User blog:Curshburger/Total Drama Action Review

Please note: This review is a work in progress.

Introduction
So, Owen won the $100K in Island, but then gave that up to try to win $1M. A whole bunch of crazy stuff happened, and all of it led to the million being eaten by a shark. So, the 14 that came the closest to winning now are able to redeem themselves in this season.

Welcome to Total Drama Action! Island is regarded by many as one of (if not the) best season in the series, and I can certainly understand why that’s the case. None of the characters are atrocious, and any bad episodes in that season were few and far in between. But, there were some painfully predictable eliminations and several instances where Heather questionably survived. But now it’s time to move on to Action. This is a season that many find to be good, but not exactly on Island’s level. In this review, you’ll see my opinions on every episode this season, as well as every single character (much like last time). Let’s do it!

Monster Cash


Episode Number: 28

The episode in a nutshell: After the previous challenge, 14 contestants arrive on season two’s set. Their first challenge is to avoid a monster being controlled by Chef Hatchet, and Owen ends up picking a shocking trailer for his gender.

Fun Fact: This is the only season premiere that’s a free-for-all rather than a team challenge.

My favorite part: Owen eating the fake food

Quote: “Nope. Call 911.” -Owen

My thoughts: Alright, maybe it’s just me, but I feel like for a season premiere, this thing doesn’t exactly have a lot going for it. The contestants are introduced to the set, they do their challenge, and that’s pretty much it. Nobody even gets voted off or anything. Why? I stated in my last review about my dislike of non-elimination episodes, and we have one right here, as a season premiere, no less! But I do suppose it isn’t something I’d mind watching, so I’d say it’s an average episode.

Alien Resurr-eggtion


Episode Number: 29

The episode in a nutshell: All of the cast members must retrieve alien eggs and return them to Chris before being caught by Mama Alien. Said search for eggs is made difficult thanks to Mama Alien possessing a paintball gun. After returning the eggs, one couple faces a tragic separation and another couple is voted off for their relationship.

Fun Fact: This episode features the first double elimination in the series.

My favorite part: Izzy’s face-off with Chef

Quote: “I’m really digging the twos today. Must be Tuesday.” -Chris

My thoughts: This episode has a pretty neat challenge, I will admit. For some reason, it reminds me of all the fun times I had playing laser tag as a kid. But, take away the challenge and, once again, there isn’t much. You can notice Trent getting jealous of Duncan, which is kinda predictable, and there’s Gidgette, which gets pretty old pretty fast. Thankfully, they got voted off faster than you could say “this is an average episode ”.

Riot On Set


Episode Number: 30

The episode in a nutshell: The Screaming Gaffers and the Killer Grips are chosen by Gwen and Trent, respectively. The two teams’ first challenge is to put on a play. Izzy volunteers to play an old lady, and Duncan plays the role of a gangster. Chef Hatchet grows tired of DJ being soft an makes an alliance with him. When the scripts get flipped, things take a turn for the weird. For losing the challenge, Izzy is the one to get voted off.

Fun Fact: From here on out, every Gilded Chris is made of chocolate and covered in gold foil.

My favorite part: Duncan’s acting

Quote: “I’m not going anywhere. That’s not my name.” -Izzy

My thoughts: Thing with this episode is a good bit of it is Gwent getting slowly but surely more unhealthy with Trent’s jealousy of Duncan. I mean, I suppose the challenges were alright, but there isn’t much here that I can say I enjoyed. This is yet another average episode.

Beach Blanket Bogus


Episode Number: 31

The episode in a nutshell: The Screaming Gaffers and the Killer Grips return to Camp Wawanakwa for their next challenge. Beth befriends all of the Grips, while Trent starts having issues with Gwen. Meanwhile, Justin’s master plan begins to unfold. In the end, the Gaffers win themselves a beach party.

Fun Fact: This is the last episode in which Justin, Leshawna, and Trent visit Camp Wawanakwa.

