LTPHarry Reviews

Sesame Street: The Good Birds Club (2011) Season 42, Episode 9

Even after the golden days of the show have passed, Sesame Street still engages on great morals and life lessons.

[9/10 · 23 May 2024]

Sesame Street has taught a lot of serious topics over the years including racism and bullying. This episode actually deals with both and points that out with a great moral along the way.

So, Gordon and Big Bird are going through the latter's mail , to which Big Bird given an invitation to The Good Birds Club in the mail, ran by a pigeon. Big Bird raps that he enjoys being himself and heads to Hooper's Store. The gray pigeon on the other hand, is not impressed and thinks he can change Big Bird for himself. He deems Big Bird to have feet that are too big, being too big himself, and being yellow.

Abby Cadabby uses her magic to help her but she and Elmo aren't too sure that Big Bird needs to change. Everytime, Big Bird gets sadder and sadder as the gray pigeon continues to make fun of him. Abby decides that enough is enough and decides that the only thing right is to tell a grown-up.

She and Elmo bring Chris, and he tells Big Bird that he's fine just the way he is and that he is being the victim of a bully, and so do Abby and Elmo. Chris tells Big Bird he can start his own club which is inclusive and allows everyone of any type and size, titled the "Happy To Be Me Club". Big Bird is turned back to normal and the other birds part of the club soon join the Happy To Be Me Club and betray the Pigeon. They soon a reprise of the song Big Bird sing throughout the episode.

Watching this segment, it gives out a great moral that everyone is accepting to what colour they are, what size they are, and who they are as a whole. It also gives a good showcase that racism is a bad thing and that if you are being bullied, make sure to tell someone and ignore the bully.

The thing I would say is that the rap song Big Bird sings is a bit cheesy. Nothing wrong with that, but I kinda wish it was something different.

Regardless, a great episode.

Katie Piper's Breakfast Show (2022– )

Katie is the perfect woman to start your weekend.

[8/10 · 20 May 2024]

Cactus TV has produced a lot of weekend shows for ITV, including Weekend, Garraway's Good Stuff, Martin and Roman's Weekend Best! And the other programmes that use "Breakfast Show" in their name. They are pretty much all the same programme just with different names and occasional segment changes.

This show has lasted longer than the other shows (aside from Weekend) and there's a good reason why. Katie Piper OBE is one of the most inspirational TV presenters I know and definitely shows that even with jerks trying to stop or harm you with acid (which is the reason why she has a blind left eye) you don't just stop, you continue on to progress in life.

Anyways, back to the show, Katie makes you feel right in the studio. She has a comfy feel-good personality and she shows major interest in every topic. The segments in the show are also interesting as well.

The only thing I do not like is that it sometimes does pander to the Gen Z audience by showing off challenges and TikTok style short videos, but aside from that this is a great way to start your morning. If Katie remains free, ITV might commission this for a fourth season!

Late Night Lycett (2023– )

It tries so hard to be good, but just falls flat on it's face.

[4/10 · 13 May 2024]

So, as the name implies, this is a late night variety show hosted by comedian Joe Lycett in a studio in Birmingham. It's in the slot where The Last Leg normally is on Channel 4, at 10:00pm.

I'll be honest, Lycett is one of the comedians I can take more than most. He CAN be funny, although he does engage in the same dirty humour that most comedians use. Yes, he swears a lot and so does this show, but he mostly puts the focus on comedy towards being twisted and wacky at times. And aside from this show, Lycett is quite a crazy person himself, if you've seen from his marketing stunts and whatnot.

Alright, the whole concept is similar to that of TFI Friday. There are many segments written by Lycett but, as I said in the title, they fall flat. One of them spoofs GB News, which seems like a genius move considering it's a disaster of a network, but nope - it just had to be underwhelming. I don't need to explain, but it just is! When the show isn't being the same vulgar jokes you hear on other comedy shows, it does bring in some funny gags. Katherine Ryan's running gag in Series 1 where she never gets to be on the show shows off Lycett's power to be wacky and slapsticky.

The guests on the show are normally people from the LGBT+ scene. This brings in quite a wide variety of people of various types. However, there are other guests as well, so there is a wide variety. At least it doesn't exclusively feature comedians.

Overall, Late Night Lycett is a let down of a show, but the good points prevent it from being a very bad programme. It's surely better than Smart TV and other panel shows I've watched, which try too hard to be edgy for the sake of being on pay TV.

Peppa Pig: George Catches a Cold (2007) Season 2, Episode 24

Portrays illness in a unrealistic fashion.

[2/10 · 27 April 2024]

This episode is not good in terms of plotline. The story is that George Pig refuses to wear his rainhat in the rain and gets sick doing so. Now, to go over the main issues.

