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"SPHINX Rising" Discussion

Oh hey guys, it's time for the weekly Venture Bros. episode discussion thread! As always, be kind to your fellow Venture fans when posting comments. Feel free to speculate, post spoilers or say whatever here, though naturally if you haven't seen the episode yet you may want to avoid the comments, since there will be spoilers abound within. This week's episode is entitled "SPHINX Rising". After you've watched it head over to the episode capsule page to rate it to see where it sits among episodes past.

Shirt Club: This week's Shirt Club shirt is also ready for viewing. It contains a very minor spoiler (which was already revealed in some of the previews/sneak peeks) and can be yours for a mere twenty US dollars. Enjoy the episode!
Great, Gary, you just killed an eight year-old. . . .

--J.D.
  • 3
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:11am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Long Division- what is that, a Hector Hammond reference?
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:31am
  • by gnormie
  • (unregistered id: 23FC056D27)
  • Reply
I think that kid is alive and is the son of Phantom Limb and Dr. Girlfriend.

I had this theory when I first saw the sizzle reel of season 5 on youtube and saw the kid with the stripe in his hair.

But now that I know he's a chain smoker who executes his prisoners for not using proper grammar? I had to be right.
  • 0
Jun. 18, 2013, 4:27pm
Loving the first half of the episode! Gary predicting The Monarch's every move was cake. Gary being excited about The Monarch's tangy hot wings that he jettisoned was icing.
  • 5
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:13am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Is that Macaulay Culkin rocking the shirt of the week? Sweet!

So far, really enjoying this episode. Wondering what's going to happen with this old Sphinx Commander guy.
  • 3
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:14am
Just hope he wasn't there to sit on old Uncle Hatred's lap! "Who's a good Macaualy..?" And Hatred's dropped A before "Took a bad hit of Blotter"!! was said when walking with Dean!
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:43pm
COBRA Commander looks pretty good for a guy who has to be pushing 70.
  • 3
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:14am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
His hatred keeps him alive. Plus, the cyanide might be slowing his aging.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:42am
Must be why I look so good.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:47am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Probably don't want to know which part you're referring to then.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:55am
It's also Swifty, Action Man, and Colonel Gentleman in the background of that photo.
  • 3
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:24am
I also did not see Kimson Albert in the credits........
  • 3
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:28am
Very much enjoyed this!

So . . . this may ruin My Grand Theory--which is mine--as to why Monarch hates Venture. It WAS because in college Venture laughed in class when the MONARCH [!--Ed.] read one of his stories.

Perhaps the relationship runs deeper?

And didn't Sphinx Commander get decapitated during the OSI promo-video?

Boom! Yummy!
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:29am
The Monarch doesn't remember that photo being taken. Your theory (which is in fact everyone's) is still most likely. Venture did something to him in college. Perhaps an off-color remark about one of Malcolm's stories. Perhaps calling him a "Closet case."
  • 3
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:32am
I always figured the Monarch and Dr. Venture had some old pre-college competitiveness. Such as Dr. Venture and The Monarch sharing the same mom (we know Jonas was a swinger).
  • 3
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:35am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Amnesia related to the plane crash perhaps? Might have a Norman Osborn-esque memory relapse.
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:36am
Oh zeus, and he what? Rebuilds his Butter-Glider?
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:42am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
The night Tara Quymn died perhaps.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:44am
  • by gnormie
  • (unregistered id: 23FC056D27)
  • Reply
I'm just waiting for the revelation that the reason Monarch hates Rusty is for something that wasn't his fault. They make up and decide to be true friends...and then Mr. Gentleman blurts out Team Venture crashed the plane carrying the Monarch's parents for a really dumb reason.
  • 1
Jun. 18, 2013, 4:30pm
"My Theory--which is mine" is a Monty Python reference--John Cleese as a woman claiming that dinosaurs are thin on the end, think in the middle, then thin on the end.

