD Posted on Mar 11 2006, 08:25 AM Quote Post
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Excellant ep very interesting when they are tyring to locate the old plane that has buried ever since it was shot down. i am very interested in finding things like that that noone touched for years!! nice booby traps in the caves and smart thinking by the downed pilots,they knew he would be back to steal the gold. good scene at the end when they slide out the cave on the door with the gold very indian jonesish. i agree macschick that russian girl and mac just didnt seem like they would make a good couple. plus i dont think she was all that pretty looking. nice and funny scene with pete "am i interupting?"
MacsChick Posted on Mar 11 2006, 04:14 PM Quote Post
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Maybe that was it--her appearance. I was reluctant to say anything about that, though, because it seems so superficial. But, yeah, the whole chemistry thing between them bothered me.
Sjaop Posted on Mar 17 2006, 09:56 PM Quote Post
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I agree MacsChick! There was something about her that made the hair in the back of my neck stand on end. She was too fony for me. (do you spell it like that?) The plot was okay, but I got the feeling the episode was too short. The storyline was okay, but to me everything followed one another too quickly.
I like Indy-like adventures, so this one I rated good, if it hadn't been for that fake Natalia and the plot that was unraffled too fast.
Toni Posted on Mar 18 2006, 05:25 AM Quote Post
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I agree with you Sjaop,
I did like this episode but it did seem to short for me too. I think they could have got more out of it with the traps etc.
And I didnt think the Fake russian and Mac had any chemistry. Now if it was Mac and Me however...
MacsChick Posted on Mar 18 2006, 03:32 PM Quote Post
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Plus, you know, the Russian babe's acting was pretty flat, which didn't help matters. How could she not be happy with this wonderful man? I know I would be!
rockatteer Posted on Mar 18 2006, 03:42 PM Quote Post
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QUOTE How could she not be happy with this wonderful man?
HE's the one who runs from relationships not the women.
Doesn't seem to matter how happy the women is... MacGyver gets a sniff of commitment and he's outta there!
MacsChick Posted on Mar 19 2006, 12:28 PM Quote Post
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Well, what I actually meant by that is that she's too snooty around him, too cold or something. I know MacGyver holds a grudge against her, but even after they resolve their differences, she still doesn't seem too enthusiastic about him. I don't know--it just didn't seem credible to me that they ever even had a relationship, commitment phobia or not.
Sjaop Posted on Mar 20 2006, 07:30 AM Quote Post
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I loved the part when Pete comes in, totally unaware of what was about to happen. Even when Mac says "Great timing Pete!" And Pete answersr: "Yeah, got in just before the storm" and he still hasn't got a clue. He's so sweet!
thlayli87 Posted on May 6 2006, 06:16 AM
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Good episode.
The guy who gets the pickaxe in the chest, was that the same actor that played Starkos in GX-1?
I like the way Pete is oblivious that he is interrupting at the end.
I didn't like how easy it was for Mac and the girl to get the gold platform moving. That would have been so heavy I don't think 2 people could have even budged it, much less get it sliding with ease.
I must say, I just love the comments about Russians in this episode. I just saw it for the first time last night. What Natalia and Mac say is so totally true. That all-or-nothing streak is so hard to fight sometimes. When I got to college, the concept of partial credit took a while to sink in.
The hubby (Midwestern boy) always has the same fight with me: if I start some project and it doesn't go just the way I want it, I would sooner abandon it and start over than try to fix it and finish it in some other shape than the original thought. All or nothing, right?
About other things, pretty much everyone I knew back home had written poetry or songs at some point. We are hopelessly romantic and idealistic, even though we, Russians, work hard on hiding that behind large amounts of ICBMs. Ha-ha. Well, would you want to show your soft underbelly for the whole world to see?
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I could never understand why this episode - one of the "Lost" ones - eps that were never shown on TV - because they were too politically sensitive at the time. With all the garbage being shown today - political and otherwise, the story here would not even raise an eyebrow. Was this Paramount's idea? Hey guys... get a life! Anyway, I'm glad it was included on the DVDs - the other 3 as well.
It's a good adventure. It's very different - maybe it's because the political component - the American is the bad guy and the Russians are the good guys (Jack O'Neill would grind his teeth). But... hey, with all that gold - to have waited for all those years - eating yourself up inside - not knowing if you'd ever find it - this Colonel would have done (and did) anything to get it. He is one bad, nasty dude. With that great a temptation - either side might have turned. Unfortunately it was the American. I love the fact that it was an outdoor show - snowing and the elements were involved. Somehow, Mac is at his best when the weather is at it's worst. I didn't particularly like Natalie - or the actress who played her... she was kind of a "Cold Fish" - she didn't really seem interested in Mac except that he shouldn't be angry at her for the "Incident in Helsinki" and that he would help her find the the gold - to use for her purposes. As far as a potential romantic involvement... "Not going to happen..."
