(0:36-end mark from the theme from the final season of American Gladiators original run play the camera moves back to see James on top of the slab with the words “The Last Of The Americans” on it before cutting to James physically in his office)
TLOTA:
I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and The views I'm about to express are that of my own and some of yours. If I didn't make it crystal clear last year I really, really, REALLY love the series "Life As A Mermaid"! (Cut to clips of "Life As A Mermaid" while the music from the opening credits to the show is being played in the foreground as James does a voiceover.)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Conceived by the very talented Julia Alexa Miller & Chad Narducci, based on a story by Ryan Patton with the series mainly written by Yale Apter & Holden Weihs with the series primarily directed by Julia Alexa Miller and produced by Validus Productions. The series follows two mermaids. Madison played by Taylor Huff and her sister Valerie played by Marcella Di Pasquale and the adventures they have in our world with their friends. It may sound simple however there is so much greatness in the simplicity and there's a lot to like about the show. The writing is incredibly strong, the acting is phenomenal, the production value might not be Hollywood level but it is so damned impressive it gives Hollywood a run for it's money and as of this post, they're getting ready for their fourth season which for me is great because I hope they continue this great series. But for now I'm celebrating the series so far by counting down my favorite episodes, minisodes & specials from one of the best series on YouTube out there. (Cut to James physically)
TLOTA:
But let me suffix this now, I will possibly revive this list later on down the line. In addition I will eventually be doing mini-reviews of the seasons and for those who haven't seen the series, well... Doctor if you would. (Cut to a clip of the Doctor Who Christmas Special "The Husbands Of River Song" as The Doctor says "Spoilers" and looks out to the landscape of Darillium before cutting to James physically) Thank You Doctor. This is a list of my Ten favorite episodes of "Life As A Mermaid" (Cut to clips of "Life As A Mermaid" while the music from the opening credits to the show is being played in the foreground before cutting to the title card and then the bubbles putting the words "Top Ten of The Last Of The Americans" on top of the title and on the bottom of the title the words "Favorite Episodes" before cutting to a pile of bubbles before showing the number)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Number Ten
10) "Captivity" from Season Two (Cut to clips from the episode as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
As Madison's quest to rescue her sister continues. Madison and her friends take Stanley played by Cambell Dodson who happen to be with the bad guys this season as their hostage. Not even kidding this is one, Nat played by Maria Feist even threatens to... well (Show clip of Nat threatening to turn Stanley's head into a Chili Bowl before cutting to James scared out of his Marbles screaming "YOWZA!" before returning to the episode as James continues his voiceover) Eventually the team get Stanley to turn on those who dragged him into the events of this season and we get a great moment where we see the start of the romantic relationship between Madison & Will played by Nick Slimmer and we get a great moment of development from Stanley (Show moment in where Stanley tells his story as to why he was during the season and the moment when he turns to Madison's side.) This is one of the best ways to turn one of the bad guys into one of the good guys without some convoluted plot device. Just by simply talking with someone to help them out. An overall great episode from this great series and worthy of my list.
(Fade to black before cutting to a pile of bubbles before showing the number)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Number Nine
9) "Aquanania" (Cut to "Aquanania" as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Believe it or not, their first holiday special nearly made this list but I'm saving it for later on in the year. What puts this special so close to the bottom of the list is the fact is that it's fairly recent. But WOW is it enjoyable. We discover that Stanley will enjoy any holiday on the Calendar and one of the holidays that Madison and Valerie celebrate. A two week blowout that gives Hanukkah and Christmas a run for it's money. Aquanania and instead of me telling you about it, lets just have Madison and Valerie explain their holiday! (Cut to Madison and Valerie as they talk about Aquanania intercut with the others reacting and James nodding his head as if to say "Yeah, I'm following" all the way through to the end before cutting to James physically as a flag comes out of each of James' ears a Cuckoo Bird goes "Cuckoo" coming off of James' scalp and a noise maker from a party is seen as crazy music is playing in the foreground before cutting to "Aquanania" and James continues a voiceover) So if you followed all of that congratulations are in order for you clearly are able to understand the holiday but there is a nice scene that might play into the season coming up where Madison gives Will a mystical pager of sorts. A good set up for the next season worthy of my list.
