Here we have what could be simultaneously the lamest and awesomest title out of all the Danny Phantom episodes.
A good balance can make or break a concept. Teenager superheroes are understandably going to have to connect their normal existence with their secret identity. Teenagers relate to an average teen’s life, but stay for the epic fantasy ride; a success that has rode the bandwagon since the 60’s. The more they meld together, the better. Danny Phantom is one among many that glides the teen hero storyline. Future stories will delve into bigger story arcs and grander plots that typical teenager behaviors are no longer commonplace—this isn’t a criticism, it’s a good thing. Danny’s development is key to the whole story. Unless the series is meant to be status quo, we don’t want to see him permanently stuck with the same school issues by the end of the series. His actions and mannerism in the later portions of DP are satisfying to say the least. It makes early episodes such as this classic; almost like a time capsule that bares the old, back when Danny was still trying to find his place in the world, which is exactly what he tried to do when he aimed for popularity and the spotlight. He wanted to belong.
But unlike the popular prince and princesses, Danny isn’t shallow or brutal to those lesser then him. He cares for his friends and his role as a hero extends that to any kind of people in need of help. He has a compassionate side, but he doesn’t fully realize this yet; he’s too confused with his own desires and selfish needs. It took the suffering of rejection to realize he was already comfortable in his little niche cycle. The trio signifies three different school cliques; a small step on the type of tolerance Danny will give to all people. It’s a nice character boost that it’s a damn shame other other episodes had to dwell on this. I also enjoyed his brief, but interesting moments with Jazz. Here, the two barely share the same wavelength; Jazz herself is pretty callous and Danny isn't respectful to her guardianship. Considering Dash’s admiration of her, I wonder: is she popular in Casper High or just beautiful in the jock’s eyes?
Sam plays a larger role when she decides to finally show off her sweet home to her good buddies. She admirably sticks to her roots and refuses to use money to gain [fake] friendship, but it comes with a questionable disposition. The series expects us to believe Sam is childhood friends with Danny and Tucker—"Splitting Images" potentially employs it’s been that way since the second grade. So it makes no sense that she waited some seven or eight odd years getting the courage to tell her trusted friends her personal, deepest secret. With all the things she spout of true friendship that'll make Tea blush, why does she feel the need to burst out her giant secret now? It doesn’t even make logical sense; her friends don’t even suspect why Sam’s been hiding her home from them for years? Not once? I’m beginning to suspect Sam may not have been long enough friends with the two. It’s a good attempt at expanding her character, it’s just poorly executed. I’m also thoroughly unimpressed with Sam’s wealth. Other then the possibly richer Vlad Masters at tow, I find it hard to believe Sam is the richest of the trio when Danny’s family builds and constantly maintains numerous working gadgets, an Opt Center, boats, airplanes, hovercrafts, blimps, etc. I'm suppose to believe the Fentons hold an average income?
Unfortunately the symmetry between Danny’s normal and heroic life isn’t as successfully implanted here then others. While Danny’s battle with Technus triggered the starting process, it’s kept separate from the subplot and interacts separately. The results are solid, but lacks overall. Like Skulker, Technus is a brilliant villain in his own quirky ways. His dated slangs may be ear-piercing, but it adds to his funky character idiosyncrasies and out of tune nature. He makes a grand debut and takes advantage of his powers and surroundings. Considering we live in a world adorned with electronics, it’s easy to believe why he remains one of the few villains to have successfully conquered the world (albeit for a short time). And he sounds like Gilbert Gottfried, the most tolerable annoying voice in the whole world.
Characters and background art are improved from the last three—almost as if it evolved—especially Danny Phantom whose coloring doesn’t look so awkward anymore. There are a lot of cool colors here, mostly blues and greens, but it’s captivating, potent, and appropriate for the night settings. The only use of any bold primary is the orange sunset during the end of the garage sale—a lovely touch. The only thing to really complain is Jazz who suffers a severe case of big mouth syndrome in some scenes and grows at least a full head taller then Danny in another.
7/10
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Article Written revised in: April. 17, 2009
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