So, as of the creation of this thread, I've been spending so much time at this board lately, and I have also been binge-watching one of my favorite cartoons from my childhood, the 1980s Saturday morning series Dungeons & Dragons (incidentally, I've never played the famous role-playing game, I'm only familiar with the mostly-unrelated cartoon).

For those unfamiliar with the show, 6 youngsters from our world take an innocent ride on a Dungeons & Dragons ride at an amusement park, but when inside, they get transported to the realm of Dungeons & Dragons and are each assigned a role and a magical weapon by the Dungeon Master. They then embark on adventures (or are sent on quests/assignments from Dungeon Master), all the while hoping to find a way back home.

So I wondered what would happen if we combined Eastland with "The Realm" (said like "The Group" :lol: ) and cast "Facts" characters in the D&D roles?

For characters in "Basements & Bongs", lol, there are several options. Here are some that I've considered:

Dungeon Master could be played by Mrs. Garrett; or perhaps she would be "Dungeon Mistress". :lol: Wise, seemingly all-knowing, guide and counselor...and older and shorter as well, lol.

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Hank the "Ranger" could be played by mature Jo; level-headed, responsible, taking initiative, watching out for those around her. Her weapon is the ranger's energy bow, lol.

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Diana the "Acrobat" I could see being played by any of these three gals. Kimberly is assertive, outspoken, athletic (in her dancing), and adventurous. But Cindy is a tomboy, restless, very athletic, unafraid to take on an opponent, and agile in gymnastics (which is a great strength of Diana's). And then there is Sue Ann, full of energy and endurance, high-spirited, a cheering support for her gang (and I liked that I was able to find pics of Kimberly and Sue Ann that kind of go with Diana's acrobat outfit, lol). Whoever would play Diana would get the acrobat's bo staff (for some reason always referred to as "javelin" in the series), which can expand from a few inches to 6 feet at will.

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Eric, the "Cavalier" and the breakout star of the series, could be wonderfully played by Blair, who became the breakout star in the first season. Eric is cowardly and complaining and uncomfortable in The Realm, very much masking his heart of gold, and Blair can be self-involved and spoiled and petty, masking her heart of gold, lol. Her weapon is the cavalier's shield which she can cower behind, lol.

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Presto the "Magician", could be played by Molly. Presto (real name: Albert) is auburn-haired and a nerdy guy who's into magic, and Molly is auburn-haired and into nerdy things like ham radios, photography, and her small-scale guitar. Her weapon is the magician's or wizard's hat which can conjure up anything (if used with just the right spells/incantations).

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Sheila the "Thief", could easily be played by Nancy. Sheila is sweet and tender, and her weapon, the thief's cloak of invisibility, allows her to become invisible living wallpaper, and Nancy can be sweet and tender, and she is invisible living wallpaper! Even part of her wardrobe is already akin to Sheila's look!

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Bobby the "Barbarian" could be played by season 2 Jo. As a young boy Bobby is aggressive and easily gets angered, and young Jo is certainly aggressive and easily gets angered! You can just imagine what a weapon the Barbarian's club would be in her hands!

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Venger, "the force of evil" in The Realm, the vile one-horned being against our girls and their guide, could beautifully be portrayed by headmaster Harold J. Crocker, a.k.a. "The Croc/The Crock", lol.

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Venger has a servant, Shadow Demon, who serves him in his schemes and spies all over The Realm for him. No offense Miss Mahoney, but as someone under the headmaster's authority and part of his establishment, you could fulfill this role in the series, lol.

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Haha!

This is pretty zany!

I will say that Eric and Blair both have a lot in common: they love themselves! Diana and Cindy are both able to perform flips, so that is a good match. I could also see Sheila and Nancy. The Crock is cruel and an authoritarian; he could fit the Venger role surprisingly well.

Some of the other character crossovers seem like a bit of a stretch.

Haha!

This is pretty zany!

I will say that Eric and Blair both have a lot in common: they love themselves! Diana and Cindy are both able to perform flips, so that is a good match. I could also see Sheila and Nancy.

This has been fun to explore, lol.

Another thing Kimberly shares with Diana, they're both quick to constantly knock a boy peer down a peg or two! I think if the three of these girls auditioned, Kimberly and Cindy would have a stronger shot than Sue Ann, and yes, naturally Cindy's gymnastic prowess would really give her an edge!