My favorite part: The Taj Ma-Harold

Quote: “My nickname back home? Leshakin’ it!” -Leshawna

My thoughts: This episode essentially does the same thing last episode did, in terms of things that happen to Gwent, and not having much else to bring to the table. But what makes this episode worse than the last one is that this one is a reward challenge. No elimination, no suspense, no fun. Just nothing but a large amount of filler. I’d skip this one. It’s a bad episode.

3:10 to Crazytown


Episode Number: 32

The episode in a nutshell: The Screaming Gaffers and the Killer Grips compete in a Western-themed challenge. Trent throws challenges for Gwen until the latter breaks up with the former, officially killing Gwent. As a result, Justin interrogates Gwen. This ends in Trent getting voted off and Gwen “owing the Grips a favor”.

Fun Fact: Duncan is now aware of the fact that Harold rigged the votes against Courtney back in Island.

My favorite part: Gwen’s sneezing

Quote: “Either way, you owe us, Gwen.” -Justin

My thoughts: In case you didn’t know, this is my least favorite episode. Justin is super unlikable, the ending is just plain frustrating, and the entire episode is dedicated to derailing Gwen and flanderizing Trent. We’ve seen Gwent hit a few bumps in the road this season, but never did it get this big. Seeing the Grips believe that Gwen is at fault (all because of Justin’s lies) is nothing short of infuriating, and it was at this point that I began to hate Justin so much, that I would’ve skipped straight to The Princess Pride just to see his butt get voted off if I didn’t care so much about spoilers. The worst part about this is that according to some people I’ve talked to, this was never even supposed to happen. The writers wanted to keep Gwent alive, but the network insisted they be split apart because they shipped Gwuncan so much. This is an episode so bad I believe that giving it an awful rating would be an understatement, so instead I’m gonna say that this is an abominable episode. The only good thing about Total Drama likely coming to an end is that we, the audience, never have to witness an episode as abysmal as this one ever again.

The Aftermath: I


Episode Number: 33

The episode in a nutshell: Geoff and Bridgette are fittingly hosting Action’s brand-new feature: a talk show! The eight former contestants that didn’t qualify return in the peanut gallery and Izzy and Trent are the special guests. But tension arises as the hosts start to have problems with each other.

Fun Fact: Cody still has Gwen’s bra from Up The Creek.

My favorite part: Seeing the eliminated again

Quote: “Gwen did WHAT?!” -Trent

My thoughts: Ah, another episode that features the eliminated castmates. I do like a lot about this episode. It’s good to see that Geoff and Bridgette aren’t all kissy-kissy here, and seeing where Trent’s #9 obsession actually comes from is pretty cool too. My only complaint here is that unlike in Haute Camp-ture, where the eliminated contestants got to “choose” to eliminate Leshawna, this episode doesn’t tie back to the competition at all. There’s no elimination, but I guess that’s to be expected since this is a talk show. Plus, I did still enjoy this, and I say it’s the first episode this season that’s worthy of good episode status.

The Chefshank Redemption


Episode Number: 34

The episode in a nutshell: The two teams face a prison-themed challenge. The Killer Grips are confident, thanks to their previous confrontation with Gwen. The Grips win the challenge, and Izzy returns to the competition. Thanks to her gamethrowing, Gwen is voted off by many of her teammates (including herself).

Fun Fact: This is the first episode in the series to reference someone’s name.

My favorite part: Izzy’s return

Quote: “My vote + Leshawna & Harold’s = the greatest day of my life!” -Heather

My thoughts: So, if you’ve seen my review on last season (sorry for the plug), you’re probably aware of the fact that I wasn’t fond of Izzy returning. Nothing against her as a character, but I find returns to be annoying and unfair. So you probably know this episode’s gonna be bad when Izzy’s return is my favorite part of the episode. Just like with 3:10 to Crazytown, the episode isn’t much besides derailing Gwen and having the Grips come out on top because of it. It pains me to see Gwen take so much heat for something that wasn’t even her fault, and she just complies to the Grips instead of standing up to them (or, more specifically, Justin). And after all of that, we had to watch her vote herself off because “karma”. This is an awful episode, thanks to none of the Grips being that likable at all, and also because Gwen essentially becomes nothing more than a punching bag.

