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Close Enough Episode 5A/5B Review

We are now past the halfway point for the first batch of episodes for Close Enough. So far, my love for this show has not diminished in the slightest. Especially since this next episode has to deal with two of my favorite subjects: technology and video games.

Robot Tutor

When Candice starts struggling in school, her teacher gives her a robot tutor to learn from. However, this robot means that the family has to cancel their planned beach trip, which no one’s happy about.

I will be totally honest with you guys: this segment didn’t click with as much as I wanted it to. I remember how much of a struggle it could be to succeed in school at times. Heck, I still shudder from the memory of math class. But I’ve never been in a position to help me relate to this problem. At least, not yet.

At the least, we get to see Josh being a good dad to Candice, in his own way. He hacks the tutor bot so Candice can get the right answers, but then an evil drone army kidnaps them all and Candice has to save everyone.

Golden Gamer

Like some other episodes, this segment has a main and sub-plot. Unlike others, I don’t know which one is which. There’s this story with Alex trying to get his student’s respect, but that wasn’t the real draw. The real draw was the plot involving Josh.

Josh runs into an old buddy who made it big as a game developer, and we learn that, for a time, Josh was close to making it big as well. Unfortunately, his first, Dude Man, while promising, was too glitchy, and no one would buy it. As a result, Josh tries to finish the game and get the success he came close to having. In typical Quintel fashion, the game character comes to life to help him recapture his 20’s attitude.

I think that this was one of my favorite episodes of the season. Not only do we reaffirm that Josh is a legitimately good game developer that just needs a chance, we also got so major backstory for him. In the episode’s climax, we learn that his failure led to him meeting Emily, their marriage, and the birth of Candice. If Dude Man had been successful the first time around, none of those good things would have happened. Thus, Josh chooses his family over Dude Man in a very touching scene.

An Important Life Lesson

I think the lesson from this episode (the second half, at least) is that just because the dreams you had when you were younger don’t work out doesn’t make you a failure. In fact, the end of one dream can lead to a newer, more meaningful one. In this case, Josh’s initial failure led to him meeting his wife and having his daughter. For their sakes, he won’t stop trying on his own dreams. Whether he succeeds, though, only time will tell.

Oh, and the first half was good, too, I guess.

I Give “Robot Tutor” a 2.5/5 and “Golden Gamer” a 4/5

Click here to see my other animation stuff.

Click here to see my review of the entire season.

Close Enough Season 1, Episode 3A/3B Review

I don’t have kids yet, but I know what one of the great struggles of being a parent is. It’s the eternal struggle to bond with your kid and look cool to them. However, I do know what it’s like dealing with the stress of adulthood. Fortunately, Close Enough has me covered on both.

Skate Dad

One morning, Josh realizes that Candice’s is not interested in any of the things he liked as a kid. That is, except for skate-boarding. As a result, he’s determined to become Skate Dad, bond, and look cool to Candice. However, his plans get derailed by this local skater called “the Goosh”, that Candice would rather learn from.

I know I’m not a parent yet, but I’ve been taking extensive notes on what makes a good parent. And Josh is trying his best to be a good dad to Candice. He genuinely wants to nurture Candice’s interest in skating as its something they have in common. However, his ego, need for his daughter’s approval, and the memory of how unsupportive his own dad was hold him back. Seeing Josh fail, and then succeed, at bonding with Candice, is hilarious and relatable all at once. It’s also given me some pointers for my future parenting book.

1. Try and introduce your kids to the things you liked growing up and see if they like them.
2. If they develop other interests, accept it and support them as much as possible.

100% No Stress Day

During a routine visit to the Doctor’s, Emily realizes that she’s got way too much stress in her life. Most of which is coming from her family and roommates. So, Bridgette takes out for the day to find what helps her unwind and keep her sane.

Let’s face it: stress is an inevitable part of life. Whether it’s from other’s expectations of you, too many bills to pay, or too much work at your job, you’re going to get stressed. And I get stressed a lot, so I know what Emily’s going through. But what I learned is that you need to find something that lets you blow off steam. For me, it’s video games; and for Emily, it’s also video games.

The surreal parts of this episode come from Josh, Candice and Alex’s quest for “earthquake ham”. This leads to them being chased by ham thieves and a pack of stripper clowns that Alex owes money to. And the only way out is to beat them at this VR game Josh made that, honestly, looks like a lot of fun.

Another Quintel Success

J.G. Quintel has always been great at creating good cartoons, but Close Enough may be one of his best creations yet. Granted, it’s only his second show, but he already made himself a rising star with Regular Show. And just like the last episode, this one has a relatable plot and problems, making it even better. I’m so happy I could binge it on HBO Max.

By the way, if you want, head on over to HBO Max to try your hand at Ladder World. It’s fun! Click the link here to get there.

I Give “Skate Dad” and “100% Stress Free Day” a 4/5 each.

Click here to see my other animation stuff.

Click here to see my review of the entire season.