Some of the other character crossovers seem like a bit of a stretch.

Really? I think Natalie and Tootie would really be stretches, lol. At first I thought of Molly as Sheila since her hairstyle and color is the closest to hers, lol, and I could sort of see her doing that character, but then I thought how "invisible" Nancy is, and I couldn't resist, lol...you used the "nerdy" word recently in a post about Molly, and she and Presto have their propensity for their respective hobbies in common (and poor Molly's wardrobe doesn't help her "with it" factor any, lol). Oh well, it's still been fun trying to merge Eastland with "The Realm", lol.

Look out! It's Venger and Shadow Demon flying in the skies over Eastland! lol


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Okay, that expression on Miss Shadow Demon's face is priceless...

Yes, Presto and Molly are nerds, but is there anything else connecting them?

Okay, that expression on Miss Shadow Demon's face is priceless...

Yes, Presto and Molly are nerds, but is there anything else connecting them?


Yup...their auburn hair. :lol: ...but really, I just figured Molly would be the closest to him I could get. You could use Natalie if you wanted, but then that would make Presto and his hat more "clownish", almost like a one-girl stand-up act.

Look out! It's...

TIAMAT!

At least, my version of her, anyway. ;)

(for those unaware, Tiamat is a 5-headed dragon, the most dangerous and appaling dragon in "The Realm"---and the only thing Venger fears!)

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Ahahahaha!

I LOVE that the center head is NBC executive Warren Littlefield. Well done!

Looks like... Kelly, Boots, Alexandra.... who is that last head on the right?

Yup...their auburn hair. :lol: ...but really, I just figured Molly would be the closest to him I could get.

I see the connection, and I approve!

Ahahahaha!

I LOVE that the center head is NBC executive Warren Littlefield. Well done!

:thanks:

Yup, that center head of all those "10, 12 heads", eh? ;)

And that photo of him is taken straight from the "Facts" documentary he was in! So his mouth is open right there talking about the show. :lol:


Looks like... Kelly, Boots, Alexandra.... who is that last head on the right?

Oh no, I like Boots, I wouldn't make her a dragon, haha...you're right that's Kelly, and then it's Dina Don't-Cry-About-Your-Tooth-To-Me Becker, and yes, Alexandra, and then Jo's Bronx pal Jesse (both disagreeable girls Becker and Jesse from "New York, New York", lol).

Diana and Cindy are both able to perform flips, so that is a good match.

But that schoolbus-built farm girl Sue Ann is no "match" for Cindy when she extends her gymnastic acrobat staff! That girl means action! ;)

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Nice work with Diana's acrobatic staff, '80s! Hahahaha! :lol:

:D

I don't know how many other people here would "appreciate that", not because I am any sort of "superb artist only understood by the elite", but just because I know you are a big fan of the D&D 'toon, as am I (who knows, we may be the only two here!). So I knew if anyone would hopefully get a good laugh out of it, you would, lol...I'm glad you did! And it's such fun to do stuff like this, and it comes in really handy that Diana's staff is a simple shape to replicate! lol

I can just hear Blair there: "Sue Ann, be careful! It's a magical staff from Dungeon Master!" :lol:

(I wonder if our buddy Lorimar is a D&D fan as well?)

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Hahahahaha!

Not only did you capture Blair/Eric perfectly, I love the Sheila/Nancy touch!

:lol::lol::lol:

I know you are a big fan of the D&D 'toon, as am I (who knows, we may be the only two here!

It's so odd that you and I have the same taste in so many TV shows and movies: not just FOL, but oddly enough Return to Oz, The Dark Crystal, the Dungeons and Dragons cartoon... some of this may be explained by our shared love of '80s nostalgia, and the fact that we grew up in an era with a limited number of media companies (three major networks, five major Hollywood studios), but still...

We even like many of the same FOL characters, and dislike many of the same ones. Not identical picks, of course, but similar tastes.

You, sir, just have very fine taste! :wave:

Hahahahaha!