One Flu Over The Cuckoos


Episode Number: 35

The episode in a nutshell: The two teams partake in a medical challenge. Owen is quite content with Izzy’s return. Leshawna does her best to form an alliance with Duncan and Harold in order to vote off Heather. After a “disease” is unleashed, Duncan and Leshawna get to the bottom of it, and Leshawna’s acting skills earn her the reward.

Fun Fact: Although Leshawna claims she never cries, but this is false because she cried Duncan’s performance in Riot on Set.

My favorite part: Everyone reanimating the dead Chris’

Quote: “You guys are the best!” -Leshawna

My thoughts: I find this one to be one of the lesser episodes. There’s no elimination, which I usually don’t enjoy, not a lot of the contestants are that interesting, and the challenge was pretty “meh”. I originally thought I’d be giving this an average rating, but it’s probably a bad episode, just because of how boring I find it.

The Sand Witch Project


Episode Number: 36

The episode in a nutshell: The two teams compete in a horror-themed challenge. Lindsay takes over as leader of the Killer Grips, and DJ feels remorse for teaming up with Chef. This leads to him quitting the competition despite the Screaming Gaffers winning the challenge, sparing both Justin and Lindsay from elimination.

Fun Fact: Beth claims she is unable to scream, despite doing so previously in both Monster Cash and 3:10 to Crazytown.

My favorite part: Lindsay taking charge

Quote: “I said, lick the walls, Owen!” -Lindsay

My thoughts: This episode was alright, I guess. I will say I enjoyed watching Lindsay try to be a leader for the Killer Grips what with Trent being gone, even if her team didn’t think that she was quite the best at it. In my opinion, one of the biggest mysteries in the series is who would’ve been eliminated had DJ not stepped in. Confessing to his alliance was the right thing to do, but man, did I want to see Justin leave. Had that happened, I would’ve labeled this episode as good, but, instead, it’s an <font color="Gray">average episode.

Masters of Disasters


Episode Number: 37

The episode in a nutshell: The two teams face a disaster-themed challenge. However, the challenge soon turns into a real disaster as Owen breaks his jaw and everybody else almost drowns. The Screaming Gaffers realize Leshawna was using them earlier. In the end, Harold manages to save the Gaffers and they win a questionable reward.

Fun Fact: This is one of the few episodes in the entire series where Chris shows genuine concern for the contestants’ lives.

My favorite part: Harold winning the challenge

Quote: “You’re gonna pay for this, big, loud, and proud!” <font color="Indianred">-Heather

My thoughts: Oh joy. Another non-elimination episode. Because that’s what eeeeeeverybody wanted. Honestly, I’m not big on this one. Owen gets treated pretty badly and the episode’s, once again, pretty boring without an elimination. I think the only thing that saves this episode from falling into bad territory is the fact that Chris actually gave a crap if the contestants died, even if it was for his paycheck. Plus, there’s the fact that the Gaffers now know about what Leshawna did, so it does make the episode worth watching, unlike with Beach Blanket Bogus. This is yet another <font color="Gray">average episode.

Full Metal Drama


Episode Number: 38

The episode in a nutshell: The two teams go to war, and Leshawna is no longer trusted. Duncan and Harold fight over who’s more useful to their team, and Justin is no longer able to have the same effect on Beth and Lindsay as before. Ultimately, Duncan and Harold become unlikely allies and win it for the Gaffers, and Justin convinces the Killer Grips to vote off Izzy since she said he isn’t cute.

Fun Fact: This is the Grips’ fourth consecutive loss.

My favorite part: Duncan and Harold’s interactions

Quote: “Honestly? You’re not that cute.” <font color="Yellowgreen">-Izzy

My thoughts: Believe it or not, I like this episode. I like Admiral Lindsay, Her Hotness. I like Duncan and Harold teaming up. I like the fact that Justin is slowly (but surely) losing his mojo. Even Leshawna was somewhat funny here. After so many average episodes, I’m actually able to say that I consider this episode to be a <font color="Cyan">good episode.