The episode's way of showing how you can catch a cold is very unrealistic because you cannot get ill when it's raining outside. You can only get a common cold if you happen to catch an illness or virus that can cause it. In fact, how George is able to catch a cold in the rain within a few seconds also goes unexplained.

George is as per usual, disobedient and does not stop saying "Why?" over the simplest of things. Yes, I know he's two-years-old, but it's still too much. Peppa is as bad, if not worse than her little brother as she doesn't seem to care that George is sick - instead thinking that he's only acting sick for attention.

So overall, not a brilliant episode thanks to it's ridiculous writing and premise of portraying colds in an unrealistic fashion.

Rob Beckett's Smart TV (2024– )

Smart TV adds nothing to the adding additions of panel shows.

[2/10 · 25 April 2024]

Rob Beckett's Smart TV is from Talkback Productions, the Fremantle subsidiary that produces the classic music panel show Never Mind the Buzzcocks, which was rebooted for Sky Max two years ago, and this show is also on Sky Max. Smart TV is essentially NMTBC but focuses on television shows instead of music. In some way, it could feel like Telly Addicts as well.

It's hosted by Rob Beckett, a stand-up comedian who has appeared on other panel shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats and a few projects with Romesh Ranganathan. The team captains are Alison Hammond, the This Morning megastar who you see everywhere on television nowadays, and Josh Widdicombe, who co-presents on The Last Leg and is one of the most frequent panel show guests or presenters. Now, what does this bring together?

That's right, nothing new to the panel show realm. There is absolutely nothing to distinguish this from the other panel shows I have seen. I am not a fan of any of the hosts (well, maybe except Hammond, but only when she has a barrier to keep her dirty side away) and the guests are always the same people you've seen on other panel shows. The game portion is taken aside by the fact that 60% of the show is nothing but pop-culture references, crude sex jokes, innuendos, and excessive cussing. When the humour isn't cheap, the jokes the hosts and the guests make are just childish and shameful that anybody under the age of 17 would find funny. It's exactly what the Sky reboot of Never Mind the Buzzcocks offers up. Once more, shock value for the sake of shock value is a cheap excuse for comedy and both shows fail at that.

Regardless, Smart TV isn't the worst panel show out there, but it's still repetitive and crude. The game portion is fine, and yet it's pushed aside for lazy shock-value jokes. The hosts are not anything to write home about, and all in all, it just feels like Sky wants to cash in on their other successful panel shows that it seems desperate.

Salty's Lighthouse (1997–1998)

Would have ended up as just another obscure preschool cartoon - only if it wasn't discovered by the Thomas community

[2/10 · 10 April 2024]

Salty's Lighthouse is a pre-school cartoon from Sunbow Entertainment that originally aired on TLC in 1997 and also aired on PBS stations. What makes this cartoon something that a fanbase disowns as being an insult to a famous cult show? Let's find out.

The series centers on Salty, a young boy who enjoys daydreaming and going on adventures. His friends consist of Ocho, an Octopus; Claude, a Hermit Crab; Sophie and Saddie, twin birds; Aurora, the shining light inside the lighthouse; and Aunt Chovie, the owner. With this, the characters learn life lessons and other things you'd expect in pre-school shows. In addition to its animated segments, the show also features live-action wrap-arounds featuring models of tugboats on their adventures. This isn't anything new, but rather stock footage taken from the 1989 British children's series entitled Tugs. Sunbow bought a stake in the show from Robert D. Cardona and passed it off as what you see. In some way, it's sorta like Shining Time Station, as that show used Thomas as its framing segments quite like how this show uses Tugs as its framing segments.

So, now onto the show's quality. It's pretty obvious that this was produced on a low-budget and the animation reflects that. The character designs look generic and Salty himself looks like Tommy Pickles from Rugrats for some reason. The Canadian voice-acting cast is quite small, with only eight altogether split between the Salty and Tugs segments. Quite a lot of the same actors portray different characters in the latter. The Tugs segments commonly reuse footage from one episode to another because the show only had thirteen episodes produced while this show had forty segments, and as this was a pre-school show, the violent and dark scenes were all removed. The characters are generic, wooden, and don't feel relatable. I can't tell anybody apart. The episodes are repetitive because of their formulaic nature - A problem occurs, then they look at the Tugs, then other things go on, and the episode is over. I can understand that this is aimed at pre-schoolers, but it could do better than that.

If I had to say something good, it's that the opening theme is catchy.

Overall, this show isn't fun to watch and as I stated, there's a good reason why fans of Thomas and Tugs disown this show as being shameful.

Celebrity Chase (2011– )

Chase those celebrities away for being "funny".

[2/10 · 16 March 2024]

Here's another celebrity spin-off of a popular game show. Easily the worst of it's kind because it essentially turns The Chase from a fun game show with it's own brand of humour into an unfunny "comedy" game show where the audience laughs at everything happening.