Cleese still likes to use it when discussing things like his theory about fundamentalists, "My Theory, which is mine."
  • 0
Jul. 2, 2013, 2:57am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
The fools- it must have been a decoy! Or perhaps the Serpentor to his Cobra Commander.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:33am
No he didn't, that was Sphinx's 'Destro' equivalent.
  • 3
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:33am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Then who was that the 'Baroness' type was with? Probably said in the credits but they went by pretty fast for me.
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:38am
The Baroness wasn't even credited. It was most likely Jackson doing a higher pitch boice of the Commander. We also had two big stars this time, Tim Meadows as Wind Song, and Larry fucking Murphy as Diamond Backdraft.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:45am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Hmm ... definitely sounded like a female doing that line. If Jackson can do that sort of voice, much respect. Did it say who her companion was though- the guy in the t-shirt asking SPHINX leader what he was doing there?
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:54am
Larry Murphy again as "Man in Robe"
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:57am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Ah, cool.
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:58am
Also had to watch it agin and feel stupid for forgetting she was called "The Countess"
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 1:38am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
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Don't feel bad- I forgot what equivalent they used too.
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 9:35pm
I honestly never expected them to tease any backstory to this. And if there was one, that it'd be something ridiculously petty, like exactly what you said. I never thought about it, but Monarch's parents were extremely rich, maybe they were big-shots that regularly dealt with Jonas Sr? Will this tie into that flashback episode?

Anyway Shore Leave! I missed him.
  • 3
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:34am
  • by Sphinxter Magma
  • (unregistered id: DC8FEDBF30)
  • Reply
Sphinx Commander, his head grows back!!!!!!!!


Ssssssssssssssssnakessssssssssssss!
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 2:14am
yeah it was totally the Destro character that had his head lopped off
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 4:55am
  • by beb
  • (unregistered id: A678E20E7F)
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I thought it was his poetry.
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 7:33am
  • by C is for cookie
  • (unregistered id: 77473232B4)
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I wonder if Monarch and Venture are brothers.
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 4:18pm
That's been debated since season one. I'm guessing half brothers as ol' Jonas got around. Just like Tara is probably Doc's half sister.
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 11:37pm
  • by gnormie
  • (unregistered id: 23FC056D27)
  • Reply
Jonas is a lot like Reed Richard's father. I think one of his bastards is also named Tara.
  • 1
Jun. 18, 2013, 4:32pm
  • by Captain V Bro.
  • (unregistered id: 0F7768E7EB)
  • Reply
THE BEST (30 MINUTE) EPISODE EVER.

A 10/10.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:29am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Great episode. Somebody tell me they got a screenshot of the Monarch and Rusty playing as kids- I didn't get to see who Monarch's parents were. Also, wondering what Gary's going to do now that SPHINX is gone for good.


Meanwhile, next week looks great. The return of St. Cloud, albino races, Greek isles, even a little more Brock. Can't wait.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:31am
DVR'd it. His parents don't look like anyone specific. Your typical rich, New Jersey couple.
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:36am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
What kind of rich New Jersey couple though? Ah, I'll make sure to look during the repeat. That's the great thing about the Venture Bros.- you usually need a couple viewings to get everything.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:48am
Husband kinda looked like Brak's dad from The Brak Show, and Mom's dress kinda looks it might've been made by the same designer of Shiela's dress from Hate Floats
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:55am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Ah, I know what kind of rich New Jersey couple you're talking about then. Thanks for the intel.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:58am
Anytime!
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 1:08am
  • by Captain V Bro.
  • (unregistered id: 0F7768E7EB)
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Spoiler... Gary goes a little nutty and goes camping in the woods after SPHINX gets blown up.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:46am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Maybe he borrows Rusty's old Rambo costume?
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:50am
  • by Jory
  • (unregistered id: 2EE76A7550)
  • Reply
Here you go, "H":