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Believe it or not, their first holiday special nearly made this list but I'm saving it for later on in the year. What puts this special so close to the bottom of the list is the fact is that it's fairly recent. But WOW is it enjoyable. We discover that Stanley will enjoy any holiday on the Calendar and one of the holidays that Madison and Valerie celebrate. A two week blowout that gives Hanukkah and Christmas a run for it's money. Aquanania and instead of me telling you about it, lets just have Madison and Valerie explain their holiday! (Cut to Madison and Valerie as they talk about Aquanania intercut with the others reacting and James nodding his head as if to say "Yeah, I'm following" all the way through to the end before cutting to James physically as a flag comes out of each of James' ears a Cuckoo Bird goes "Cuckoo" coming off of James' scalp and a noise maker from a party is seen as crazy music is playing in the foreground before cutting to "Aquanania" and James continues a voiceover) So if you followed all of that congratulations are in order for you clearly are able to understand the holiday but there is a nice scene that might play into the season coming up where Madison gives Will a mystical pager of sorts. A good set up for the next season worthy of my list.
(Fade to black before cutting to a pile of bubbles before showing the number)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Number 8
8) "Stranded" from Season 2
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Following the end of the last episode this picks up with Madison, Nat and Liam stuck on the side of the road and Valerie is stuck for most of the season with Astrid, Jed and Stanley until he turns on Astrid and Jed but that's something I already talked about. We soon discover that Liam is not the smartest Squid in the school. Plus after seeing Madison as a threat to every guy Nat talked to in the last season. The two slowly but surely start to become friends and by the end of the season the two have a good and practical bond.Their friendship is on par like the one between Mary Richards & Rhoda Morgenstern or Lucy Ricardo & Ethel Mertz, and if that sounds like sacrilege then feel free to let me have it in the comment section. However the point I'm trying to make is that some good definitely came from this episode helped get the character of Nat heading in the right direction and totally worthy of being on this list.
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Following the end of the last episode this picks up with Madison, Nat and Liam stuck on the side of the road and Valerie is stuck for most of the season with Astrid, Jed and Stanley until he turns on Astrid and Jed but that's something I already talked about. We soon discover that Liam is not the smartest Squid in the school. Plus after seeing Madison as a threat to every guy Nat talked to in the last season. The two slowly but surely start to become friends and by the end of the season the two have a good and practical bond.Their friendship is on par like the one between Mary Richards & Rhoda Morgenstern or Lucy Ricardo & Ethel Mertz, and if that sounds like sacrilege then feel free to let me have it in the comment section. However the point I'm trying to make is that some good definitely came from this episode helped get the character of Nat heading in the right direction and totally worthy of being on this list.
(Fade to black before cutting to a pile of bubbles before showing the number)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Number Seven
7) Return Of The Fish & Fish Out Of The Water from Season 2
TLOTA (Voiceover):
These two episode serves not only as a great introductory to new characters Liam played by Diego Torres Kuri, the aforementioned Valerie and Astrid played by Brie Kristiansen and a great re-introductory episode to Madison, Nat, Stanley & Jed played by Garrett Schecher. It also serves as a great introductory episode to those who may have never seen the show. This also sets up the story of the season in which Astrid is out to capture either Madison or Valerie and sell them on the black market. Plus the introduction of Valerie gave Madison some development towards giving her someone to take care of and part of the reason I know this was a great episode from a great season? (Cut to James physically)
TLOTA:
I helped make this season possible! They had a Kickstarter for the second season and after watching season one. I saw something great in this and I said to myself it'd be awesome for me to invest into this and it paid off in spades! Not only did the second season prove to be viable that they decided to go for a third season they're still doing this series and I feel glad to have helped make the second season possible.
TLOTA (Voiceover):
These two episode serves not only as a great introductory to new characters Liam played by Diego Torres Kuri, the aforementioned Valerie and Astrid played by Brie Kristiansen and a great re-introductory episode to Madison, Nat, Stanley & Jed played by Garrett Schecher. It also serves as a great introductory episode to those who may have never seen the show. This also sets up the story of the season in which Astrid is out to capture either Madison or Valerie and sell them on the black market. Plus the introduction of Valerie gave Madison some development towards giving her someone to take care of and part of the reason I know this was a great episode from a great season? (Cut to James physically)
TLOTA:
I helped make this season possible! They had a Kickstarter for the second season and after watching season one. I saw something great in this and I said to myself it'd be awesome for me to invest into this and it paid off in spades! Not only did the second season prove to be viable that they decided to go for a third season they're still doing this series and I feel glad to have helped make the second season possible.