The Aftermath: II


Episode Number: 39

The episode in a nutshell: The Aftermath returns with the spotlight on Gwen and DJ. Tensions rise with Geoff attempts to prioritize ratings over friendships, much to Bridgette’s dismay. Even though Gwen lost many supporters this season, Trent spoke up and was able to save her reputation.

Fun Fact: Gwen has two lizards.

My favorite part: Trent’s confession

Quote: “My lawyer has advised me NOT to at this time.” <font color="Dimgray">-Courtney

My thoughts: Ah, another Aftermath episode. Once again, we get to see what the eliminated contestants have been doing, we get to see Geoff and Bridgette actually not kissing for once, and Trent finally announces that what happened was his doing and not Gwen’s, and thus, her reputation is saved. Just like the last Aftermath, this is a <font color="Cyan">good episode. My only complaint is that, like last time, it can be easily skipped since it doesn’t really connect to the competition.

Ocean’s Eight - Or Nine


Episode Number: 40

The episode in a nutshell: The Screaming Gaffers and the Killer Grips face off in a bank heist challenge. The Gaffers leave Leshawna to die in a bank vault, thanks to her previous lie. Midway through, things spice up when Courtney returns after winning a lawsuit. The Grips attempt to vote her off, but their votes are useless. Thus, Owen is voted off instead.

Fun Fact: Lindsay was in eighth grade for three years.

My favorite part: Owen’s hallucinations

Quote: “It is my...honor to announce that Courtney is back for the duration of the game.” <font color="Teal">-Chris

My thoughts: Okay, I’m really starting to give up on this season now. This episode seemed like it was gonna be just another episode, until they brought Courtney back. While we’re on the topic, why did Duncan react the way he did when she returned? It’s been proven in both Riot on Set and The Aftermath: I that he missed her, so wouldn’t he be overjoyed to see her here? Did they break up off-screen? It’s all a confusing mess. Speaking of mess, man, did they completely butcher Courtney here. Yeah, we all know Courtney’s elimination in Island was unfair, so her being in this season I guess makes sense. But she should’ve started from square one like everybody else. Why did she skip half the season? And she isn’t likable at all either. She finally wins a lawsuit after an entire season of threatening to sue the show, and she STILL isn’t content, complaining about being a consolation prize for the Grips. Oh yeah, and at the very end, Chris says that nobody’s allowed to vote for Courtney because dumb reasons. She’s honestly just hacking through everything at this point. The Grips all attempt to vote her off anyway (and I don’t blame any of them), and Chris scolds them for doing so, even though it’s his own fault for installing a Courtney button in the first place. Since Courtney’s vote is the only one that’s valid, she votes off Owen because “he lost the challenge”. What? I don’t understand that at all. Do I even need to say that this is an <font color="Red">awful episode ?

One Million Bucks, B.C.


Episode Number: 41

The episode in a nutshell: Chris has the two teams go back in time for this challenge, as they endure a prehistoric challenge. Courtney continues to take advantage of her lawsuit, and Duncan stoops to her level as well. All while Heather goes crazy attempting to get Courtney’s hair. Ultimately, the Killer Grips emerge victorious.

Fun Fact: This is the first episode in the series that Owen doesn’t appear in.

My favorite part: Heather in this episode

Quote: “It’s great to have your hair.” <font color="Indianred">-Heather

My thoughts: Ugh. I do not like this one. Why’s that, you might ask? Courtney’s getting pampered to the point that it made DJ’s privileges look lame by comparison, and the writers don’t really give any reason as to why this happens other than “girl’s got a badbutt lawyer”. Then she has the nerve to call Duncan out for attempting to use a lighter even though she’s been cheating more than he has! In addition to that, the tiebreaker scene between the two of them is kinda confusing to me. I mean, the two of them almost share a kiss, and then Courtney hits Duncan where a man should not be hit (moment of silence for Duncan’s kids). They keep on hating each other but gush about each other in the confessional. This is one of those episodes that really leaves me scratching my head as to why Duncney is such a popular ship. It’s another <font color="Red">awful episode. Twice in a row. Yikes.