http://jorygriffis.com/images/etc/photo.jpg

Definitely an interesting development. I'm really enjoying the season so far.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 2:09pm
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Wow- where does Malcolm get his eyebrows from? Doesn't look like either of his parents have them.
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 9:37pm
Belated AWESOME!!
  • 0
Jul. 2, 2013, 2:55am
  • by omnio(tard)
  • (unregistered id: E887C6E33C)
  • Reply
A better screenshot: http://i.imgur.com/5eH2yhj.jpg
  • 0
Jun. 19, 2013, 3:50pm
Loved every minute of the episode. They kinda dropped "Long Division" plot-point midway through, but maybe is creeps back in a future episode. Really looking forward to where Gary goes from here. Really like where his story is going; can't wait to see more!
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:31am
  • by Captain V Bro.
  • (unregistered id: 0F7768E7EB)
  • Reply
I actually thought they were setting up "Long Division" for something more.. in future episodes.

We shall see.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:47am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Well, they're crippled but so was SPHINX after the Pyramid Wars and look how they rebounded. Almost got the heli-carrier, at that.
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:49am
So Long Division might have a . . . remainder?




No, that is fine . . . I can see myself out . . . hey! Watch with the hands! This is silk!
  • 3
Jun. 17, 2013, 1:02am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Hey guys, let him back in- that was actually pretty good.

So yes, even though a fraction of their organization remains, you can't factor them out of the equation.
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 9:40pm
I'm just gonna go ahead and finish this comment with whatever keys my forehead happens to type as I bang my head against the key board.

iosrdgk
nm .jhn89y u ftgvrfl trs6hhggfb90iurdgnlktfdr0i-htdgr09h th
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 11:47pm
I was really hoping this week's shirt would say "BEAVER INSPECTOR"...
  • 3
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:34am
As was I!
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:40am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Sounds like you got wood ... beavers.
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:46am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
It's not as funny with paper beavers. Good thing I forgot the line, I guess.
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 9:41pm
I think we all were
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:48am
Excellent episode! I love the ones that both stand on their own and add to the Venture mythology/continuity. Looking back, we never did have any details into what caused the plane crash that killed Monarch's parents. Hmmmmm...
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:39am
  • by Captain V Bro.
  • (unregistered id: 0F7768E7EB)
  • Reply
Exactly... it;s about to get V deep!
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:45am
Jonas keeps being revealed as worse and worse each time we see him.

The fact that they even knew him makes me kind of worried about their deaths.
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 1:08am
I'll bet The Monarch doesn't even know why he hates Doc so much, which is why we don't know either. Maybe after his parents died, or were killed, Jonas had Malcolm's memory erased and for some reason, on purpose or not, he now hates Doc so much.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 6:49pm
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Or he got OSI to do the same thing they did to Billy.
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 9:42pm
  • by BillyQuizBoytheMegoManiac.
  • (unregistered id: 0F7768E7EB)
  • Reply
I laughed often and hard. I loved that plots advanced big time as well.
The Monarch's revelation is going to lead to big things, I know it.
This was easily my favorite season five episode so far.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:50am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
I hope it does. Knowing Doc and Jackson, they might not do anything with that until next season, just to tease us.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 12:56am
So another thing I just thought of: With SPHINX headquarters gone, the memory erasing machine goes with it. Reminiscent of when the clone tanks got wrecked. I mean technically, the OSI still has their psi ops (ex. Billy's mindwipe), but no more next door brain scrambler. Hope Hanks doesn't learn anything nasty again!
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 1:15am
That's what they were doing with that epic ending. No more SPHINX. Ever. Exactly like the Clone Maturation Lab. Ever.
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 1:27am
  • by Eartha Kite & Dismalicious Winds from Provo
  • (unregistered id: DC8FEDBF30)
  • Reply
Anyone get the blue circle trucking ref? That's where The Germs got their symbol from, GI Trucking.
The SPHINX left overs were hilarious goofs. More More! Oh, he was shot in the face. Forget it.
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 2:12am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
A thought occurs- do the Monarch and Dr. Mrs. The Monarch know that Gary wasn't at SPHINX HQ when it blew up? Because their reaction makes me think they believe him dead. That'd make for some interesting drama.
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 9:45pm
I saw it more as a "holy shit, it didn't work" reaction. But you're right, it could've been construed that way, too. Damn...
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 11:49pm
i can't wait to see gary in his OSI blues.......
perhaps monarch and rusty are both clones?? we still haven't met rusty's mom, so it could be a possibility. ben has the answers...
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 1:43am
  • by beb
  • (unregistered id: A678E20E7F)
  • Reply
I'm another who thinks that Rusty may be a clone. Might explain why Ben was looking for evidence of Rusty's twin eating syndrome when he examined Dean.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 7:39am
Aha! i think ben will prove to be pivotal towards the end of the season
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 4:22pm
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
I seem to remember them saying the Halloween episode was the only one Ben was in this season but I could be wrong. I know they said Orpheus wasn't in much else but I think that's what they said about Ben as well.
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 9:47pm
Yeah, JK Simmons is not in any more episodes, so it's fairly safe to assume Ben isn't either.
  • 1
Jun. 18, 2013, 4:30pm
well that's that then.
  • 0
Jun. 19, 2013, 12:12am
  • by gnormie
  • (unregistered id: 23FC056D27)
  • Reply
Anyone else wondering if Ben might be Jonas Sr's brother?