But I love the ending when Pete arrives and interrupts: Mac: "...That's OK Pete - I was just working on my Russian. But I think the lesson is over..." Natalie: "... Only for now..." (wishful thinking on her part)
That which has been established will endure even with time and at a distance.
I can't tell you anything about what happens after the cameras go off, mostly because I'm usually unconscious by then.
I could never understand why this episode - one of the "Lost" ones - eps that were never shown on TV - because they were too politically sensitive at the time. With all the garbage being shown today - political and otherwise, the story here would not even raise an eyebrow.
You can't compare todays attitudes with those of the 80's.
It's completely out of context. The world has changed so much since then. things which where sensitive at that time will naturally become less sensitive over time as issues get resolved and priorities and understandings change.
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I'm confused about the "lost episode" aspect -- Rocky, you show an air date of 27 March 1989 for "Gold Rush". Did it air at all? Did it air once and then get dropped from the re-runs?
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It certainly aired at least once in it's original air date. But as for any other airings after that I'm not sure.
I know for certain it aired here in NZ, because I can remember watching it.. well part of it anyway.. I remember passing comment about thinking the snow-cat was kewl.
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When the episodes aired a couple of years ago here in the US, on SpikeTV and um, that other channel that I can't remember the name of, they did not air 'Gold Rush' and 'The Madonna'. There were several that were simply not included in the playlist, and those that were played we subjected to some serious shaving to fit it into the timeslots.
I remember how excited I was when I finally got Season 4 and 5 and could watch these episodes at last!
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Old troubleshooters never die... They just wait til the last moment and then rescue themselves!
It's an okay episode. Not among my favorites. I know this sounds like a very odd complaint to have, but I found the background music distracting in this episode-- there's too much of it. The ending with the traps in the cave was clearly a ripoff of "Last Crusade," but it was fun, so who cares?
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I've been away for awhile - taking care of my sister who had surgery. Sorry not to have replied... wow - this was 2 years ago. I never thought my rant would get any response. Please bring me up to date on what is the confusing part, so that I can clarify my position.
That which has been established will endure even with time and at a distance.
I can't tell you anything about what happens after the cameras go off, mostly because I'm usually unconscious by then.
I've been away for awhile - taking care of my sister who had surgery. Sorry not to have replied... wow - this was 2 years ago. I never thought my rant would get any response. Please bring me up to date on what is the confusing part, so that I can clarify my position.
I think the question is why your referring to it as a lost episode.
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This is in my top five or so favorite episodes. Everything about it is just awesome in my opinion, even the questionable chemistry you guys refer to, it only adds to the campy vibe and fun. It is very Indiana Jones-ish and that's a good thing, something we should have seen more often.
I hadn't seen MacGyver since the series ended until the dvd sets came out, and over the years *this* was the episode I always pictured in my mind. I believe I only saw it once, sitting on the floor at my best friends house in front of their big, grampa & gramma-looking console tv, eating cookies if I remember right. I had a smile on my face the day I popped it into the dvd player and sat down to watch again, and was more excited over it than many movies I've gone to see. In fact it's BETTER than alot of movies.
I like the line where a disgruntled Colonel tells Mac that he would rather give the gold to "Afghan freedom fighters". Oh my, how the world changes. Basically he's saying he wants to fund Bin Laden, for those who don't follow that stuff.
And snow cats! Snow cats are so cool! I don't knew how much these things cost, but I'd like to look into getting one when I have my own house & land someday (so I have a place to store it). I'd even have a nice PHOENIX sticker made to slap on there.
What else can I say, it was just a perfect ep. Oh, and it has snow, which gives it sorta a Christmas-y feel, which is good. Two thumbs up and four stars!
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It would be nice if they could actually find some better footage of an avalanche! It was so obviously fake and looked like it was filmed in the 60's! Look identical to the same footage we saw in another episode...the one where Mac gets trapped under the ice with his ski poles.
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As usual, another great interview! Pity he never wrote more episodes. I suspect, had he did, we might have found more episodes close to an historic nature.
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Years ago, when I was in Moscow, I was lucky enough to obtain a little Misha pin - it is a collectors item, though I paid only a handful of rubles for it. Misha the bear was the mascot for the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow.
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Wow, nice. Never made any connection, thought it was just a random name.
I think the poison that was used was applied to this knife, passed to the mutton when it was cut and then activated by the wine. - MacGyver. Sometimes you just have to die a little inside to be reborn and rise again as a stronger and wiser version of you. It's better to be a little sad than to be fake content.
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Just did a quick search on eBay and it appears there are quite a few versions of this pin. The one that looks the closest to Natalia's is the one with the Olympic rings the same color as the pin itself. The hinged post on the back in the same location as that seen on "Gold Rush". I'll be buying one and adding it to my "MacGYVER" prop collection.
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