Robotboy S1E04: Metal Monster & Time Transmission

Alright, everyone! I'm back with another review on Robotboy!

7. Metal Monster.

Written by: Scott Peterson.

Aired: UK: 4 November 2005. US: 28 January 2006.

In this episode, when a news reporter called Vance Cosgrove finds out about Robotboy he tries to find more about him from other people so that he can become promoted only that a secret government steals Robotboy into their laboratory and the gang must save him.

Here we are, the first episode to star Vance Cosgrove.

Yeah, Robotboy's some dumb kid's toy.

Robotboy sure grabbed a lot of glass!

Wow! Kamikazi's a rude ice cream man!

No Robotboys!

Very deceitful monster!

Now Kamikazi and Constantine are in trouble!

Now Vance has lost his film!

I must say, this episode with Vance was very interesting! Those monsters sure were interesting, parodying and deceitful! It sure was funny of Kamikazi and Constantine to get locked up! And how did Vance know that Kamikazi was in the I scream van? But still, very hilarious ep!



My rating: 9/10.

8. Time Transmission.

Written by: Randolph Heard.

Aired: UK: 4 November 2005. US: 28 January 2006.

Robotboy receives a message from the future warning that he will over-run the world one day. The only way to protect the world is to hand him over to Dr. Kamikazi.

Robotboy's in water!

Oh boy! Donnie's a monster!

Oh, Kamikazi! You and your getting bit on the hand pet!

That future was a trick?!

A monster that is an alien, later sounds like Hiro, and reveals himself to be Moshimo!

Ow! Damaged Robotboy!

Now Kamikazi's hand is really hurt!

This sure was a hilariously trick-filled episode! An actor tricking Tommy about Robotboy destroying the world! Pure genius! Doctor Kamikazi sure knows what tricks he's doing, and it further shows that he is dying to capture Robotboy if it's the last thing he does! That's the line I always make him say, especially in the 10th anniversary fan fiction I wrote last year.

So, this episode sure was clever, that's all I have to say!

My rating: 10/10.

Final thoughts:

2 brilliant full episodes in a row! We got a lot of tricks up Kamikazi's sleeve! Kamikazi wanted Robotboy to be exposed to the world, later, he tricks Thomas into thinking an actor he hired was from the future! Very clever indeed!

Episode rating: 9.5/10.

Season 1 scorecard:

1. Dog-Ra: 8.5/10.

2. War and Pieces: 9.5/10.

3. Cleaning Day: 7/10.

4. Constabot: 10/10.

5. Teasebots: 10/10.

6. Constantine Rising: 9/10.

7. Metal Monster: 9/10.

8. Time Transmission: 10/10.

Season 1 so far: 9.2/10. 

Robotboy S1E03: Teasebots & Constantine Rising

Alright, Brobotboys! Now that I'm done with reviewing the first 2 episodes of Robotboy, let's get on to the 3rd episode!



5. Teasebots.

Written by: Michael Rubiner.

Aired: UK: 3 November 2005. US: 21 January 2006.

Dr. Kamikazi creates an army of Teasebots to take advantage of Robotboy's temper. Robotboy destroys so many Teasebots that his batteries run dry and he is easily stolen by Kamikazi.

We've come to the first appearance of Kurt, Stu and Booker, the school bullies.

Kamikazi has a cute little gerbil, Salvatore.

How exactly did Kamikazi know where to send those teasebots?

Now we have a running gag when it comes to Kamikazi and his children or pets. They bite him on the finger when he offers them food!

Now Salvatore is giant and mad!

Oh boy! Kamikazi is in the Lava-Tory!

This episode really was hilarious! Those teasebots were hilarious, the insults were hilarious! Funny how Kamikazi was in a taxi to get Robotboy, and later got kicked out for not paying for the ride! The way Kamikazi knows where to find Robotboy is why, in my fan fictions, I often make him make the excuse "I'm psychic." Still, a funny episode!

My rating: 10/10.

6. Constantine Rising.

Written by: Scott Peterson.

Aired: UK: 3 November 2005. US: 21 January 2006.

With Dr. Kamikazi in bed with a fever, Constantine decides to try a plot of his own. He kidnaps Lola and lures Tommy and Robotboy to Dr. Kamikazi's lair. Now, Gus is their last hope of rescue.

It's pretty weird here, how Doctor Kamikazi is cold inside a volcano, which is always hot while dormant and/or active. But then again, aren't all cartoons weird somehow?

Cool communication rings!

Now Tommy is locked up!

That sure was a nasty yell Kamikazi gave Constantine!

Now Gus is going with this Scottish janitor back to the Bay Area.

Well what can I say? This sure was a very good episode. Showing Constantine plotting his own evil, the first time Gus gets called "Goose". Professor Moshimo and Thomas Turnbull called Gus "Goose". I think they called him that for one of 4 reasons I can think of.