So that would mean Rusty would have an Uncle Ben.

(then again I kind of suspect Monarch's mom is Jonas sister...both theories probably aren't true)
  • 0
Jun. 18, 2013, 4:39pm
  • by The Tick
  • (unregistered id: 0F7768E7EB)
  • Reply
I really loved this one.

5 "spoooons!" out of 5.
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 1:46am
I just had an AHA! moment! Looking at the picture, little Malcolm's dad kinda looks like Braks dad from The Brak Show.

Does anyone else remember who else kinda looked like Brak's dad from The Brak Show?

How about a young Roy Brisby? Anyone?

Now obviously, Roy Brisby and The Monarch's dad are not one in the same as Roy Brisby is still (presumed) alive. But an uncle, perhaps? Roy Brisby had dealings with Jonas Sr. and it wouldn't be such a far stretch that the Monarch's father (assuming a relationship with Brisby) would've also had dealings with him.
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 1:57am
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Walt Brisby then? It would explain the fat inheritance.
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 9:49pm
Explains a few things. Plus "Malcolm Brisby" does have a nice ring to it.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 11:53pm
  • by Tim
  • (unregistered id: 0F7768E7EB)
  • Reply
That was one hell of an episode!
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 3:31am
  • by Joe
  • (unregistered id: AEF417589D)
  • Reply
Love the random references in this show,

It's so smooth it even feels like skin
It tells me how it feels to be new

-kyoto song by the cure
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 5:32am
  • by beb
  • (unregistered id: A678E20E7F)
  • Reply
As much as I loved this episode I have a number of negative comments. One is the way Brock and Shoreleave treated Gary. Brock had a long fight with Gary and concluded with him saying that Gary knew how to throw a punch. Then he offered to work with Gary to bring down Monstroso. And Shoreleave had drafted Gary into SPHYNX saying he's one of the good guys now. So why did they not take him with them back into OSI? One can see where they might be ticked-off by Gary ruining their undercover mission but, hey, that's one of the hazards of working undercover. You can't warn friendly forces away. So it seemed to me that their acting like dicks towards Gary in this episode is a major retconning from Operation PROM, just like Princess Tinyfeet having a live-in lover all the while she was reconciling with Hatred.

I was sorry to see Hank acting like a total moron against after doing so well as "The Bat" last week.

Finally, why did Hatred pile all the recovered explosives in front of the Venture factory building, saying that will send them a message. Send who a message. The IEDs he recognized as coming from The Monarch, not SPHYNX, And I can't imagine Dean, rebellous or not, agreeing to blowing up some of his dad's property. Sure, Publick and Hammer wanted to wipe out SPHYNX once and forever but it seems like they mangled reason in this episode to do that.

