"Hercules and the Heros of Athens" (airdate: 10-17-98)
Alrighty then.....
This tale attempts to rework the first of Hercules' 12 Labours "The Nemean Lion." At this rate Herc will quickly achieve those required 12 Labours mentioned in "The Bacchanal." :-)
I love the banter between Thalia, Tersichore and "Bob" the Narrator! In his blustery manner, Bob tries to assert the record concerning Herc's heroic triumph over the Nemean Lion, when the ladies enter and simply clear the slate and prmoise to set the record straight!
Enter Herc and Icarus, going on a field trip, tram-ride amusement park attraction (so much like such greats as "The Universe of Energy" ride at Disney World or others, complete with corney humor from the tram-guide!). This being "The Hall of Pimentos" and the story of the "Olive." Pimentocles, the guide, was great. The marrionette show was humorous as well, especially the way the puppet masters emulated the voices of Poseidon and Athena. Did you notice that the marioneteer who fell from the ladder looked alot like the Barbarian pilager from "The Apollo Mission."
Herc's accidental distruction of the Olive Factory was well done.
Then, the return of Chipacles!!! :-) Back as adversary of Herc. Chipacles goes through a laundry list of Herc's misadventures, which helps us with chronology, except for the "Colossus of Rhodes" incident. Either that was a joke, or it represents an ep yet unseen. Jeremy Piven ("Ellen", "Cupid") was good as the voice of the Lion.
It was really nice to see Icarus try hard to save Herc from doing time in prison, but it was so typical of him to let the accidental hero thing go to his head.
Then to see Icky become a Batman wannabe was wonderful, if abasurd! I like seeing him dust off his wings and use them once in a while, especially as Herc's useless sidekick. Actually this time he wasn't as useless as usual, and even had some cool scenes. I think this incedent did a lot to re-enforce the bond between Herc & Icky.
I was rewatching this ep and in light of the recent wish-list from some on the newsgroups, I noticed something, maybe it was just coincedence, or maybe intentional, but was that Mekanikles making a cameo in the "Icarus" song?
THE "ICARUS" SUPERHERO THEMESONG:
Who soars like an eagle in flight? Icarus Who fights for the right with his might? Icarus. Who thwarts any threat without breaking a sweat? And looks pretty good in his tights. Icarus, Icarus.... ICARUS!
(now get that jingle outta your head! :-)
HERCULES: Icarus....Icarus.... ICARUS! Would you listen! You've got to give up this hero stuff!
CASSANDRA: We don't expect you to get completely in touch with reality. Just back to your previous level of delusion.
The Batmanlike spotlight in the sky "Icarus Signal" was hilarious! And having Chipacles act liek Commissioner Gordon... all great. But having Icarus actually believe himself invincibe was so Icarus, and dangerous! It's good that he had Herc there to do the real heroics and save his delusional hide.
As I said earlier, it was very nice to see Pegasus show independent thought and even concern for Herc's pal. Enough so to try to stand between the Nemean Lion and Icarus. It was obvious to me, at least, that Peg knew Icarus was no match for the Lion!
Of course this episode turned into another lesson for Herc, when jealousy rears it's ugly head, Herc learns its not about glory, but about doing what is right.
The third Act just really served to re-enforce that lesson for Herc. That wasn't Homer as the reporter was it?
I still don't get the joke about the mouse... someone explain it. I know it was used at least twice now. Thanks.
Poor Peg got slapped around twice in this episode!
I also enjoyed the *retakes* at the end.
Overall one of the Best episodes. Thanks guys!! :-)