1. Professor Moshimo doesn't know how to pronounce Gus' name right.

2. Tommy accidentally called Gus "Goose". (Blame Moshimo for that!)

3. Gus is an idiot. ("Goose" is another word for "foolish person")

4. A reference to the Disney character, Gus Goose.

The one thing that actually does kind of frustrate me about this one is that whenever Constantine, Gus, anyone for that matter, calls Lola "Tommy's girlfriend", he gets irritated and tells them "She's not my girlfriend!" Could that have inspired Chowdah screaming to Panini "I'M NOT YOUR BOYFRIEND!!!"? Why does this kind of frustrate me? Lola is Tommy's girlfriend!

But still, this was a fine episode. Also, it shows that sometimes, you do need help from others even if you don't think you need it.

My rating: 9/10.

Final thoughts:



This sure was some episode, wasn't it? We got to see some teasy robots that were enough for Robotboy's batteries to run dry, and we got to see Constantine plot his own evil, even if he did annoy Thomas by saying that Lola is his girlfriend. The reason Tommy shouldn't have been frustrated? Because what Constantine and Gus say is true! Still, a wondrous episode!

Episode rating: 9.5/10.



Season 1 scorecard:

1. Dog-Ra: 8.5/10.

2. War and Pieces: 9.5/10.

3. Cleaning Day: 7/10.

4. Constabot: 10/10.

5. Teasebots: 10/10.

6. Constantine Rising: 9/10.

Season 1 so far: 9.1/10. 



Robotboy S1E02: Cleaning Day & Constabot

Time for me to get back to reviewing Robotboy. This time, I'm reviewing episode 2.

3. Cleaning Day.

Written by: Cindy Morrow.

Aired: UK: 2 November 2005. US: 14 January 2006.

The story begins with Tommy playing a video-game. His mom ask him, if he cleaned up his room yet, while he is just reminded how dirty his room is. Then he activates Robotboy telling him this place needs a clean-up. Robotboy complies with gathering every toy around. Gus Turner pops threw the window after the attempt to clean the room backfired and telling him their heading to the beach, but Tommy said he can't. So Gus persuades him with an idea that his dream girl Bambi might be there so they head-off (minor Robotboy for safety) to the beach. Debbie Turnbull comes in and flips seeing the mess and immediately dumps it all in a bag to be delivered to an orphanage along with Robotboy. Tommy is is now mad at Gus for not being truthful before and returns home, Gus gets real tan with a funny face on his belly, which he calls "Belly-Man", and finds out Robotboy is gone an sets off to retrieve him only for Tommy's mom to order Donnie Turnbull to bring him back. Meanwhile, at the said orphanage a young boy named Booker accidentally activates Robotboy and is amazed at his existence until, other fellow orphans show up to bully him and his plants. He asks him to hide quickly. Lennie loves messing with him; as well as his goons. Robotboy and Booker become friends. Booker hopes he'll be adopted soon an announcer calls his name for a meeting with grow-ups for a potential adoption. Booker shuts down Robotboy for energy, but the bullies find him. Tommy and Gus get to a sign pointing to the direction of the place to go later arriving when they dress up Robotboy like baby, mess with Booker again him shout they ruined his chance of a family before getting a swirly Tommy stops them and wants Robotboy back. That is if he fights Lennie for it then a wrestle begins Gus supporting/ Robotboy getting shut off and on by the boys struggle over the watch. It's almost over them which of course it isn't as Donnie comes swirls Lennie to remind anyone who messes with his little brother it's him after which he drags him home. Booker hands him his friend over and thanking him. He wonders if he is gonna be okay Tommy isn't sure then replies "you" he looks back seeing Lennie getting ready to hurt him that is til the announcer calls him again and by luck he gets adopted. Gus enoying his face of his and then Lennie slaps his belly ruining "Belly-Man".


That's right, Brobotboys! The first episode to star the Human Fist!

Oh no! A fantasy with my least favourite character from the show, Bambi!

That's right. The only episode to star the orphan, Booker.

Hello, Bellyman!

Again with the Dexter's Lab references!

Now Donnie's saved the day!

Ha! Hilarious Goose torture porn!

Okay, where do I start? My pros with this one are Bellyman, Booker finally getting adopted, Donnie being a good guy, even if it wasn't for long, and it's the first episode not to star Doctor Kamikazi or Constantine.

My cons are, Bambi, my least favourite character from Robotboy, being in Thomas' fantasy. Plus, Thomas got grounded for no reason. I blame it all on Goose! This is a good reason as to why I killed him off in my Robotboy fan fictions. Also, we don't know whether Booker's biological parents just dropped their son off at the orphanage or if they died? The only things that made this episode for me were Booker getting adopted and Gus getting slapped while being sunburned!

