12 days of Avatar (TLA) : #9, #8, #7, #6, #5

#9 The Guru/The Cross Roads of Destiny 

"You must gain balance within yourself before you can bring balance to the world."

Original AirDate: Dec 1, 2006

Oh boy Avatar really showed you how to do a season finale. The stakes are high as team avatar parts ways in order to bring balance towards the city, the war, and Aang himself. In the first half, Aang learns to control his Avatar State by learning to access the unlocking of his chakras. In a beautiful animated first half we believe that Aang has finally achieved controlling his spirit but when sensing his friend in danger he leaves abruptly. The second half involves action, betrayal, and the uncertainty if all we be all right. Folks had to wait 6-7 months for an answer and what waited was a nail biting final season but what preluded was an explosive finale that would make primetime shows green with jealously.

#8 The Blue Spirit 

"He was one of the best friends I ever had, and he was from the Fire Nation, just like you. If we knew each other back then, do you think we could have been friends, too?"

Original Airdate: June 17, 2005

The Blue Spirit is a heart pulsing rescue mission that has two unlikely companions racing for their lives. When Katarra and Suko become sick it is up to Aang to find a cure. However he unfortunately gets captured by fire general Zhao and things seem bleak until a mysterious stranger wearing a blue facade saves him. The actions sequences are incredible and the reveal of Zuko as the savior is a great little twist. The episode shows how great a team these two make and if the circumstances differed  might even make good friends. 

#7 Bitter Work

"You've got to stop thinking like an airbender. There's no different angle, no clever solution, trickety-trick that's going to move that rock. You've got to face it head on"

Orginal AirDate: June 2, 2006

Another excellent episode that shows the comparisons between the hero and villain. Both characters of Aang and Zuko try to learn a new practice that greatly contrasts to what they are used to. Aang tries to learn earth bending which turns out is the hardest from him to learn. Aang is light, clever, and uses surroundings to his advantage but earthbendings personality  is heavy, stubborn, and rough. Tophs tough training is a great refreshment to Katarra's peaceful and patient teaching.  At the same time, Zuko tries to learn lighting but much like Aang the art is the polar opposite since lighting requires pure expression and counters the rage Zuko usually feels. Both these practices require peace of mind. An episode that teaches the philosophy of any new skill learned and further bonds the antagonists and protagonists on a deeper level.

 #6 The Southern Raiders 

Zuko: You were right about what Katara needed. Violence wasn't the answer.

Aang: It never is.

Zuko: Then I have a question for you: What are you going to do when you face my father?

                                                         

                                                          

                                                     Original Airdate: July 17, 2008

One of the lasts episodes of this series of Avatar. An emotional character study exploring the dark and revengeful feelings that still burden Katarra. When Zuko reveals the culprit behind the death of her mother, she decides to find him and confront his actions possibly to the death. It is hard and tragic to see Katarra give in to her dark intentions, even using blood blending in order to quench her need for justice. You understand her actions and sympathize with her to the point that you want her to end the life of this man. But Katarras good will spares the man of his dark deeds although it is an action that she cannot bear to forgive. However, she is able to forgive Zuko and new friendship is born instead of a life ending. It is also leaves Aang with a troubling question, how will he defeat the firelord without murder?  

#5 Puppet Master

" But to reach inside someone and control them. I - I don't know if I want that kind of power."

Original Airdate: November 9, 2007

A ghost story that will be in time  turn  into one of the main conflicts of the Legend of Korra. Team Avatar runs into a kind elderly woman who has been a water bending secretly living in the fire nation. The bond is quickly formed between the two waterbenders until the full moon rises and the true nature of this woman is revealed. The art of bloodbending is preformed by this old woman which is a technique that can control the bodies of those around them.  Southern Raiders could of been a prelude to Katarras need to fufill her need for the fire nation to pay for their actions which thankfully was not the case. It is what happens when  rage and revenge consume us A scary tale with uncomfortable animation perfectly displaying how one bloodbends. It ends on a sour note as the art of  this inhumane bending is reluctantly passed from master to pupil. 

