[7.1/10] This episode has a good idea, centering both the A-story and B-story on the kids growing up and outstripping their parents in certain ways. But both also sputter out more than they manage to wrap that idea up in funny or particularly satisfying way.
The A-story, with Tina wanting to spend quality time with her dad, but not wanting him to screw up their cardboard boat regatta with his subpar taping and lettering skills, is a nice setup. There’s a nice throughline with Tina seeing her dad as more of a burden than a help, but then needing him to come save the day. I even like Oversharin’ Karen as a new character. But the whole plot with the rival thundergirls got pretty convoluted and scattered in the finish.
And the B-story with Linda visiting the firemen’s open house and infantilizing the kids has a similar vibe and a couple solid gags. But I kept waiting for it to go somewhere and it never really did beyond a fine but not particularly stirring “hey, you kids are holding my hands!” conclusion. In contrast to most stories on the show, which usually include solid arcs even for secondary plots, this one felt like it was just kind of there.
Still, I’m whinging. This was totally watchable and had some good laugh lines. It’s just a bit below this show’s usual sterling standard.
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParentSpoilers2019-10-24T01:07:14Z
[7.1/10] This episode has a good idea, centering both the A-story and B-story on the kids growing up and outstripping their parents in certain ways. But both also sputter out more than they manage to wrap that idea up in funny or particularly satisfying way.
The A-story, with Tina wanting to spend quality time with her dad, but not wanting him to screw up their cardboard boat regatta with his subpar taping and lettering skills, is a nice setup. There’s a nice throughline with Tina seeing her dad as more of a burden than a help, but then needing him to come save the day. I even like Oversharin’ Karen as a new character. But the whole plot with the rival thundergirls got pretty convoluted and scattered in the finish.
And the B-story with Linda visiting the firemen’s open house and infantilizing the kids has a similar vibe and a couple solid gags. But I kept waiting for it to go somewhere and it never really did beyond a fine but not particularly stirring “hey, you kids are holding my hands!” conclusion. In contrast to most stories on the show, which usually include solid arcs even for secondary plots, this one felt like it was just kind of there.
Still, I’m whinging. This was totally watchable and had some good laugh lines. It’s just a bit below this show’s usual sterling standard.