My rating: 7/10.

4. Constabot.

Written by: Robert Mittenthal.

Aired: UK: 2 November 2005. US: 14 January 2006.

Hoping to win Kamikazi's respect, Constantine builds his own robot to try and capture Robotboy. The heap of metal is so weak that instead of smashing it, Robotboy takes pity and befriends it.

I really don't get what Thomas sees in Gus! Also, he sure is angry at him here!

This Girl sure was messing with Kamikazi's camera!

Oh boy! Constantine accidentally burned Kamikazi's bear!

Ah, Robotboy's friends with Constabot!

That present sure is hilarious!

Here we go! An episode that was without a doubt hilarious! Granted, Lola wasn't in this, but still, it was hilarious! Especially with what Constantine did with Constabot. Plus, at the ending, to forgive Gus for laughing at his petty skills, Thomas gave Gus a present and that is Constabot! And get this, despite any flaw with this episode, this is the first that gets a perfect score from me!

My rating: 10/10.

Final thoughts:





This entire episode wasn't as good as the series premiere, especially with Bambi's fantasy introduction (but that's another story), but at least it had a funnier segment at the end. Thomas gets grounded for no reason and we don't get to see what Donnie does to him at the end, nor do we see Booker's adoptive parents. However, all that makes up for that is Constabot, with all its funny jokes! Still a good episode this.

Episode rating: 8.5/10.

Season 1 scorecard:

1. Dog-Ra: 8.5/10.

2. War and Pieces: 9.5/10.

3. Cleaning Day: 7/10.

4. Constabot: 10/10.

Season 1 so far: 8.8/10. 

RWS No.16: Branch Line Engines

Time I whipped up another review. I've decided to continue my Robotboy reviews another day. Today, I'm doing a Railway Series review. The book that introduced everyone's favourite Diesel Railcar.

16. Branch Line Engines.

Written by: Reverend Awdry.

Illustrated by: John Theodore Kenney.

Published: 1961.

Now, we're going to take a look at the book where Thomas gets into trouble and has to be mended. How does this work out? Let's find out.

Foreword:

Dear Friends,
We never have a dull moment on our Branch Line. Thomas was silly and got into trouble, so a Diesel Rail-car called Daisy came. She caused trouble, but has now promised to be good, so the Fat Controller has kindly given her another chance.

Meanwhile Toby chased a bull, Percy got into a predicament and...

But you must read the stories for yourselves.
The Author

44. Thomas Comes to Breakfast.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.

Aired: UK: 19 November 1986. AUS: 11 May 1988. US: 26 March 1989.

When Thomas' driver jokes that Thomas does not need him any more, Thomas misunderstands him and boasts to Percy and Toby that he does not need a driver. The next morning, after a careless cleaner fiddles with Thomas' controls, Thomas successfully moves by himself, but can't stop and runs into the stationmaster's house as he and his family sits down for breakfast. The stationmaster shuts off steam and his wife blames Thomas for ruining their breakfasts, making Thomas feels upset. Donald and Douglas pull him out and Thomas is sent to the Works.

I really love this episode! The accident was brilliantly filmed! The interior shot of the ruined house was most certainly spot on. But only one thing puzzles me about this episode and the story it's based on. Why did Fat Controller get cross with Thomas the Tank Engine? The accident wasn't even his fault! But then again, it's a minor nit-pick. Also, there's the nit-pick about Donald and Douglas not being painted blue in the original story, but that's another matter.

RWS/TV rating: 10/10.

45. Daisy.

Adapted by: David Mitton, Britt Allcroft and Robert Cardona.

Aired: UK: 26 November 1986. AUS: 12 May 1988.

Thomas' replacement, a snobby Diesel rail-car named Daisy, arrives, and Percy and Toby show her around. She refuses to sleep in the engine shed, but finds the carriage shed good, except for some "rubbish" (Henrietta and Annie and Clarabel). Percy and Toby are tired after staying up late to cheer the furious coaches up, while Daisy is bright and cheerful. She is preparing for her first train when she realises a milk van is about to be coupled to her and refuses to pull it, saying it is "bad for her swerves". Daisy is lying, but this is not known to the crew and so the van is taken away. Daisy, satisfied, realises this allows her to do whatever she wants.

This adaptation is also spot on! The first episode to feature everyone's favourite diesel railcar, Daisy. And I'm going to be honest, I prefer her TV series face over her Railway Series face. Looks more 80s. And interesting enough, this episode features more female characters than male characters. All-in-all, a great episode.

RWS/TV rating: 9.5/10.

99. Bulls Eyes.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.

Aired: UK: 13 November 1995. AUS: 20 May 1996. US: 7 October 1996.