Steven Universe: "Lion 3 Straight to Video"

Steven Universe: Lion Three Straight to Video

       Guaranteed to make you cry in 11 minutes or less

A

Telling a coherent story in a 11 minute time frame is no easy task. You have to establish story, character, and closure within a short allotted segment. Within that plot you also have to get your audience engaged and care about these actions before the commercial break starts again.  Steven Universe is able to do this week in and out without a problem. So with this episode for what I assume is the last one of the year, goes out with a sentimental bang and it is full of so many warm feelings that it is the perfect tale to ring in the holidays with.

Judging from the title, I had foolishly expected to be a fun but silly conflict similar to Watermelon Steven  involving Steven and his pet Lion, Lion. Maybe they would rent out a video and get it would come to life with them as the stars or Lion would eat it and would project the images on his body but instead I got something so unexpected yet the signs were all there. The episode starts off in the doughnut shop with Steven, Lion, and Sadie. Sadies Mom always packs here lunches even though Sadie believes she has grown out of it. She lets Steven takes one and Steven slightly wonders how his Mother would make his lunches. That following night, lion begins to be somewhat aggressively loving towards Steven which will in turn lead him to a beautiful solace in Lions mane displaying a time capsule island of Stevens mothers treasures. One of these things is a old video tape and when it is played be prepared to have the tissues ready because it is Roses final farewell to the world, Greg, and her first hello to Steven.

It is trickery territory to talk about death and loss of a parent in children's television. However, the talented people behind this show and Adventure Time always use animation as a platform to distinguish emotions or fantasy to demonstrate these feelings in a non threatening way that kids can understand. Using Lion mane as a secret portal to access Roses beloved memories is a wonderful to symbolize how the people who have left us live on not only in the safety of our mind but by the things they held most dear. The tears cried at the end were not tears of grief but tears of joy. Roses beautiful words to Steven about how she lives on in the happiness he shares in the world is so touching because even though she is a superhero gem her last monologue is no different than any other mother. It is an impressive task to make someone feel so uplifting joyous in a short amounted time frame and as the year comes to a close Steven Universe has showed me repeatedly it can be beautiful, silly, and fun simultaneously before the next ad break. Well done crew. I look forward to the new year and more Steven.

Cool Things Noticed:

•  Sadies last word to her Mom about her to not stop making sandwiches was such a sweet note to end on. It is great how the episode came full circle.
• Oh my gee. I love that pink lion. Is there Pink Lion merch on sale yet? I. WANT. ONE.
• I find it odd that the gems did not go to watch Roses video. It seems like a good treasure to share with them. But I do not doubt it will be Stevens only viewing so they will probably be around for the next one.
• Pearl watches Steven as he sleeps. How creepily cute is that.
• Visual indulge: Roses design was strikingly bizzare and beautiful. Hope to see more of her in flashbacks.
• That seems to be it for Steven this year. See you and the gems in 2015!

12 Days of Avatar (TLA): #10

#10 The Avatar and The Firelord

    "Without you, all my plans are suddenly possible. I have a vision for the future, Roku."

Original Airdate: October 26, 2007

One of the best features in both of the Avatar series is that the flashbacks can be just as enriching and complex as what is happening currently. In the episode unfolds a story of Aangs and Zukos forefathers   pasts. Throughout the narrative we understand the journey of Rozin and Sozin which will turn out to be one of the most tragic conflicts in the show. It is told brilliantly and the writers are smart to embellish the most important thing that was lost in their anguish, their friendship. You also get one hell of a twist which is another example of why Avatar is more than your average Saturday morning cartoon. 

12 Days of Avatar (TLA): #11

#11 The FireBending Masters 

                   

                                     "Fire is life, not just destruction."

  Original airdate: July 15, 2008 

The third season of Avatar had a string of outstanding episodes and this episode is evident of that. Firebending Master deals with Zuko teaching Aang firebending and drawing inspiration from the orginial benders themselves. Not only does this develop a tighter bond between the two former enemies, it also shows a delicate side of fire that has not really been shown before like the other elements. Even though it is hard to remember, firebending has more to it than just domination. It is a powerful weapon but in the right hands can be used to guide those to light. Also, DRAGONS  which apparently in Korra, Zuko gets to ride!

12 Days of Avatar (TLA) : #12

#12 The Storm

Original air date: June 3, 2005

"I know it's meant to be this way. The world needs you now. You give people hope."

Merry Christmas Everyone! To celebrate the most wonderful time of the year I decided to write about one of the most wonderful shows of all time Avatar. 12 days or now 11 (sorry I’m late) of the best Avatar episodes (in my opinion).

