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Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir: Optigami (2021)
Far Better Than the Beginning of Season Four
( * This review was written when only Truth, Lies, Gang of Secrets, Mr. Pigeon 72, Guiltrip, Furious Fu, Sole Crusher, Queen Banana, and Optigami had been released. )
Optigami is by far the best of season four thus far. Previously released episodes of the season have been passable at best, but this episode feels much more like an episode from the show's richest season than an episode from its worst. Sure, the animation is less vibrant and clean, as it lacks the usual bounciness and color as of before, and the dialogue remains forced and unnaturally robotic. However, in what this episode is trying to do, it passes the bar excellently.
It is by no means the show's magnum opus, but the tone of the episode, and the high frequency of multiple events flowing seamlessly after each other in just 20 minutes, makes Optigami such a brilliantly exciting episode. This is what season four should be.
ShadowMoth (well, actually Nathalie) finally had a more-than-decent plan! I was genuinely excited when Nathalie explained the purpose of her sentimonster, and my mind genuinely kept thinking "now they've won; Ladybug and Chat Noir are done for" throughout the entire episode.
Where they lack in animation and dialogue writing, they make up for in plot, characters, and intrigue. I wonder (without spoiling anything) how the show will progress after this one...
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir: Guiltrip (2021)
Lacking, Rushed and Disjointed, but Redeemed by Rose and Pigella
"Guiltrip" suffers from a lot of the same issues that other episodes of season 4 do. Ignoring the animation (because let's be real here; everyone already knows it hasn't gotten better since season 3), "Guiltrip" has several issues.
I understand that Miraculous isn't the kind of show that takes itself too seriously, and that because each episode only lasts for 22 minutes, it doesn't have the time to showcase realistic, deep interactions over longer periods of time. Every episode depends on the same formula: there must be a conflict, there must be an akuma, there must be a battle, and there must be a resolution. In "Guiltrip", there is the additional unnecessary (but cute) Adrienette interactions, as well as two or three uninteresting Shadow Moth monologues. Therefore, the characters' emotions and thoughts aren't shown on a deeper level, nor are they prioritized over the aforementioned formula.
Everything is thus very fast-paced, rushed, and irritatingly disjointed, to the point where "Guiltrip" just feels like you're going from point A to point B without much to hold onto on the way.
HOWEVER: The focus on the adorable Rose and Pigella greatly redeems parts of the episode. In my opinion, the focus on Rose in "Guiltrip" exceeds multiple of the character studies from previous episodes, in that Rose's story feels more in-depth and mature than, say, the focus on Nino in "Anansi" or Luka in "Truth", which in comparison feel rushed and weak.
Sadly, though, "Guiltrip" overall lacks the flair and intrigue of episodes from season 1, 2 and 3, which usually had episodes ranking 7-8/10. It's not a bad episode, but perhaps one of the most lacking this series has produced thus far.
Community: Analysis of Cork-Based Networking (2014)
So Very Underrated
Analysis of Cork-Based Networking (2014) of season five is probably the most underrated episode of Community. I personally think it is among the best "normal/slice of life" episodes, and being the first episode to follow Troy's departure from the show, it's actually impressively good!
The highlight of this episode is probably the Fat Dog for Midterms school dance, and Chang's fat dog dance (it's not made up!).
But also Annie and Hickey's strive to hang a cork board in the cafeteria, and Abed and Britta's feud regarding an HBO series called Bloodline of Conquest, are easily high tier storylines. Seriously, this episode is truly a fun ride!
Knives Out (2019)
Good Premise, Mediocre Execution
"Knives Out" has a simple premise, with loveable characters, hilarious dialogue and a thrilling storyline. The camera work is fabulous, and the design team did a fantastic job bringing the eccentric setting to life.
However, there are certain aspects of this movie that could have made it even better:
1. My biggest issue with it was the use of the characters. The cast is among the most vivid and famous of recent films, and the roles they played were quite entertaining and promising. However, only a few of the characters gained a satisfying amount of screen-time.
2. The story would have worked better had the cast been used more. Only the detectives, Martha, Ramson and a couple more characters became truly relevant to the story; and it was ultimately the most explored suspect that was announced the killer.
