The basic concept sounded intriguing, namely with Brain's plan which could pass for an episode of the original 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain'. Some of the show's story ideas were dubious from the get go, but some story ideas showed promise. "Squeeze Play" being one of the latter. Was a bit worried though re-watching, due to intensely disliking Elmyra as a character on this show and not finding Rudy particularly compelling either and remembering from memory them featuring prominently.
"Squeeze Play" is another one of the far from great, or even particularly good, but better than expected episodes of 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain'. One that showed some promise but had uneven execution. It is certainly the better of the two episodes seen together on recent rewatch, the other being "The Raven" (that doesn't do enough with a clever sounding idea), but there was a lot of potential for "Squeeze Play" to be better than it was.
Certainly there are good things. Brain is nailed, as was near-consistently the case with 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain'. It was nice to see more of Pinky and also of their chemistry, which is true to that of the original 'Pinky and the Brain'. When Pinky and Brain are on screen and together, "Squeeze Play" is pretty decent. Rob Paulsen and especially Maurice LaMarche don't disappoint with the voice acting.
Animation has some nice vibrancy and attention to detail. The character of the snake was fun and the interaction between him, Pinky and Brain is amusing.
Elmyra and Rudy are a lot less appealing. Especially Elmyra, although her abusive nature isn't as strong in comparison to other episodes she is still annoying. Rudy suffers, and always has suffered, from not having much personality and he and Elmyra don't really connect all that well chemistry-wise. When they are present, the episode is a lot less amusing and witty and becomes childish and too cute. Two adjectives that have been frequent big problems in a vast majority of the show.
When it comes to the story execution, "Squeeze Play" is uneven. Fun with Pinky and Brain (though trying to make Pinky more hip felt out of the character) and the snake, but lacking in momentum and charm with Elmyra and Rudy. Also found it incredibly predictable, even for formulaic ground, and overboard on the simplicity. The balance isn't there either, with too much Elmyra and Rudy and not enough Pinky and Brain.
Overall, very up and down episode but better than most episodes of a spin off that never really got off the ground. 5/10.
"Squeeze Play" is another one of the far from great, or even particularly good, but better than expected episodes of 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain'. One that showed some promise but had uneven execution. It is certainly the better of the two episodes seen together on recent rewatch, the other being "The Raven" (that doesn't do enough with a clever sounding idea), but there was a lot of potential for "Squeeze Play" to be better than it was.
Certainly there are good things. Brain is nailed, as was near-consistently the case with 'Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain'. It was nice to see more of Pinky and also of their chemistry, which is true to that of the original 'Pinky and the Brain'. When Pinky and Brain are on screen and together, "Squeeze Play" is pretty decent. Rob Paulsen and especially Maurice LaMarche don't disappoint with the voice acting.
Animation has some nice vibrancy and attention to detail. The character of the snake was fun and the interaction between him, Pinky and Brain is amusing.
Elmyra and Rudy are a lot less appealing. Especially Elmyra, although her abusive nature isn't as strong in comparison to other episodes she is still annoying. Rudy suffers, and always has suffered, from not having much personality and he and Elmyra don't really connect all that well chemistry-wise. When they are present, the episode is a lot less amusing and witty and becomes childish and too cute. Two adjectives that have been frequent big problems in a vast majority of the show.
When it comes to the story execution, "Squeeze Play" is uneven. Fun with Pinky and Brain (though trying to make Pinky more hip felt out of the character) and the snake, but lacking in momentum and charm with Elmyra and Rudy. Also found it incredibly predictable, even for formulaic ground, and overboard on the simplicity. The balance isn't there either, with too much Elmyra and Rudy and not enough Pinky and Brain.
Overall, very up and down episode but better than most episodes of a spin off that never really got off the ground. 5/10.
