TVSquad

(S02E08) Yet another fantastic episode. I'm really astounded by how well this season is going. This week contained a better look at the inner workings of the hero/super-scientist vs. arch-enemies business, and, for the two of you interested, there's Monarch nudity.

In a Guild of Calamitous Intent issued video, Watch, Ward, and the bodiless Sovereign, congratulated Doctor Orpheus and team for qualifying to get an arch-enemy. After briefly showing the dangers of finding one's own nemesis without the Guild's help (possible disregard of treaties, improperly matched animosity, and inappropriate behavior), they assigned Orpheus an appointment to screen possible candidates. I love the idea of hardcore villains working in such a business-like manner.

Totally pressed for time, Orpheus paid a visit to his old friends, Jefferson Twilight and The Alchemist. When Orpehus approached Twilight, a guy that kind of looked like Shaft doing Blade's job, he was busy beheading black vampires and stealing their fangs (for his necklace). After this attack, Twilight happily greeted his old friend Orpheus and agreed to team up again. The two of them went to visit The Alchemist, a monk-like figure. He decided to abandon his search for the AIDS cure and join Orpheus' team. Finally, the Order Of The Triad re-formed. Y'know, I immediately knew I recognized The Alchemist's voice from somewhere, but it wasn't until the credits that it hit me that I had been listening to Aqua Teen Hunger Force's Master Shake for the entire show. I'm kind of surprised I didn't catch it right away... The voice was pretty much the same.

Meanwhile, Doc Venture finished up some last minute details on his walking eye, a project for the government, and attempted to play Father. Since Orpheus was scrambling around, looking for his old teammates, he needed someone to watch Triana. Doc's a lazy bastard, so he asked Dean to entertain her. After an attempt at a quick sex talk ("Let me explain something that every boy your age has known for, like, five years...), he left Dean and Hank to take care of things. The two of them took "entertain" seriously and decided to put on a production of Oscar Wilde's Lady Windermere's Fan.

Over in The Coccoon, the Monarch had a hooker put on a Doctor Girlfriend wig and do sexy-talk in the deepest possible voice. Of course, the poor lady had no chance of matching Doctor Girlfriend's "smoke-kissed" growl. He soon grew impatient and went totally insane. This part totally lost me. Why did he go all Red Dragon on the hooker and put her through that crazy stuff (I was honestly waiting for a "Do you see?!")? Oh, and I was kind of startled by how fresh this reference was...

The Monarch: Oh, but which door to choose? That one could have fun, surprises, and a year's supply of turtle wax behind it... or the polar bear from Lost!

I mean, I laughed and everything, but I think this is the most recent reference we've ever seen on VB. I suppose I was just surprised. And it looks like the Monarch's been going nuts for a while, because 21 started planning on arching on his own. Oh, and by "on his own", I mean "with 24". It took a bit of convincing, but 24 agreed to step away from henching for a while and arch. With the promise of jetpacks (Jetboy and Jetgirl!) and flying into hot chicks' bedrooms, nothing can go wrong.

Number 24: She'd be, like, dating the good guy and I'd be all, "I'll spare his life... but only for you, Sugarpaaaants."
Number 21: Dude! And then you will have sex! You will be having sex. SEX!

Unfortunately, the sexy leather costumes that 21 promised weren't so kick-ass and the jetpacks were more dangerous than cool.

Number 24: Why is there a bowl on my helmet?!
Number 21: I was on Family Double Dare. Totally swiped it.
Number 24: Well, that makes me feel better about all the stains.
Number 21: Oh yeah. That's Gak. You know, Physical Challenge.

YES. YES. Old-school Nickelodeon references for the win.

Back at the Compound, the Order Of The Triad held auditions/screenings for an arch-enemy. I cracked up during the discussion over Twilight's blackula-slaying job ("Man, I specialize and hunt black vampires. I don't know what the PC name for that is") and loved Doctor Girlfriend's appearance as Lady Au Pare, complete with her Murderous Moppets. Jealous of the amount of attention Orpheus was getting, Doc took his walking eye outside and soaped it down in the sexiest way possible. Oh. My. God. Beyond disturbing. Torrid, an Australian fellow that could burst into flames at will, took a crap in the Venture bathroom, only to later kidnap Triana and sending her to the Torrid Zone. This gesture proved himself worthy of becoming Orpheus' nemesis (and left a rather nasty smell in the bathroom).

After figuring out Triana was safe and very near Orpheus' island in the tropics (he has an island but he still has to rent under Doc Venture?), Orpheus, Twilight, and The Alchemist did their own Order Of The Triad logo thing. It was pretty bad-ass.

Credits. 24 was ready to abandon 21 and attempted to hitchhike away. The hooker pulled up next to him, but after seeing his butterfly wings, sped away screaming.

Number 24: I can't believe that whore stole my Stanza!
Number 21: I can't believe that whore made it through the lake of acid.