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MASH: THE INCUBATOR (Season 2: Episode 12)

SUMMARY:                              RUNNING TIME:  25 Min.

First televised on CBS on December 1, 1973, Jackie Cooper directs this episode where Hawkeye & Trapper resort to increasingly desperate measures to scrounge up an incubator for the 4077th’s medical lab. 

Capt. “Hawkeye” Pierce: Alan Alda                                                    

Capt. “Trapper John” McIntyre: Wayne Rogers

Lt. Col. Henry Blake: McLean Stevenson                                            

Cpl. “Radar” O’Reilly: Gary Burghoff

Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan: Loretta Swit (no appearance)                          

Major Frank Burns: Larry Linville

(Lt.) Father Francis Mulcahy: William Christopher (no appearance)                

Cpl. Maxwell Klinger: Jamie Farr

Capt. Sloan (Quartermaster): Eldon Quick

Gen. Maynard Mitchell: Robert F. Simon

Major Morris: Ted Gehring

Col. Lambert: Logan Ramsey

Capt. Fox: Ralph Grosh

Betty Lou: Helen Funai

Nurses: Sheila Lauritsen & Sarah Fankboner

Soldiers: Jerry Harper & John Alvin

REVIEW:

Despite getting too heavy-handed at the climatic press conference, “The Incubator” is good satire re: ridiculous governmental bureaucracy vs. delivering practical solutions.  The standout scene occurs in Henry’s office where Hawkeye & Trapper unsuccessfully lobby their local quartermaster for the badly-needed incubator.  Guest star Eldon Quick’s deadpan reactions are hilarious as the duo’s unsympathetic foil.  Similar kudos goes to Robert F. Simon’s typically gruff performance as a befuddled General. 

Still, the outlandish tactics Trapper & Hawkeye deploy (i.e. going to Tokyo at least once) during their quest come off as exceedingly implausible for war zone surgeons.   Though overplaying its hand, “The Incubator” remains one of MASH’s most entertaining Season 2 episodes.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                             7 Stars

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MASH: DEAL ME OUT (Season 2, Episode 13)

SUMMARY:                                     RUNNING TIME: 25 Min.

First televised on CBS on December 8, 1973, Gene Reynolds directs this episode as the 4077th hosts a bogus ‘medical conference:’ a marathon invitation-only poker game in ‘The Swamp.’  Among its players are: Hawkeye, Trapper, Col. Blake, Klinger, Sidney Freedman, and even Col. Flagg (in one of his earliest appearances).  Various camp shenanigans force cast regulars in and out of the game during a memorable all-nighter.

Capt. “Hawkeye” Pierce: Alan Alda                                                    

Capt. “Trapper John” McIntyre: Wayne Rogers

Lt. Col. Henry Blake: McLean Stevenson                                            

Cpl. “Radar” O’Reilly: Gary Burghoff

Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan: Loretta Swit (no appearance)   

Major Frank Burns: Larry Linville

(Lt.) Father Francis Mulcahy: William Christopher (no appearance)

Cpl. Maxwell Klinger: Jamie Farr

Major Sidney Freedman: Allan Arbus

Capt. Sam Pak: Pat Morita

Pvt. Carter: John Ritter

Capt. Halloran (aka Col. Flagg): Edward Winter

“Whiplash” Huang: Jerry Fujikawa

Lt. Rogers: Tom Dever

P.A. Announcer: Todd Susman

Nurse: Gwen Farrell

REVIEW:

What a delight!  The regular cast is all in, as a surplus of well-played wisecracks deliver the goods.  Yet, this episode’s standouts are really the guest players.  Terrific straight-faced performances are pitched by Arbus, Winter, a pre-Three’s Company Ritter, and the underrated Morita. 

For high-caliber MASH laughs tinged by a dramatic Ritter-centered subplot, “Deal Me Out” is holding the necessary aces to win over viewers.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                  8 Stars

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JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: THE TROUBLE WITH TRUTH (Episode 22)

SUMMARY:                   RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Shaunt Nigoghossian, this episode first aired in the U.S. on June 3, 2017.  The League must find a hidden cobalt fusion bomb that the H.I.V.E. terrorist group intends to detonate in Metropolis.  From Olympus, the goddess Athena offers Wonder Woman a new job as the Goddess of Truth.  Wonder Woman graciously accepts, knowing it means she must resign from the League.  Joining Batman, Wonder Woman, & Green Arrow vs. H.I.V.E. Master’s stooges is an amused Athena. 