Finally, one good comment - Hatred actually said something to Dean that was helpful.

What are the odds that Malcolm and Rusty are secretly half-brothers?
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 7:54am
1) OSI can't just 'take him [Gary] with them back into OSI' because it doesn't work that way. When the army hires a consultant to work with them on the base for YEARS and then the army decides to do the job themselves, they don't just walk up to the consultant and say 'want to keep doing what you're doing, but be in the army?'. That's not how it works. There is a lot of BS you have to go through first and the army doesn't hand jobs to their soldiers like that either (they are MUCH less efficient).

2) I love seeing Hank as Hank. Always.

3) Hatred recognized the explosives as The Monarch's and he assumed Gary placed them all there, because Gary is 'still a bad guy' in his view (either stole them from The Monarch and used them himself or is still working for The Monarch).

4) Go Hatred for caring.

5) I'd say decent (sharing a mother perhaps). Maybe a 30% chance.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 9:44am
I see where you're coming from, but Gary's blunder ruined Brock's and Shoreleave's undercover mission to find Long Division. Under the circumstances, I think Brock and Shoreleave were justified in being angry. Later, when reporting to Hunter, Brock tried to complement Gary's abilities before being cut off. And at the end of the episode, Brock returned the crossbow to Gary and paid him a Star Wars-based compliment (Can you imagine how that must have warmed Gary's heart?).

Maybe you're reacting to Brock's and Shoreleave's behavior toward Gary throughout this season? I actually had a big problem with Brock's treatment of Gary in "What Color Is Your Cleansuit?" Brock was completely dismissive of Gary, despite--as you pointed out--having fought side-by-side with him against Monstroso. It appears that Brock treats Gary badly to appease/look good in front of Hunter. It isn't a particularly admirable trait.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 2:59pm
I feel bad for Gary, but It's pretty understandable why they would be pissed at him.

The last they'd heard from the guy, he was a new SPHINX recruit, being given the keys to the entire building in an effort to cheer him up. The next thing they know, he's barging into their territory, messing up a delicate undercover mission for the sake of trying to play with the best of the best. This episode made it pretty clear he's not anywhere near that, yet.

If anything, Shore Leave and Brock have been extremely patient this episode, especially after finding out Gary tried to re-form SPHINX after hurting their reputations and essentially being told to go home.

Most anyone else would have gotten killed for that, but Shore Leave seems to find him charming in a "chubby underdog" way, and Brock's attitude kinda went into Dealing-With-Hank mode.
  • 1
Jun. 18, 2013, 1:30pm
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
One thing to add to what everybody else has said- Princess Tinyfeet never said she wanted to reconcile with Hatred. The Monarch and Dr. Mrs. The Monarch kidnapped her. They very well may have lied about everything. As far as I can tell, Hatred never even removed her ball gag.

That said, I agree with your point about how they treated Gary. They should have at least left him somebody who knew how to handle things if they weren't taking him with them. And they knew his abilities, so why would they expect him to do anything but use what he had to work with?
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 9:56pm
  • by Ghobbi
  • (unregistered id: 8A956CCA4E)
  • Reply
Princess Tinyfeet did nod when Dr Mrs The Monarch told Hatred 'if you want to win her back you'll have to start respecting her very strange needs' (paraphrasing as I can't remember exactly what was said).
  • 1
Jun. 18, 2013, 4:42pm
Some of my favorite lines from this episode:

DR. GIRLFRIEND/MRS. THE MONARCH: "I'm a Brooklyn beard-o."
MONARCH: "You look like Zach Galifinak-i-as."

FORMER S.P.H.I.N.X. GUY WITH SNAKE OBSESSION: "Dude, you call him. I think he still hates me for finger-banging Theresa. Well, what do you call it? Aw, that's worse!"

