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Spider-Man: The New Animated Series Episode Review

Episode #105, "Royal Scam"
Original Episode Airdate - August 15th, 2003
Spider-Man is duped by the infamous Kingpin into stealing the TX-1 super-chip, designed to de-crypt the confidential satellite transmissions that drive the world's financial markets. Disguised as federal agents, Kingpin's henchmen convince Spider-Man that he should steal the chip from the "mob" and return it to them, the FBI. In return for doing his country this service, he is promised that the bureau will let it be known that Spider-Man helped them out, an endorsement greatly needed in order to improve his rock bottom public image. Of course this patriotism takes its toll on Peter's social commitments. Mary-Jane Watson has a three-night acting showcase that Peter has promised to attend. He misses the first night when Spider-Man learns he was tricked into stealing the chip and must track down Kingpin; on the second night Peter is temporarily abducted by real FBI agents. The third night culminates with a climactic action sequence where Spider-Man outmaneuvers Kingpin for the chip so that he can return it to the real FBI. The real question however is whether Peter will have enough time to make it to MJ's last performance.

Credits
Screenplay By: Rick Suvalle
Directed By: Vincent Edwards
Music By: John Digweed, Nick Muir and William Anderson
Animation By: Mainframe
Guest Starring: Michael Clarke Duncan as The Kingpin and Keith David as FBI agent

Review and Media by Stu::
This was a tricky one. The Kingpin has been used in animation very effectively before, anyone who watched Fox Kid's Spider-Man: The Animated Series or read a Spider-Man comic will know that he is the biggest crime-lord in New York City, as well as one of the leading legitimate businessmen in the world. He's always been an interesting character, especially as he's one of the few big supervillians that doesn't actually have any powers.

But he isn't here. He is depicted as just an average criminal, with a plan to become rich. Perhaps this was because they based it on the Daredevil movie, and Kingpin was arrested in the climax, and his crime lord status was revealed to the public. Now that I've already ruined the ending if you haven't seen the Daredevil movie, go out and get the DVD. Preferably the Directors Cut.

As with all the episodes of this series, there's a sub plot involved with Peter and Mary Jane. It's one of the better ones, as we actually see Mary Jane do something other than make herself look pretty for Peter or stand around at college, she has a job, and wants a career from it. We also see her get angry with Peter, and actually show a little character rather than be the incredibly 2-dimensional female lead.

One of the saving graces of the episode was Michael Clarke Duncan's performance as The Kingpin, reprising his role from the previously mentioned Daredevil movie. He sounded as if he genuinely enjoyed doing the role, which always comes through in the end. The series had a great cast, and was despite the odd screw up (Eve) most of the "famous" folk were pretty good in their roles.

Admittedly, on paper, this episode sounds terrible. Which you may find surprising as the episode is actually quite enjoyable despite its many flaws. It's not particularly memorable in anyway, for me, the only scene that greatly stood out was the helicopter scene at the end. Once again, the action scenes save the day.



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