This is one of my (only) favorite episodes of the show and sadly it was also the last episode. This wasn't supposed to be the end but when the axe swings it can't be helped. It really sucks just seeing this episode you can't help but think how much the show could have improved on itself and how much further it could've gone, oh well there is always the realm of fanfiction is the only way for the Misfits adventures in science to continue.
I really like the episode's format which is done in documentary style which wasn't really something different at the time before it became common place as you probably might see this in one episode or two of a sitcom, let alone shows that use this format entirely. But this format is part of what enhances the ongoing mystery of the episode, where we see this time Billy has finally gone way over his head and this time it could cost him everything, not even his genius is going to be enough to get him out. Of course, there is the whole thing with the blender which of course is the typical McGuffin device in spy thrillers.
In a way this episode gives a bit of a sense of participation as for once we become part of the show because we're the real investigators. Each of the interviews and flashback are pretty much puzzle pieces that were putting together to figure out what lead to Billy's conundrum and why he's being so secretive which isn't like Billy at all. Though the character Billy has been somewhat of a mystery as we never knew much about his past.
The news program is sort of a character as the reporter despite experienced acts like a total novice, actually a novice could do a better job then him as the reporter is slightly incompetent, making our source of information slightly unreliable. Like there is one scene where we see photos of Billy's past, but the narration is fumbled along with the photos, seeing that I thought "you forgot to edit the segment didn't you". This adds to the mystery but also keeps Billy's character a mystery from his denial on selling test answers, I honestly don't know if he told the truth or not however a shameless person and sometimes being too smart for his own good, I wouldn't put it past him. But also, the person that we see is Billy's mom who is clearly way too old. Which makes me wonder if Billy might have falsified some records to keep parts of his past a secret, knowing Billy, I wouldn't put it past him either.
There are some funny moments like Billy not knowing how to use the auto dial function on the landline phone. Which makes sense because back then that was a new feature that started coming up in the 80's, you can imagine how surreal it was having preprogramed numbers on a phone that you can just dial by pressing a button. Another of course is with Max who is interviewed where at first he's in the dark to remain anonymous until the spotlight shines on him, not that it makes a difference as we already know who he is. Though I also like seeing Max exercising a little backbone in the mater, despite a nervous duck he does possess one.
There is some intrigue despite Billy as usual overthinking things we see also as usual he's on the right track. Even like that the Misfits are staying true with Billy; despite accusations they know that certain things don't all line up.
The only parts of the episode that are off track are this episode isn't as exciting as the Misfits mainly the powered ones really don't have much or anything to do in the episode, let alone use their powers once. But this is more of a suspense thriller than an actioner so I'm fine with this.
It's also easy to figure out who the real spy is, probably just me as I've seen plotlines like this so many times, but most of the time like in the mysteries shows it's always the character of the weak. Though this didn't deter things for me as it created another piece of intrigue as you were a step ahead of the characters, you're just hoping their figure it all out on time and find a way out.
Will Billy and the misfits find a way out of the spy ring, you just must wait and see.
Rating: 3 stars.
I really like the episode's format which is done in documentary style which wasn't really something different at the time before it became common place as you probably might see this in one episode or two of a sitcom, let alone shows that use this format entirely. But this format is part of what enhances the ongoing mystery of the episode, where we see this time Billy has finally gone way over his head and this time it could cost him everything, not even his genius is going to be enough to get him out. Of course, there is the whole thing with the blender which of course is the typical McGuffin device in spy thrillers.
In a way this episode gives a bit of a sense of participation as for once we become part of the show because we're the real investigators. Each of the interviews and flashback are pretty much puzzle pieces that were putting together to figure out what lead to Billy's conundrum and why he's being so secretive which isn't like Billy at all. Though the character Billy has been somewhat of a mystery as we never knew much about his past.
The news program is sort of a character as the reporter despite experienced acts like a total novice, actually a novice could do a better job then him as the reporter is slightly incompetent, making our source of information slightly unreliable. Like there is one scene where we see photos of Billy's past, but the narration is fumbled along with the photos, seeing that I thought "you forgot to edit the segment didn't you". This adds to the mystery but also keeps Billy's character a mystery from his denial on selling test answers, I honestly don't know if he told the truth or not however a shameless person and sometimes being too smart for his own good, I wouldn't put it past him. But also, the person that we see is Billy's mom who is clearly way too old. Which makes me wonder if Billy might have falsified some records to keep parts of his past a secret, knowing Billy, I wouldn't put it past him either.
There are some funny moments like Billy not knowing how to use the auto dial function on the landline phone. Which makes sense because back then that was a new feature that started coming up in the 80's, you can imagine how surreal it was having preprogramed numbers on a phone that you can just dial by pressing a button. Another of course is with Max who is interviewed where at first he's in the dark to remain anonymous until the spotlight shines on him, not that it makes a difference as we already know who he is. Though I also like seeing Max exercising a little backbone in the mater, despite a nervous duck he does possess one.
There is some intrigue despite Billy as usual overthinking things we see also as usual he's on the right track. Even like that the Misfits are staying true with Billy; despite accusations they know that certain things don't all line up.
The only parts of the episode that are off track are this episode isn't as exciting as the Misfits mainly the powered ones really don't have much or anything to do in the episode, let alone use their powers once. But this is more of a suspense thriller than an actioner so I'm fine with this.
It's also easy to figure out who the real spy is, probably just me as I've seen plotlines like this so many times, but most of the time like in the mysteries shows it's always the character of the weak. Though this didn't deter things for me as it created another piece of intrigue as you were a step ahead of the characters, you're just hoping their figure it all out on time and find a way out.
Will Billy and the misfits find a way out of the spy ring, you just must wait and see.
Rating: 3 stars.
