Episode Review - Spider-Man: The 1967 Animated Series

Episode #13b - Farewell Performance
Original Episode Airdate - December 2, 1967
Blackwell the Magician brings a Jekyll & Hyde poster to life in order to save his theater from demolition.

Review and Media by Stu
Another one of my favourites, this episode introduces my favourite original villain - Blackwell. I thought they put a lot more effort into developing Blackwell more than the others, as he wasn't a villain per se; he just resorted to some shady dealings to get his wishes fulfilled. Magicians and the like work flawlessly in this show's goofy tone. They also managed to find a great voice for Blackwell, it's a shame so little is known about the Canadian voice actors that we'll probably never know his name.

Whilst it's true that nostalgia no doubt plays a big part of my fondness of the episode, it genuinely is an entertaining episode, with a decent plot, some nice action and a few laughs. I thought Spidey's plan to save the theatre was actually pretty smart, using Jameson hatred for him as a great weapon.

The music in the episode is also above average. I love the jazz score used in this season, it fits the swingin' sixties perfectly, as well as capturing the shows fun, adventurous tone. It got a little too much in the later seasons, but this season had great music. "Farewell Performance" is easily one of the show's best episodes.

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