Weekendering: The Weekenders: Season 4: Episode 5: Tino's Dad

The Weekenders  Disney 

                                          Episode 5: Tino's Dad 

Series Finale 

     So it has come to this, the final episode of the entire series.  "The Weekenders" started on ABC on February 26, 2000 and ended after 39 half hours on February 29, 2004, on Toon Disney.  Yeah, season 4 really is that short only 5 half hours with 3 of them having 2 segments, 1 full length Halloween episode and this one.

        As part of the end, I think it's fitting to run with a thread that appeared a few times in the series- Tino's Dad.  Tino's Dad is coming for the weekend and there's the set up of conflict where Tino's dad has planned the entire weekend, but Tino wishes that his dad and him could just do stuff together without other people.

            There's also a plot where the group wants to watch a comedy show but the price of tickets are big money. That means they are going to get jobs. Tino's not going to tell his dad how he just to spend time with him so going to rush Saturday with that list and try to do his own things on Sunday. The other three are going to do some work to get money for the tickets. 

            The pizza shop seems to have become way more unhinged this season, was the stress getting to the poor guy? Is he alright? Help? It's alright to cry buddy.  

        There's a Tino's Mom and Tino moment now, she hasn't seen the man in eight-years either and is nervous.  Now, we the viewer get out first ever image of his Dad. Well he has... well Tino got his hair. Tino is more sun tanned because he's in California.  Tino's Dad also fears bugs. We all shall fear bugs, we are the open for our day of reasoning soon, the bugs will rise up, huh what? Sorry. His Dad is also apparently a clean freak, so I think there's one sign of why they got divorced. 

         So far, I think it's interesting to see how they portray T-Dad , yeah I'm tired of writing that out,  because we don't know much about him. I do like the  the mom and dad are amicable with other -not forced- but they have a respect for each other.  

                Carver and Lor help clean up an attic and Mrs. Weems is still there to help them while living her memories with the objects. She was also just messing with them and that's great!   Tish has gone to tutor Carver's little brother, and another kid that she didn't know about before! 

More after the jump 

Weekendering: The Weekenders: Season 4: Episode 4: Laundry Day/ Penny McQuarrie

The Weekenders Disney 

Previously,  You are listing to the best radio station the station that ROCKS [here] 

Episode 4a: Laundry Day 

        Lor wants her friends to help her with laundry day, as part of her every six months she has to do it, it takes 2 days. They really don't like the idea of helping because this is a strenuous job.  She asks maybe they could help her get out of it.  Lor thinks the best idea is take them to a laundromat and leave them there to get clean while she wonders off. This is not the best plan. 

        Tish is worried, very worried, and Lor said what could do wrong? Something will go wrong.  Tish keeps yelling at Lor that she's asking for trouble, and Lor keeps saying it's alright.( Run Tish Run for home. ) Something went wrong, the Laundromat has closed.  Then the next day, the group comes over again and Lor finds out that she should read all the terms and conditions. If you don't watch your loads, stuff gets donated. 

         They have to go to the Helpers Helping The Help-less rummage sale. Uh oh, the plot says some clothes have sold.  Tish is just having too much power fun in this episode, it's kind of funny. Anyway then the episode goes Yada Yada and we see that Lor has to do work for Mrs. Dawong at HHTH, Lor had to tell her Dad about what happened, so something happened here.  Her brothers did get some random clothes, I guess something happened here.  

         Yeah the ending just decides its tired of itself and skips on to Lor learning a lesson. While I do think we were robbed of a fun clothes hunting around the town journey , I guess I have to admire they went for a realistic idea of oops things didn't go very well sometimes.  Especially since it was Lor should have really watched her family's stuff in the first place type of thing.  Tish was also a highlight in the episode as much as she kept warning  was funny.  The random pizza ninja moment and the piggy bank funeral just were funny and just of nowhere. Maybe that's why they yada'd the ending there.  It's a fun episode though, and a better outing for Lor than one where she's trying to impress Thompson , for another time.   7.3/10. 

Weekendering: The Weekenders: Season 4: Episode 3: Radio Free Carver/Dinner Party

  The Weekenders   Disney 

Previously,  Lor decides to write a will, and leaves you nothing [Here] 

Episode 3a: Radio Free Carver 

            The episode skips right into Sunday,  did we use the wrong tape?  I'm scared.  The pizza shop is also a little confused  and Carver seems excited about being a radio jock on KQXR radio.  Which is funny since that's actual radio station in Boise that also happened to play rock, like Carver says this station does. I'm still lost though. He gets to go on the radio every Sunday and talk. (Why not this Sunday?) 

        Also if you are liking something Tino's mom cooked, don't ask what it is.  It's time for Carver's radio appearance. He was confident until he had to actually radio and then it goes  bad.  We get a Next Friday, ooh different. Carver has been avoiding his friends all week. (Nice of him to bump into them when we see him again) Also odd how other kids make fun of him also this many days later. Sometimes the show's format does kind of have weak points. Carver is really down. 

            Of course the friends have come in to help him. They try different ideas to help him. This goes as well expected. He decides he wants to quit. He meets the radio DJ who knows that he's going to quit.  He tells him about a guy named Rudy who messed up and quit and maybe he should try again and practice.  He gets his chance to try again and it worked. 

         A simple idea. This episode starting on Sunday then going to the next Friday was something different for the show, but they also showed  a weakness the format has.  That doesn't take away from the episode itself. I like Carver stories because they can take his personality and show how his over confidence can be his un doing.   

          It's a good episode that works simple and gives good moments 7/10. 