I do, however, think it's a brilliant movie. Everyone can find something to enjoy; the characters, the vivid setting or even the plot twists along the way. It's not the best film of the year, probably, but it's a good binge-watch for crime fiction lovers like myself.
Steven Universe: The Trial (2017)
The Gem of Season Five: A Literal Diamond
"The Trial" is among the bigger titles of season five, and could possibly be marked as one of the most groundbreaking and plot-interrogative episodes entirely.
The episode is shrouded by mystery and case-solving, and is brilliantly written character- and story wise. I would argue that this is among the episodes that have caused the most commotion for theorists and analysis writers amidst the series' audience. Watch it, then, and see. But remember to bring popcorn.
Steven Universe Future: Why So Blue? (2019)
A Feel-Good Episode: Songs and Gems
"Why So Blue?" feels like a classic season three episode: a plot about gems and their roles on Homeworld, as well as introducing two new Lapis-gems to the cast. The episode moreover has a lovely song performed by Lapis.
The episode continues the concept of Little Homeschool and the employment of gems on earth, so it stays true to its place.
Overall, though, the episode could have been more... Steven Universe-y? Does that make sense? It lacked a little bit of impact, perhaps because there were new characters. Either way, it's a rewatchable episode that is probably among my favorites of Steven Universe Future.
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir: Ladybug (2019)
The Episode That Reminded Me of Why I Watch Miraculous
"Ladybug" is a gem amongst the episodes of season three. In a season that is painted with plot, and has introduced deeper and more emotional themes, this episode manages to capture that essence and make it one of the best of the season.
Other season three episodes that stand a chance against this are few: perhaps "Oblivio" and "Chat Blanc" are examples of other brilliant episodes.
The only criticism is that the episode could have been longer, or split into two parts. The episode does not feel unsatisfying, but as if there was something - perhaps more time - missing.
Star vs. the Forces of Evil: Baby/Running with Scissors (2017)
The Best Two-Parts Episode of Season Two
Many jump to the conclusion that "Baby" and "Running with Scissors" are unequal in quality, as the latter has been praised much more than the former. They are both very strong episodes, without doubt, and are - in spite of the opinions of many other people - most likely the two strongest 11 minutes episodes of season two.
"Baby" has an intriguing plot with room for small, witty scenes. It explores Star and her magical abilities, which creates emotional moments between the characters. Baby, is of course hilarious to watch on-screen, and is by far one of the most memorable one-episodes characters.
"Running with Scissiors" explores its plot in an exciting way, and creates memorable action moments, while surprising the audience. It is perhaps the most popular Marco centered episode, which is understandable. It is one of the most unique episodes as well.
Both episodes are wonderful, and though both have strengths that aren't found much in its counterpart episode - including "Baby"'s emotional scenes and "Running with Scissors"' action - they are some of the best episodes; especially in terms of their brilliant match as almost equally entertaining.
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir: Sapotis (2018)
The Debut of A New Hero
"Sapotis" is one of the most unique episodes in season two, mainly due to the shocking revelation of Alya receiving the Fox Miraculous.
Alya's hero form, Rena Rouge, debuted during said episode, and made everyone stoked for the coming Heroes.
The episode overall would definitely not have been as acknowledged as it is, if it weren't for the appearance of the new hero. In spite of this, the episode is decently structured, and has villains (they take the same form) that are actually difficult to defeat. They are not particularly strong, but they almost effectively grant Hawk Moth's wishes. The episode moreover includes several important moments, and is especially memorable due to being the first episode hat explore the other Miraculous.
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir: Glaciator (2018)
More Story Progress Than Akuma Fighting
"Glaciator" is a hidden gem amongst the episodes; although it is indeed rated higher than many episodes, it is claimed to be one of the most romantically written episode, therefore also one of the least exciting ones.
However, the episode marks its story as both unique and valuable, as not many episodes go thus far to progress the relationship between the flirtatious Chat Noir and his love bug, Ladybug.
Story wise, it is a wonderful episode with a soothing atmosphere. The villain might have been weaker due to his lack of screen-time; however, he served an important role in developing the relationship between the two heroes.
The episode moreover included some of the most memorable moments that the series has produced; including the adored balcony scene.