[Images] [Site Updates] [How I Became a Fan] [Contact] [Sign Guestbook] [View Guestbook]
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS: Although not actually anywhere close to the funniest episode of the third season, this episode is a good example of the show's ability to drag out a lot of humor from plots which you wouldn't think would have any real potential for it. Side plots include a.) the revelation that Karen once being in the top five in the country at static apnea (holding her breath underwater), and the whole town making fun of her for it, and b.) Wanda insisting that nobody makes a big deal out of her birthday.
From this amateur reviewer's standpoint, the plot lines in "Safety First" had a lot more potential than the ones in this episode, but in this episode the humor works pretty well. Most of this, I would say, is a credit to the talent of the show's cast - if I were to simply read the script I'd be hard pressed to find any major laughs, but when I watched the episode they weren't hard to find at all.
MEMORABLE MOMENT: When you see Hank's finished product - a scale Lego model of Dog River. I can't tell if that's all Legos or not - but if it is, major kudos to the prop guys who threw it together.
MEMORABLE LINE: This one was started by Hank and finished by Wanda: "(Hank) A sculptor uses clay, a poet uses words�(here, Wanda interrupts) an idiot uses Lego blocks?"
KUDOS TO GABRIELLE: I really liked the whole "pow" scene in the booth at the Ruby, and throughout the episode it was fun to watch Lacey's insults go from really bad to pretty good. The whole "synonyms" thing was well done by her, too, especially when she said "Oh, please, stop."
FUNNIEST LINE IN THIS EPISODE: When Emma points out to Wanda that a birthday fuss means that people care and Wanda says it's sweet of her, Emma says "Oh, I don't care, but others might."
FUNNIEST SCENES IN THIS EPISODE:
1.) When Lacey asks Davis if he knew about Karen competing nationally, Davis answering "a good cop knows everything about his partner, and Lacey instantly coming back with "did YOU know about it?"
2.) When Brent complains about Emma giving his Lego blocks to Hank, and Emma says "you haven't played with those things in months."
3.) Wanda complaining to Lacey about "turning today into a big deal" and the "wink wink" routine that followed.
4.) The use of the word "juggernaut" between Emma, Lacey and Brent.
5.) The lame potshots thrown at Karen when she walks into The Ruby. This is a good example of bad humor being funny, much like Lacey's terrible jokes in "Hurry Hard." Note that I'm assuming that making the insults at Karen lame was done intentionally (whether or not they were, the insults do get progressively better).
6.) The entire scene with Hank throwing Brent out of the house when Brent goes overboard playing with the Legos.
7.) Lacey trying to use the "pow" and Karen shooting her down.
8.) Lacey uncorking an insult towards Karen and earning a "pow" from Wanda.
9.) Davis's unbelievably dimwitted attempt to help Hank's Lego project.
10.) Lacey taking a shot at Karen in front of Wes before realizing that Karen wasn't there.
11.) Wanda mistaking Wes' surprise birthday as being for her.
12.) Hank's head falling off his body and winding up near the pirate in the store. Don't ask, just watch the episode.
13.) Oscar's new record at static apnea.
14.) Wanda berating Brent and Oscar joining in.
15.) Wanda trying to use "jackass" and being shot down by Oscar.
16.) Hank's solution to the shed problem.
17.) When Lacey calls the town over to see Karen's apnea thing, Brent asks "is it static?", to which Lacey answers "is it ever" - as if either would know what non-static apnea is.
NITPICK: Why is Hank using Oscar and Emma's house to build such a large Lego project?