Before I start. Here are some things to keep in mind.

1. The series fine is not included in this list. Because obviously it would get the top spot and with so many other best avatar countdowns I want to bring some episodes that are underrated.
2. I will try to do one a day. Probably a paragraph long.
3. I would love to hear your opinions on the episodes! So please comment!

For many, this is the episode that transition Avatar from a average Nicktoon into something much more substantial in terms of story and narrative. For me, this was always relevant in the series and  The Storm was not an epiphany like it was for many others. However, this is still a fantastic episode in the first season. The parallels between both hero and villain are insightful and tragic for both of these characters.  The guilt that Aang feels for leaving his people and the emotion and literal scars that Zuko bears is told with such dignity and beauty. It is an episode that reminds us that the past does not have to define us but more of how we react to it  is what counts.

Regular Show : “White Elephant Christmas Exchange”/ “Merry Christmas Mordecai”

“White Elephant Christmas Exchange”/ “Merry Christmas Mordecai”

 C+                                                                  A-

                       

                    Have yourselves a Merry Little Problem

Regular Show started out as this crude but still very funny series in its first season. Relying less on character development and more on visual humor for storytelling. Not bad but it was not the show that you had to tune it every week. Adventure Time was very similar in this format in the first season, just introducing characters and the world. When Cartoon Network ordered more seasons thats when these worlds got more developed and defined. These characters have grown and we want to see the journey they go through. “The White Elephant Christmas Exchange” seems more relevant of the previous seasons while “Merry Christmas Mordecai” is why I tune into this show every week.

The main problem I have with this first  episode is the moral and humor seems a bit mean spirited even for this crowd. When the gang gets tired of crappy Muscle Man gifts on White Elephant Christmas Exchange they seek revenge on him. Buying the worst gifts possible to make Muscle Man feel the humiliation that he always sets on them. The plan backfires when a supposedly thoughtful gift is  given by Mitch. A lecture by the white elephant himself makes them regret their actions but after the gift is not what it seems they unleash the terror upon him. What is funny about the episode is I am behind Muscle Man's actions but not the rest of the park employees. This is something that Muscle Man would do. He would totally take advantage of this holiday event and make people believe that he brought a heartfelt gift. I understand the park employees actions to want to get back him.

So why do I not love this episode? I think its because White Elephant logic does not work in the end, he summons them to temple to reflect on their actions but they let him open the gift anyway. Ending in a very violent prank and them laughing in happiness. It just seems so cruel! Not even Muscle Mans gifts never seems to physically hurt them to this extent. I also enjoy when the surreal moments of this show seems to metaphorically be an extension of character, but this seems like a blatant rip off of the big babies from the other seasons. Do not get me wrong I laughed several times in the episode but when I laughed at Muscle Man getting beaten mercilessly by the gifts I felt relatively bad about it. It is a far cry from what Regular Show has given us and seems to have pulled a White Elephant exchange on us. However, maybe this was to give us some black humor before laying on the quiet seriousness of the next one.

Episodes that drive into Mordecai's psyche our always my favorite and a treat to watch. My favorite episodes always involved his relationships with women or himself.  His anxiety and insecureness of telling Margret how he feels, dealing with issues concerning his mother or confronting his own past on his artistic career are so fantastic because the surrealness and reality go hand in hand on relaying on what he is feeling and how he will react to it. This episode is another fine example of this and Quintels performance sells it brilliantly. Eileens christmas party seems like so much fun except the fact that Margaret will be there. Instead of confronting his past like a mature adult, he hides and run aways from his feelings like he always does. A very clever climatic scene involving the disco ball reflects Margarets in full brightness. He can't run, he can't hide, he has to no choice but to confront and deal with situations that sometimes you do not want to. Because he repressed these feelings instead of being honest with himself, it is too late to realize that when these feelings quickly return to the surface you might to have time to react appropriately. Which leaves a broken hearted CJ and a even bigger problem that Margaret is here to stay.

What I love most about this is actually the regression of character for Mordecai and the progression of maturity for Rigby. If this season has shown us anything is how Rigby is becoming the responsible and reasonable man from the rebellious slack he previously was. While Mordecai is by no means a slacker, his insecurities and relationships seem to be make him retreat on his emotions while Rigby has shown he has grown from his experiences. They have seem to reverse roles and I am excited to see how the show continues this pattern next year. This Christmas special seemed lukewarm at first but then Regular Show reminds me of the time, dedication, and respect it has for its main characters and I cannot wait to ring in the new year with them.