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey                                             

Athena: Jessica Walter

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                           

Green Arrow / H.I.V.E. Master: Chris Diamantopoulos

Superman: Jason J. Lewis                                                      

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

A fun script showcasing Wonder Woman’s heroics is further bolstered by great comedy banter between Green Arrow and Athena.  Voice actors Jessica Walter and Chris Diamantopoulos deliver spot-on performances, but Rachel Kimsey’s congenial Wonder Woman deserves the episode’s MVP honors. 

The usually chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, looks pretty good this time when paired with this comic book-worthy script.  Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans should appreciate this comedic Justice League adventure.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            8 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).   

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JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: INSIDE JOB (Episode 21)

SUMMARY:                                RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Doug Murphy, this episode first aired in the U.S. on June 3, 2017.  Lex Luthor’s S.T.AR. Labs raid sets up a showdown against Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman.  Thwarting Luthor’s kryptonite gas assault, Superman becomes critically ill.  Shrinking to microscopic size to save Superman’s life, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Atom enter the Man of Steel’s comatose body to stop Luthor’s scheme to kill him.  Playing the odds, Luthor infiltrates the Watchtower to personally terminate a vulnerable Superman.         

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey                                             

Atom: Jerry O’Connell

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                           

Superman / Red Tornado: Jason J. Lewis

Lex Luthor: James Woods                              

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Despite this episode’s great premise, an uncharacteristic excess of Wonder Woman wisecracks and a few juvenile booger jokes grow tiresome fast.  Worse yet, a surprisingly weak effort by James Woods’ Luthor necessitates that fellow voice actors Rachel Kimsey, Kevin Conroy, and Jerry O’Connell make up the difference.  The good news is that they succeed (to some extent). 

The usually chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, looks pretty good when paired with this particular script.  Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans can appreciate this Fantastic Voyage-style adventure.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      6 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).   

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JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: FREEZER BURN (Episode 20)

SUMMARY:                                       RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on May 27, 2017.  Pursuing a snarky Killer Frost into Gotham City, Firestorm becomes smitten with his icy nemesis, as she eludes him.  Simultaneously, Batman’s failure thwarting Mr. Freeze’s latest scheme results in the Dark Knight saving himself from certain death. 

Despite her enthusiasm for a team-up, Killer Frost is double-crossed by Mr. Freeze, as he forcibly uses her to power an ice weapon-armed airship.  It’s up to Batman & a wildly enthusiastic Firestorm to save Gotham from a frozen fate and rescue Killer Frost from Freeze’s clutches.       

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                           

Professor Martin Stein: Stephen Tobolowsky

Firestorm: P.J. Byrne                                                               

Killer Frost: Mena Suvari

Mr. Freeze: Peter Stormare

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

It’s reminiscent of a Brave and The Bold comic book team-up from the mid-1980’s, but this story enjoys a terrific contemporary spin.  Mena Suvari’s feisty take on a hip Killer Frost (reminiscent of Catwoman’s personality) provides some great chemistry with P.J. Byrne and Stephen Tobolowsky voicing Firestorm’s dual personas.  Anchoring this story is an entertaining business-as-usual Batman vs. Mr. Freeze caper that voice actors Kevin Conroy and Peter Stormare carry out to perfection. 

The usually chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, looks pretty good for this episode.  Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans can appreciate this well-played adventure.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                     8 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).   

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JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: RAGE OF THE RED LANTERNS (Episode 19)

SUMMARY:                                      RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on May 20, 2017.  Ingeniously pitting the Justice League vs. five foul-tempered Red Lanterns at the Watchtower, a scheming Lobo succeeds in swiping a mystical weapon.  It’s no surprise that Lobo obnoxiously likes his odds facing a 10-1 disadvantage. 