Not only did you capture Blair/Eric perfectly,

One might say, "Blairic"? :lol: What's funny is that I already had this screencap in the Season 1 props/sets/decor thread; I just happened to see it while looking for something else, and I thought "Hey wait a minute, if we put a shield there..." lol


I love the Sheila/Nancy touch!

lol, that was an actual last-minute add-in! I was getting ready to post Blairic when I glanced at Wallpaper Nancy and thought, "Oo, hang on...I feel a magical cloak coming on!" :lol:

One might say, "Blairic"? :lol:

Haha! That's perfect! :lol:


lol, that was an actual last-minute add-in! I was getting ready to post Blairic when I glanced at Wallpaper Nancy and thought, "Oo, hang on...I feel a magical cloak coming on!" :lol:

Came out great!

Oh, I missed this post...I must have been replying at the same time you were :lol:

It's so odd that you and I have the same taste in so many TV shows and movies: not just FOL, but oddly enough Return to Oz, The Dark Crystal, the Dungeons and Dragons cartoon... some of this may be explained by our shared love of '80s nostalgia, and the fact that we grew up in an era with a limited number of media companies (three major networks, five major Hollywood studios), but still...

Yeah, and growing up without cable, too! Talk about your limited media! :lol:


We even like many of the same FOL characters, and dislike many of the same ones. Not identical picks, of course, but similar tastes.

You, sir, just have very fine taste! :wave:

As Dungeon Master might say, "You are correct, Viewer. But it takes one with very fine taste to sense the same in another." (and then he disappears, and Eric gets all cranky, haha)

So, do you have any favorite D&D characters or episodes?? Do tell! :talk:

So, do you have any favorite D&D characters or episodes?? Do tell! :talk:

"Citadel of Shadow", the one with Venger's sister, is one I still vividly remember from my childhood, although there are others.

One of my favorites is "Requiem", the never-finished episode which was purchased but never produced. The script is available online, if you haven't seen it yet.

What about you?

So you remember CoS, but is it one of your favorite episodes? And not counting "Requiem", what about actual episodes, do you have any favorites? (and yes I've "heard" R, as one of the bonus features on the box set I'm sure you have)

What about characters? Any favorites there?

(I'll wait and share once I glean the "facts" from you, lol)

Cindy definitely looking athletic!

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So you remember CoS, but is it one of your favorite episodes? And not counting "Requiem", what about actual episodes, do you have any favorites? (and yes I've "heard" R, as one of the bonus features on the box set I'm sure you have)

What about characters? Any favorites there?

(I'll wait and share once I glean the "facts" from you, lol)

Yes, I like "CoS", maybe partly due to nostalgia. My favorite characters are perhaps Sheila and Presto. I do have the box set DVDs, with the "Requiem" audio.

Cindy definitely looking athletic!

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Nice! :lol:

Yes, I like "CoS", maybe partly due to nostalgia. My favorite characters are perhaps Sheila and Presto. I do have the box set DVDs, with the "Requiem" audio.

Interesting...I like Sheila and Presto. And in the "Facts" connection it makes sense you like Sheila, as you like Nancy, and they are compatible in certain ways.

Presto was my favorite as a kid, because I identified so strongly with him (I too was a skinny kid, with glasses, and I loved magic; but I didn't "do magic tricks" like he did in our world, I was just fascinated by the fantasy of magical powers).

But, like some things---including The Facts of Life, my favorite changed from childhood to adulthood. Where as a child I loved Tootie best after season 1, but that changed to Blair as an adult, when I was a kid my favorite was Presto, and as an adult I love Diana the best; when I first binged through the box set, she instantly became my favorite. And in the "Facts" way it's funny how that works out, since Cindy has several facets to her that match up with Diana.

If you like Sheila, naturally I would assume CoS would be a favorite episode of yours; would you say it's your top favorite? (of the "produced" episodes, so, not counting R) Any favorite Presto shows, or any others? (there were so many "ensemble" shows!)

Basements & Bongs is a hilarious title. Played D&D a lot back in the 80's/early90's, and that title would have attracted more players I think.

Love the cartoon too (FOL of course), Blair and Eric seemed to be the best matched, and Mrs Garrett and the Dungeon Master.

Hi Torgo! :wave:

Basements & Bongs is a hilarious title.

Thanks, I like to have fun with things, lol.