Cool Things Noticed:

• Glad to see the return of lollipop money
• I loved the ginger ale bar. Clearly suppose to symbolize beer but in a way that the Cartoon Network censors won't call them out on.
• I totally fangirled at Rigby and Eileens kiss. When she blushed I mean how could you not.
• “A party with CJ and Margaret?! Do you know what that means??..A party?”
• That was fantastic when Mordecai was scared he would run into Margaret at the post office much to the disbelief of everyone...oh irony
• “Awkward”
• What you guys think? This special or last years?
• Now that exams are over I will try to catch up on everything. I heard that Clarence had like five new episodes premiere last week *gulp
• What does this mean for the relationship of Cj and Mord? I get invested with relationships in this show as I did with the OC in high school.

Hey Where are the Reviews At?!

Due to Exams..Last Weeks Episodes will be featured with this weeks.

Sorry studying for finals has consumed my soul and I do like to take time and watch/write these shows. But right now my status is like this..

Be on the lookout this Friday!

Also a few notes:

1. My reviews for Clarence will be alternated with another CN show next year. What would you guys like to see? (teens titans go!, amazing world of gumball)

2. Thinking about doing a  best of countdown for Christmas. However, would you guys mind if it wasn't a Cartoon Network show? If you do mind, let me know which series you would like to see a best of. 

Thanks for reading as always! 

Steven Universe: Watermelon Steven

Steven Universe: Watermelon Steven

B+

In Memoriam of Baby Melon

Well this was a weird episode even for Steven Universe standards. But nothing is wrong with weirdness if it is told well. For the most part this tale does succeed with a morale that deals with  conflicts parenting intertwining with responsibility. Steven takes his first stab at being a father and farmer all at the same time. Don't believe it gets more insane than that? Trust me it does. Ronaldo tries to dissect a watermelon..need I say more?

What starts has a fun activity with his Dad turns into something much messier. Steven and his Father are enjoying a sunset while eating some watermelon and decide to challenge each other with seed tricks. One tricks involves him spreading his seed (yikes) everywhere and the next morning we get awesome watermelon shaped Steven. The gems explain it is most likely a power passed down by his Mother who could make plants alive and help her fight. Farmer Steven decides to give his watermelon away (with the exception of baby melon) but it turns out the watermelon are also alive. The climax ends with sacrifice, tragedy, and silliness. 

I do like that episode presents what powers that Steven has that have been yet discovered. With each new episode that explores Stevens gem skills are a lot of fun. But this episode also show how Steven might not be yet ready for such greatness. He is still a kid and cannot handle all the emotional weight that comes with such supernatural wonder. He guides his children to think about his actions as he bites on baby melons remains. Steven has a lot to learn but he is doing the best he can to handle the situation with the tactics of a 12 year old. Maybe next time he can spread his seed with more caution.

Cool Things Noticed:

1.) Steven said that the watermelons were hurting people. But the only time they were was when someone hurt Steven. Perhaps we jumped to fast to conclusions. They were not hurting the people who bought them. I know I'm bias I just really think those watermelons were adorable.

2.) Speaking of adorable, Farmer Steven! 

3.) Someone explain Onion to me. I never seen him before but I feel like I would like him.

4.) RIP baby melon. I cannot believe your fellow brothers literally squashed you. 

5.) How long do you think it will take for the watermelon steven to learn their lessons?

Clarence: Patients

Clarence: Patients

B

Evil has a New Name and Her Name is Tinia

The best part about Clarence is that it takes relatable kids problems and gives it substantial importance. I love this because it takes the conflicts seriously and does not make them petty and stupid. So while waiting for a piece of candy might seem like mundane plot to most, animating it from Clarences perspective makes us root for him getting that piece of pure sweetness. 

The problem with the episode is that it cannot really find its true narrative. Is it about Clarence trying to get a piece of candy? About him learning the virtue of patience? Or about what fantasy the imagination can bring and how you can entertain youself? It seems like it wants to be all of these things and because of that the episodes faults. Do not get me wrong, it is a funny episode with all of these elements, but it might have benefited from choosing one and sticking with it. 

