Total Drama Review Week 29: Riot on Set
By: Justin Cummings
As someone taking a television production class, this episode has taken on a whole new meaning to me. The stress of working with a crew can be bad enough, adding in Chris to the mix can only make things worse. Finally though we see our teams picked. Before diving into the episode, it’s time for fun facts with Justin. A gaffer is the chief electrician on a film or television set, and a grip is a lighting or rigging technician. The use of screaming and killer of course is a callback to last season’s Screaming Gophers and Killer Bass. The tension being built between Gwen and Trent has been the driving force of the season so far, and the potential Lindsey element to counter Duncan is a nice touch. This season has my favorite teams, so let’s break down why.
First, the Screaming Gaffers. You have Gwen, Leshawna, Heather, Duncan, Harold, and DJ. All of the returning Killer Bass are on this team now that Geoff and Bridgette are gone, with all the guys being from that team. Gwen choosing Leshawna and Duncan makes a lot of sense, as after all, they did always stand by her, even when Duncan was on the other team. Heather’s a weird choice, but Leshawna’s right: it’s better to keep her close where you know everyone dislikes her, and the moment she messes up get her out. Harold and DJ, while not first picks, are still good candidates, and will help out the team. There’s no real weak link here, and it’s all around solid.
Next up we have the Killer Grips, made up of Trent, Owen, Justin, Lindsey, Beth, and Izzy. Izzy’s gone now, but she was the last choice. The team seems mostly made out of spite, with Lindsey picked to spite Gwen, then the rest falling in place. Owen is the only winner however, meaning he should be a good asset. Lindsey made it far as well, outlasting Trent last season. Everyone else we haven’t really seen shine yet, and this is rather the underdog team.
With Izzy, or should I say, E-Scope, gone, we’re down to just 11. Add to that the secret Chef and DJ alliance, and we have quite the game cooking. I give this episode an 8/10, and I’ll see you all next week for “Beach Blanket Bogus.”
Justin Cummings
I'm currently studying Communication at Lynchburg College with an emphasis in Electronic Media and a double minor in business and gender studies. I've been a huge fan of animation since I was little and thus have very eclectic tastes. Outside of animation I love Survivor, comic books, and a whole treasure trove of other things.
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