As to be expected for a Celebrity game show, the questions are dumbed down from the original civilian version to the point they just feel pathetic. The celebrities are as bad, answering the easy questions badly and I could suspect this is done on purpose for the entertainment value as they're winning money for charity and gain money regardless anyway.

Then, what is worse is that they dumb down the Chasers as well and make them look as stupid as the celebrities are. They're meant to be threatening and serious, but here they aren't - just more people to be laughed at by the viewers and the audience. Once more, I suspect they give out the wrong answers on purpose and to give the celebrities an advantage in winning.

Bradders on the other hand, has also been quite dumbed down and tries too hard to be funny like everyone else. He reads questions much slower and sometimes engages in celebrity talk that's nothing more than desperate filler.

Overall, I hate this show. If I want The Chase, I stick to the original or the Family spin-off. I've not seen the celebrity editions of Beat the Chasers but I can suspect they're as bad as these editions are.

Celebrity Mastermind (2002– )

Ruins what makes a great and serious game show.

[2/10 · 16 March 2024]

Celebrity Mastermind is what it sounds like, a celebrity version of the BBC's classic game show format Mastermind, where contestants answer questions based on a chosen specialist subject and then answer general knowledge questions after the four contestants have answered their Specialist Subjects.

On the other hand, this version of the show completely pails in comparison to the original civilian version. First of all, these editions are not tournament-based, they are all standalone. Secondly and the most important part: they severely tone down the question difficulty, and yet the celebrities who answer the questions, even within their specialist subjects, fail to get them right! They don't just dumb down the show, but they make the celebrities like bumbling idiots solely for entertainment value, because that's what this is because they're doing this for charities.

If I were you, just stick to the regular Mastermind, because it has a purpose when compared to this mess.

Fireman Sam: Night of the Norman (2018) Season 11, Episode 10

THE PONDIES ARE COMING!!!

[4/10 · 13 March 2024]

This is a very strange episode of the series, and of course, it's what you'd expect from a CGI era episode featuring Norman being the writer's pet and his flanderisation.

So in this episode, Norman assumes that James, Hannah and Mandy have become "Pondies" after seeing them suffering from a winter bug. Firstly, this is a definite example of how Norman was flanderised in the CGI seasons because not only they made him jerky but they made him look completely dumb and stupid. To add on, he uses a flare inside a house - which you should not do, ever, because you could fire it wrong and cause a fire, like what Norman did.

Another thing to explain is why is there a Fire Service bag at the flood's house? We never see it again after that, so it seems like it was only there as a plot device for Norman to retrieve the Flare from.

The subplot on the other hand with Fireman Sam having to listen to One Way Street's "Shake Up my Summer Go-Go!" much to his dismay is okay at best, and is interesting when he finally finds someone who isn't a fan like he is.

As for the rest of the episode, the music is fine aside from the rescue theme, and the animation is nice for DHX/WildBrain's first season providing animation services although of course, it improves over the later seasons.

This episode isn't great, but it's watchable for how silly and strange it is.

Storage Hunters (2011–2013)

Even as a teenager I never saw the appeal in this show

[1/10 · 1 March 2024]

Sometimes, I don't know what the appeal is in certain reality show genres. In the case with this show, it's a bunch of peeps opening up storage lockers and seeing what's inside. This show is easily the worst of it's type, and for whatever reason, this show was extremely popular in the United Kingdom to the point that Dave, it's broadcaster, commissioned a UK version of the show. I haven't seen it but I can speculate it's pretty much the same show just with different people.

So, TruTV's Storage Hunters centres on these people who- well, I just explained it above. The only other things to note about it is about how acted to the point that it puts the other storage shows to shame. The fights are so cheesily awful that it makes it feels like you're watching WWE than anything else. Also, the constant bleeping is incredibly annoying. Feels like an excuse for the people on this show to swear for the sake of swearing.

In reality, all this show feels is actors acting like they have such big egos that they just open up storage lockers and beat up those who aren't buying or whatever. This is nothing more than a wrapped up garbage bag that hasn't been thrown out into the bin for three years - which is exactly what TruTV did right there.

Pointless Celebrities (2010– )

I much prefer the regular show over this.

[5/10 · 15 February 2024]

Pointless Celebrities is the prime-time Saturday spin-off of Pointless. However, just like most celebrity editions of shows, it pails in comparison.

Surely enough, it's the same game show, but with celebrity contestants playing for charity and occasionally some filler. The questions are pretty much the same as the original, so they aren't as dumbed down as on other celebrity versions of game shows (eg, Mastermind).

And of course, Alexander and Richard make for a great comedy duo, especially with the celebrities around. There are familiar faces, and there are faces you've never heard of before.

In the end, it's what it is, but seeing regular members of the public playing is better, in any game show that is.

Thomas & Friends: Respect for Gordon (2005) Season 9, Episode 6

I demand a "Toot Toot!"

