#zack and ivy were done so dirty and deserved so much better

[ellameloetta]

this. essay. was. AMAZING OP

Alright everyone, this beast is finally out! This is a project that I’ve been working on for a long time, and a big reason why I’ve been so quiet on this blog. Season 4 really never sat right with me, and after stewing a bit I finally decided to bite the bullet and fully dissect why. A year and change later, I had a three hour essay on my hands, which I guess is something that happens to even the best of us sometimes.

This is a full critical breakdown of every major element of Carmen– what I liked, what I didn’t like, what went wrong, and, most importantly, how it could do better.  I broke it up into about ten different chapters, each focusing on a different character (or plotpoint), so if you don’t have time to watch it in one sitting and/or don’t have superhuman focus, you can certainly watch it in chunks and not lose a whole lot. I don’t expect everyone to agree with every point or position I present, but the most important thing to me in this project was breaking down why I take the positions I do and to deeply examine the underlying ideas and logic of the show; so even if you think differently, you still might get something out of what I have to say. I’ve seen so many people discuss the worse elements of the show (evil Carmen, the mindwiper, the ending, season 3, the copganda, Gray. Oh My God Gray.) but I think what I’ve really wanted to see post-Season 4 was a dissection of the actual mindset and creative process behind the writing. I genuinely can’t tell you how many arguments I’ve watched people have in this fandom where I could see how both sides were reasonably correct about the same thing, they just (IMHO) failed to see the common factor at play. Who knows! Maybe this video will settle some longstanding debates. Anything is possible. I hope people enjoy what I have to say as much as I enjoyed writing it! (TW for discussion of police/state violence, racial police violence, simulated gun violence, death, etc in the section about ACME. Basically what’s already in the show anyway, but just in case, I’m definitely going to talk about that)

[darkwolfgoddess]

Before I start, I want you to know that the following thoughts are based on my opinions. I do not mean to hate on anyone or ruin the show for fans. If you have different opinions on this topic, that's completely fine. And if you feel that you either can't or don't want to read this rant, feel free to scroll past it.

I love Carmen Sandiego. It's a good show with awesome characters, so many interesting places and facts, fun jokes, etc. However, one thing I do not like is how Zack and Ivy were treated.

They're crazy good characters, especially Ivy. I've said it before, but as someone with a broader figure, seeing a female character such as Ivy is very refreshing. They have a good backstory and while we didn't get much, it still works.

However, I feel like they were often done dirty. In 1x03, when Player asks when is Carmen going to toss them off the plane, instead of defending them or calling Player out, she simply answers: "Eh, midflight entertainment." Of course Carmen is NOT going to toss them off the plane and it's sort of a joke, but it still struck me as wrong. She didn't defend them from Shadowsan either when he called them monkeys or doubts their role in the crew.

Then there's "The Need For Speed Caper". The episode is super good and Carmen did have every reason to be angry at them, but she should've apologized for calling them dumb. Yes, she was pissed, but it's still no excuse for stomping on your crew. I also know Carmen isn't really the one to take responsibility for her actions, but it stilk would've been nice to see her apologize.

Though the father-daughter scenes with Shadowsan and Carmen were very sweet, but when he joined the crew, I felt as if the show was pushing the Boston sibs to the background. They had good scenes, but not much.

And then there's the finale. I don't hate it, I really don't. But Zack and Ivy DEFINETLY should've been there to help get Carmen back to normal. But they were pushed behind again. I like how they joined ACME in the end as a sort of nod to the 1994 series (Referencing to the older series is actually something this show does right), but it shouldn't have been where Carmen just leaves and gives them the pen, but instead it should've been something they themselves chose with Carmen supporting them.

Again, I love Carmen Sandiego. But when it comes to Zack and Ivy, I feel like they deserved a lot better. While there are scenes where Carmen DOES seem care for them, it should've lasted throughout all seasons.

I'm also planning on doing a CS rewatch sometime to give more thought out review about this topic and the whole show in general. Not sure when I'll do it though so no date promises.

But with all of that said, this is my rant.

Wolfy out🐾