Printable Version of Topic Click here to view this topic in its original format

MacGyver Online Forums > Episodes > 090 - Children of Light

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 21 November 2006 - 12:45 AM

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 090 - Children of Light A Chinese student with a video tape of the Tiananmen Square uprising desperately needs MacGyver’s help to expose the atrocities of her government to the world. (Note: The Chinese government protested when a Vancouver building was made into the episode's Chinese consulate.)

Posted by: MacGirl 4 December 2007 - 05:53 PM

Since no one else has started this topic, I thought I'd go for it. Loved this eppy! It's one of my all-time favorites. I really liked Mei Jan; she's got to be one of my favorite female characters. She's smart and knows how to take care of herself, and she's so wonderfully idealistic. She's seen something horrible, but believes that the truth can come out and that the country she loves so much can change for the better. The scene where she's still pretending to be her late friend when Mac and Pete confront her is great. It's obvious pretty early on that she's hiding something... but it turns out to be the last thing you expect. I also like the storyline involving the videotape. It was a "maybe this is how the story got out" kind of thing. Who knows? It's plausible! I liked the whole escape sequence, especially the scene where Mac throws the bad guy's gun into the soup pot. And the special of the day is... Of course, loved the scene on the roof of the Chinese embassy, and their getaway. That was just too cool!

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 30 March 2008 - 03:54 PM

I watched this one again last night. I really enjoy the "homely" feel of this episode. Lots of houseboat shots (love the houseboat). It was kewl to see Mac and Pete just kinda hanging out and mucking around with Pete's alarm clock. It really gives a sense of how deep their friendship runs and reminds me of stuff I use to do with friends when we lived in the same town. I have particularly fond memories of us pulling a computer monitor apart one afternoon to try and stop the high pitch squeal it was emitting. I think thats one of the great things about MacGyver, it takes you back to a better time, and in spite of the content that this episode works around, for me, it's still one of those "http://www.macgyveronline.com/blog/?p=9" episodes.

Posted by: MacsChick 30 March 2008 - 07:04 PM

That scene always reminds me of what my brother used to do, taking things apart, examining them. Yeah, that episode reminds me of better times, too, although what was going on in China wasn't that great, as illustrated in the story and in the headlines of the time.

Posted by: Liz1976 5 June 2008 - 11:12 AM

We also learn here that while Mac was never married, that he had sponsored a Chinese foster child, named Sue-Ling. He had sent letters and financial support for many years (I don't remember if the episode tells how many). What matters is that this fact shows another insight into Mac's life- further proof that he cares deeply about kids, and is willing to give of himself. Mac had been Sue-Ling's inspiration the episode tells us, the desire for freedom of mind and spirit- came from Mac. Sue Ling lost her life in pursuit of that freedom, which makes the cause that Mei Jan was fighting for even more personal for Mac. Great episode!

Posted by: elavia 5 April 2009 - 08:38 AM

Good episode. The escape from embassy on the end is similar to escape in "Prodigal" but most realistic: no telescope cannon making. Very goog idea to use coaxil cable. It seems that dont use a doble for that scene. (Sorry for my awful english).

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 5 April 2009 - 03:17 PM

Good point about the stunt double. I hadn't really thought about it before.. but that does look awfully like RDA doesn't it. I guess it's only really a flying fox they where on, so not really any more dangerous than hanging off the side of a swing bridge.

Posted by: MacsChick 5 April 2009 - 04:06 PM

Or flying down a zipline (a stunt RDA loves to do a lot). The stunt setup in this episode is similar to a zipline, so maybe he did it.

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 3 June 2009 - 09:07 PM

Today marks the anniversary of the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiananmen_Square_protests_of_1989 which form the central plot device of this particular episode. Interesting to note that this episode was aired only 5 months after the protests happened, which I'm sure would have added to the controversy of the episode.

Posted by: MacsChick 4 June 2009 - 04:36 PM

It's interesting to revisit this episode now after so many years have passed. It appears China is still suppressing their media and Internet in terms of any mention of this anniversary.

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 4 June 2009 - 05:11 PM

Yeah I saw on the news last night how they wouldn't allow reporters to film around the square at the moment. They're even blocking access to any internet site which mentions it, so all the news, blogging sites etc are currently blocked in China. Whats the bet this site is blocked as well.

Posted by: Liz1976 5 June 2009 - 11:45 AM

That's a safe bet.

Posted by: MacGyverGod 5 June 2009 - 02:28 PM

Yesterday, I heard it's been twenty years since the Tienamen Square massacre. It happened from the night of 3rd and 4th of June 1989. This might be interesting for our time frame. I heard people still are in jail for that. Thoughts, comments?

Posted by: Beachbead 5 June 2009 - 02:50 PM

i do think this act of killing could of been proveted by just talking.