And my favorite line, courtesy of the MONARCH: "And just as they start the pre-treat . . . ZAP! SIZZLE! Acid magnet! Hahahahaha!"
  • 2
Jun. 17, 2013, 2:01pm
  • by zip
  • (unregistered id: E724BD989A)
  • Reply
Favorite moment on second viewing:

Gary - "Now how many of you are familiar with the old SPHINX?"

All recruits hands shoot up in response.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 9:50pm
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Who didn't watch the old OSI cartoon when they were a kid?
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 9:58pm
  • by bert
  • (unregistered id: 0F7768E7EB)
  • Reply
A big thanks to Doc Hammer, as he hammered this story out of the park!
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 2:51pm
  • by Ghobbi
  • (unregistered id: 8A956CCA4E)
  • Reply
Am I the only one who thought this episode was just dull? I had a couple of laugh-out-loud moments early on (like the acid magnet line, even though I saw it coming in the split-second after Gary mentioned acid and magnets), but I'm really disliking the way this season is going so far. I enjoyed the first two episodes but there was something nagging at the back of my mind...I don't know if I'm subconsciously forcing myself to like these episodes more than I actually do...

I loved Season 4, and back when all the Hatred hatred was going on I was fully in Jackson and Doc's camp - I loved the character and I loved the way the show was developing, and I was pleased with their decision to move the show on the way they felt it should go, even if it risked upsetting some of the fans. And I thought 4.2 was much better than 4.1, but I noticed what I felt at the time was the writers bowing to pressure from fans, particularly with regard to Hatred - his paedophilia was a huge deal in 4.1, then suddenly it was pretty much forgotten about in 4.2 (did it even get mentioned or referenced?) - and I've a feeling this was a conscious decision on Doc and Jackson's part given the outcry from many fans. Now I feel we're being set up for Hatred leaving and Gary taking the role (every episode so far has had Hatred either contemplating leaving or otherwise showing dissatisfaction at his job) - something a vocal part of the fanbase has been crowing for for a while now.

I hope I'm wrong, because I hate to be the guy who makes this kind of criticism, and previously I've hated seeing this kind of comment on sites like this. I guess we all have our own idea of the way VB ought to go, and now everybody who hated Season 4 is getting their way and I'm not, so fair's fair...
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 3:34pm
  • by Ghobbi
  • (unregistered id: 8A956CCA4E)
  • Reply
Oh yeah, and giving Hatred the shot last week, so he was more sympathetic. Seemed like another attempt to appease fans of the show who disliked the character.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 3:42pm
i seriously doubt jackson and doc are trying to appease folks who dislike hatred. they love the big lug, as do many fans i'm sure. if they were afraid of offending people, i don't think they wouldn't have given him that characteristic in the first place. and as far as gary joining osi, i think think it's totally possible. this is a cartoon show and they can do what they want. i'm sure they would show him going through the necessary steps if that was the case. of course it's also possible that he becomes a lone wolf or just becomes part of team venture.
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 4:21pm
*would have given him
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 4:28pm
  • by Dinobot 2
  • (unregistered id: D33B2FB33A)
  • Reply
You sir... are wrong.
  • 1
Jun. 18, 2013, 4:05pm
  • by Ghobbi
  • (unregistered id: 8A956CCA4E)
  • Reply
I hope I am, D2. I remember seeing someone else a couple of weeks back say they weren't going to bother with this season just because it's going to have more Pete and Billy. I don't want to be that guy.
  • 1
Jun. 18, 2013, 4:44pm
  • by That Guy
  • (unregistered id: 790AD826A7)
  • Reply
And I don't feel a damn bit of guilt about it, my friend hooked me into this show for a very specific character that Doc and Jackson have already confirmed for having little to no screen time this season. Why should I watch this show if the character I care about is missing, and the ones I care the least are going to feature prominently? I already tolerated the Venture family, but I'm not gonna even pretend I care about Pete and Billy.
  • 0
Jun. 21, 2013, 10:21pm
Maybe I'm alone in noticing these things, but I loved the design of Brock's and Shoreleave's OSI jet. Its back-to-back seats remind me of Luke's snowspeeder in "The Empire Strikes Back," one of my all-time favorite Star Wars designs. Oh, and the animation of the jet was amazing.

