turquoise_star_17 Reviews

Are You Afraid of the Dark? (2019–2022)

A Love Letter to the Original

[10/10 · 7 June 2023]

I was pleasantly surprised. Normally when it comes to reboots, I'm skeptical as many are that it won't live up to the original. In this case, I was happy to be wrong! Are You Afraid of the Dark? Was one of my favorite childhood shows. Its only flaw really was its lower budget, which showed in aspects of many episodes, but they managed a great show out of what they had.

With 2 of AYAOTD's creators involved (Ned and D. J.), this new series truly feels like the story they always wanted to tell if they weren't hindered by that, and of course the primitive CGI of the 90's. The spirit of the original is intact, in fact the scares outdid it at times! The kid in me squealed with delight at Richard Dumont's cameo as the first Sardo, and I couldn't help but wonder if they would have done for Dr. Vink if Aron Tager were still around (RIP 2019).

But yeah - this is how you do a reboot right.

Pokémon: The Finals IV: Partner (2022) Season 25, Episode 42

Worth the Wait

[10/10 · 13 November 2022]

I grew up with Pokémon, from the first games and the first season of the show in 1997.

From the beginning, Ash declared his dream was to be a "Pokémon master". By defeating Leon, in a spectacular battle no less, he has officially become the world's #1 trainer after 25 years.

One great aspect of Journeys has been the reunions and cameos of characters not seen in years. This episode, aside from the battle itself, gets top marks for featuring appearances by all of his past travel companions, plus every Pokémon Ash ever owned (including the released ones like fan favourite Butterfree, Pidgeot, even Primeape whom he only had for a few episodes!)

Thank you, Pokémon, for putting the biggest smile on this old-school fan's face yesterday.

The Littlest Hobo: The Five Labours of Hercules: Part One (1983) Season 4, Episode 17

A Dog Lover's Delight

[10/10 · 11 April 2022]

This episode was written by Charles Eisenmann, the owner and trainer of London and the other German Shepherds who portrayed Hobo.

I couldn't help roaring with laughter throughout the scenes when Hobo leads all five of the boy's dogs through the park. Thank you Eisenmann for a gem of a 2-parter to end off the fourth season.

The Littlest Hobo: Romiet and Julio (1980) Season 1, Episode 19

"Tomorrow It'll be a Polar Bear With a Credit Card"

[10/10 · 11 April 2022]

Been enjoying a re-watch of The Littlest Hobo, one of the greatest Canadian shows ever made imo

Quite fond of this episode for when Hobo goes grocery shopping for the runaway couple (one of my favourite scenes of the series), and also when he's passing notes around the house and mixes on up. Plus the great Leslie Nielsen is in it.

Corner Gas: The Littlest Yarbo (2005) Season 3, Episode 5

Let us out of here, this isn't very Hobo-like

[10/10 · 1 April 2022]

Having grown up watching Saturday morning reruns of The Littlest Hobo, this episode was a delightful homage, it may be my all-time favourite episode of Corner Gas.

The final scene when "Hobo" locks Hank and Brent in the shed, and runs off with their steak to the actual classic theme song is *chef's kiss*

Arthur: Blabbermouth/All Grown Up (2022) Season 25, Episode 4

It's a Wonderful Kind of Day

[10/10 · 23 February 2022]

After 25 years, we say goodbye to the beloved aardvark. Arthur was a part of my 90's childhood. What set it apart was its willingness on a regular basis to tackle serious topics that most kids' shows wouldn't, and in a fair and entertaining manner.

I don't watch Arthur much anymore, but I absolutely had to tune in for the finale. And I loved it. The cameo by Marc Brown himself, Michael Yarmush the original voice of Arthur returning to voice the adult version, and finally coming full circle to the first episode, "Arthur's Eyes". They couldn't have ended it on a more perfect note.

Thank you to Marc, to the cast, the writers and crew, for all the wonderful memories.

The Simpsons: Mothers and Other Strangers (2021) Season 33, Episode 9

A glaring retcon

[4/10 · 4 December 2021]

Some scenes were okay, but this episode had one major issue. On Mother's Day, Homer is grieving the loss of his mother Mona, who had been a fugitive since his childhood. He reminisces about a teenage road trip to Utah with his father Abe to find his mother, eventually succeeding.

This directly contradicts Season 7's "Mother Simpson" in that after Mona went on the run, Abe told Homer she had died. He held this belief for 27 years until her return when he is 39 (so he could not have seen her as a teen) and it was the main reason for his ongoing difficulty in trusting her.

It surprised me to learn this episode was written by Al Jean. As someone who has been with The Simpsons since the beginning, he'd know better about important bits of canon like this.

The Simpsons: A Serious Flanders (2021) Season 33, Episode 6

Best Simpsons episode in years!

[10/10 · 9 November 2021]

When I watch Simpsons episodes of the modern era, I tend to go into them with lowered expectations. A Serious Flanders surprised and impressed me like the show hasn't in many seasons, I'm excited for part 2 next Sunday!

Cesar Mazariegos joined the writing team only 2 years ago, but should have done so much sooner. He's got the spark.

Goosebumps: Don't Go to Sleep (1997) Season 3, Episode 4

Randomness

[5/10 · 7 November 2021]

I had about 40-45 of the 62 Goosebumps books. Don't Go to Sleep wasn't one of them, so I can't compare, but this episode was always like some weird fever dream guest starring Don Cherry. Not exactly sure where they were going with it.

