Hercules and the Pool Party
A Review by Juan F. Lara
GOOD POINTS
Ben Stein is always funny. :-) He has the talent of making an annoying character entertaining ( I enjoyed listening to him even when the other characters didn't. ) thanks to his passive-agressive delivery, which reminds me of the way Cadpig sometimes talks. Koonce and Merton characterize Trivia as smart and resourceful when he has to be, making him a very sympathetic character. Beyond Trivia, this episode had a couple of notable moments: - I laughed at the malaise that set in during the pool party. Interesting to see them all so laid back. I also noted the swimwear the gods wore, and Hades's apron, a popular expression in high school cafeterias. :-) - I envied Herc for his opportunity to use all of the gods' weapons at once. He also seemed fully confident in using them. - Robert Costanzo did a good acting job for Phil when he tried to console Herc.
BAD POINTS
But I didn't find this Takeover Plot inspired. Like Pain and Panic I wondered, too, if the gods ( Hera at least ) could really be so naive as not to suspect a plot. ( And writers shouldn't use loose lips as a plot device. ) This plot in fact didn't offer enough material for a whole ep. So Koonce and Merton stuck in the Plot B about Herc's efforts to get into the workshop. Note that Plot B had no importance to the main plot, but did eat up some time on Herc attempting rescues. Likewise the protracted fight between Herc and Haphaestus ate up time, but that scene was more interesting because of the weapons.
MISCELLANEOUS
The writers put in a reference to Herc's 12 labors. "Animaniacs" fans might see in Trivia similarities with Stein's Francis "Pip" Pumphandle. Trivia's comments could also make for good questions on "Win Ben Stein's Money". :-)
Ares: How does he do that?! Trivia: Didn't you know that you get more spin on the ball from a cummulo nimbus cloud? Ares: How about if I put a spin on your....
Hades: Ares. Love child. Visualize world peace.
Zeus: I was just looking for the little god's room. Hades: Go in the pool...
Hercules: Thanks, Trivia. I don't know why everyone underestimates you. You're really handy to have around.
- Juan F. Lara http://ccwf.cc.utexas.edu/~jfl/intro.html
Trivia: Oh, my gods.