(Fade to black before cutting to a pile of bubbles before showing the number)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Number 6
6) Mermaid Origins (Cut to clips of Mermaid Origins as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Acting as a bridging special between Season 2 & 3 this sets up where Madison and Valerie are now. Using the magic mirror they've set up a nice little pad in a pool when a fan named Eve played by Alison Livas finds her life boring and wants to be a mermaid. But fearing what might happen the three struggle for control when... (Show moment when The Magic Mirror breaks and Madison disappears before cutting to clips of Mermaid Origins as James does a voiceover) WOW! This definitely a unique way to help build interest to the next season. Wondering the fate of our protagonist, making us worry whether or not there will be consequences for what Eve did and wondering who and what will our heroes face and yes while this does a great job of building Madison and Valerie's journey along with some of the others for this season. Join me in the number five spot to see the start of one character's developmental journey for the next season begin for him.
(Fade to black before cutting to a pile of bubbles before showing the number)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Number Five
5) "Valentine's Day"
(Cut to clips of "Valentine's Day" as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
While Madison and Nat are the center of the comedic part of the episode especially when it comes to Madison learning how to bake. We see frustration from Will as he wants to do what normal couples do, you know like hiking, dancing and what have you not. (Cut to James physically as it gets dark and he steps out of his studio before cutting to a gigantic number 4 shadowing the building and blocking the sun before cutting to James)
TLOTA:
WOW! Now that is foreshadowing! (Boos are heard as James runs back into his studio quickly before things get tossed his way then cutting back to "Valentine's Day" as James does his voiceover.)
WOW! Now that is foreshadowing! (Boos are heard as James runs back into his studio quickly before things get tossed his way then cutting back to "Valentine's Day" as James does his voiceover.)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
While Mermaid Origins set up so many of the characters we know. This minisode sets Will's Character development for the next season. Because what happens to Will and Madison in that next season? (Show clips of Madison and Will doing all the things he wanted to do with her before cutting to James as the Stargate from 2001: A Space Odyssey opens up behind him and he's thrown backwards into it as James screams and the word "PAYOFF!" is thrown forward as James shouts from a distance "MY GOD WAS THAT COSMIC!" before cutting to clips of "Valentine's Day" as James does a voiceover.) Who'd think that something as simple as a short would lead to the start of a character's development? Definitely makes this Valentine's Day worthy of the number five spot.
(Fade to black before cutting to a pile of bubbles before showing the number)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Number Four
4) Lost from Season Three
(Cut to clips of "Lost" as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Following "Mermaid Origins", we had NO idea what would happen. When this episode debuted we discovered that not only would Madison suffer the consequences for what just happened we also discovered where she wound up. At first it looked like a water dimension and it looks amazingly awesome. Kudos to Chad Narducci for creating this amazing effects for this moment but we soon also meet our antagonist for the season, The Barnacle King played by John Berchtold and his associate Blobert the Blob Fish played by Seye Ogunnaike and right from the start The Barnacle King comes off as a really big Smelthead! (Record scratches as The Barnacle King turns towards the camera)
The Barnacle King:
Excuse me, but what did you call me trash breather? (Cut to James physically as he looks confused then comes to the realization of who The Barnacle King is talking to him.)
TLOTA:
Oh you're talking to me. I called you out as what you truly are inside and that is a Smelthead! (Cut to Blobert and The Barnacle King)
The Barnacle King:
First off trash breather, I am not a Smelthead. I am The Barnacle King! I will be heralded as the savior of the ancient Aegean Relics, the hero who will save the oceans from you trash breathers. The... (Cut to James)
TLOTA:
The Biggest Smelthead to get on my bad side and let me tell you it's unwise to get on my bad side!(Cut to Blobert and The Barnacle King)
The Barnacle King:
STOP CALLING ME A SMELTHEAD! I AM...(Cut to James)
TLOTA:
A Smelthead who is poking this bull one too many times and is looking to get the horns shoved up his little blowhole! (Cut to Blobert and The Barnacle King)
The Barnacle King:
You know something I've got a lot to do and have no time to deal with you, Trash Breather! Come Blobert! (The clip returns to normal as it cuts to later in the episode as James does a voiceover.)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
We're also introduced to someone who could've been just as big a smelthead as The Barnacle King but proves to be of more help as the season goes on. Beatrice played by Fleur Zanna. Her backstory is that she did somethings that the Council of Mer disapproved of and has since then used the magic of her people as an Homeopathic healer to get by in our world. But as things are looking up for Madison after being trapped in that Water Dimension she escapes and is quickly reunited with Valerie & Nat until... (Show clip of Madison losing her tail and The Barnacle King looking pleased at what he did and what in his mind he's gonna do.) WOW, talk about a way to start the season off with a Whopper of a bang. This is how an incredible season can kick start itself into Uber-Strong territory!