More after the jump

Weekendering : The Weekenders: Season 4: Episode 2: Brain Dead/ Lor's Will

The Weekenders  Disney 

           Before I start the season, I've already kind of did. The first episode of season 4 was "Nevermore" a Halloween themed episode, and I've written about that episode around a Halloween.  (Here) 

      Let's get to season 4.  The series seemed to be on the move through its time it started on ABC then with season 3 it ran on UPN.  Season 3 ended on December 2, 2001.  Things had happened by this point outside of this show.  Disney had decided to purchase Fox Family Worldwide, which included Fox Kids, the Fox Kids block was set to end in 2002, along with that  Disney decided that One Saturday Morning  on ABC was no longer their main draw. They were premiering new shows and now even new cartoons on Disney Channel instead.  It was rebranded as ABC Kids in fall 2002.  ABC Kids did premiere a new series that feels like they had a contract and couldn't change the spot, that would be Filmore [also a good show]  This show was running on UPN. The  Disney One Too block name was dropped and became no named block, but UPN was almost done too.  Disney decided to move  The Weekenders  to Toon Disney, which probably was they were done with it and wanted to burn it off.  It's not even Disney Channel. 

        The final season only has 5 half hours and they seemed to take forever to air it as "Nevermore" aired in 2002, and the rest of the episodes -minus the final episode- in late 2003, then the finale in 2004.  This means this show has  39 half hours.  We are on the journey of the final season. 

 Basic premise of the show in case you want to jump into season 4 without reading about seasons 1,2 and 3  is 4 friends hanging out and doing things on the weekend. The show mostly takes place from Friday afternoon to Sunday night. The episodes are about middle schoolers named Tino Tonitini, Lor McQuarrie, Carver Descartes, and Tish Katsufrakis who hang out and life lessons on the best days of kid life.


The episodes are mostly self contained, but may call back to the past things if they want to. So, now let's dip into season 4.  

Episode 2a: Brian Dead 

            Tish has gotten a B in her grades. (It's over, there's no hope, turn around)  She seems to have accepted it and taken it pretty well. The teacher is even concerned. The others don't seem to be taking it well. This is kind of different to see her not be all be annoyed by this.  They are worried that Tish will lose her characteristic. (The show has become self aware run, run run!)  Even the parents mention they all have a trait.  

           Thanks to a dream she starts to worry about if she's not "the brain" what she would be. ( Pinky?)    The next day she works on finding a new thing.  Bluke has all the jokes here. The panel seems to agree that Tish should be the exotic foreigner. Ooh. I think don't think she likes this idea. (Never ask a panel or hinge your thoughts from a guy who made one of  his answers "Hello, I am Bluke") 

            Her parents like the look, but knows that she hates the look.  Her parents decide to help her and tell her a story about her test as a 3-day alive baby. We get to see Tish annoy a doctor. The test  said she was the dumbest baby in the world and said her name should be Goosh. That's some test there.  They took her home and found she was smart and changed her Petratishconvnya [spelling] which means girl with one nose. She gets what they mean from the story that they didn't want her to be known for one thing (except having one nose, apparently). 

            She goes back to normal. She tells her friends that she's going to be herself.  She then tells her friends they are all more than one thing. 

    Pretty good episode, I like how it's not Tish going and being worried about her grade for the episode. It's focused on the idea of being known for one thing and letting other characteristics be hidden or pushed aside. It's also layered where the show works that way too. The main group has their characteristics and the show never let one characteristic take out another. Including Tish who is very smart, but also has interests beyond academics, she loves arts, she sometimes gets caught up in herself, and more. 

         It's a good message and it's an entertaining episode.   8/10.   

More after the jump 

Weekendering: The Weekenders: Season 3: Episode 12: Croquembouche/Imperfection

The Weekenders  Disney 

Previously,  Tino's unperfected Step Father Test doesn't work [Here] 

Episode 12a: Croquembouche 

            This episode has a name you'd hear on Martha Stewart's 90's show, that's  Croquembouche pronounced like croak- am- boo-ssh. [Also glad that spell check knows this word]  Which is French cake.  They are in a foods of the world competition, first price is free admission to every museum in their town for year. (Interesting prize)  Tino wants to give the oral presentation but the others want to choose someone in a system of voting. (Weak)  Then Carver wins. I don't think Tino is very happy.  Tino's mom figured it out pretty quickly. (She's read ahead again) 

        Tino also finds out they don't want to do a Napoleon theme either.  Unhinged losing his mind Tino is fun Tino.  The next day, after Tino stormed away the other three are feeling down with out him. I think he psyopsed them.  Meanwhile, Tino is down too and doesn't want to go. Dixon comes in because now Tino gets double teamed. (I'm scared) Dixon also finds away to make Tino see things differently.  He does it in a scary way too wow! 

        I think Bluke is confused. Anyway, it's competition time for the gang, but not yet for them to present.  Ruby was  before them and put on an amazing report and  Carver is now nervous. Tino shows up and now they want Tino to do the presentation, but Tino does a pep talk for Carver and encourages him to do it.  

        We didn't find out if they won. Well that's sad.   Episode was fun. Again, unhinged Tino is fun, I don't care what anyone thinks it's just fun when he's unhinged.  Dixon and his Mom both proving their power is too much in a well done way.  It even makes sense why the others would pick  Carver he have a big confidence in himself and the idea that Tino gets in his mind they were turning against him fits his character too.  Fun episode. 7.5/10.  

More after the Jump 

Weekendering: The Weekenders: Season 3: Episode 11: Clown/Testing Dixon

The Weekenders Disney 

       Previously, Tish is a star for a few minutes [here]  

   Episode 11a: Clown 

             

            Tino is a afraid of clowns, especially even more thanks to a movie. He's not doing to well  and his friends are trying to figure out how to help. Even the pizza shop has decided to join the theme of the episode. Even the mall had deiced, also lot of Tino rolling going on this episode. 

        This episode is weird.  Whilst Tino has held himself up in his room, the friends try to figure out how his fear of clown started and she mentions that he was kissed by his aunt who has a clown like appearance. This episode is weird.  They decide the best idea is to have Tino go to clown school to help him get over his fear of clowns. The idea of exposing yourself to the think you fear to get over the fear. (Don't try this with death or the oddly specific fear of being eaten by 28 rabbits)  We also find out that Lor is afraid of cauliflower. 

            Tino agrees in a surprise, and the friends have decided to also join him, but he says needs to fight this on his own. The others find other classes that fit circus fun. Tino gets a clown name of Scream-o.  There's a strange moment where it seems Tino goes into some weird clown trip out.  The next day, the other three have somehow stopped their circus classes and apparently Tino has embraced clowning.  