Some other things I loved: (1)The S.P.H.I.N.X. commander--sitting in his Firebird, wearing gold-tinted shades, spying on his ex-lover--waking up the neighborhood with his uncontrollable screaming; (2) the parallel OSI/S.P.H.I.N.X. organizational meetings; and (3) the Monarch constantly referring to Doc as "Tad."

Such a great episode.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 6:10pm
Was The Monarch's disguise supposed to look like someone else? It looked creepily familiar for some reason.
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 6:53pm
  • by The Mysterious 'H'
  • Reply
Vaguely reminded me of a younger Dragoon.
  • 0
Jun. 17, 2013, 9:59pm
I believe so, but they could be anybody.

Shot in the dark:
The Monarch is Peter Gunn (the actor, not the show)
Dr. Mrs. The Monarch is (a young) Jack Hoke
both from the Hannah Montana: The Movie.
  • 1
Jun. 18, 2013, 2:47pm
  • by Lisa
  • (unregistered id: 0F7768E7EB)
  • Reply
That was simply a darn fine episodic.
Doc Hammer should write more episodes!
  • 1
Jun. 17, 2013, 9:15pm
  • by patty c.
  • (unregistered id: 647864FBBB)
  • Reply
my review of Sphinx rising http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5twGT7xRFU&feature=youtu.be
  • 0
Jun. 18, 2013, 1:01am
  • by Grethiwha
  • (unregistered id: B9458E49FD)
  • Reply
Such a great episode! I lost it when Dr. Girlfriend as Zach Galafinakias was explaining the different kinds of beavers to Dr. Venture. So good. Lots of good story stuff as well. So far this season's pretty fantastic. :)
  • 1
Jun. 18, 2013, 2:52am
  • by Scarlett
  • (unregistered id: 6AA335D220)
  • Reply
The Monarch's mother pretty much looks exactly like a female Monarch. Right down to the butterflies on her dress...
  • 1
Jun. 18, 2013, 11:39am
This is a small nitpick but I feel that "Sphinx Commander" is a too-obvious parody of Cobra
  • 1
Jun. 18, 2013, 2:32pm
How do I edit comments? I posted this one before it was finished. Anyway I feel that "Sphinx Commander" is a too-obvious parody of Cobra Commander. I would have preferred if his name was more different like "Pharaoh" or something.

Also I'm really looking forward to next weeks show. According to the summary in concerns a dark secret from Doc's past. Oh yeah.
  • 1
Jun. 18, 2013, 2:37pm
I actually thought the same thing. But what else holds the same presence as "____ Commander"? Alliteration would make you want to use 'sovereign' in place of 'commander', but that title is already used on the show. 'Pharaoh' or 'King' seem forced and have a royalty roots instead of army tactician/leader roots. My vote: "SPHINX Sergeant Supreme", abbreviated "S.S.S." with hissss sssspeach.