The waiting room is a sort of limbo for children and Clarence reflects all the little ones who have to brave that room with the utmost will power to get that reward. With a little more embellishing could of made it a fine episode but for what it is I feel it greatly captures the doctors waiting room. Just avoid demon children like Tinia and retreat to your mind full of grandmothers with endless desserts.

Cool Things Noticed"

1.) God that girl was evil. But they got the Mom down perfectly. Most children who are like that have parents that are inattentive.

2.) Clarence playing doctor was brilliant. His advice was good enough for that old man.

3.) Never got the point of those toys too Clarence. 

Regular Show: The Real Thomas

Regular Show Presents: The Real Thomas (An Intern Special)

The name is Intern, Thomas Intern 

B

Only the eighth episode of the sixth season and we get another special. The story entails that our favorite and only intern at the park may be more than he seems. Directed by the series creator JG Quintel, we finally understand that the bland but well meaning Thomas had a secretive agenda at the park the whole time. A 30 minute farewell  that provides closure to a character who really had no objective in the park but to be the punchline every now and then. How you feel about Thomas going into this episode, will be the deciding factor of  how you feel about the special.

In my opinion, I liked Thomas being the average joe intern. He never become an official member of the team. He never went on all the adventures with Mordecai and Rigby or buddied up with Muscle Man but he had this great presence everytime he was written in. Sometimes those one liners are all you need from a character and Thomas's timing was pitch perfect for humor. I love the scene from "I Like You Hi", when Mord asks Thomas for advice on CJ, and he had the best response, "Well my first girlfriend was into hip hop but my ex was into dancing..so try, try that". Throughout his run, Thomas was a character that could be easily in or not in an episode. It was effective, funny, and a great take on internships themselves.

So that is why I am not too ecstatic of the reveal of what Thomas turned out to be the whole time. On Thomas's last day at the park Benson wants to surprise him on a full time job at the park. However, Rigby figures out that Thomas is more than your ordinary intern. Turns out he is part of the MOM program. A spy russian operative that involving United States parks. The whole time when Thomas was used for background humor, was actually him reporting on the park employees. A very clever way to use these little moments and give it more meaning. Which is basically what Thomas was. A character whose main purpose was to be provide little moments of humor but in the end was part of something greater than what was realized. In the end, Thomas or Nicolai comes around by remembering that with every humiliating moment the park team gave him there was a genuine bond of friendship that was formed. Thomas then leaves on the run with the park members fondly looking on.

The animation in the episode is fantastic and the action is well fast paced. It is creative on bringing up past episodes to give Thomas a epic finale. It depends if you wanted to see Thomas as a more complex developed character on the show. For me, I like Thomas being what he was. A character who you could give or take. The finale given is great fun on the espionage  thriller but I could of been totally content on Thomas being a typical college kid just trying to get some credit for a class. As Rigby says at the end. "Nicolai, you'll always be Thomas to us." Ditto Rigby.

Cool Things Noticed:

1.) Benson and Audry broke up. Were they even dating?? I would of wanted to see some of that. I do love how no one remember them. That's great wink to the audience.

2.)  This episode had a real 'Merica feel to it. Do mess with US civilians! Especially our park employees!

3.)  General Romanoff..so they survived after all. 

4.) Farewell, Thomas. You were an inspiration to all of the unpaid interns out there. 

Steven Universe: Garnets Universe

Steven Universe: Garnets Universe

A

What Garnet Did Today As Told By Steven  

I bet the show has wanted to do a Garnet themed episode for a while. However, part of the appeal of this stoic gem is that there is some sort of mystery that surrounds her. I think the writers know this and wanted to find an alternative route for this problem.  How can the show make a  Garnet filled episode without ruining Garnets hidden secrets? Let Steven imagine the day! A clever way to not only involve the crystal gem leader but  also a great excuse to experiment with animation to which it succeeds enormously.

I am very impressed with the creativity that was put into this episode. The entire episode is basically told in the inner workings of Steven's mind and every detail never forgets this. Go back and listen to the dialogue again or remember the names of the characters of the alternative dimension. The signature of Steven is all over it which of course make it all the more funny. The animation is probably my favorite thing about this episode. The video game landscape works really well with a basic plot of finding a gem. It pays homage to all the times when we RPG and had to team with other party member to retrieve the treasure. The animation also can be more evidence to how a 12 year old might imagine their ideal world might be. Not only that but it is so visually appealing to watch and adore. I would totally be okay if the series wanted to do more this.