(Fade to black before cutting to a pile of bubbles before showing the number)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Number Three
3) Adrift from Season Three
(Cut to clips of Adrift as James does a Voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
While Stanley is disguised as a Sea Cucumber to gain the confidence of that Smelthead Barnacle King and to help Madison, Beatrice and Nat stop him, we get a moment that we wouldn't see on a network show like this. (Show moment in which Madison dreams about the ocean and some mermaids) This is writing on the same level as something from "Avatar: The Last Airbender" while there's not one word of dialogue, it's not needed, we're looking into Madison's mind and we're seeing the family and friends she left behind and what they mean to her and if they can't stop The Barnacle King will never see again! That is levels of depth deeper than the Mariana's Trench and believe it or not that moment wasn't written into the episode and was shot and edited in a day before the episode aired and would you believe the mermaids in this moment is simply Julia Alexa Miller and Marcella Di Pasquale? Though our heroes obtain the Pearl of Light that Clam is protecting and the episode ends on a happy note, the moment in which we look in Madison's head was the moment that made me realize there was more to the series than people give it credit for and so worthy of making it this high on the list.
(Cut to clips of Adrift as James does a Voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
While Stanley is disguised as a Sea Cucumber to gain the confidence of that Smelthead Barnacle King and to help Madison, Beatrice and Nat stop him, we get a moment that we wouldn't see on a network show like this. (Show moment in which Madison dreams about the ocean and some mermaids) This is writing on the same level as something from "Avatar: The Last Airbender" while there's not one word of dialogue, it's not needed, we're looking into Madison's mind and we're seeing the family and friends she left behind and what they mean to her and if they can't stop The Barnacle King will never see again! That is levels of depth deeper than the Mariana's Trench and believe it or not that moment wasn't written into the episode and was shot and edited in a day before the episode aired and would you believe the mermaids in this moment is simply Julia Alexa Miller and Marcella Di Pasquale? Though our heroes obtain the Pearl of Light that Clam is protecting and the episode ends on a happy note, the moment in which we look in Madison's head was the moment that made me realize there was more to the series than people give it credit for and so worthy of making it this high on the list.
(Fade to black before cutting to a pile of bubbles before showing the number)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Number Two
2) Locked Out from Season Three
(Cut to clips of Locked Out as James does a Voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
To me this was the perfect "Empire Strikes Back"-esque episode to lead to the season's finale. We discover the what, whys and hows of The Barnacle King's reason for his plans and what he hopes will happen (Show clip of The Barnacle King saying what he hopes the Council will praise him and make him a merman before a record scratches as Valerie and Will angrily walk in as Valerie forces The Barnacle King to sit down)
Valerie:
You stay right there. (Cut to Will.)
Will:
Stanley, Help the others! (Stanley runs off in fear as it cuts to Valerie holding down The Barnacle King to his seat)
Valerie:
AND YOU! (Cut to James looking and physically reacting and pointing towards himself before cutting back to Valerie, Will and The Barnacle King.) Yeah You, you sit there and shut up because I know what you're about to say and I think it'd be fair if someone who has been dealing with his antics this entire time to tell this Smelthead off! Because this pile of smelt thinks that causing MASS GENOCIDE by dividing the land and water forever is gonna earn him favor with the council?
Will:
Stanley, Help the others! (Stanley runs off in fear as it cuts to Valerie holding down The Barnacle King to his seat)
Valerie:
AND YOU! (Cut to James looking and physically reacting and pointing towards himself before cutting back to Valerie, Will and The Barnacle King.) Yeah You, you sit there and shut up because I know what you're about to say and I think it'd be fair if someone who has been dealing with his antics this entire time to tell this Smelthead off! Because this pile of smelt thinks that causing MASS GENOCIDE by dividing the land and water forever is gonna earn him favor with the council?
The Barnacle King:
Mass Genocide? Of what a couple hundred... (Will grabs The Barnacle King's shirt)
Will:
SEVEN BILLION PEOPLE! Not to mention every plant & animal will be destroyed, all just so you can get a tail and mermaids to love you. ARE YOU ON SOMETHING?
