I know what you're thinking, "Seven episodes? That's it?" It may not sound impressive compared to other show releases, but it's a big feat for kid-oriented television shows. Looking back at my collection, I'm usually impressed if there are three episodes, so seven and a special feature is big as far as I'm concerned.
For those without kids, or at least kids who don't watch the show, iCarly stars Miranda Cosgrove, a teenager who, along with her friends Sam (Jennette McCurdy) and Freddie (Nathan Kress), hosts a web show named "iCarly." The show is insanely popular and serves as a vehicle for Carly, Sam and Freddie's adventures. Back in 2007, when the show was first released, the idea was a little farfetched and, in some respects, it still is. At the same time, YouTube has made this sort of story a common thing. It's a sure sign of the Internet's power when Antoine Dodson can earn enough fame from his TV rant (and the song remix) to buy a house or Fred Figglehorn (Lucas Cruikshank) can parlay YouTube success into a feature length movie.
iCarly: iSpace Out gets its title from the first episode on the DVD. Though the title suggests a space theme, there's no theme running through the release. In the title episode, a millionaire who happens to be a fan offers Carly and the gang the chance to broadcast the show from space. They agree, but first need to survive training, including a day in a space pod.
The show is, as expected, geared more towards younger kids. Though I didn't outright love what I watched, it's still enjoyable. Were I younger, I'd probably really dig it. I did like that Carly and her friends are more down to earth than other TV shows. Situations are a little out there, but it's TV. However, the characters aren't superhuman. They have flaws; something missing in other shows. It's also a safe bet when looking for a questionable material-free show.
The remaining six episodes are solid. As with the title episode, all involve the gang getting into odd adventures. In one, tomboy Sam reveals her past as a beauty pageant girl. When a rival shows up, Sam has to convince Carly to compete in her place. In another, the group decides to use the web show to help revitalize the career of a pop star. In "iBelieve in Bigfoot," Carly decides to hunt for Bigfoot despite everyone thinking she's one crazy story away from a tinfoil hat.
"iWon't Cancel the Show" is probably my favorite of the bunch. Sam gets sent to jail, forcing Carly to come up with a plan to keep the show going without her co-host. To make things worse, Carly's dad is planning on tuning in from overseas. The episode is really interesting; the plot is relatable for kid's whose parents might be serving overseas and it's the only time Carly's parents were ever mentioned.
Rounding out the set is "iEnrage Gibby," where a misunderstanding leads to a fight between Freddie and Gibby (Noah Munck).
The bonus episode, VicTORious, centers on Tori Vega (Victoria Justice). When Tori goes to support her sister at her audition for the Hollywood Arts High School, she ends up getting the audition and earning a spot in the prestigious school. However, her time may be cut short when another student decides to try and run her out. I don't think I'll end up tuning into the show, but once again, I'm way out of the show's target demographic. Still, it's neat seeing a full episode rather than a short trailer.
I wasn't completely blown away by the episodes themselves, but the overall package is really nice. There's a lot here, which should keep younger fans locked in for longer than the usually anemic kid's TV show DVD.