      He says he can live with clowns, but hasn't fully gotten over his fears.  Then it's over.

            That's a good ending where it shows something different where he's not totally over his fear but has at least contained it a bit, that's a nice reaction for something that happens over a very short time, in this show's format. 

         This episode also seems to just go for it's plot dropping the viewer into it then showing him being in fear and some running gags. The part with the clown school doesn't come into nearly 7.5 minutes (without theme song) into the episode. So we do miss out on seeing how the three did just cutting to them saying they all failed.  

          Though the idea of showing Tino being afraid of clowns and really going far with that does seem to be longer than needed to get the point, it wasn't a un-fun episode though. It had some funny moments, like Tino sticking his head out of the bus window and the friends rolling him, etc.    7/10 

Weekendering: The Weekenders: Season 3: Episode 10: Celebrity

The Weekenders Disney 

    Previously,  I have an experiment and if you didn't read the last episodes this your chance [here] 

   

Episode 10:  Celebrity 

        This episode is a two-parter, interesting. Also, we used to be a real country where you could bonk your TV when a problem happened. The gang is watching an episode of the in universe favorite show Teen Canyon. Tish introduces this episode and takes us back two months to an episode of the show being taped in their town.  They were watching it happen and also funny that the actor forces the people on the show to figure out a reason why he has his shirt off, he really wants people to see his abs. 

    They need a kid for the show and they have chosen  Tish.  I'm going to assume a show production couldn't just grab a random kid to be in their show without some paper work or something, but I guess we need to hurry up a bit. I also like that Carver is annoyed that Tish was called cute one. (we Tino fans were robbed)   Tish didn't really say anything and they dubbed over her with some weird  speech, I'm sure that's how kids talk, they say "ever so" right? right? (I don't know)  Carver is ever so not jealous. 

           Then back to the present and they've watched the episode.  Tish starts to get phone calls where other kids have seen the show and other people who ask if she can do something for them. Tish starts to think of herself as a star. Hmm I wonder if it will get to her head? That's usually how these things go. The next day, small town so the press is following Tish around because small town.  An old lady asks Tish to sign her teeth,  and the Pizza place has gone Tish themed. Tish is feeling overwhelmed.  She's even gotten her own TV show special about her. (Things need to calm down) 

            So this episode could have easily just got Tish getting a big ego because of the fame , but they went a different route and probably something better with Carver than him just seething for the whole thing.  He tells her that she's being a celebrity wrong. Like being nice (and following people on Twitter?)  and he says he going to teach her how to be one. Lor and Tino have seen the script already and know things are going to go wrong.  

Weekendering: The Weekenders: Season 3: Episode 9: The Tao of Bluke/An Experimental Weekend

The Weekenders Disney 

        Previously, Lor needs a Tutor, but we learned something instead [Here]  

Episode 9a: The Tao of Bluke 

            This episode decides to jump right into Saturday (can they do that?) and also Bluke is hanging out with the group (can they do that?).  The first minute of this episode is already winning by how it's going.  Tino can't catch us up on what's going on so he brings an a professional announcer , voiced by Jeff Bennett, to catch us up to speed. Then the episode rewinds to Friday. (Can they do that?) The group was at helpers helping the helpless to win a prize of a pool table.  They have to find 7 clues (Blue's Clues?) and bring them back and that will help them win.  Also use of the term Generation Z back in 2001, we're zooming. 

            In a twist, Bluke has been added to their team  and that's why he's hanging out with the friends.  The group is worried that he'll drag them down and they'll lose. Tino says they will not and they will help him out and the announcer is knocked out.  Their working with Bluke seems to be going not very well. There's a plan B, one of them is going to have to keep Bluke distracted for Sunday  and that ends up being Lor. 

         But first, Tino's Mom time!( YEAY)  She says that sometimes people will surprise you , if you let them. (She's just handing out the moral of the episode)  Lor is with Bluke helping him pick out overalls. The other three get to work on clues. (I've got my handy dandy notebook out)   I think there's a hard time finding one clue.  Bluke and Lor now having matching overalls. Which is fun.  They meet up with the other three. He reads the hard to solve clue and he found the 2nd clue, and the 3rd one, and the rest of them.

            The winners of the pool table isn't our Weekender group, but they pizza. He says it was good they didn't win because it's hard to split a pool table 5 ways, a pizza is easy. (He's right) The answer was fine.  Tino let's Bluke break the 4th wall, but that goes somewhere else. 

       This was a really fun story, like really fun. Bluke gets a nice spotlight and  he makes for an interesting side character. He's kind hearted and quirky but not in a way that seems annoying or over the top,  it's nice.  Tino's Mom does give the moral away a little too early here too early, but it is nice to see how he surprises by finding the clues by hearing the clues and seeing how he figures them out.   I also like how the episode has fun with the format of the show and the announcer part was fun.  This was a warm episode like Bluke and there's a lot to enjoy here, the funny moments worked well  and everything was well done. 9/10.  

More after the jump 

Weekendering: The Weekenders: Season 3:Episode 8: Careers/ Tutor

The Weekenders  Disney 

 Previously, Lor's the boss [Here] 

Episode 8: Careers 

               It's one of those career episodes that seem to happen in shows but I'm not sure what happened in real life ever. The group has taken a career test to find out what would be good for them. Tish gets librarian which she thinks is not a fit for her at all.  Lor gets experiential physicist, which she finds to be a good fit for her.   Tino gets announcer, which he thinks would be a good fit.  Carver gets gym teacher, advertising executive, or animal trainer.  I like how there's no imagination spot for Carver to think of his life a gym teacher.  

            The others tell him that he doesn't have to do the jobs on the list, but he remarks the tests are destiny.   The next day, Tino pretends to be an announcer and Tish is annoyed about being pointed in the direction of a librarian. Carver tries gym teacher but maybe he won't be good at that.  Next, he tries the advertising  thing.  (Wait, do whales have lips?) 

            I enjoy Tish doing library things but still denying it, Lor doesn't do the best science though. Carver's parts provide the funniest parts of this episode, this episode is very funny. He's going to try the animal trainer thing. The family dog doesn't seem to like Carver. He decides to give up and says he'll be world famous shoe designer. His imagination spot there is funny.  

