Sometimes it all comes together. This tape exemplifies one of those times.

Ed hits the ground running with the energetic Deja Blew, whose scene is, unsurprisingly, energetic and fun. Next up is pensive Livia/Lidia, whose lack of knowledge of English makes most of Ed's standard banter useless. The tape ends with Blake Powers and cover doll Maryanne, which is a keeper. The scene is long, but not elongated, with sequences like Black starting to suck Ed's dick while he's interviewing Maryanne. Maryanne is a find: the camera loves her, and she loves what she's doing. After the threeway scene is over, there is a quick coda where she does a one-on-one with Ed, with an oral finish: when Ed tells her "Spit it out," she grins, "Too late. I swallowed it." (Note to Maryanne: Contact me at the AVN offices about doing a Fresh off the Bus feature. --T.H.)

As good as the performances are, it's the addition of serious tech wizardry that moves this one into Spotlight Pick territory. Creative camera angles. Good use of two-camera shooting. Terrific editing. Plus, the addition of Pop-Up Video-inspired Chyroned asides that may be pedestrian now (The worst being "Feels good!"--complete with pointing hand--over the image of Ed having his dick sucked by Blake Powers and Maryanne. Duh.) but show great promise when Ed stars using them to make interesting points rather than re-stating the obvious.