Even though this episode is told from the episode of Steven ,it is still very true to its characters. Garnets actions in the fantasy are no more different from her choices from reality. Because of that and the open endedness of the story, you can make the argument that Stevens imaging is not that far from the truth. Steven Universe continues to impress me with stories like this and I cannot wait to explore more about Garnet even if it is just told through the eyes of Steven.

Cool Things Noticed

1. So many feelings line of the night: Who is that “My most favorite person in the whole world”
2. I am really interested in what other people think of this episode. How much do you think was extracted by fact?
3. Also, I have missed some episodes so can people tell me some things that have been revealed about Garnet?

Clarence: Pilot Expansion

Pilot Expansion

The One That Started it All

A-

Hard to believe it has been 6 months since Clarence debuted on the Cartoon Network. What seemed like another crude obnoxious take on childhood turned out be a sweet nostalgic show reminiscing the earlier Nicktoons like Hey Arnold! The first season has shown how ordinary rational problems of kids can still be humorous, fun, and consuming as the popular fantasy shows currently airing right now.

Pilot Expansion is the pilot with the added feature of a forward and closing from the trio in their senior years. The episode introduces us to the three main characters and how they became best friends. The most unreal element to this show is how Clarence embodies pure sweet child innocence. Clarences first story involves him inviting all his classmates to his house for a slumber party with only two showing up. First, there is Jeff who has the best personality on this show. "Best" as in how great his compulsive structured persona is and how greatly it contrasts to the last chain of the group Sumo. In the first moments meeting Sumo you know you are getting the equivalent of a reckless daredevil when he promptly requests Clarence to shave his head. The rest of episode has Clarence and Sumo trying to teach Jeff what fun or being a nine year old is. This is of course ends with a beehive piñata, bee stings, and prank calling the police. While everyone thinks this might deflect Jeff from future outings with the simple minded Clarence or the chaotic Sumo, he actually declares he had fun thus beginning the magnificence tri force of their friendship.

The show is at its best when the three of them are playing off each other’s characters strengths and weaknesses. The stories always provide laughs, sentiment, and above all else a chance for younger audience to see what fun can be happening in their own neighborhood or backyard.  For older viewers it is a chance to once again relive it. Although it does not have the complexity of the world of Ooo, the conflict of the crystal gems, or the surreal world of Gumball, Clarence still fits very nicely in this new renaissance of animation that has surged through Cartoon Network.

Cool Things Noticed:

1) One thing I always forget to mention is how much I enjoy hearing kid actors playing kids. I know Tom Kenny and Skyler Page voice the main ones but it sounds like mostly everyone else are children. It is always a nice touch and the kids are great actors. It took me a while to get use to a 30 year old voice coming out of Dipper Pines.

2) I have the enthusiasm of Jeff when watching those kinds of trivia shows with the answers that Clarence comes up with.

Regular Show: "Lift Your Back"/"Eileen Flat Screen"

"Lift Your Back"/"Eileen Flat Screen"

                    A                                         B+          

 A Rigby Double Feature        

I decided to group these two together because they really work well off each other. Both episodes dive  deep into the maturity that Rigby has gained throughout this series run. The focus are the two relationships that are the most intimate to Rigby. Mordecai of course and Eileen. The episodes explore into new traits that Rigbys embodies now and points out some things that need to be addressed with his friendship with Mordecai. It is a refreshing pace to see two episodes back to back that give the total spotlight to  Rigby. I also have a feeling that it will be quite some time until we have stories like this again seeing that where the last episode left off we are going to head back to the relationships of Mordecai.

“Lift your Back” is a really strong episode because its sole focus is to display how Rigby has genuinely changed over his adventures at the park. While the audience is well aware of this, the fellow employees  unfairly still see Rigby as the ultimate slacker. Even Mordecai agrees even though we see him take full advantage of the responsibility that Rigby has gained. To prove a point that he can get a paycheck without the help of anyone, he decides to get another job. However, his lack of education gives him the only option of a back mover. A painful and degrading job anyone would backtrack but as Eileen as pointed out he got heart now and succeeds without the help of his best friend. Showing that Rigby can be a independent..racoon?