             Coach Colson shows up and tells them that the tests were suggestions of what jobs could work for them. Lor looked at the wrong column she got more appealing suggestions, Tino finds out his says " except radio or TV" which seems like a rude test.  The coach tells him that he if wants to do TV or radio go for it! Other people show up to say how their tests went  Coach laughs at Carver's test thing at gym teacher. 

        This episode  was fun. I think it had some really funny moments especially with Carver trying ads or Carver's future spot. It was a well paced and pretty interesting episode. There was blend of how they responded to the tests.  Lor thinking it would be fun to be a scientist was nice and then finding out the real careers she really lucked out there too.  Good message too.   8/10. 

More after the jump

Weekendering: The Weekenders: Season 3: Episode 7: Father's Day/Follow the Leader

The Weekenders Disney 

Previously, don't want to seem like nagging, but you should read the past episode incase you didn't [here]

Episode 7a: Father's Day 

        Tino's father is a background presence in the series, meaning  whilst the character hasn't shown up we've seen things that have to do with him and the impact that has.  Tino's mom dating Dixon comes in to play and knowing that Tino doesn't see his dad much, but the man is alive.  Tino is the only member of the group with a single mom and a divorced family. 

            Tish, Lor, and Carver are at the pizza shop. Carver is trying to get over his fear of worms before he and his father go on a Father's Day fishing trip.  Lor and her brothers are going to amusement park, Telsa Park, thankfully her large family gets a discount. Tish is going do some old country tradition of brining cheese to the needy. (What?)  Carver breaks the wall this time and tells us that the group decided to not talk about Father's Day around Tino since his father lives on the east coast and doesn't get to see him much. (west coast show) 

            Carver lies that he wants to be a worm-ologist and that's why he looking at worms.  The friends try to hide Father's Day, which also makes me wonder do they know if Tino looks at calendars. Also the a running gag that Lor doesn't know how many brothers she has shows up here. It's over 10!  Thanks to Carver's lie he's been brought to the museum's warm exhibit. (Amazing timing really!)  I kind of wonder if Tino knows and is deciding to mess with Carver to see how far he'll go. Also some writer on this show saw Fear Factor and decided the museum should have an exhibit that apparently lets a patron get covered in worms. 

            Tino helps Lor's lie of her 10+ brothers get get well presents for their multiple knee surgeries. Tish, herself, isn't doing well with all the cheese she has eaten. Tino is messing with them after all. It is admirable that the trio cares about Tino that much to get terrorized, spend money on stuffed dogs, and eat tons of cheese just to make sure he's not sad, it's sweet.  Tino says he's fine and they shouldn't have tried to hide Father's Day. 

            He lets them mention what they are doing with their dads on Father's Day, but then he starts to feel like he does miss out. That evening he's having dinner with his mom and Dixon. Dixon invites him to spend time with him and his daughter, but Tino squeaks that he's fine.  

   

             Tino has a strange dream where his favorite comic book character Captain Dread-Not gives him advice on how he's feeling to talk to someone. I also love the transition card for the days being used when Tino says midnight for it give a quick orange Sunday.  He decides to find someone to talk to, again at midnight.  Talking to Carver doesn't work since again it's midnight.  That morning, Carver wakes up and says he needs to help Tino. I also like how his father also hates fishing but thinks Carver likes it, a reversal of Carver thinking the same.  

            Carver calls Tish to help him.  Then it cuts later, where Tino wakes up and everyone is at his house.  That means his friends and their fathers and Lor's brothers, and Dixon and his Mom. 

             Tino is alright with his parents' divorce that's been depicted in the series, in "Dixon" he wasn't bothered that his parents were divorced. He was alright with Father's Day in this episode until he realizes that his father and him don't see each other much and he can't do the things his friends were going to do on the day.  It's a relatable problem, in a way that also can work with kids and maybe even adults with deceased fathers too.  I liked the solution here of talking about how you feel, it's a simple thing and yet a smart idea. 

        I'll re-mention the first half of the episode too. The friendship connection here is shown strongly that the trio go out of their way to make sure Tino doesn't feel bad about Father's Day. I think it was a sweet thing and the episode plays with it with some humor so it doesn't feel overly sweet. Tino messing with his friends there was funny.  It's a great thing to see and fitting for characters we've seen for 3 seasons and knowing them how they interact this is a great way to show the show really understands their characters.  Then later, Carver seemed to not be focused because it was midnight, but later races to help Tino when it's morning is well done scene and shows their bond.  

        The middle part of Tino's Mom and Dixon eating dinner with Tino was well placed. I liked that Dixon offered to spend time with Tino on Father's Day inviting him. Later, Captain Dread Not giving  an answer to help was different too. The ending was nicely done and shows that Tino is a valued person by so many and it's great to see.  This episode taking place on a Father's Day weekend does a great story and something different with the day, it's nicely done, fun humor too. 10/10. 

More after the jump

Weekendering: The Weekenders: Season 3: Episode 6: Best/ Broken

The Weekenders Disney 

Previously: you poor soul. [read here] 

Episode 6a: Best 

   This episode's title has a lot riding on it, I mean "Best" is a bold name. Is this episode the best?  What's best about it? This is about those school year book thing the best hair, best dressed, stuff like that. Tino hasn't been given a best of most thing and he's not happy about it.  He didn't even get Best Tino. ( I think he's best Tino)  Tino also demands a recount ,which might come back into play. 

       This has caused him to worry what his legacy will be and he has a spot of how he sees his friends doing well -20 years in the future- and he's not doing well in that future.  He's decided that he's going to focus on the next year and try to get the most or best thing.  Like he goes around smiling, whistling (which goes badly), he messes up a bush.  Later, he tires to have the best physique, which is bold for Tino. 

            The friends want Tino to get out of this funk and try to think of ideas to help.  Guy had to be wheeled home and the friends come over and give him the Best Friend Award as they explain why he's a great best friend.   It's a great moment there. 

            We get a rare Monday appearance as the kids go to school and that recount thing comes in to play where there was one vote for "Most Sarcastic" which Tino is.  