[9/10 · 8 January 2024]

So, this is only the second episode of Series 9 (which is usually classified as the worst of the HIT model era seasons) and yet, it's already a clanger of a time.

In this episode, Gordon has rattling rods in his engine and the other engines make fun of him for it. Because of this, Gordon is not pleased and demands better respect - but not in a "polite" way. This leads to a jammy consequence for the big blue engine, and a sign of regret for the Steam Team.

On every strange case, Gordon always seems to have the best episodes during this period of the series and I believe that the writers know how to use him - James Mason (who wrote this episode) included.

The length fits in very well for this kind of plotline. Nothing in the plotline felt like it was there to fill out, it all had it's own purpose. Even the crash was made to prove that you need to earn respect and not gain it the way you think so, as it can lead you into trouble if you're not careful. This is a moral that I think isn't shoehorned in and can be learned from.

The only problems I would say is that there doesn't appear to be an engine pulling the Jam Tankers and it just feels like they're there for the plot expansion. The second is that the rest of the Steam Team should have apologised for being rude to Gordon, and then there would be double standards for both sides.

Overall, this is easily one of the best HIT-era episodes and is incredibly fun to watch.

Thomas & Friends: Splish Splash Splosh (2010) Season 13, Episode 15

This episode proves that sometimes the Nitrogen era went a bit too far...

[1/10 · 30 December 2023]

(NOTE: I WILL NOT MENTION ANYTHING IN REGARDS TO ALL ENGINES GO IN THIS REVIEW, AS IT'S SEPERATE FROM T&F)

Splish Splash Splosh is classified as the worst episode of Series 13 by fans, but do I have anything good to say about it?

Well, the plotline is that... Thomas and Rosie are splashing about in muddy puddles. Then, of course, Thomas doesn't listen to TFC to do his task of picking himself and Alicia Botti up, and instead proceeds to continue splashing everyone in sight. The three strikes- scratch that, four strikes proceed as Thomas splashes everyone. Then, TFC scolds him, Rosie helps Thomas, and then Thomas sorts out everything right and the episode ends.

Even for a Miller episode, this episode is still downright ridiculous. Then, of course, there's repetition where Thomas says he would love to splash an engine every time before he goes to the wash. Rhymes go along the lines of "Splish Splash Splosh! I'll soon need a wash!" and are as bad as you'd expect. Thomas is a downright idiot in this episode, as he should know that his friends are pulling loads, and why would he play about in the mud? And how exactly did his fire go out seconds after moving back when TFC scolds him? Who knows.

The only good thing is that Keith Wickham does a great job of showcasing TFC's true anger (at least until Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure), while Kerry Shale makes him sound more disappointed. But regardless, the voice acting is still good aside from the poorly-written dialogue.

This episode is just dreadful, there is almost nothing good to say about it.

Thomas & Friends: Creaky Cranky (2010) Season 13, Episode 1

Not a big surprise, but a weak start to the infamous Nitrogen era

[3/10 · 30 December 2023]

So, this is the debut episode of Series 13, Nitrogen Studios' first episode (not including Hero of the Rails) and all in all, what is it like? Let's find out.

As usual, if you're familar with this era, it's a Thomas-focused plot line from the Miller era with three strikes. Thomas doesn't do his job whatsoever and focuses more on having fun than anything else. Cranky proves to be quite repetitive for what he does, and eventually he's fixed and everything's alright, complete with an "Everyone laughs" ending.

The Fat Controller doesn't serve any purpose other than to let the "You're out" bit slide in the three strikes.

As for James and Henry, why would they simply let Thomas do their work? I dunno, maybe so the strikes can play out as well? Spencer also serves to solve the strikes.

And as usual, there's cringy and obvious rhymes and alliteration such as "Cranky creaked and how he's cracked!"

The beginning part was the only good part of it, and that's not saying much. This isn't worth a recommend.

Horrid Henry: Horrid Henry and the Early Christmas Present (2011) Season 3, Episode 35

Dreadful episode, especially when compared to Horrid Henry's Christmas

[2/10 · 26 December 2023]

Horrid Henry has always had his share of Christmas adventures in the books and TV series. Horrid Henry's Christmas was a lot of fun, and so was the entire Horrid Henry's Christmas Cracker book. This entry from Series 3 of the TV series however... leaves a lot to be desired. It's boring, frustrating, slow and substitutes fun for morals.

We see the exact same subplot used three times in this episode. It consists of Henry wanting a Birthday/Christmas present early, his Mum/Dad saying no, Peter saying he should save up, Henry calling Peter names, and Mum/Dad getting angry and saying Henry shouldn't deserve any presents, and Henry yelling NOOOOO!!!.

Then, when we get to the fourth section, Henry helps his mother, makes tea, and gets a present for Christmas Day - only to find out it's for the following year. Cue NOOOOO!!!.