Does it matter. No. It's a 1 time joke character.
  • 1
Jun. 18, 2013, 3:05pm
kinda like how the whole show is a too obvious parody of johnny quest? or captain sunshine and superman? or brown widow and spiderman? or orpheus and dr strange? or osi and shield/ g.i. joe? i thought it was hilarious and fit right in
  • 1
Jun. 19, 2013, 12:16am
  • by Donki
  • (unregistered id: 532B304A97)
  • Reply
This was such a weak and dull episode. The only cool thing lasted less than 1 second on screen. The monarch's photo.
  • 0
Jun. 19, 2013, 1:32pm
  • by mystery date
  • (unregistered id: 6AA335D220)
  • Reply
You sound grouchy, are beavers keeping you up? Probably paper beavers, they get in wall soffits to lay their eggs and end up breeding in there.
  • 1
Jun. 19, 2013, 1:47pm
  • by beb
  • (unregistered id: E931CDA98D)
  • Reply
In the opening as Gary was flying in on the bad guy's truck he is humming something. Anyone recognize that it?
  • 1
Jun. 19, 2013, 5:38pm
  • by Ghobbi
  • (unregistered id: 8A956CCA4E)
  • Reply
The SPHINX theme, by Weep, from the opening credits to Pinstripes and Poltergeists. It was also playing in the background, albeit very quietly and out of synch to Gary's singing.
  • 1
Jun. 19, 2013, 6:22pm
  • by Mairmoto
  • (unregistered id: B0ED44A432)
  • Reply
Yes as he was singing in the Season 2 Episode 2 Hate Floats when he's putting his henchman suit and going back to the monarch with 24
  • 0
Jun. 24, 2013, 3:06am
Does any one else think the reason Monarch hates Dr. V, is that the matchbox car Gary found in "Operation P.R.O.M."? the picture he found shows them about where the dune buggy was found. Just a thought.
  • 0
Jun. 22, 2013, 11:20pm
  • by Captain V Bro.
  • (unregistered id: F024DF824C)
  • Reply
Hey There, Mystery Person
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Latest Informatives

Hank

Apr. 19, 2023, 12:53am
First footage! Title revealed! https://youtu.be/eXJ5OM9RfV8 Synopsis and cast too! “In The Venture Bros.: Radiant Is the Blood of the Baboon Heart, a nationwide manhunt for Hank Venture leads to untold dangers and unexpected revelations, while the Monarch is literally out for Dr. Venture’s blood. An imposing evil from the past reemerges to wreak havoc on the Ventures, the Guild, and even the Monarch marriage—it will take friends and foes alike to restore the Ventures’ world to order… or end it once and for all.” The voice cast includes the returning James Urbaniak as Dr. Venture, Patrick Warburton as Brock Samson, Michael Sinterniklaas as Dean Venture, Chris McCulloch as Hank Venture, and The Venture Bros. co-creator Doc Hammer as Dr. Mrs. The Monarch. (Hammer and series co-creator Jackson Publick also wrote the script, and Publick directed.) Other voice cast members include Nina Arianda as Mantilla, Clancy Brown as Daisy and Red Death, John Hodgeman as Snoopy, Hal Lublin as Clayton, Jane Lynch as Bobbi St. Simone, Charles Parnell as Jefferson Twilight, Jay Pharoah as Nuno Blood, Steven Rattazzi as Dr. Orpheus, JK Simmons as Ben, and Dana Snyder as The Alchemist. A project of Titmouse, Adult Swim, and Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment, all that radiant baboon heart blood will be gushing forth later this year. Go Team Venture! https://gizmodo.com/venture-bros-movie-adult-swim-warner-bros-animation-1850353234

CaseCrash

Jul. 4, 2019, 11:34pm
It's a month old but there's not much news here for two years at a time, so whatever :) https://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/the-venture-bros/281421/the-venture-bros-season-8-jackson-publick-doc-hammer

cpc65

Jun. 7, 2019, 9:33pm
Okay, Venturoos. Here's what ya get for the Extras, at least on the DVD version. I felt it was a little light, but that's just my opinion. Deleted Scenes (as always) - Some are B&W sketches with the dialog, others are animated with the dialog. Ghost in the Pro-Blem - An extended view of the distorted images of events from the Pro-BLEM's point of view. Maybe there are some clues hidden in it if you like frame-by-frame advancing. Maybe not. Sirena Goes Off... - Cristin Milioti ad-libbing way more dialog than the script calls for. Poor Rocco. Promo - Basically the season 7 promo. Maybe there's Easter Eggs to find. I haven't done any extensive searching yet. If anyone finds any feel free to post them here!

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