             I love how the recount thing came into play at the end, it could have just been a simple random line, maybe someone thinking about the 2000 election when they made this ,but it was nice to see it come in to usage. It fits that Tino is very sarcastic at times. The other part where the friends give him that award and tell him he's a great friend worked because this is season 3 and we've seen how he does do a lot for them when they need him.  It did that well, without being to sappy.

        There's some funny moments that work great  here as well. I think it's a fun episode, not the best, but it was most(ly) fun.  I give it 7.5/10 

More after the jump 

Weekendering: The Weekenders: Season 3: Episode 5: The Most Dangerous Weekend/ Charity Case

The Weekenders  Disney 

        Previously,  Tino  tires to be a lone wolf, that goes not well.  [read here] 

Episode 5a: The Most Dangerous Weekend 

 

                Tino has sprained his wrist.  This is an interesting plot as in many cases we as people do something and then it goes wrong and we might not want to do it again. Sometimes, this is a good thing like this is how we found out that fire burns and hurts and passed that down to the masses  at some point.   Sometimes it goes wrong. Tino went skating without his wrist guards and fell down causing his sprain.  I love how Tino's mom takes over his 4th wall break to explain what happened.  Also doctor is also a magician which is something. 

            Tino has now got it in his head that average everyday things you do can be dangerous. (not reading this blog though. Switching tabs on the other hand, is bad.)  He has decided to "take precautions" by padding the kitchen and rest of the house. He's gone out dressed like he's going on a hike. It is funny he is trying to be safe but also using a putty spreader for the sun putty wouldn't that be dangerous, Tino?!  I hope SPF-182 was a Blink 182 reference.  

            The friends, mostly with Tish, have decided to work with Tino in the hopes he'll snap out of his paranoia.  I think that also goes badly as it seems to have spread to them. Though they are kind of able to shake it and working again to help Tino.  They after waiting all day for him to get ready for the beach, they give up and leave. Tino's Mom helps (again) to bring up the idea that maybe all this worry might affect his friendship.  So he comes to clarity. 

                  This one is fine. Really the concept over thinking how something can be dangerous is very human and having an experience where something you do normally then it going wrong and causing injury can have an affect on what you think about things. The episode doesn't rachet it up to take it too seriously. It does fit Tino's character as he does tend to get into a thought of over reacting. The friends really did stick with him long  enough until they justifiably get mad when it takes him six hours to get ready and making them miss a beach day. Again six hours.  I give it 7/10. 

More after the jump 

Weekendering: The Weekenders: Season 3: Episode 13: The Worst Holiday Ever

The Weekenders Disney Holidays 

Episode 13: The Worst Holiday Ever

        I'm jumping ahead, unless you reading this in the future , to do the holiday special for Weekenders. Because if I don't, then there's either going to be awkward post at some other point, or I'd have to hold off on doing this episode until next Christmas season. This is also the end of season 3, but won't do a season review here, that'll be in episode 12's post. 

         This episode aired on UPN on December 2nd, 2001, like I said it's also the season finale. That also means that Weekenders would also be over soon.  

         This episode starts on the task of starting on Friday, which um was a choice.  Tino starts mentioning how December is wintery with snow but since their town is like San Diego they don't get that, but thanks to Lor's Grandma they will be able to enjoy the classic winter affects in the mountains.  Then he mentions that Tish celebrates Hanukkah, he celebrates the winter solstice (don't be surprised , hippy mom),  Lor and Carver celebrate Christmas and then Carver also celebrates Kwanza. This episode was made during the period this was a big thing to do have a kid celebrate holiday A, then have B, find some other ones for C and maybe a D.  

           Because of all that there's only one weekend where they all can spend a holiday together, I wonder which one. Lor's Grandma picks up everyone and there's even a song.  That's different for this show, but I guess they had to for a holiday special.  This episode is called "The Worst Holiday Ever" so I'm expecting something... uh oh something bad has happened. The place they were going is closed off because of a blizzard. (ironic) 

         The group waits with Lor's grandma on her RV and  it's a long wait.  They have to spend the night in there and the next morning too.  Lor worries this might be her worst holiday ever,  but her grandma says remembers she had a worse one. This brings up a story called "The Worst Christmas Ever" 3 years earlier. It's a normal Christmas with her large family and coach from the school comes over and she sees that the coach dropped mashed potatoes and didn't want to eat them.  She didn't eat them and her family ends up sick, and she tells her family why that happened. Then again it might have been her grandma's soup. 

        Tino tells the The Worst Winter Solstice Ever. If you can't tell already, it's a story episode. That's right the characters are stuck somewhere and the best thing they can do is tell stories. This is a setup from clip shows. Let's continue with Tino's story.  His mom switched to solstice celebrating after she and his dad broke up.  She seems to celebrate it like Christmas with stockings, a tree with lights, and things.  It's the first one, so it's younger Tino.  Like Lor's story there's an invited guest, a neighbor we've seen before on the series.  

        The woman has views on divorce.  She also invited her great-great grand nephew for some reason.  What Tino remembers is that was his first time having a sarcastic remark.  He and his mom ended up in the car together to get away from those two. Lor's grandma  says the same thing she said to Lor, at least it was someone he loves.  

        Interrupting snow. Tino says the episode title, break time. Uh buy toys! Back to the episode.  They are now trapped in the blizzard in an RV.  Tish is horrified the most that Lor's Grandma having rabbit jerky. Then she mentions "The Worst Hanukkah Ever" story.  

        Tish gets a "Secret Santa" thing where she has to buy a gift for a someone in the family.  She gets Aunt Geet, who she is happy she picked because that's an easy one to gift.  Her family comes over including cousin Doug (whom we've seen before) and Dougavina. (ok then)  Girl Doug gives Tish a gift, even though she wasn't the picked name. This makes Tish worry because she didn't get anything for Dougavina.  She lies and digs through her closet to find a gift, and finds a sweater with tags on it, uh oh.  It was a gift that Aunt Geet gave both of them of the last year. (oops) Tish felt bad.  