Played D&D a lot back in the 80's/early90's, and that title would have attracted more players I think.

:lol: Probably! lol...I've never played the game myself; my only D&D experience is the 'toon, and I when I watch it, I can't get enough of it!


Love the cartoon too (FOL of course), Blair and Eric seemed to be the best matched, and Mrs Garrett and the Dungeon Master.

Only it's a good thing that when Mrs. Garrett gives out advice, it's not so cryptic! lol

Do you have any favorite D&D characters or episodes?

Only it's a good thing that when Mrs. Garrett gives out advice, it's not so cryptic! lol


Oh, I don't know: some of Mrs. Garrett's advice is like, "Only you can answer that for yourself." :lol:

Oh, I don't know: some of Mrs. Garrett's advice is like, "Only you can answer that for yourself." :lol:

Ahh,hahaha! :lol: I guess you got me there!

Mrs. Garrett: gets cryptic

Girls: :confused:

BTW, there were six kids, plus a head(dungeon)master, a villain, a unicorn, and guest stars, all in a 22-minute episode. I'm buying this "too many girls" excuse less and less.

^---right?? I've been thinking that too! lol

Dungeon Mistress observes two of her pupils coming together to find peace among conflict...

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Dungeon Mistress observes two of her pupils coming together to find peace among conflict...

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Haha! :lol:

Two pupils stand, but only one shall be victorious. The other shall be relegated to the basement for the next seven seasons...

Haha! :lol:

:)


Two pupils stand, but only one shall be victorious. The other shall be relegated to the basement for the next seven seasons...

Haha, trapped in "the realm of---basements and bongs!" :lol:

And ironically, it's the girl with the purely defensive weapon who comes out victorious! lol

Interesting...I like Sheila and Presto. And in the "Facts" connection it makes sense you like Sheila, as you like Nancy, and they are compatible in certain ways.

There's a lot to like about Nancy: she's funny, a bit of an outcast, and viewers can definitely identify with her. I wish we'd been able to get to know her better over the course of the next eight seasons, but she is a likeable character. With Sheila, I like how much she cares for and watches over her little brother, Bobby. As you say, both Nancy and Sheila faded into the background; Sheila as part of the storyline, Nancy due to crazed network executives.


Presto was my favorite as a kid, because I identified so strongly with him (I too was a skinny kid, with glasses, and I loved magic; but I didn't "do magic tricks" like he did in our world, I was just fascinated by the fantasy of magical powers).

I did the magic tricks, but was otherwise also very similar.


If you like Sheila, naturally I would assume CoS would be a favorite episode of yours; would you say it's your top favorite? (of the "produced" episodes, so, not counting R) Any favorite Presto shows, or any others? (there were so many "ensemble" shows!)

It's been a few years since I've seen any of the episodes. I'd rewatch my DVDs to refresh my memory, but the DVDs are at home, while I am traveling out of state.

There's a lot to like about Nancy: she's funny, a bit of an outcast, and viewers can definitely identify with her.

In a very limited capacity, no thanks to the writers/producers.


I wish we'd been able to get to know her better over the course of the next eight seasons, but she is a likeable character.

Most of the time; unfortunately in "Adoption", she shows a dark moment of very selfish rudeness (which I suppose we can chalk up to her being a teenager)...when she asks what the big deal is, and Molly explains to her that they're trying to find Natalie's real mother, and Nasty Nancy blows it off with, "Oh, that's all..." Whenever I witness that, I wonder why the writer changed Nancy into Nasty Nancy for that one moment? Perhaps they felt they had a lot of leeway with moods since they were dealing with teenagers, lol.


It's been a few years since I've seen any of the episodes. I'd rewatch my DVDs to refresh my memory, but the DVDs are at home, while I am traveling out of state.

Well while traveling, don't get on any amusement park rides with dragons!

A bit more "B&B" fun...imagining Molly as the Magician. This one was way easy to doctor up, as Molly already donned a robe for me; all I had to do was add the hat! lol...sure, the ensemble's not green, but I couldn't pass up the fact that Molly is actually wearing a long baggy robe! lol

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A bit more "B&B" fun...imagining Molly as the Magician. This one was way easy to doctor up, as Molly already donned a robe for me; all I had to do was add the hat! lol...sure, the ensemble's not green, but I couldn't pass up the fact that Molly is actually wearing a long baggy robe! lol

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LMAO!

