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Teachers’
Union
Usually, plots that involve meddling in romantic matters lead
to mediocrity. This is a trope where
it’s too easy to predict that things will go wrong, and where everyone involved
looks dumb for taking on something they know nothing about. For the most part, that’s how this cartoon
works, but surprisingly, it has a few factors that make it more pleasing than
average. That said, it does start with a
rather ridiculous cause for romance.
We
got the gym teacher, Coach Pacowski, mad with power as he makes Lincoln and his
classmates endure physical activities much too intense for them. However, when their academic teacher, Mrs.
Johnson, comes by, he’s completely smitten and just drops teaching the gym
class. It’s true that Coach Pacowski’s
crush on Mrs. Johnson was seen a few times before, but dropping his job because
of it is way too hard to buy. He still
needs to make a living you know. With
that, the following events where Lincoln and Clyde try to get the two teachers
together so no one will have to deal with gym class again is hard to take
seriously. It’s an interesting move, but
it’s hard to suspend disbelief behind the logistics of the plan.
Thankfully, this is made up for with the
actual plan being pretty fun as it is.
It mostly comes from a funny running gag of Lincoln asking Lori for
advice on bringing people together, and he gets frustrated the more she
suggests it’s for a girlfriend of his own.
She may be too insistent on her own interpretations no matter how off
she is, but it’s nice that there’s clear sibling bonding all the way. Speaking of insisting on random
interpretations, working against the cartoon is how Lincoln and Clyde find
impressive things about Coach Pacowski for the couple to work. They think he’s studying to be a doctor,
travels the world, and has a boat all through a few minor finds or offhand
mentions. This causes the cartoon to
fall victim to the misunderstanding plot this show uses a lot. Because of that, it’s really easy to predict
that their matchmaking will backfire.
They’re going off of random suggestions they don’t bother looking deeper
into and look stupid as a result.
By the
time Lincoln and Clyde get both teachers ready for their first date, you’re
just waiting for things to go wrong.
Although that’s what happens when gym class becomes easier for all the
wrong reasons, all this awkwardness and all these dumb moments lead to
something satisfying. Lincoln and Clyde
take responsibility for the failed date by telling their aggressive gym teacher
the truth as an act of sympathy. They
also unlock their inner strength by successfully running a grueling obstacle
course which is great to see. Coach
Pacowski injures himself while chasing them, but then comes the satisfying
part. He ends up finding new love with
the school nurse who bonds with him for who he is, and it all feels natural and
organic. Really, that’s how most
romances in media should work.
Characters should just win people over for being true to themselves, not
by following a standard that turns out far more awkward and charming. It does seem devalued as Lincoln and Clyde
plan on pulling the same act again by teaming up Mrs. Johnson with the janitor,
but the charm is still there.
This may
not be the show’s most insightful story, but it stands out for its solid humor
and satisfying payoff.
B+
Head Poet’s
Anxiety
With most of the Loud family is shown to be very talented in
certain fields, I find it admirable that this season has cartoons about what
it’s like to get into certain artistic fields.
As someone wanting to get into the arts myself, I know how difficult it
is to do that. However, I never want to
abandon doing what I enjoy doing and refuse to give up on trying to make it big
artistically. Offering a believable
strategy to do just that, this is a cartoon that really resonates with me.
Working in its favor is an interesting
team-up between sisters, both of whom are very different with tastes and
ambitions. There’s Luan, a sister known
for practicing in comedy who wants to make it big through making jokes at the
local theater, and Lucy, a dark little girl specializing in moody poems. Regardless of their tastes, they turn out to
have a lot in common when it comes to the creative process and making
themselves known.
Lucy is down because
of a rejection letter for one of her poems, but Luan tells her that it’s a
normal part of getting into the arts.
She herself has gotten plenty of rejection notes before making herself
and her comedy known which is why she’s knowledgeable on the process of
breaking into certain fields. Following
this is a look at exactly how Luan got her rise in comedy. Through practicing her skills and getting
professional training ever since youth, she was eventually ready to form her
own clowning business and get several comedy gigs. These steps are easily applicable to Lucy’s drive
to break into poetry. She works hard to
sharpen her poetry skills in little ways through helping her family, takes a
professional poetry class, and practices not being thrown off by harsh remarks.
All the way, it’s great sibling bonding with
Luan that leads Lucy to the progress she never obtained before. In fact, Luan really grows in appeal as a
character for touching upon the steps of getting noticed in the art world. There’s a huge legitimacy to everything she
teaches Lucy, and since her process fits a field completely different from her
interests, this advice can be applied to practically anything. It’s sheer relatability in my way of
thinking. Also, Luan needing to work
hard for years to get where she is further makes her advice on getting a first
big break believable. It’s hard to buy
anyone making it big on the first try.
However, the cartoon shows that while it’s not common, it is possible. Lucy excels in her poetry classes so much,
she’s chosen to recite a poem at a festival held at the very theater Luan had
always dreamed of being the youngest performer at. Although Luan shows clear disappointment at
this news, there’s progression to it becoming truly explicit. She tries being happy for Lucy, and
throughout the day, she’s unable to give Lucy the proper constructive criticism
she needs. It’s only after this when
Luan snaps and declares Lucy better at the arts than her. Harsh as this is, keeping all the good Luan
did to get Lucy where she is in mind make her seem human as opposed to someone
suddenly changing mindsets.
Lucy even
shows consideration for Luan’s feelings by trying to opt out of the
festival. Upon hearing this, Luan’s
compassion wins out as she convinces Lucy that despite everything, she should
seize opportunity when it comes. After
all, Lucy’s success was reliant on Luan’s mentorship and shouldn’t go to waste,
and it really doesn’t.
Everything in
this cartoon builds up to the most endearing moment at the end. Lucy performs a moving poem about Luan, the
sister who got her to the theater, and her valuable mentorship. The final shot of Luan smiling in gratitude
shows the genuineness of Lucy’s value in her, and the sibling love this moment
was built upon. I smile in gratitude as
well for this cartoon for its tenderness, humanity, and how it can relate to
absolutely anyone. It’s one of this
show’s best for sure.
A+
The Ranking
1. Head Poet’s Anxiety
2. Roadie to Nowhere
3. Fandom Pains
4. Insta-Gran
5. Selfie Improvement
6. Net Gains
7. No Place Like Homeschool
8. City Slickers
9. Fool Me Twice
10. Teachers’ Union
11. Tripped!
12. White Hare
13. A Fridge Too Far
14. Pipe Dreams
15. Rita Her Rights
The next Loud House review features Lisa in a professional lab, and Lori and Bobby realizing the complications of long distance relationships.
Next time on MC Toon Reviews is "Gem Heist from Steven Universe.
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