Posted by: MacGirl 2 June 2012 - 06:00 PM

Just saw this again, and noticed something interesting. In the scene with the escape from the consulate roof, Pete arrives with the students, then goes to see what Mac is doing. He sees him on the roof, and when Mac tosses him the cable and tells him to tie it to his bumper and take up the slack, it seems that Pete knows exactly what Mac is up to. He even calls, "Come ahead!" when the cable is good and taut. He also doesn't seem particularly surprised when Mac and Mei Jan come zipping down the line. Finally, I find it very interesting that Pete would know, or would at least have a pretty good idea, of where Mac would be when he arrived, especially considering that this was before cell phones were in widespread use, and Mac wouldn't have had any way of letting him know what was happening. By this time in the series, it seems like Pete has finally started to figure out how Mac's mind works. I suppose the students could also have clued him in that that would be the only way to escape, but still...

Posted by: Hannibal_Smith 10 June 2013 - 11:03 PM

Good one. I just assumed he showed up not knowing what would happen but figuring that whatever it was, he'd be on the scene to help when it did. It's a nice touch to figure that after ten years, they're starting to really be on the same wavelength. Here's another one: the scene where he sneaks into the Chinese consulate and promptly gets caught. I used to think it was just an instance of "*censored* happens." Watching it again the other day it occurred to me that he was probably trying to get caught. It's a strange building, he's on the clock - what faster way to find Mei Jan than to get caught so they'd lock him up too, and then break out together?

Posted by: Daisy8577 11 June 2013 - 05:44 AM

I find it interesting that after all these years the Chinese government still won't own what happened. Maybe talking first would have worked but doubtful. Remember those who do not read history are doomed to repeat it.

Posted by: MacGirl 12 August 2013 - 08:58 AM

QUOTE (Hannibal_Smith @ 11 June 2013 - 07:03 PM) Here's another one: the scene where he sneaks into the Chinese consulate and promptly gets caught. I used to think it was just an instance of "*censored* happens." Watching it again the other day it occurred to me that he was probably trying to get caught. It's a strange building, he's on the clock - what faster way to find Mei Jan than to get caught so they'd lock him up too, and then break out together? That is indeed a possibility. Then again, how would he know he's entering an office? But I suppose it's more likely that an occupied office would have an open window.

Posted by: MacGyverGod 12 August 2013 - 10:18 AM

I don't think Mac was trying to get caught. Mac usually wants to go in and get out before they would even know he was there. You can clearly see it in his reaction when he's suddenly a room full of bad guys. Or else he wouldn't have asked if he missed a camera.

Posted by: MiracleMac 20 May 2015 - 10:31 PM

From many episodes I have flashbacks what happened in them, Because I've watched them so many times again, again, but somehow this episode was faded in my mind, so it was like watching new episode what haven't ever seen. But of course I remebered the end escape scene. This was excellent.

Posted by: uniquelyjas 26 May 2017 - 05:28 AM

QUOTE (MacGyverOnline @ 30 March 2008 - 03:54 PM) I think thats one of the great things about MacGyver, it takes you back to a better time, . Absolutely!! Other little things I liked about this episode: How Mac grieves Sue-Ling even though he hasn't seen/heard from her in so long...when he's giving Pete the ice pack, Mac pats him on the head like a child or puppy...when the bad guys at the embassy open the door to put him in the room with Mei Jan he says "thank you"!

Posted by: MacGyverGod 26 May 2017 - 06:38 AM

The scene where Mac and Pete confronts Mei-Jan and she shows the video is quite powerful.

Posted by: MiracleMac 26 May 2017 - 12:16 PM

rare behind the scenes photo

Posted by: MacGyverGod 26 May 2017 - 03:07 PM

That is so cool.

Posted by: denizen 28 May 2017 - 08:01 PM

Great pic, MiracleMac

Posted by: zoeryan 28 October 2018 - 02:05 AM

Cool photo! Is that guy in the purple sweater another Mac stunt double?

Posted by: Jediferret 28 October 2018 - 04:46 PM

Dana Elcar seems like he had a great sense of humor. XD The guy in purple seems like he's part of the crew. Could be a stunt double though.

Posted by: Hannibal_Smith 4 June 2019 - 05:59 PM

And today is the thirtieth anniversary of the Tienanmen Square massacre. In its honor, check out this one photo: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/585c5b5a9de4bb6fe48becb4/t/5860b49ae4fcb5ea1255e5ac/1482732699972/blog.supplysideliberal.com+tumblr_inline_mylg7yMpEc1r57lmx.png?fbclid=IwAR0rZcncrBuUCIDYkPx2i4Mo8eLcppLqTYVb7ft5ISXbLb17Ve8Xn_6oteo. Everyone knows the picture of the guy in front of the tank. This is the same picture... zoomed way out to reveal just *how* awesome he was.

Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)