The Barnacle King:
Yeah a mission to...
Valerie and Will (in Unison):
TO KILL EVERY LIVING THING ON EARTH
The Barnacle King:
Well at least the ocean life will stand a chance. No more Trash Breathers like him destroying my home with his oil drilling, his dumping toxic waste into the oceans, him using my home to test his destructive powers. I'd be doing the oceans a favor. (Will stands there shaking in just sheer shock and anger and Valerie is sitting there in utter shock.)
Will:
Really? You...(Will spazzes out before Valerie calms him down) The Barnacle King the hottest Smelt in the ocean, believes committing Mass Genocide. Killing every living thing on the planet will be doing the oceans a favor? (Will and Valerie chuckles for two seconds before cutting to The Barnacle King chuckling before cutting to Valerie and Will snapping)
Valerie & Will (In Unison):
YOUR PLAN IS STUPID!
Valerie:
WHAT IN THE NAME OF NEPTUNE'S BUTTHOLE ARE YOU THINKING?!
Will:
AMANDA WALLER'S PLANS FROM SUICIDE SQUAD SOUNDS MORE SANE AND RATIONAL IN COMPARISON AND EVEN LEGO BATMAN THOUGHT IT WAS AN INSANELY STUPID IDEA AND THAT WAS A KID'S FILM! AND IF YOU THINK SOMEONE SHOULDN'T BE GIVING YOU A FREAK OUT THAT YOU DESERVE WELLLLL THEN ALLOW US TO GIVE YOU THE FREAKOUT YOU FREAKING DESERVE. YOU FREAKING SMELTHEAD!
Valerie:
THE ONLY THING YOU DESERVE IS TO BE HUNG BY YOUR SOUTHERN BARNACLES AND HAVE THE SMELT BEATEN OUT OF YOU LIKE A PINATA!
Will:
HOW DARE YOU THINK YOURSELF SOME SORT OF HERO LIKE AQUAMAN OR NAMOR THE SUB-MARINER OR EVERYONE AT PETA OR SMELT IT EVEN THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO STOP THE WHALERS ON THAT REALITY SHOW. YOU ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN US "TRASH BREATHERS" AND IF YOU THINK THE MASS GENOCIDE OF EVERY LAND CREATURE WILL MAKE YOU A HERO? WELL THEN HAVE WE GOT NEWS FOR YOU SMELTHEAD! YOU'LL BE NOT ONLY DESTROYING OUR HOME BUT YOURS AS WELL! BUT DOES THAT MATTER TO YOU SMELLLT NO! ALL YOU CARE ABOUT IS GETTING RID OF YOUR BARNACLES AND GETTING A MERMAID YOU SELFISH PILE OF SMELT!
Valerie:
AND IF YOUR BIG BLOBFISH-ISH FRIEND WASN'T GOING TO CALL YOU OUT ON IT THAN WE'RE MORE THAN GLAD TO CALL YOU OUT ON YOUR MASS GENOCIDE EQUALLING BEING A HERO IDEA! YOU IDIOTICALLY ILLOGICAL IMBECILIC STUPID WITLESS OBTUSE ASININE MINDLESS MORONIC SMELTHEAD! (Blobert walks in casually)
Valerie & Will (In Unison):
YOUR PLAN IS STUPID!
Valerie:
WHAT IN THE NAME OF NEPTUNE'S BUTTHOLE ARE YOU THINKING?!
Will:
AMANDA WALLER'S PLANS FROM SUICIDE SQUAD SOUNDS MORE SANE AND RATIONAL IN COMPARISON AND EVEN LEGO BATMAN THOUGHT IT WAS AN INSANELY STUPID IDEA AND THAT WAS A KID'S FILM! AND IF YOU THINK SOMEONE SHOULDN'T BE GIVING YOU A FREAK OUT THAT YOU DESERVE WELLLLL THEN ALLOW US TO GIVE YOU THE FREAKOUT YOU FREAKING DESERVE. YOU FREAKING SMELTHEAD!
Valerie:
THE ONLY THING YOU DESERVE IS TO BE HUNG BY YOUR SOUTHERN BARNACLES AND HAVE THE SMELT BEATEN OUT OF YOU LIKE A PINATA!