Lobo: John DiMaggio                                                             

Superman / Red Lantern Dex-Starr: Jason J. Lewis

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                            

Wonder Woman / Red Lantern Bleez: Rachel Kimsey

Cyborg: Khary Payton                                                            

Atrocitus: Michael Dorn

Red Lantern Zilius Zox: Armin Shimerman                                                                            

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Aside from a Star Trek: Deep Space Nine reunion for voice actors Michael Dorn and Armin Shimerman, what stands out most is John DiMaggio’s grumbly Lobo.  Allotted plenty of screen time, it’s obvious that DiMaggio is merely recycling his Yosemite Sam voice from The Looney Tunes Show.  Still, the voice cast chemistry is otherwise terrific, including Jason J. Lewis doubling as the blue feline Dex-Starr. 

The normally chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, actually looks pretty good when paired with this comic book-worthy script.  The League’s action sequences vs. the Red Lanterns and against Lobo are excellent for this series.  Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans should like this top-tier Justice League adventure.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                               7½ Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).   

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JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: FIELD TRIP (Episode 18)

SUMMARY:                                            RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on May 13, 2017.  While conducting a tour of the Fortress of Solitude for the League’s teenage members, Superman is accidently sucked into the Phantom Zone.  Blue Beetle, Stargirl, and Firestorm are all that stands between desperate Kryptonian escapees Zod, Faora (aka Ursa), and Quex-Ul (aka Non) from breaching the Fortress to likely-unstoppable freedom under Earth’s yellow sun. 

Superman / Zod / Quex-Ul: Jason J. Lewis                                          

Stargirl: Natalie Lander

Firestorm: P.J. Byrne                                                                         

Blue Beetle: Jake T. Austin

Professor Martin Stein: Stephen Tobolowsky                                       

Faora: Fryda Wolff

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Shining a decent spotlight on the League’s rookies, it’s a fun adventure for Stargirl, Firestorm, and Blue Beetle. Balancing the battle scenes with appropriate humor, all three teenage super-heroes get worthy moments.  Firestorm’s hilarious scene trying to grasp kryptonite’s complex chemistry is the show stealer.  Yet, there really isn’t anything else remarkable about this ‘Zod Squad’ episode. 

The chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, holds up fine, as the icy Fortress visuals stand out best.  As the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, kids won’t likely complain about the episode’s mostly unimpressive artwork.  For some lightweight entertainment, “Field Trip” will likely satisfy young Justice League fans.   

BRIAN’S 10-STAR RATING:                               5 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).   

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JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: PLASTIC MAN SAVES THE WORLD (Episode 17)

SUMMARY:                                              RUNNING TIME: 11 Min.

Directed by Shaunt Nigoghossian, this episode first aired in the U.S. on May 6, 2017.  Brainiac threatens to swipe Metropolis for his collection of bottled cities before destroying Earth.  Standing against him are Vixen, Cyborg, Batman, and Superman.  Rebuffed by the League, Plastic Man takes it upon himself to thwart Brainiac by infiltrating the villain’s starship hovering above Metropolis.  Is the wacky Plastic Man willing to sacrifice himself to save Earth? 

Plastic Man: Dana Snyder                                                                  

Superman: Jason J. Lewis

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                                       

Vixen: Jasika Nicole

Cyborg: Khary Payton                                                                        

Brainiac: John de Lancie

Brainiac’s Robots: Fred Tatasciore                                                                             

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

Usually best in small doses, voice actor Dana Snyder’s grating take on Plastic Man holds up surprisingly well in this showcase.  Snyder is at his best playing up an undercover Plastic Man’s comedy bits aboard Brainiac’s starship.  The voice cast regulars (including Jasika Nicole’s Vixen) are further enhanced by the perfect casting of John De Lancie as a vintage Brainiac. 

The normally chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, doesn’t impact the entertaining script too much.  Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult Plastic Man fans should like this fun Justice League adventure.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                            7 Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).   

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COLUMBO: SUITABLE FOR FRAMING (Season 1, Episode 4)

SUMMARY:                                       RUNNING TIME: 76 Min.

First airing on NBC on November 17, 1971, this early Columbo caper directed by Hy Averback focuses on Los Angeles’ high society art world.  In a crushed velvet tuxedo no less, celebrity art critic Dale Kingston, with some help from an accomplice, murders his rich and elderly uncle. 