Million Dollar Babies


Episode Number: 42

The episode in a nutshell: The remaining castmates compete in various sports. Thanks to Beth’s relationship with Brady, along with Courtney’s PDA, Leshawna is exposed for insulting everyone behind their backs. But, after her apology is accepted, Heather gets sent home instead.

Fun Fact: This is the first episode Courtney is seen in her pajamas.

My favorite part: Leshawna’s cheer

Quote: “CHRIS!” -Killer Grips

My thoughts: I don’t have much to say on this one. I do find it funny how the Grips took advantage of Chris’s narcissism. I also like the fact that Heather was sent home instead of Leshawna. I like both characters, but it was certainly a nice twist, as opposed to predictably having Leshawna leave. But, other than that, pretty uneventful. I’d say this is an <font color="Gray">average episode, but it isn’t too far away from being good.

Dial M for Merger


Episode Number: 43

The episode in a nutshell: The teams disband and the remaining castmates find themselves dodging lasers and avoiding explosions. Justin attempts to awaken his brain, and Leshawna finally forms an alliance between herself, Duncan and Harold. After Courtney’s blackmail plan backfires, she and Lindsay win the challenge.

Fun Fact: The contestants had about three minutes to escape the building instead of the 30 seconds Chris claimed they had.

My favorite part: The 6teen theme

Quote: “I LOVE cheese with crackers!” <font color="Gold">-Lindsay

My thoughts: This episode’s alright. I really liked the reference to 6teen (if you couldn’t tell), I liked seeing Courtney fail with her sadistic deal, and I liked that Leshawna finally got the alliance she wanted. But, like with Beach Blanket Bogus, this is another one of those reward challenges that you can skip and not miss a lot at all. But that’s my only complaint. This one’s probably an <font color="Gray">average episode, but like Million Dollar Babies, it’s kinda close to good.

Super Hero-Id


Episode Number: 44

The episode in a nutshell: Everyone dresses up as their very own superhero in the challenge. Courtney and Lindsay ignite a conflict, while Duncan and Harold continue theirs. A new alliance between the boys form, replacing Leshawna’s alliance. As a result, Leshawna is voted off, much to Harold’s dismay.

Fun Fact: This is the second time Harold is seen without glasses.

My favorite part: Chef’s interferences

Quote: “There’s four of us. Vote for him and he’s gone.” <font color="Palegreen">-Beth

My thoughts: Dang. All I can say when I think of this episode is poor Leshawna. Her alliance turned on her one episode after she formed it. I don’t think I’m the only one who thinks this episode is a lot like Hide and Be Sneaky, right? The remaining guys realize they’re outnumbered, so they try to vote off the girls while they still can. Duncan gets dangerously close to elimination, but he’s spared because one of the guys stays loyal to the alliance and votes off their lover. Not that this episode does anything bad, but it never comes to my mind when I think of episodes that I like. This is another <font color="Gray">average episode.

The Aftermath: III


Episode Number: 45

The episode in a nutshell: The Aftermath returns once again, this time with Owen, Heather, and Leshawna as the special guests. Bridgette finally becomes sick of Geoff’s behavior and breaks up with him. Bridgette decides to get Owen, Heather, and Leshawna to help her teach Geoff a lesson via Truth or Electrocution.

Fun Fact: Heather went through electric shock therapy as a kid.

My favorite part: Geoff participating in Truth or Electrocution

Quote: “Who do you think is the hottest girl on the show?” <font color="Indianred">-Heather

My thoughts: Man, are these Aftermath’s good! Owen was super funny in this episode, the revelations regarding Heather were quite interesting, and Geoff finally gets a taste of his own medicine after we had to put up with so much of his flanderization. I don’t think I could ask for much more than that. For sure a <font color="Cyan">good episode.