Will:
HOW DARE YOU THINK YOURSELF SOME SORT OF HERO LIKE AQUAMAN OR NAMOR THE SUB-MARINER OR EVERYONE AT PETA OR SMELT IT EVEN THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO STOP THE WHALERS ON THAT REALITY SHOW. YOU ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN US "TRASH BREATHERS" AND IF YOU THINK THE MASS GENOCIDE OF EVERY LAND CREATURE WILL MAKE YOU A HERO? WELL THEN HAVE WE GOT NEWS FOR YOU SMELTHEAD! YOU'LL BE NOT ONLY DESTROYING OUR HOME BUT YOURS AS WELL! BUT DOES THAT MATTER TO YOU SMELLLT NO! ALL YOU CARE ABOUT IS GETTING RID OF YOUR BARNACLES AND GETTING A MERMAID YOU SELFISH PILE OF SMELT!
Valerie:
AND IF YOUR BIG BLOBFISH-ISH FRIEND WASN'T GOING TO CALL YOU OUT ON IT THAN WE'RE MORE THAN GLAD TO CALL YOU OUT ON YOUR MASS GENOCIDE EQUALLING BEING A HERO IDEA! YOU IDIOTICALLY ILLOGICAL IMBECILIC STUPID WITLESS OBTUSE ASININE MINDLESS MORONIC SMELTHEAD! (Blobert walks in casually)
Blobert The Blob Fish:
First off, I think you two may have chewed him out so much it's a miracle there's anything left of him standing and secondly, I was going to call him out in the next episode. Would it be alright if I did so?
Valerie:
Yeah, sure.
Blobert The Blob Fish:
Thank you. Your associate wants to return and finish the scene.
Valerie and Will (in unison):
No problem. (Stanley returns in as Valerie and Will walk away)
The Barnacle King:
Do you two Feel better? (Valerie and Will say "Yeah!" off screen)
The Barnacle King:
Can we continue as we were meant to?
The Barnacle King:
Can we continue as we were meant to?
Stanley:
I was just thinking that. (The clip returns to normal as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Plus we see Valerie and Will realizing how bad they've been to Madison this season. While it appears that The Barnacle King may have gotten the upper hand trust me his victory won't last for long.
(Fade to black before cutting to James physically)
TLOTA:
Before we get to Number one, let's go through the Honorable Mentions and Yeah, I've got a lot of 'em! (Show clips of episodes James mentions as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Season One) Just season one. It was pure straight up fun to watch and see the seeds of greatness begin to germinate."In the Net") While the episode is a good one, the ending is worth mentioning as it sends the storyline of the season into overdrive and it doesn't come down until the finale. Speaking of the finale of the second season it too is on my Honorable Mentions List. Talk about a way to end a season. It ties up all the loose threads and keeps the door open for another season and that's not a bad thing!
"The Lagoon") Following "Lost" Madison gets Will and the others to help stop The Barnacle King and it sets Valerie's Character Development for the season into motion. To learn about the mystical side of being a mermaid and sends everyone else out to get the relics before The Barnacle King obtains them also I loved it when that Smelthead Barnacle King got sent flying!
"Mermaid Rescue") With Nat, Liam and Stanley trapped on an island, it's up to Will to rescue Madison and Valerie and it shows how the relationship between Madison and Will began to take further shape plus we see a great conversation between Madison and Valerie about humanity and while it might take Valerie a while to believe in them. When Will comes in to save them it shows that there's more to the guy than what there was in his initial introduction.
"Stanley's Story") While this does show what Stanley's home life was like and why the way he is. What makes it an honorable mention is the fact that he breaks the fourth wall in the ending wondering what the audience's deal is?
"Mermaid Transformations") Talk about a mid-season finale. While the team get the relics away from The Barnacle King and Valerie and Beatrice repair the Mirror a new force of darkness take the relics save for the Mirror. Also we get a glimpses of how Will had been hoping that Madison could keep this Status Quo and how Valerie wants to return Madison back to her mermaid self against Madison's wishes and how both Will and Valerie are the extremes that are in Madison's life at that point. But for me, the best moment was the opening battle between Madison and her friends against The Barnacle King and Blobert. The highlight of it being when Madison sends The Barnacle King rocketing to the middle of Palookaville! If you can't tell I liked it when The Barnacle King gets his backside handed to him on a Platter!
"Potions and Other Magic") While Valerie's journey to restore the magic mirror continues, Beatrice seems to be making a cheap and quick buck for her own purposes all the while we get spin-off set up from Stanley's conspiracy liking friends and comedic hijinks with Blobert and The Barnacle King as they get a relic.