         It's Carver's turn, and worst Kwanzaa time.  His story is that socks didn't match, he wore a gray one and a white one. Very in character for Carver.  

    Sunday time, the blizzard is over but the roads are closed of ice. (not ironic) The kids aren't happy they didn't get to have their winter-y fun. Lor's grandma decides to stop because they are moaning and she decides to tell her own story with a long title.  She and her mother were going to get berries for her soup and then they freed a turkey, but the other turkeys decide to go after them. They had to hide in a cave for a bit, but she said it was a fine Christmas. 

       

      They try to run from the turkeys at night and then they fell down a cavern, but the turkey they freed helped them out. (neat)  That's why the family doesn't eat turkey on Christmas, the other holidays are fine though.  The kids seem to say they got the message about a good thing about the holidays is being with those you love. She does turn around and say her story is about staying away from wild turkeys.  (also a good tip)  

          Finally, she makes them frolic in very low amount of snow.  It finishes with a song.

 

         So again, this was a let's tell stories episode, but it wasn't bad. It was fun seeing younger versions of the characters and seeing some of their life stuff was nice. I think the stories were fun and fitting with the characters.  Lor being scared that coach would fail her if she told about the potatoes fits with how she wouldn't like that as she values athletics. Tino and his mom's very close and strong bond shows up in his story.  Tish and her family dynamic and how she had a relatable problem. Carver of course focusing on something that most don't , funny it wasn't shoe related, but socks instead.  It was also fun seeing Lor's Grandma as she is a fun character and brought things together and did get the message across well. 

            The episode also shows their great friendship bond and wanting to spend sometime together as they value each other too as like family.  It's great that this episode showed that bond and their family bonds to really express holidays and being with those you care about and love, even beyond blood family. Like how Lor's family lets Coach come over ever year.  

       

        Good simple episode. Funny moments and sweet moments mixed it, makes it a valuable seasonal episode and a great season finale too. 

          That's it for now , tune in next time, when we get trapped and have to eat horse jerky. At least I think that was horse jerky.  Later days.    

       

Weekendering: The Weekenders : Season 3: Episode 4: Secret Admirer/ The Lone Wolves Club

The Weekenders Disney 

Previously on  Weekendering: There's work to do...  read that here 

Episode 4a: Secret Admirer 

                Carver has gotten an anonymous letter from someone who really likes him, but only enough to send him a secret letter.  The friends have found out and he's become brain mush thinking about who his admirer.  The friends don't think that it's possible has someone who admires him and thinks the things in the letter. He seeks to prove them wrong.  Carver also thinks that girl who admires him a good looking one. 

          Then later a girl named Nona decides to speed up the plot a bit and tell Carver she's the girl that wrote him the notes. Now Carver worries about her being taller than him. Carver is not sure he likes that, but he doesn't want to say to her out loud. (something)  Tish continues to tell him he only cares about appearances. When he gets compared to a pineapple he starts about how he was being only known for how he looks does feel bad. 

        He talks to Nona and apologizes then mentions the pineapple thing which freaks her out because she apparently fears pineapples. (She would really hate Spongebob)  Funny enough this actually makes Carver like her more, because she's ' shallow like him.  [Those were his words] 

                With this episode I like how the secret admirer part hooks into the part where the admirer shows up and not make it feel off. The idea that Carver was looking for someone based off their looks fitting into judging Nona for being taller than him, then being made fun of for looking like a pineapple head worked well to smoothly get the message across. Tish angrily yelling at Carver about how he judges looks was a bit on the nose, then she's the one that says that Tino's head looks kind of like a pumpkin, she's not above it. 

         The show really has flowed with its format here too, not having Tino's mom be any way part of an answer to a problem, but the food gag still showing up works. I like Nona also seems to run away from Carver because she fears pineapples and now can't un think of his head looking like one.  

        The episode didn't do a full secret admirer search plot which was fine not to have that drag out for 11 minutes and did something else with it. The funny moments work here a little better than how it forced parts of its message. Lor's whistle gag was alright, it didn't get too annoying and had some fun punchlines to it. Tino and the blue food was funny.  I give this one a 7/10. 

More after the jump 

Weekendering: The Weekenders: Season 3: Episode 3: Listen Up/ Never Say Diorama

The Weekenders Disney 

Episode 3a: Listen Up 

  

            I'm just going to mention here that I think the Pizza shop owner really is losing it, he decided to go with Leftover Pizza this time, I'm concerned.  Tino tells us the plot of the episode, where Tino and his friends are part of a program (we know, we're watching it now!) called Preteen Pals from the in show charity thing of Helpers Helping the Helpless.  Preteen Pals is like 12-year-olds helping 11-year-olds get used to middle school. 

        I like the idea of the 12-year-olds in the show also thinking of 11-year-olds as younger than  what an 11-year-old is, but plays a nice way of showing how those years can be different. The day has come and the kids get paired up with a younger one.  Tino gets a big kid, who I hope isn't just some 30-year-old actor playing a kid, that'd be strange ... except in Dawson's Creek. 

             The interactions here are fun: Tino is awkward with the big kid and trying to make sure he's actually a kid. Tish's kid doesn't want to be there. Lor and her girl don't know what to say to each other. Carver is not listening to his kid named Tommy at all.  Bluke (the kid in dark overalls) and the girl who picked him have the best interactions here.      

             Mrs. Duwong notices that Carver isn't really listening to Tommy and pulls him aside after the the meeting and he's fired. He rambles to his friends- how can he be bad listener? and doesn't listen to his friends telling him.  They help him learn how to listen.  He's given another test by Mrs. Duwong to see if he really is going to listen.  Carver copying her is also a really funny moment.  But fails at getting the point. (oops) 

            He goes to his sister, Penny, for help and no. He goes to the museum lady to help.  She sends him to Jules.  In a great moment, Carver figures out what he should do himself.   He wasn't able to go back to the thing, but he does find Tommy at the arcade.  He listens to him, actually, and helps him out. A good moment too.  Mrs. Duwong was there playing virtual knitting, well that's a game and offers him  a second chance. 