Seriously, Mum and Dad show just how nasty they are to Henry in this episode. They refuse to give him any presents all because he called Peter names. Each and every child could get whatever they want and it shows that Henry feels like he's being controlled by everyone all because his parents don't like it when Henry isn't listening to them. I understand Henry is horrid, but it doesn't excuse this even worse behaviour.

Worst of all, as I stated before, there's almost no humour whatsoever, which is something you're meant to expect to see in a Horrid Henry ANYTHING. The franchise heavily relies on this, and yet this episode has nothing funny at all - all you get is Henry being disgraced by his harsh parents.

The only good thing is the Christmas setting and the second half (until the Christmas Day scene), but that's it.

Don't bother with this episode.

CBeebies Christmas Panto: Jack and Jill (2009) Season 2,009, Episode 1

Annoying, forgettable and overall lengthy.

[2/10 · 19 December 2023]

CBeebies started producing these made-for-TV theatrical-style pantomime shows in 2009. They were created to branch off the success of the CBeebies Christmas Special from 2007 and the CBeebies Starry Christmas from 2008. And here we start off with the one that started it all - Jack and Jill! Is it good? No, it isn't.

The special begins with- wait, we start off with Chris Evans first, describing how a panto works. He tells the story through a storybook. He mentions other tales such as Aladdin (2010), Cinderella (2011) and Jack and the Beanstalk (2012), which were all adapted within those next few years. Then we cut to the first scene featuring Katy the Fairy (Katy Ashworth) and the Jingle Jangle Jester (Andy Day) interacting with each other and talking about the story.

Then, we cut to Queen Fruitti (Justin Fletcher) and her child servants as they sort out the fruit - in song. That song wasn't very good. Afterwards, there was a fart joke (why? No idea) and then Queen Fruitti realizes that her royal bananas are missing. Call in King Willy (Sidney Slone) and they go off to find the bananas and promise a treat for anyone who finds them. However, Jingle Jangle has been hiding all this time, and Katy tries to stop him but fails.

Then we cut to Jack (Alex Winters) and Jill (Cerrie Burnell) as they prance around the well - which is revealed to be a wishing well. Jack wishes for a crown, and needless to say - Mister Maker (Phil Gallagher) is down the well. He makes one for him, and it's complete! Then, Jingle Jangle returns and puts a banana skin down, and Jack and Jill come tumbling down, knocked out from the fall. The naughty jester puts the bananas down, and runs off - with Katy the Fairy failing to stop him again.

Then, there's a short scene where Chris Evans is trying to find the rest of the story and just resorts to using his laptop. Not funny!

The next scene features Balamory's own PC Plum (Andrew Agnew) and his new servant - PC Pui (Pui Fan Lee). There's some "behind you" gags in this one as she scoots into PC Plum. They find the knocked out Jack and Jill and suspect they are the ones who took the bananas. PC Pui puts a rope around them and takes them away. The Jester is happy - while Katy isn't. She knows the truth, but nobody else does!

Queen Fruitti and King Willy are still wondering where the bananas are. Then, when the police, Jack and Jill, and Jingle Jangle arrive, everyone begins to argue after wanting the special treat. Then, Katy the Fairy asks Jack and Jill to simply tell the truth about what happens.

When life comes back, they call for the Kerwhizzitor (Jacob Scipio) and he reveals the truth of what happens. The Jingle Jangle Jester has been defeated and is sent to the CBeebie-Doos tower with his punishment being that he has no CBeebies for a whole month. That's when the Jingle Jangle Jester reveals his true intentions - he just wants to be a good friend to Jack and Jill. Out of nowhere, Nina (Katrina Bryan) returns with the Bananas, fixes the crown, and everything is gladly returned to normal...

Then, we have a short skit where Chris Jarvis and Pui Fan Lee try to milk a cow. This is quite similar to the one from the CBeebies Christmas Special for whatever reason.

And then we end with out last song - Tell the Truth - a shameful forced moral song that feels so forced it's... forced! Then, everyone takes a bow - and then Chris Evans says goodbye, and the special ends.

Overall, this was just awful to watch. There are so many problems in this.

The entire story is just completely stupid. Why couldn't the Jingle Jangle Jester just ask to be friends with Jack and Jill to begin with? What's with the usage of filler? And the fact this is an adaption of a nursery rhyme... call me a crying river! Sorry Chris Jarvis, you're a great kids presenter, but I think you should have thought up a different piece of source material to adapt.

Lastly, the songs were just horrible. Why would there be a finale song about "Telling the Truth"? Urgh, get me away! The only good thing was that the CBeebies stars were as good as ever. Too bad the talent was just wasted on the script! The music wasn't too bad, either.

Ending it all... there are no wonders why CBeebies stopped airing this panto by 2011. It's not worth watching even in retrospective.

