The Spectacular Spider-Man. Episode 3. "Natural Selection"
The '90s Spider-Man series, on FOX, was superb. I love what John Semper did with the character. It's a great show, and I consider it to be the definitive treatment of Spider-Man on TV.
The 2003 MTV series was awful. I tried to finish the DVDs, but I never could.
So, when The Spectacular Spider-Man aired in 2008 I avoided it. I assumed that it would be as weak as the 2003 show, and I have little or no interest in seeing Peter Parker back in high school (again!!). However... If I had known that Greg Weisman (of Gargoyles) was involved in the show, I would have reconsidered that decision. Gargoyles was superb.
Never mind. I've finally woken up to the show and, three episodes into it, I'm very impressed.
The show has effortlessly created a core group of characters that I care about. Peter is very likable and relatable. His school friends, lab friends and Aunt May have all been given enough screen time (and character development) to make them seem real. Heck, even the bullies at School seem to have been well written! Most curious, thought, is the decision to make Eddie Brock a close member of Peter's circle right from the get go. And Eddie's been given lots of great character moments. In fact, three episodes into the season, and his character is almost as well developed as Peter Parker's.
Not that the show is short on action. In fact, the relentless action scenes are almost on a par with the '90s show (which I still think had the best animated action scenes on TV. Ever.). When Spider-Man goes into action, it's exciting and thrilling. Everything that watching Spidey is supposed to be. Josh Keaton is perfect with the witty one-liners.
From a writing/storytelling point of view, however, the ending of episode three was particularly impressive. Peter/Spidey had saved the day, but - typical for a day in the life of Spider-Man - it appeared to his friends that he had wimped out. In fact, it looked like his values in life were particularly screwed up and he had sold out a friend in trouble, just to get some cash. And the writing to accomplish this was beautifully done: a subplot from the premiere about Peter desperately trying to get a Spider-Man photo printed in the Daily Bugle (to help his aunt pay their bills) finally comes to fruition, but instead of being a moment of joy it all backfires. Brilliantly. My heart broke for young Peter. Yes, the show is that good.
In fact, the A-plot in the episode had also been simmering since the premiere, with Dr. Connors shown (on a couple of occasions) to be doing something mysterious, whenever he was alone. Plus we know that the friendship with Eddie Brock is going to end in tears (somehow) so this appears to be a show where continuity is king. Subtle continuity. Character continuity.
If only 50% of the live action shows on TV could be this good.
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The Spectacular Spider-Man. Episode 3. "Natural Selection"