The Princess Pride


Episode Number: 46

The episode in a nutshell: Fairytales come true after Courtney is dubbed a princess, and each of the guys are forced to fight over her. After a dangerous challenge with an ogre and a dragon, Justin is finally eliminated and beaten badly after finding out Courtney’s feelings aren’t mutual.

Fun Fact: Chris mistakenly associates the Seven Dwarfs with Sleeping Beauty instead of Snow White.

My favorite part: Justin’s comeuppance

Quote: “I’m being typecast as the ugly stepsister!” <font color="Palegreen">-Beth

My thoughts: There isn’t much for me to complain about here. The challenge is pretty entertaining, Justin being the butt of most of this episode’s jokes is funny, and I don’t even find Courtney to be that bad (and when her lawyers attempt to interfere and try to get 80% of the money made from the Princess Courtney merch, it totally backfires). Although, one thing I managed to notice is that the animators attempt to hide Lindsay’s feet after everybody claims how big they are. Thing is, Lindsay’s feet are visible multiple times throughout Haute Camp-ture, and they’re ironically pretty small. But that’s just me nitpicking, and it by no means ruins this otherwise <font color="Cyan">good episode.

Get a Clue


Episode Number: 47

The episode in a nutshell: The cast attempts to solve a mystery-themed challenge. Lindsay proves her intelligence, much to Courtney’s annoyance. This adds fuel to the fire. Interestingly enough, Chris “dies” while on a train with the contestants, and Lindsay figures out that Courtney is the culprit. The former uses her reward to drive the latter up the walls.

Fun Fact: The badminton movie Chris mentions is briefly featured in this episode.

My favorite part: Detective Lindsay, Her Hotness

Quote: “I want a priiiize!” <font color="Dimgray">-Courtney

My thoughts: We really got to see Lindsay rise to glory in this episode. I kept feeling so bad for her in the first half, so it was nice to see her bounce back in the second half. Courtney’s pretty bratty here, but it’s something I’m fine with since she doesn’t come out on top. I like the challenge because it reminds me a lot of Town Of Salem in a way. And Harold? Just plain ol’ funny with the way he says “MURDER”! Another <font color="Cyan">good episode, and an especially good one for a non-elimination episode.

Rock n’ Rule


Episode Number: 48

The episode in a nutshell: Owen returns to the competition in order to secretly cause drama, and the final six rock and roll. Courtney wins invincibility yet again, so Lindsay attempts to arrange Duncan’s elimination in order to spite her. However, this backfires as Lindsay accidentally eliminates herself, which Beth is unhappy about.

Fun Fact: Chris claims this was the first time somebody voted themselves off, but it was actually the second.

My favorite part: The Guitar Hero-esque challenge

Quote: “Why is Owen eating my popcorn?” <font color="Gold">-Lindsay

My thoughts: It’s at this point that people start to believe Owen’s had too much screentime. He’s won TDI and with his return here, he’s in the final six in this season. I can definitely see where people are coming from, but I don’t find it too bothersome since I do believe Owen’s elimination was pretty screwed up (even if the final six is pretty late for a rejoin). What didn’t bother me, however, is Lindsay’s departure here. I’ve heard that the finale for this season was originally supposed to be Harold vs. Lindsay, but Stephanie Mills temporarily stepped away from the show, and wasn’t able to deliver her lines, and thus, Lindsay got written out of the season. It’s a shame since I was really starting to like Lindsay these past few episodes. It doesn’t help that they had her leave in the most “WTH” way possible. For a good minute, I was actually in belief that Duncan’s time here was done. Not only had it been the third consecutive time he’s been in the bottom two, but Lindsay’s alliance had three votes against him (and Duncan looks so scared it’s almost as if he’s being held at gunpoint). But instead, Lindsay votes herself off, and that’s counted for whatever reason. I get that the writers like Duncan, but this episode is proof that they started running out of good reasons to have him stay. I don’t find this to be as bad as, say, One Million Bucks, B.C., but it’s still a <font color="Orange">bad episode on account of Lindsay getting robbed.