           This was a good episode, it flowed well from being the friends to focusing on Carver.  This one has some simple funny moments, which also works to the series. There's humor without it being too over the top to make it seem off.  This one is very direct in its message which is fine, the idea of listening to others and really be listening is something at even adults should probably try more of too.  Good episode 8/10. 

More after the jump

Weekendering: The Weekenders: Season 3: Episode 2: Cry/ The Perfect Son

The Weekenders  Disney 

Episode 2a: Cry 

  

      Tino is hiding in a bush because he humiliated himself in class, that is until he's kicked out of the bush by other kids who also did the same.  Tino explains to us , that in 5th period he watching Romeo and Juliet and he cried when when Juliet went down. Also, I think this the most we've seen inside the school since this series premiered, besides the gym it's been mostly exterior shots.   

     The other kids are making fun of him for crying. Good thing it's Friday. His friends also seem not helpful. There's an interesting thing about this episode being about emotions and expressing them, especially for boys to do something.  He tells his Mom that she's the reason why he's "an emotional whimp" and he decides to no longer show any emotion. 

     Tino's Saturday goes with him being emotionless. The other friends are concerned and want to show him its okay to have emotions and they try different things to get him to be emotional.  That doesn't work, so plan B is to make him angry. Which mostly seems to be breaking things.  Plan B doesn't work.  His mom tells him that she's tried to help him be InTouch with his emotions because that's important. 

     The next day, looks like the friends seem to have a new plan.  A Chugafreeze guy shows up and tells him good on him for giving on up emotions. He did the same and is proud of it, even if his wife left him. (She didn't take is emotions in the divorce) He lost his business and can't a hold a job. This works.  Tino's Mom apparently paid the guy 20 dollars do tell him that story. (Her plan 1 , Friends' plan 0)  

             Then he finishes off the episode by expressing his emotions hard.   Though maybe in current times, people can be too emotional. (Someone is not going to like that)  This is good episode to show that it's healthy, especially for boys, to be in tuned into their emotions. The episode does a good job at saying emotions are good within reason and are normal for people to have.  It's pretty funny to see the ways the friends try to fix Tino. Tino's Mom coming in clutch but this time by paying a guy and giving him some food  was a different way than normally.   It's a good episode.  7.5/10. 

More after the jump 

Weekendering: The Weekenders: Season 3: Episode 1:Crushin' Roulette/Lucky Shoes

The Weekenders Disney 

     

        We've reached season 3 of "The Weekenders".  We've covered season 1 and season2 . Season 3 first premiered on September 9, 2001. This also of note because that's a Sunday, and the show switched networks from ABC to UPN. The Disney One Too block ran Sundays-Fridays on UPN. Though, the repeats continued on ABC. This would be the last season to broadcast on a broadcast network as well. Like season 2,  it has 13 half hours. 

    Basic premise of the show in case you want to jump into season 3 without reading about seasons  1 and 2, is 4 friends hanging out and doing things on the weekend. The show mostly takes place from Friday afternoon to Sunday night. The episodes are about middle schoolers named Tino Tonitini, Lor McQuarrie, Carver Descartes, and Tish Katsufrakis who hang out and life lessons on the best days of kid life.

           The episodes are mostly self contained, but may call back to the past things if they want to. So, now let's dip into the first two segments of season 3. 

Episode 1a: Crushin' Roulette 

   

         This episode is already breaking the mold by having it be Tish, break the 4th wall instead of Tino. (I'm a bit nervous) She tells us that's she's hungry. (So she should have a Snickers) She's been waiting for her friends for pizza. Apparently her other friends have crushes and want to do stuff with those crushes (concerned about Carver and the TV shoe model)  instead of having pizza with her.  This episode is set up with Tish feeling left out from her friends and being surrounded by love. 

        This is pretty interesting to have Tish in the lead role of the episode and having it from her point of view.  The next day, she calls her friends to decide to have a crush.  (I'm not commenting on her list) Her friends say she can't just force a crush, mostly Carver, and he's right, but they are going to help her find a crush because they are good friends. 

            The trio go to find Tish's crush. Lor's questions are amazing and scary.  After that fails, Tino decides he going to find some guys from school for Tish. Using his own probably better questions. (There's like three guys)  Also don't look up Lor's question the one about the brown, blue, cheese.  Probably don't. 

          Tish decides to pick to random things and stare and find love. (That's how people used to find their spouses)  That didn't work but she did get a guy to confess to being a spy. This is episode is weird. Anyway, she tries Percy and tells him she loves him and the boy is ready to have her child, I know what I wrote. He actually did that because he didn't want her to have a crush on him. Tish runs off.

        At the pizza place, Tish laments about not having a crush like her friends then the plot ends where Lor reads the pizza menu and this causes Tish to realize she doesn't need to have a crush yet, she will when she's ready. The episode ends with music shop guy getting arrested. 

        

          This episode was pretty fun.  Tish's plight in feeling left out from her friends , by not having a crush  is something that happens  and you feel for her.  I liked how her friends helped anyway. Though, it can be a little strange that she also wanted to find an adult to have a crush on as option,  but this is also comes from an era where shows had plots where a kid would have a crush on their teacher. The episode is pretty funny,  Lor's questions were great along with the reactions and Tish's stuff was fun. It really works well as an episode.  I give it 9/10. 

More after the jump 

The Weekenders: Season 2: Episode 13: New Friends/The Awful Weekend

The Weekenders Disney 

Previously, you have boring family members too?  (Here)  

The Season 2 Finale 

Episode 13a: New Friends

          Tino comes home and finds a lady who is not his mom in his house. (That's not your house, Tino! Run)  I love his interaction with this woman and hers sells it well, how she's just quietly sitting there, while Tino first didn't notice her as he goes through her purse [thinking it was his mother's] and then stopping and realizing that the woman wasn't his mother.  Then when she says hello, he's confused because she's a stranger.  It's fun to me, I enjoyed the weirdness. 

         The woman happens to be Tino's Mom's friend Mrs. Adele Fipps , they used to be best of friends until 8th grade when "The Awful Thing" happened (oh no! The launch of ESPN?) Tino is surprised that they are friends they seem so different. That will be part of the plot, it's jarred him and he's now worried about his friendship with his own friends. 