2/10.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever (2023)

How does this animated adaption of my favourite Wimpy Kid book hold out? Let's see...

[8/10 · 8 December 2023]

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever is the first adaption of a Wimpy Kid book not adapted into a live-action movie. The previous two animated movies were flawed in this concept mainly because they threw in everything in very little time. This one actually does it a bit better, but in all terms it's very different to the book.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever is my favourite book in the series, because it had the perfect blend of everything all wrapped up into 218 pages. This film while sharing some plot elements, has little connection to the original story.

So, the synopsis is that Greg is wanting a new video game system for Christmas, however when he and Rowley are building a snowman and accidentally damage a snowplough, they are now wanted criminals by the police and Greg is worried that if the rest of the Heffleys found out, he wouldn't get the game system. However, he soon discovers that the best gifts are not wrapped up in paper, but who we have around us once the family is snowed in and have to try and survive with little food, water and no electricity.

So, in overall honesty, I find this more re-watchable than the previous two animated movies and it could be because this movie is based on a half-hour TV special based on the book that Jeff Kinney planned for Fox, but was never made. So, I can guess he combined the ideas of that special with the book and came up with this movie adaption for Disney+. Bardel Entertainment once again provides animation, and it's pretty much the same as before. Luke Cormican returns as director and so does John Paesano as composer. They all do their job fine and make the movie what it is.

As for characters... Greg does showcase a little more of his book side in some way, but I would say what he does at the end certainly isn't what you would expect from his book counterpart, and more in line with the films. Rowley is perfectly in-character with the book counterpart as well, making himself feel completely scared out of his mind about the fear of being arrested. Rodrick seems to have kept his slightly more nicer behaviour from Rodrick Rules and doesn't bully Greg. Frank is concerned about everything and does have his funny moments although once again, not as much as live-action Frank in the first three live-action movies. I would say Susan is a little bit annoying here and wanting to be as perfect as possible. As for Manny, although he is still a bit annoying, he's much more tolerable than his book counterpart because he didn't deliberately freeze his own family to death (because the power cut effected the neighborhood due to the snow, and not Manny meddling with the fuse box like in the book). The side characters, including the snowplough driver, showcase their character development as well, as she reveals what really goes on at her home.

Overall, I thought this was a nice adaption of a great book, but the book is still better.

Is It a Good Idea to Microwave This? (2007–2011)

Certainly a product within the classic days of YouTube.

[9/10 · 30 November 2023]

Ahhhh, the days of YouTube when it was just there for amusement and not for the money. Jon Paula was one of my favourite YouTubers back then and before he started reviewing films, he created this little gem of a show initially as a spoof on the unenthusiastic college-aged YouTuber trend before gaining its own personality and fanbase. It was hosted by his friend Jory Carron, and later Riley was added as a "sixth ranger" type person.

The premise is entirely simple - the three of them decide to put something in the microwave and see what happens. Anything goes, from putting in your average everyday goods, to the bizarre, to the absolutely dangerous (Airbags, lava Lamps, Prupane Gas, etc.).

There are a lot of running gags and jokes all throughout the series. One of them which started in Season 5 is that Jory's description would always correspond with whatever the experiment was, and the same with Riley from Season 6. Then, there are the quotes: "The masks! They do nothing!" "Nobody likes roasted nuts", "Release the Kraken!", and the ever-so-popular "Good idea" or "Bad idea" they give to experients. Then, there's the fact that the guys give the microwaves names and their own personalities, even having a little memorial bit once the microwave stops working altogether.

The show obviously isn't the most family-friendly out there despite "some" of the profanity being bleeped (although this is a joke), as there are lots of sexual jokes and innuendos said by Jory and the others and even one experiment where they microwave- something I can't say here. Also, the "Do Not Try This at Home" part that was later added at the beginning of newer episodes is serious because this is something that should only be done by trained experts outright. This is a very dangerous show, and even Jory has even almost been killed in some of these, especially the airbag experient.

But all in all, despite that, this is certainly worth re-watching all the way through. It does not disappoint.

Peppa Pig: Lunch (2004) Season 1, Episode 34

It's good to show that trying things can be great, but it's just poorly utilised here

[2/10 · 28 September 2023]

Well, here I am again, back to discussing an episode of this pre-school series again. This time, it's one of the episodes from Series 1 - Lunch.

So, the plot surrounds on Peppa's family visiting Granny and Grandpa Pig's house for lunch. However, all throughout the day George is a bit stubborn about eating vegetables and acts like a complete brat about eating the salad, and he ends up crying in the end. Then, Grandpa Pig remembers that George likes anything that's Dinosaur related and turns the vegetables into a dinosaur shape. Then George eats it, and then he eats his chocolate cake, and that's the end of that.

