This episode sees the return of the long-absent Spike, but it's not a satisfying return. When Chase takes Leo's spot in a talent show, Leo uses a device to humiliate him, thus triggering the Commando App. Cue lots of remarkably dumb sequences where, after all the drama built around keeping the kids' bionics secret, no one bats an eye when Chase does stuff like smashing the drinking fountain and eating it. The writer tries to salvage some laughs by repeating the Spike vs. Principal Perry riff from Spike's first appearance, but the law of diminishing returns applies.
Worst of all, Leo's persistent cruelty to Chase in this episode is never addressed. I'm okay with an episode not having a moral message, but this effectively sends the anti-moral message that humiliating your peers can be done without consequence.
This ep also sees the return of Bree's boyfriend Owen, and this return is more effective. Owen's passionate artist personality makes a great basis for this ep's B plot, and his relationship with Bree is given more development. Even his unexpected bonding with Adam doesn't feel forced, and Bree's resulting jealousy is understandable even if it isn't commendable. Adam gets some good laughs here, too, mostly from the butter sculpture, though I'm personally fond of his vow to put Owen's "sketch of disappointment" on the fridge.
Worst of all, Leo's persistent cruelty to Chase in this episode is never addressed. I'm okay with an episode not having a moral message, but this effectively sends the anti-moral message that humiliating your peers can be done without consequence.
This ep also sees the return of Bree's boyfriend Owen, and this return is more effective. Owen's passionate artist personality makes a great basis for this ep's B plot, and his relationship with Bree is given more development. Even his unexpected bonding with Adam doesn't feel forced, and Bree's resulting jealousy is understandable even if it isn't commendable. Adam gets some good laughs here, too, mostly from the butter sculpture, though I'm personally fond of his vow to put Owen's "sketch of disappointment" on the fridge.