The great thing about this episode is that the conflict of Mordecai and Rigby does not make anyone in the wrong. Both bring up valid points of why they treat each other the why they do. Mordecai feels that Rigby owes him for the times where his delinquency has gotten them into trouble. Rigby feels that Mordecai cannot understand that their friendship gets them out of trouble as well. The frustration and confessions of the two main characters provides the chance to bury these conflicts in the past and accept Rigby as the changed man he is. In the end, Mordecai and Rigby's relationship feels stronger than ever even if Rigbys back does not.

“Eileen Flat Screen” or part two. Replaces Mordecai to Rigbys second best relationship in the show Eileen. The greatest element in this episode is that we get to see how much Eileen and Rigbys relationship as grown. If this was season one I totally would of believe Rigby going off with Eileen's tv to temporary play on before he somehow breaks it. However, Rigby plays the chivalric hero as not only does he rescue the tv from her beastly roommate Joanne, but he also vocally sticks up for her. We also hear what we have not visually seen happened with Eileen and Rigby. They have been hanging out alot since Mordecai and CJ got together, going to renaissance fairs or just hanging at her apartment. Which of course makes me happy all over.

Joanne is a figure that everyone has encountered before: bad roommate. Her nitpicks are ridiculous but probably are not so far off to peoples experiences living with someone like that. However, the reveal of Joanne and her tv does not come quite as fun as it should've been. The spirit in television and her heiress did not seems quite as fleshed out. But that does not really matter because the core of the episode was Rigby and Eileen. So I will forgive the anti climatic villain plot and be in total bliss of the start of something great for these two. While it seems a new beginning for Rigby, the return of Margaret questions whether Mordecai truly has begun something new or still stuck in the past.

Cool Things Noticed:

1. If anyone can figure out who was replacing the toilet paper with saran wrap Benson has 12 dollars for you.
2. I do not want you to think that because the second episode got a B plus because of the villain. I believe the villain might of been lackluster on purpose to provide such a good twist at the end. It was because the first one was really hard to compete with.
3. Eileen got rid of a roommate...vacant spot for Margaret?
4. I am happy to see Margaret back! I also cannot wait to see how the show plays it out.
5. That guy loved Rigby as a son. Also, that guy looked a lot like Rockys coach or am I way off?

Steven Universe: Fusion Cuisine

Steven Universe: Fusion Cuisine

Disaster Date

B +

Family has always been a very strong component of the success of Steven Universe.  Stevens love for his family is always presented in a very sweet but realistic matter. Watching them through family dynamics intertwined with supernatural elements is a humorous but sentiment take on relationships between guardians, friends, or parents. This episode introduces us to what happens when a relatively traditional family collides with an unstructured one. Though they could not be more different, what is transparent is that love they have for their children

I always assumed that it was a known fact that everyone in Beach City knows about the crystal gems and their hybrid child Steven. However, not everyone knows or accepts the magical events that partaken in this town. When a hangout date with Connie goes astray, a dinner date is setup with each respectable parents. In glorious Steven fashion, he requests for the presence of all his family members at the restaurant. As a viewer, you know that this is not going to end well but you understand why everyone goes. The gems sense there pet peeves will be the downfall and probably know ahead of time this will not end well but Stevens request comes from with such utter adoration of his family and approval of his crushes family that they agree. The date itself is of course great because Steven has no idea what a socially accepted “nuclear family” is. The escaping on a bus seems a little too rush for the episode which is my only nitpick. However, it is also nice to see families bond over their discipline for crime and punishment because nothing brings families closer together than the misery of their children.

The Connie and Steven angle of this show is a delight to watch as always. It is a very nostalgic format of dealing with a first crush. Everytime they are on screen it is like the equivalent of seeing dimples on a kitten. It also deals with very real issues of first love, like meeting the parents and the desire for acceptance. This episode also deals with the formats of families. Preaching that family can come in all different shapes and sizes. Not one family is exactly the same however, what can be equal in all families is the willingness they would go for their child's happiness.

Cool Things Noticed

1. Garnets response to Connies Mom was brilliant. She panicked ok?
2. Under the knife seems a bit of a nail biter. Poor Steven cannot watch again for another 1,000 years.
3. Greg wore a sweater!