So basically, in the Peppa Pig franchise George is meant to be a role-model you can learn from and is like any other toddler, but here, he makes you believe that eating unhealthy things is more worthy than eating healthy because he never tried to do so. Although he learnt that in the end, too bad it was poorly utilised. This episode isn't good in the end, and I would prefer to eat it up then watch it up again.

2/10.

Keep It in the Family (2014– )

An underrated ITV gem of ABSOLUTE CHAOS!

[8/10 · 27 September 2023]

ITV Studios' Keep It in the Family at first seems like your average family show... but when you get to see what it REALLY has to offer, that's when you find out how fun it is. And sadly, it only lasted two series - simply to provide hype for the Sunday X Factor results.

Bradley Walsh is your presenter, and considering how much he gets on in The Chase, you know this was a format made with him in mind. Well, if it was, then jokes on you. Bradders works really well with children, and considering this show puts the kids first - it's saying something. There's two teams of families pitted against each other with one hopefully winning the main prize, and as I just mentioned, the kids are the main focus - trying to make their parents look like complete fools on TV.

Then, the games. Oh my gosh, the games are an insane board of "What the heck is going on?!" territory. You have a multiple choice quiz where you answer questions... while dressed up in costumes (mainly related to pop-culture or other ITV shows) and trying to press a buzzer, You have a game where the adults are sent spinning crazy while pyrotechnics launch out, you have a game where the grannies get involved trying to answer modern pop-culture questions, and then of course, the main focus of why nobody's safe on this show...

The Trap Doors! That's right, six nervous celebrities have some fabulous prizes in their gift boxes. You could either win something awesome like a new car or a selection of electronics, or something even more great like a year's supply of sausages or pizza. But what you win is still awesome anyway, so cue the confetti.

And what does this show have? Well, if you wanted to shorten it, you have... Prizes, Jokes, Grannies, Humour, Bradders, Families, Celebrities, Trap Doors, Pyrotechnics, Confetti, and most importantly, FUN AND CHAOS ALL AROUND. I absolutely adore how fast-paced and hectic this show can really get, and Bradders' reactions are surely amazfamily. Yeah, that wasn't a word.

The flaws I could give out... The Grannies section is quite boring, padded and tries too hard to be hip and modern by making the grannies look like they don't know any better, because ageism is good, right? And yes there are some cheesy jokes and maybe selfies, but still.

Despite these minor flaws, it don't make or break this underrated ITV gem. It could have gone on for longer than two series, but still. It's what it is.

Romesh and Tom Take Takeshi's Castle (2023– )

Sometimes, we're just used to something familiar that it's familiar..

[3/10 · 19 September 2023]

Now, to start it off, this review isn't going towards the reboot itself, which I have seen bits and pieces of in its original Japanese, and I think it's quite good with some of the best Takeshi games recreated for a new generation and some brand new ones too (and keeping faithful to the original Japanese by retaining the Japanese names for the games), similar to that of the Thailand and Indonesian versions. However, the main issue I have with the reboot comes with the commentary duo of comedians Romesh Ranganathan and Tom Davis.

Now, with Craig Charles in the Challenge TV edit of the original Takeshi's Castle, he was funny because he had the perfect voice and tone to set this show, and he had loads of funny lines and quips. He was the reason why the show became a cult classic in the United Kingdom. Lines like "You Wazzok!", "Keshi Heads", "In the Drink!" and "No winners this time!" never get old. He basically acts like he is actually in the game.

For the reboot, all it feels like is Romesh Ranganathan and Tom Davis doing a YouTube-styled reaction to the show. All they do is point out what's going on with unfunny jokes and that's pretty much it. They try too hard to be like Craig Charles but fall flat on their face, right into the drink.

Still, you may like their kind of commentary, but I am not a fan. I think once the subtitled version of the reboot releases on Prime Video, I'll be watching that instead.

Bargain Hunt (2000– )

Light-hearted antique antics galore.

[8/10 · 25 August 2023]

Bargain Hunt has been on the BBC since March 2000 and it's always a great and addictive time waster for whenever you just want a programme that's just about having a good time.

The format has stayed the same since the show began - two teams of two contestants wearing red or blue fleeces, paired with an antiques expert and £300, compete against each other to see who can make the best bargains at antique fairs. Could you gain a nifty profit, or will it end up being a tragic loss? Only the auctions will tell. And your award for gaining the best profits? A simple gravel pin and a chance to do the show's famous kick!

The show was originally fronted by antique legend David Dickinson who later jumped shift to ITV, then Tim Wonnacott, who also narrates fellow BBC series Antiques Road Trip (produced by STV), and currently is fronted by the show's own experts who rotate every day. It's always nice to see who is hosting that day, and it could either be someone you like, or someone who annoys you.

The contestants are lively and likeable, ranging from youngsters to older faces. Most of the time, it's normally a battle of the ages when it comes to if either the red or blue team. Their reactions can be quite fun if they've gained profits or losses, and as I said before, it's just about having a fun time.