Daisy makes fun of Toby's cowcatchers and sideplates, saying he is scared of getting hurt. Toby tells her they are for stopping him from hurting animals if they stray on the line, but Daisy says that animals will move anyway if you "toot and look them in the eye". Later, Daisy is asked to shoo a bull called Champion to his owner, but he is too busy eating grass to notice. An exasperated Daisy goes back to Dryaw, and Toby "shoos" Champion for her. That evening, Daisy sees some boys enjoying some sweets called "bull's-eyes" and gets huffy.

This episode should have been kept for Season 2 and it's easy to see why. Because this episode was held back for Season 4, it reverted Daisy back to her original persona! Why did they hold this back? It's just going to confuse little kids! And this is coming from a self-important businesswoman who said The Missing Coach would confuse little kids. Anyway, this episode still does contribute Toby's whistle. And this episode is the first to show Toby the Tram Engine's whistle, not Toby's New Whistle! Hmm, should have reviewed that before reviewing this, but I digress. Even if this episode's in the wrong place, it still stuck with the story.

RWS rating: 9.5/10.

TV rating: 8.5/10.

46. Percy's Predicament.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.

Aired: UK: 26 November 1986. AUS: 13 May 1988.

Daisy has neglected to take the milk again and Percy is in a bad mood. Toby decides to take the van for him so as to let Percy take his trucks from the quarry. Percy speaks rudely to the trucks, and they plan revenge. As they slow down at a sign to "pin down" brakes, the trucks barge forward and push Percy down the line and into a train of stone trucks. That evening, the Fat Controller scolds Percy, and Daisy too for being lazy, but gives her a second chance for her work after Percy's accident. Thomas comes home the next day, Percy is sent to be mended, and Toby teaches Daisy the finer points of branch line life.

Okay, 2 things:

1. Where did Daisy the Diesel Railcar's fear of bulls come from?

2. Percy the Small Engine had been to the quarry in the TV series before, in Percy and Harold.

Strange that this episode is, just like Bulls Eyes, going to confuse little kids. Anyway, it was nice of Thomas to come home in the end. It does have a lesson about awkward predicaments.

RWS rating: 9.5/10.

TV rating: 8.5/10.

Observations:







Oh, Daisy! It's too bad she only had 3 speaking roles in the TV series, well, at least until Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure. I just hope she gets even more roles now that she's been confirmed to appear in Season 20.

There is a good reason as to why Donald and Douglas weren't painted blue. The railway was very busy, so they couldn't get the new coat, or because there wasn't enough blue paint until later.

Reverend Awdry wrote Thomas Comes to Breakfast so he could have Thomas the Tank Engine's running board straightened so that future illustrators can illustrate him with a permanently straight running board. I wonder how this story would have gone if Thomas was an LNER J50?

Final thoughts:

This sure was a fantastic book. It's an excellent read, and the first to feature Daisy. Reverend Awdry did wonders writing this.

My rating: 9.6/10.

RWS scorecard:

6. Henry the Green Engine:

8. Gordon the Big Engine: 9.2/10.

13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 9.2/10.

16. Branch Line Engines: 9.6/10.

18. Stepney the Bluebell Engine: 9/10.

21. Main Line Engines: 9.3/10.

23. Enterprising Engines: 9.9/10.

24. Oliver the Western Engine: 9.3/10.

25. Duke the Lost Engine: 9.8/10.

26. Tramway Engines: 9.8/10.

30. More About Thomas the Tank Engine: 8.8/10.

40. New Little Engine: 5.7/10.

RWS rating so far: 9.3/10.

Season 2 scorecard:

1. Thomas, Percy and the Coal: 6.5/10.

10. The Runaway: 9/10.

12. Pop Goes the Diesel: 9/10.

13. Dirty Work: 8.5/10.

14. A Close Shave: 9.5/10.

15. Better Late Than Never: 9/10.

18. Thomas Comes to Breakfast: 10/10.

19. Daisy: 9.5/10.

20. Percy's Predicament: 8.5/10.

21. The Diseasel: 10/10.

22. Wrong Road: 9/10.

23. Edward's Exploit: 10/10.

24. Ghost Train: 10/10.

25. Woolly Bear: 9.5/10.

Season 2 Rating so far: 9.1/10.

Season 4 scorecard:

1. Granpuff: 8/10.

2. Sleeping Beauty: 6/10.

3. Bulldog: 8.5/10.

4. You Can't Win: 9/10.

15. Rusty to the Rescue: 5/10.

16. Thomas and Stepney: 5.5/10.

17. Bowled Out: 9.5/10.

18. Train Stops Play: 9/10.

20. Toad Stands By: 8.5/10.

21. Bulls Eyes: 8.5/10.

23. Paint Pots and Queens: 9/10.

Season 4 rating so far: 8.3/10.