"The Forbidden Pool") As Valerie continues to work on restoring the Magic Mirror, Madison and her friends are trapped on the same boat with the Barnacle King trying to get the same Relic. Hilarity and awkwardness ensues.
"The Sunken House") A Valerie centered episode which gives Will some development realizing he'd been as big a Smelthead as The Barnacle King and we see who has the relics and my kudos goes out to Marcella Di Pasquale for being so awesomely good in this episode telling Will off and to Nick Slimmer for bringing a sort of unique spin on his character's development.
"Divided") After the events of "Mermaid Transformations" We discover how Beatrice lost her tail and Madison decides for the team to split their time between finding out what happened to the Relics and stopping the next phase of The Barnacle King's plans. Team Madison decide to recruit Stanley to join The Barnacle King while Team Valerie tries to discover what came out of the pool and what took the relics. Also a great Cameo by Taylor and Vanessa.
"Mermaid Sushi") Stanley comes up with a simpler plan than what Astrid has got planned by selling Valerie to Stanley's old boss while Madison starts to get to know Will a little better plus they capture Stanley as Jed and Astrid get away with Valerie.
"Dead End") While Will was physically seen in the episode "In The Net", we are introduced to Will in better form and we do get to understand why Valerie isn't so keen on the human race.
"Bait") As Stanley quickly becomes friends with Madison, Nat, Liam and Will. We also see why Will is the way he is.
"Valerie's Merman Boyfriend") An interesting idea to see Valerie finding someone out there for her. While it turns out to be Valerie's fantasy to show her friends what she had hoped would happen on February 14th and there is a seed for a good idea for her character's development for next season.
"The Island") A perfunctory finale worthy of an awesome season. Madison, Valerie & Will find Nat, Liam and Stanley. Jed decides to head for the mountains. Valerie gives the human race a second chance and we even discover where Astrid landed (Superb cameo from Julia Alexa Miller by the by). Stanley is somewhat forgiven for his actions during the season and overall a great way to close out the season and while my stance on what is next may change after season four, for now I give you...
Before we get to Number one, let's go through the Honorable Mentions and Yeah, I've got a lot of 'em! (Show clips of episodes James mentions as James does a voiceover)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
Season One) Just season one. It was pure straight up fun to watch and see the seeds of greatness begin to germinate."In the Net") While the episode is a good one, the ending is worth mentioning as it sends the storyline of the season into overdrive and it doesn't come down until the finale. Speaking of the finale of the second season it too is on my Honorable Mentions List. Talk about a way to end a season. It ties up all the loose threads and keeps the door open for another season and that's not a bad thing!
"The Lagoon") Following "Lost" Madison gets Will and the others to help stop The Barnacle King and it sets Valerie's Character Development for the season into motion. To learn about the mystical side of being a mermaid and sends everyone else out to get the relics before The Barnacle King obtains them also I loved it when that Smelthead Barnacle King got sent flying!
"Mermaid Rescue") With Nat, Liam and Stanley trapped on an island, it's up to Will to rescue Madison and Valerie and it shows how the relationship between Madison and Will began to take further shape plus we see a great conversation between Madison and Valerie about humanity and while it might take Valerie a while to believe in them. When Will comes in to save them it shows that there's more to the guy than what there was in his initial introduction.
"Stanley's Story") While this does show what Stanley's home life was like and why the way he is. What makes it an honorable mention is the fact that he breaks the fourth wall in the ending wondering what the audience's deal is?
"Mermaid Transformations") Talk about a mid-season finale. While the team get the relics away from The Barnacle King and Valerie and Beatrice repair the Mirror a new force of darkness take the relics save for the Mirror. Also we get a glimpses of how Will had been hoping that Madison could keep this Status Quo and how Valerie wants to return Madison back to her mermaid self against Madison's wishes and how both Will and Valerie are the extremes that are in Madison's life at that point. But for me, the best moment was the opening battle between Madison and her friends against The Barnacle King and Blobert. The highlight of it being when Madison sends The Barnacle King rocketing to the middle of Palookaville! If you can't tell I liked it when The Barnacle King gets his backside handed to him on a Platter!
"Potions and Other Magic") While Valerie's journey to restore the magic mirror continues, Beatrice seems to be making a cheap and quick buck for her own purposes all the while we get spin-off set up from Stanley's conspiracy liking friends and comedic hijinks with Blobert and The Barnacle King as they get a relic.