Overall, you can't go wrong with this BBC daytime tradition. There isn't much else to say about it because it's what it is.

Dodge's First Festival (2023 TV Special)

What a let-down...

[3/10 · 24 August 2023]

So, it seems like the CBeebies House production team at BBC Studios have come up with another Dodge T. Dog mini-special. This time, he's at Glastonbury with Evie! Unfortunely, while Christmas in the CBeebies House was decent, Dodge's First Festival is a let down. Let me explain why.

So, the special starts off promising, and it entirely takes place within Glastonbury's kids section. Dodge is excited and wants to do everything at once. They then start singing... urgh, Evie is a cool person, but she really needs to work on her singing, or well, get rid of that awful effect, because it sounds like she's singing in a huge ballroom than outside.

After that singing, Dodge wants to bring some memories to the CBeebies House and so he brings his scrapbook. He wants to dress-up, listen to music and try new things.

Throughout the special, the "Who's at the Festival, which friend?" bit is there as well, where they see Alpacas and Flamingos.

Next up, Dodge is given a new shirt and hat by Evie and a young girl named Jasmin. Then, there's also a make where Evie and Dodge make a special festival bracelet, which looks more like a Loom Band from the mid-2010's. Then, they read a story called "Molly's First Festival". Unfortunely, because this takes up about 1/3 of the special, which makes the rest of it feel all rushed and unpolished.

So, Dodge is worried about trying new things, but Evie helps him. They then sing yet another song, with characters from JoJo and Gran-Gran, Bluey, Supertato, and Hey Duggee.

Then, they tell the viewers that the special is almost over, and showcase where they're sleeping, and then it abruptly ends. That's it, nothing else.

Sadly, overall, as I said before, Dodge's First Festival feels rushed, incomplete, cluttered with filler, and it just overall a complete let-down from Christmas in the CBeebies House. It could have had a lot more content than what was offered.

3/10.

Cocomelon (2018–2022)

The lowest form of pre-school entertainment ever.

[1/10 · 17 June 2023]

Cocomelon... oh boy, how can I explain how much I absolutely hate this YouTube Kids Cartoon?

So, the franchise focuses on mainly babies, the main one being JJ. Nursery Rhymes play over and over again, and that's pretty much it.

Now, for my verdict on the franchise:

· Characters - they are as flat as a pancake and have absolutely no personality whatsoever.

· Songs - they're the same exact nursery rhymes you hear anywhere else and they repeat over and over again, enough to drive any older person insane.

· CGI animation - It's average at best, full of colour to bait toddlers.

· Plotline - What plotline? All it is are nursery rhymes, pretty much what LittleBabyBum already offers.

· The morals - There are absolutely no morals whatsoever in Cocomelon, and this is one of the major reasons why I dislike this YouTube cartoon.

· Is it worthwhile for Kids? - No, absolutely not. It's milked everywhere by Moonbug Entertainment and now it's airing on TV as well. Please... get it off television, Netflix and keep it on YouTube Kids. And parents, actually spend time with your kids rather than using this show as the babysitter, or put something else on that actually teaches educational values and morals - such as Bluey, or Sesame Street. Heck, even Peppa Pig has some educational values despite how flawed that show is.

Overall, I do not recommend any parent to discover this show and let the show brainwash their toddlers.

Grizzly Tales for Gruesome Kids (2000–2013)

It's Grizzly, it's Gruesome, it's downright addictive.

[9/10 · 6 June 2023]

This British cartoon was based on a book franchise of the same name by Jamie Rix, who had involvement in bringing his books to the small screen. It aired on CITV for six years from 2000-2006, and had a revival on Nicktoons from 2011-2012.

We begin with the stop-motion intro, featuring the unnamed boy walking into the Squeam Screen, as he awaits to see another Cautionary Tale for Lovers of Squeam, hosted by none other than Mr. Grizzly himself, who was made for the series to give narrator Nigel Planer a physical character role.

Then, we head into the stories, animated in traditional animation or Flash in later seasons. Most are based on the book series, while some are especially made for the TV series. The stories are all pretty much the same, they feature children who are pretty much jerks to everyone and eventually meet their comeuppance by getting killed off in really gruesome ways, and it's always satisfying seeing what happens to the children.

Anyways, there's a good reason why this was a tradition of CITV viewers from its original six-year run. It featured content you never really saw in children's TV shows. There's loads of blood, there's occasional gore, there's loads of gruesome content and on-screen deaths. It's awesome! And the worst bit about it? (other than the downgrade to CGI and Flash in the Nicktoons seasons) It's very addictive to watch because of this.

This is a fun childhood favourite (although I didn't really grow up with it) and it's perfect for anyone who's wanting a cautionary tale.