Hi Torgo! :wave:



Thanks, I like to have fun with things, lol.




:lol: Probably! lol...I've never played the game myself; my only D&D experience is the 'toon, and I when I watch it, I can't get enough of it!




Only it's a good thing that when Mrs. Garrett gives out advice, it's not so cryptic! lol

Do you have any favorite D&D characters or episodes?

I haven't watched the show in a long while, but it is the reason I got interested in playing D&D, and other role playing games.

A bit more "B&B" fun...imagining Molly as the Magician. This one was way easy to doctor up, as Molly already donned a robe for me; all I had to do was add the hat! lol...sure, the ensemble's not green, but I couldn't pass up the fact that Molly is actually wearing a long baggy robe! lol

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Haha! That's almost perfect...

Here...

Haha! That's almost perfect...

Here...

Lol, nice, but remember, Presto's outfit is really green!

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Lol, nice, but remember, Presto's outfit is really green!

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Well, he is a cartoon, after all. Most of the kids wear some very bright colors. I toned Molly's green down so that it looked semi-realistic. After all, you wouldn't expect Sheila's shade of orange hair or Hank's yellow hair on a Facts character.

Well, he is a cartoon, after all. Most of the kids wear some very bright colors. I toned Molly's green down so that it looked semi-realistic. After all, you wouldn't expect Sheila's shade of orange hair or Hank's yellow hair on a Facts character.

For authenticity I would! :lol: At least, as far as trying to replicate how they actually look from the cartoon, which is what I'm having fun with---I think it's fun to mix both of these "realms" together by meshing the looks, lol. But if you wanted to mock up photos that look real, then that's a different game and would be a fun one too. Granted, with Molly wearing an actual real robe, it does make that tempting to toy with the idea of making her look like a real magician, lol.

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Ahahahahahahaha! :lol::lol::lol::lol:

That's perfect!

It's funny... we never see Roger... was he wearing the cloak, too? :lol:

Ahahahahahahaha! :lol::lol::lol::lol:

That's perfect!

;)


It's funny... we never see Roger... was he wearing the cloak, too? :lol:

Ahhhh,hahahahahaha!! :lol: Great question! Maybe he was! Maybe Nancy let him borrow it most of the time! :lol:

:lol:

P.S. I went in the other day to try to add in "fold" lines and wrinkles in the cloth to give it a more cloth-like appearance, and to give more definition/distinction to the hood, but after trying a bit I was afraid of trying too much and messing it up, so I abandoned it. However, if you get the urge to toy with it, feel free if you like, lol.

P.S. I went in the other day to try to add in "fold" lines and wrinkles in the cloth to give it a more cloth-like appearance, and to give more definition/distinction to the hood, but after trying a bit I was afraid of trying too much and messing it up, so I abandoned it. However, if you get the urge to toy with it, feel free if you like, lol.

Oh no... the color is perfect, and the whole image is more like a cartoon, now. I wouldn't try to change that one. I love it.

Oh no... the color is perfect, and the whole image is more like a cartoon, now. I wouldn't try to change that one. I love it.

Well thanks, maybe "Dungeon Mistress" Garrett gifted me with "magic paint"! :lol:

By the way, for those of you who enjoy the series, my favorite episode isn't the exalted "The Dragon's Graveyard" episode. Yes it's a very fine episode, and is a unique entry in the series with the "heaviest" feel, but my favorite character is Diana, so, if you know the shows, obviously my favorite episode is the one after TDG, "Child of the Stargazer". It's the one episode that showcases Diana in a starring role. And it's the 21st of 27 episodes, the season finale of season 2, so it also comes late in the game. However, as much as I would love other Diana-centric episodes in the series, and wish we had gotten to see her in a starring role sooner, "Child of the Stargazer" more than makes up for the long delay and oversight. This episode has so much going for it. It's so great to see Diana be front and center, and interesting to see this tough, athletic, adventurous gal be romantically involved with a peer. And not only did they focus on Diana, they made her a heroine! She saved an entire city of thousands of people! From a history of demonic bondage!

