I'm really not sure Styx deserves the chronological treatment but it is hard to deny that the Grand Illusion was the record that brought them into pop music's big leagues for an extended run. Their Beatles-jacking, ultra-pomp style - like it or not - played a major part in defining American rock in the late 70's, which hasn't exactly been fondly remembered by future generations. And it seems like the cover might have inspired every amateur 8-bit artist in one way or another. But the key thing here is sheer entertainment - for the first time, the Styx crew pull it all together and come up with what is essentially a very fun second-rate Queen record.
The rebel group takes on new recruits, including a boisterous Irishman named, well, "Irish" (played to the hilt by Stephen Young) trying to play both sides of the fence. Meanwhile, Bernard Fox is cold as a sheet of ice in the British General role. Entertaining even though we have seen a lot of the same themes repeated in previous episodes.
Norm from Cheers blunders around in his SNL Swersky Brothers disguise ordering "scotch and soda - easy on the soda" for an hour and a half. Meanwhile, Columbo is busy digging fake rats out of dumpsters.