Goosebumps: A Night in Terror Tower: Part 1 (1996) Season 1, Episode 16

Goosebumps Goes Medieval

[10/10 · 5 November 2021]

My favourite Goosebumps book and episode! I always did love a good medieval time-travel story, and R. L. Stine did well with his spin on the 15th-century mystery of the "Princes in the Tower".

Having been to the filming location Casa Loma in Toronto as a kid (though the episode is set in London, England), it's neat to recognize so much of the castle like the stairwell, the tunnel and the courtyard.

Props to the non-UK actors for their convincing accents.

Goosebumps: Go Eat Worms (1996) Season 2, Episode 6

So-so

[5/10 · 5 November 2021]

R. L. Stine has called this one of his least favourite Goosebumps books, and I can't say I blame him. The gross-out factor is definitely prevalent throughout the episode, unfortunately the episode suffers from an otherwise incoherent plot not much improved from the book.

The episode Swarmin' Norman from Stine's newer series "The Haunting Hour" feels like an improved version of the story he was trying to tell here about nature fighting back.

Corner Gas Animated: Ruby Re-Burn (2021) Season 4, Episode 13

A Bittersweet End

[10/10 · 2 November 2021]

This is it. First a live-action version, then a movie, then an animated reveal. After 17 years, the pumps turned off at Corner Gas for the final time tonight with a sweet episode of the main characters pondering their next moves in life, fittingly guest-starring proud Canadian boy Ryan Reynolds.

I followed this show through its entire run, and had the luck in 2007 to visit the set in Rouleau, Saskatchewan on a filming day and spot Gabrielle Miller and Janet Wright (RIP) on the street. Hence, this show will forever hold a special place in my memories.

Thank you Brent, Nancy and everyone involved in bringing this wonderful show to life.

Fugget About It (2012–2021)

Underrated gem of adult cartoons

[10/10 · 25 October 2021]

Fugget About It is like Family Guy crossed with The Sopranos with a Canadian twist.

The writing is smart, snappy and they kept it that way through 3 seasons. The worst part is the fact this show didn't get a 4th.

Arthur: D.W. Goes to Washington/Arthur's Mystery Envelope (1997) Season 2, Episode 10

I don't see any ponies

[10/10 · 11 October 2021]

D. W. Goes to Washington was an episode of D. W. at her best. The Read family agrees to take a weekend trip to Washington, D. C.

All are enthusiastic except D. W. who is completely preoccupied with Ponyland and ponies in general thanks to a TV commercial. Thus, she pouts through the trip and refuses to let herself enjoy the sights of Washington, resulting in a fun 15 minutes full of snappy one-liners.

Are You Afraid of the Dark?: The Tale of the Jagged Sign (1995) Season 5, Episode 2

Few scares but good episode

[10/10 · 10 October 2021]

Though it involves a ghost, this is really a modern-day Romeo and Juliet story that's more sad than scary.

While staying at her Aunt Yvonne's retirement home, Claudia becomes acquainted with its residents. Among them is Marjorie, a sweet and lonely woman who it turns out has lived a lifetime with a broken heart and now failing health.

Some suspense, but ultimately a bittersweet ending that reminds us to treasure the time that we have with our elderly loved ones.

Are You Afraid of the Dark?: The Tale of Bigfoot Ridge (1999) Season 6, Episode 13

A late-season gem

[10/10 · 7 October 2021]

Episodes in the final 2 revival seasons of Are You Afraid of the Dark were hit and miss compared to the original 5. The Tale of Bigfoot Ridge was one of the hits, starring a young Hayden Christensen pre-Star Wars fame.

This is a story that shows how scary the cold and dark can really be. Sarah Edmonson gives a convincingly creepy performance as the Aumbra in Gina's form with a simple silent and unwavering stare reminiscent of the movie It Follows.

R.L. Stine's the Haunting Hour: Poof de Fromage (2012) Season 3, Episode 9

Literally cheesy

[1/10 · 7 October 2021]

Not sure what the writers were thinking when they came up with this. In a series with mostly good episode ideas, one about aliens who disguise themselves as Cheese Puffs coupled with crude humour just screams "low budget". The Haunting Hour's low point for sure.

Are You Afraid of the Dark?: The Tale of the Dead Man's Float (1995) Season 5, Episode 1

Season 5 opened with a bang

[10/10 · 7 October 2021]

This is easily one of Are You Afraid of the Dark's scariest episodes. The Jaws-style underwater camera shots are effective at cranking up the tension, knowing the thing in the pool is invisible except for its sulphur smell. When its form is finally revealed as a convincingly nightmarish red-coloured monster, wow... the costume department outdid themselves.

90's TV shows were notorious for cheesy special effects sometimes, and this includes some episodes of AYAOTD, but Dead Man's Float was not one of those times. How the Midnight Society didn't let Stig in after this story will forever be a mystery.

Life with Louie: The Thank-You Note (1997) Season 2, Episode 13

A Quintessential Episode

[10/10 · 30 September 2021]

A beautifully written message about a sensitive subject. Death is never easy for kids' shows to tackle, and The Thank You Note did it the best of any show from my childhood. In a misunderstood quest to send his late grandmother the final words he never got a chance to say, Louie also learns the beliefs of multiple religions regarding death, all of which the show handled with the utmost respect.