            Tish mentions she knows what Tino means she used to be friends with Francis, who seemed to have changed and yeah. Tino gets the idea to find new best friends that they are more alike before something bad happens. That's right his logic of worrying about his friends breaking up is to break up the friends before they break up over something. (alright then) Lor thinking her new friend up as a horse was interesting. ( I like pointy things) 

         Now, we (assuming you know too) know the moral of the episode, plus there's like two more seasons so it's not going to dynamic change the show, but the fun part is the execution.  The next day, Lor tries to find a friend that will work work for her and even tries her 950 brothers. Tino looks around and finds someone who seems to be a copy of him in design. Who apparently can only say sure.(sure) Tish and Carver seem to be together having a hard time to find a new friend. They go up to some guy Tish thinks is wise. He tells them to find some kids named Ty and Sly who will teach them to be friends that like the same stuff. 

            Enter Tino's mom who is amused by this plan, and she explains the awful thing. ( I was concerned) The friend moved to Ohio (Oh.....Ohio) She says that friends can be different. Tino finds Lor and Tino and Carver are scary now. They agree that it's better to be friends again and yes. (sure)  Tino wants us to tell at them if we see him and friends do something stupid, so I'll try. 

        Fun episode, again it breezes through pretty well, so there's not much of them with other friends, but it is kind of fun. Again, we know that they were going to get back together, but it was fun to see them do something like that. This is also a good episode to be placed here in the finale of season 2, because we've seen their friendship dynamic and how it works, even though they are all different.  We've seen their bonds, agreements, and disagreements. It's also good message and it's presented with some fun humor. I give it 8/10. 

More after the jump

Weekendering: The Weekenders: Season 2: Episode 12: Talent Show/ Relative Boredom

The Weekenders  Disney 

   Previously, you didn't win a $10,000 but that also means you don't have to pay the taxes (here) 

 

Episode 12a: Talent Show 

        I wonder what this episode is about?  Tino is not going to be in a Sunday talent show, but he does seem to want to you know watch it to laugh.... hmm  then Lor has to do the show because a teacher says it'd be good for her. (So is Tish, but this episode isn't about Tish)  Actually. Lor gets in and  Tish doesn't. (oooh, and they seem to judge the talents before the show)  The episode found a way to make sure there's no Tish and Lor competition and apparently wipes out Tish. 

        We get a new moment of "Lor's Dad is of no help" where he  doesn't help by saying she's going to be seen by so many people and how nerves can get to her.  (thank you for that) They go to Tish for help, but Tish is still a mood.  I'm also surprised that her talent was to go for singing instead of something sports related. Carver and Tino work to help her themselves, by having her try different styles  Also, using a public domain song since this was Disney before they started making music for their shows and being cheap.  (For the best, if this show was made later, one of the characters would be the singer) 

        Tish is dealing with jealousy.  William Shakespeare shows up and tells her to help Lor. [I know what I wrote] and she decides to help her friend. It's a really nice scene and I also like how Tish breaks the forth wall saying how long this is going to take and we should skip ahead. (Show is being self-aware again)  

            It's talent show, which seems to be attended by like a dozen people. Tish even admits to Lor she was jealous. I like how Lor actually thought Tish was sick and was concerned if she was doing well. The show does a great job with it's characters, I could say that in every post, because it's true. I love to point it out and will do more soon.  

           Lor got second place and she apparently lost to a guy who tossed hams. (I'd pick that too) 

           A simple episode, but well done. Bringing up what I said about characterization in this series. Every little bit of that shines here too. The start where Carver and Tino at the start share an apple and later Lor trying to join in but the apple is already done. Tino has a bit of hesitation at first but eats the apple after Carver. If this is the first episode of the show you see, you can see their friendship and dynamic right in that scene. There's an episode about their friendship coming up, so I will return to that then. 

            Tish not making it into the show is interesting for her character, because she is the one in the group that likes to perform the most. It's taking her out of her element and having to deal with someone else getting that instead. I like that she doesn't take her jealousy out on Lor directly, only refusing to interact and moping in her room.  She's not directly mad at Lor, but at the situation.  Then her decision to help was great an in character.  This is a fine episode, it's simple, sweet, effective. I give it 7.7/10.

More after the Jump

Weekendering: The Weekenders: Season 2: Episode 11:Baskets for Bucks/Pru

2The Weekenders Disney 

Previously, not a Doug crossover episode (here) 

Episode 11a: Baskets for Bucks 

                Tesla park  has a new ride and the friends would like to go, but don't have money. In a moment of boredom they decide to watch "Scramble Vision"  which is just them watching a TV channel that's scrambled because it's a pay per view channel. (Oh this is the most late 90's early 2000's thing this show has done, and they had an episode with Jennifer Love Hewitt)  Then there's a radio thing they want to listen to, called "Baskets for Bucks" (roll credits)  They have to call into a show and answer a question to get a chance to enter the contest for $10,000.  

            Tish gets the question right, and it's time for Lor to practice. The friends think the odds of Lor getting all three will be hard, but they say they are going to stay positive for Lor. This actually might not be a good idea.  I like how Tino, Tish, and Carver think they can buy cloning, a band, and helicopter or sports car or hovercraft for $2500 even in 2001 money. (ooh  2001 money)  Lor seems to be getting stressed and worrying about if it goes wrong, she might lose her friends. (That or thinking her friends might squish her to death?) 

            Instead of Tino's  mom we get Lor's Dad and he's of no help. (like wow)  It's the big day and Lor is feeling horrible. I like how the episode showed the friends trying to be helpful were being too positive and it made Lor  tense and worried. It's a good showing of being too positive can also hurt. She missed the third shot and she saw her friends weren't there. 

            She realizes her friends were still there for her, and she gets a consolation prize for the new water slide. 

         It's an interesting episode, where the idea of being too positive could affect pressure on someone, even if you unintentionally didn't mean too. The episode doesn't get dark or sappy, but it does a well enough job showing what Lor was feeling and going through with some humor , but not detracting how she was.  I liked it , pretty fun.  I give it 7/10. 

more after the jump