"The Forbidden Pool") As Valerie continues to work on restoring the Magic Mirror, Madison and her friends are trapped on the same boat with the Barnacle King trying to get the same Relic. Hilarity and awkwardness ensues.
"The Sunken House") A Valerie centered episode which gives Will some development realizing he'd been as big a Smelthead as The Barnacle King and we see who has the relics and my kudos goes out to Marcella Di Pasquale for being so awesomely good in this episode telling Will off and to Nick Slimmer for bringing a sort of unique spin on his character's development.
"Divided") After the events of "Mermaid Transformations" We discover how Beatrice lost her tail and Madison decides for the team to split their time between finding out what happened to the Relics and stopping the next phase of The Barnacle King's plans. Team Madison decide to recruit Stanley to join The Barnacle King while Team Valerie tries to discover what came out of the pool and what took the relics. Also a great Cameo by Taylor and Vanessa.
"Mermaid Sushi") Stanley comes up with a simpler plan than what Astrid has got planned by selling Valerie to Stanley's old boss while Madison starts to get to know Will a little better plus they capture Stanley as Jed and Astrid get away with Valerie.
"Dead End") While Will was physically seen in the episode "In The Net", we are introduced to Will in better form and we do get to understand why Valerie isn't so keen on the human race.
"Bait") As Stanley quickly becomes friends with Madison, Nat, Liam and Will. We also see why Will is the way he is.
"Valerie's Merman Boyfriend") An interesting idea to see Valerie finding someone out there for her. While it turns out to be Valerie's fantasy to show her friends what she had hoped would happen on February 14th and there is a seed for a good idea for her character's development for next season.
"The Island") A perfunctory finale worthy of an awesome season. Madison, Valerie & Will find Nat, Liam and Stanley. Jed decides to head for the mountains. Valerie gives the human race a second chance and we even discover where Astrid landed (Superb cameo from Julia Alexa Miller by the by). Stanley is somewhat forgiven for his actions during the season and overall a great way to close out the season and while my stance on what is next may change after season four, for now I give you...
(Fade to black before cutting to a pile of bubbles before showing the number)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
My Number One favorite episode of "Life As A Mermaid"...
1) Battle To Save The Sea
This was the definition of Epic! With the land and water separated and Madison feeling about as bad as she could feel realizing her hopes and dreams of uniting land and water in harmony apparently dashed to bits. Her friends rally to help her get back up and go after The Barnacle King who has summoned... HOKAY! PANTS OFFICIALLY DARKENED! Say hello to Mantis! This thing is powerful, It can grow into giant kaiju size and still not be stopped and as it looked like our heroes are done for until Will reclaims the Chronofish, restores the Mirror once again and Madison defeats Mantis once and for all! WOW, talk about a way to close out a season. It leaves us with enough of an open thread by letting the Barnacle King and Blobert escape for now but we may see them somewhere down the line in the season it does end with Madison, Valerie & Beatrice being rewarded by regaining not only their mermaid citizenship but their tails and the chance to go home. As a matter of fact there are hints to what might happen next season. But for now this episode is worth it's weight in Spanish Gold and is for now my Number One Episode of the series so far . (Cut to James physically)
TLOTA:
And I'm sure I missed an episode you liked, so leave your favorite episode in the comment section below. In addition, if you want to get the latest on the show then follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Life_asamermaid , or on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/lifeasamermaid/ or on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lifeasamermaid_series/ or check the series out on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/Leylaey or go to their site:
http://www.lifeasamermaid.com/ and to keep the series going support their Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/lifeasamermaid to find out. Now why am I doing this? Because it is so freaking awesome!
(Cut to clips of "Life As A Mermaid" while the music from the end credits to the show is being played in the foreground as James does a voiceover.)
TLOTA (Voiceover):
This is proof that the internet is becoming more viable for newer projects to succeed without the need to be on a network or a big production company to keep it from getting it done after sitting in developmental hell for what could feel like an eternity. Everyone at Validus Productions and "Life As A Mermaid" deserves to given all the praise in the world for their effort and creativity. The writing on the show is incredible. The Acting is better than most shows on TV now a days The development the characters endure helps the audience grow inside, the writing is incredible, It uses it's production value to it's best. It's overall an amazing series that everyone should truly watch and see that life truly can be the bubbles. Especially if it's the Life As A Mermaid! (Cut to James physically)
TLOTA:
I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and that's my opinion.
TLOTA:
I'm James Faraci The Last Of The Americans and that's my opinion.