And that ending, boy that ending...they pulled out all the stops in the entire finale in the Temple of Light from story, to character, to dialogue, to feelings, to special effects. That scene works beautifully on several layers that it seems almost too deep to be a "kid's cartoon" at that point; just the fact they touched on self-sacrifice to show kids is wonderful. Every time I see it I get a rush, and with Dungeon Master gently comforting Diana, tenderly taking her hand, and indeed calling her "my child" and by name, twice, I get chills and misty-eyed:

"Diana, do you hear that? Do you hear what you have done? Listen, Diana! Listen to the people you have set free!"

(I'm getting chills now just :typing: it! lol)

And she and Dungeon Master and her proud friends staring out the temple doors as they hear the cacophony of cheering and shouting and celebrating and bells being rung...the perfect ending for "the Diana episode". :heart:

Lorsie, you need to check out D&D online so you can join in the fun here on a knowing level! ;)

Ahahahahahahaha! :lol::lol::lol::lol:

That's perfect!

Retro, it still touches me you laughed and said that was "perfect"---seeing that mock-up again now after so many months (post 53, page 4), I was really struck by how hard I worked on that costume design!! lol

Retro, it still touches me you laughed and said that was "perfect"---seeing that mock-up again now after so many months (post 53, page 4), I was really struck by how hard I worked on that costume design!! lol

I absolutely adore your FOL and D&D crossovers. What could be better than two of my favorite TV shows from the 1980s? Getting them... combined! :lol:

Lorsie, you need to check out D&D online so you can join in the fun here on a knowing level! ;)



Retro, it still touches me you laughed and said that was "perfect"---seeing that mock-up again now after so many months (post 53, page 4), I was really struck by how hard I worked on that costume design!! lol

Maybe when I have some more time. For now I’ll enjoy your lovely illustrations.

I absolutely adore your FOL and D&D crossovers. What could be better than two of my favorite TV shows from the 1980s? Getting them... combined! :lol:
Talk about a "niche audience" for sure!! :rofl: (but thanks!)

Maybe when I have some more time. For now I’ll enjoy your lovely illustrations.
Cool, you'd probably enjoy it! (and :thanks: )

WHOA! Retro, check out this car commercial! :eek:

Oh MAN I wish they'd re-invent the D&D 'toon as a live-action series!! :loveya:

(my only complaint here is they showcase all 6 magic weapons in action except Diana's staff)

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rrp2nmfzxio

WHOA! Retro, check out this car commercial! :eek:

Oh MAN I wish they'd re-invent the D&D 'toon as a live-action series!! :loveya:

(my only complaint here is they showcase all 6 magic weapons in action except Diana's staff)

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rrp2nmfzxio

OMG! OMG, OMG, OMFG!

That was such a cool video! Tiamat! Venger! Dungeon Master! The kids!

...And they made it home, finally, after all these years. :)

OMG! OMG, OMG, OMFG!

That was such a cool video! Tiamat! Venger! Dungeon Master! The kids!

Right?????

That'd be, like, if some foreign country recreated the FOL season 1 dorm, got ALL of the original girls together, WITH Mr. Bradley AND Miss Mahoney, for a car or a smartphone or a tablet! :lol: :D :loveya:

And to think, they would not have made this commercial if I hadn't started this thread last year and a producer in Brazil saw this!! (okay, kidding about that part, haha)

And while Diana doesn't get to use her staff (not even to deflect something? Come on, Renault!), at the very least, she does get to be the "action driver" of the car, and drive them into the tunnel home.


...And they made it home, finally, after all these years. :)

FINALY!! :D

And I learned of this on Instagram!!

It was so, soooo cool to see them make it home. An over 30-year wait.

One of the coolest recent moments in FOL history was the recreation of the Dorm Common Room when Kim did her dance on DWTS, with Julie Pie and Charlotte in the audience, cheering her on. That may be the closest we ever get to a Season One reunion, outside of The Little Chill.

It was so, soooo cool to see them make it home. An over 30-year wait.

One of the coolest recent moments in FOL history was the recreation of the Dorm Common Room when Kim did her dance on DWTS, with Julie Pie and Charlotte in the audience, cheering her on. That may be the closest we ever get to a Season One reunion, outside of The Little Chill.

Very true