His aim is to inherit (directly or not) Uncle Rudy’s multi-million dollar art collection.  Helping himself to two of his favorite pieces during a staged robbery-homicide, the pompous Kingston adds an airtight alibi – perhaps too airtight.  With Columbo apparently closing in, Kingston’s secondary objective: framing his uncle’s ditzy ex-wife for his murderous scheme comes into play.   

Lt. Columbo: Peter Falk

Dale Kingston: Ross Martin

Edna Matthews: Kim Hunter

Tracy O’Connor: Rosanna Huffman

Frank Simpson: Don Ameche

Sam Franklin: Vic Tayback

Mitilda: Joan Shawlee

Capt. Wyler: Barney Phillips

O’Connor’s Landlady: Mary Wickes

Evans: Curt Conway

Art Matron: Sandra Gould

Kingston’s Make-Up Artist: Odessa Cleveland (uncredited)

Parking Attendant: Dennis Rucker

“Uncle” Rudy Matthews: Robert Shayne

REVIEW:

It’s classic (or close to it) Columbo!  Peter Falk’s raincoat-clad alter-ego is terrific making it look easy latching on to the culprit, practically from the get-go.  The Wild, Wild West’s Ross Martin is ideal as Columbo’s latest killer-of-the-week.  Had he dialed up his smarmy charisma another notch, his conceited Dale Kingston would have made a fun 1960’s Bat-villain for Adam West & Burt Ward. 

Besides a vintage Martin, viewers get Kim Hunter’s spot-on performance as Kingston’s unsuspecting ex-aunt.  The same applies to Alice’s gruff Vic Tayback playing against type as a bohemian artist gone Beverly Hills.  Including Don Ameche, as the aunt’s possibly treacherous attorney, this guest cast provides Falk with all the support he needs.

The episode’s formulaic scripting holds up with a fair share of surprises — Columbo fans should sense at least some of them coming.  Yet, the crackerjack plot hinges on an ultra-clever plot twist re: a search warrant.  Suffice to say, as satisfying as the conclusion is, it’s one of those convenient story elements that only happens on TV.  Even so, “Suitable for Framing” remains a treat for any armchair detective to watch a half-century later.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                        8 Stars

Note: Also recommended is Columbo: An Exercise in Fatality.  In Season 4’s opener, Martin’s Wild, Wild West cohort, Robert Conrad,  portrays the culprit – an abrasive fitness mogul.

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JUSTICE LEAGUE ACTION: LUTHER IN PARADISE (Episode 16)

SUMMARY:                                    Running Time: 11 Min.

Directed by Jake Castorena, this episode first aired in the U.S. on April 29, 2017.  Overpowering Wonder Woman, Lex Luthor and Circe breach Themyscira’s defenses and swipe Queen Hippolyta’s mystical staff.  Accompanied by Superman & Batman, Wonder Woman pursues the two villains into the bizarre Forgotten Realm. 

Once claiming the Oculus of the Argo, Luthor gains the power of Zeus himself.  Even a showdown with DC’s three greatest super-heroes might not be enough to stop Luthor this time.    

Wonder Woman: Rachel Kimsey      

Superman: Jason J. Lewis

Batman: Kevin Conroy                                                                       

Queen Hippolyta: Julianne Grossman

Lex Luthor: James Woods                                                                  

Circe: Laura Post

Unidentified Amazonians: Uncredited                                                          

Note: For whatever reason, data re: official episode numbers and original air dates for this series vary depending upon its source, so such info should really be taken as a best guess. 

REVIEW:

This high-caliber episode could easily be adapted into a storyline for Trinity (Superman / Wonder Woman / Batman’s monthly team-up series).  The voice cast is spot-on, including Julianne Grossman’s snooty Queen Hippolyta and James Woods’ fast-talking Luthor.  The normally chintzy animation, which gives Justice League Action its distinctive web series-like look, is nicely bolstered by the better-than-expected script. 

Considering the target audience is the undemanding age 10-and-under crowd, even adult fans should like this exciting Justice League adventure.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:              8½ Stars

Note: This episode is on the Justice League Action: Superpowers United! 2-disc DVD set (which collects the first half of the series).