The fact that last week’s incredible premiere totally left out two of the best characters on the show really speaks to just how good Venture Bros is. Even better, that situation was remedied this week with “Handsome Ransom” as The Monarch and Dr. Mrs. The Monarch made their return. Also along for the ride were Pete White, Master Billy, and an entire new Action Team to have fun with. That team was, of course, led by Captain Sunshine, who provided the basis for a positively Waynesian romp.
The stank of Batman was heavy on this one, and it worked perfectly. Hank has been Batman obsessed as long as we’ve known him, so what better way for him to be lured in? And knowing that Kevin Conroy, who is more Batman than anyone who has ever taken on the cowl, voiced Captain Sunshine just made it that much greater. It all called to mind the great Scooby-Doo parody from “¡Viva los Muertos!” Although, I think Batman might have taken it a little harder on the chin than Fred and the gang did. I mean, Ted was crazy, to be sure, but Captain Sunshine was a pedophile. “Ohhhhh, not again Chuck!” With Chuck and Hatred, Venture Bros is approaching the Friday Night Lights level of creepy, age-inappropriate, couplings.
I also liked how the show started on a very Venture note. Dean and Hank were already kidnapped, and at the mercy of the mechapillars when we were dropped right in to the story. How that all came about is a trivial matter that isn’t necessary to get to the real fun. Rather like “Escape To The House Of Mummies Part I.” The real treat was in getting to see The Monarch not only arching Dr. Venture, but also battling Captain Sunshine. Both of those scored touchdowns, in that very particular Monarch way.
He’s always so close to pulling it off. It’s very “heel on the mike” when he gets wound up and going, but he always goes just too long, as we saw with his menacing final threat to Dr. Venture: “Your boys will follow the rainbow bridge to Valhalla.” We also saw the same pattern repeated as a truly badass Monarch laid into Captain Sunshine only to be beaten by his own hand as his killshot actually recharged Sunshine’s powers.
From the Venture side of things, I find it continually amusing how much Rusty just doesn’t like Hank. Offering half price to just get Dean back? And then on learning that Sunshine thought Hank was an orphan, “I should be so lucky.” It’s a gag that never gets old, but not a sentiment I share with Rusty. Hank is awesome, because he’s willing to rush headfirst into anything, and provide moments like when he shot The Monarch in the eye with his grappling gun. That’s good stuff.
It was also good to see Pete and Billy, and know that things are looking up for Conjectural Technologies. You have to figure that one could come back on us before the end of the season, right? How fun would it be to have Rusty in competition with Pete and Billy for a big contract? I’ve also now elevated Barbie-Q to the status of favorite secondary character we’ll likely never see again. If it is at all possible though, I’d welcome another appearance of the whole Action 5 team somewhere down the road.
All things considered, another outstanding chapter of the Venture saga. I suppose there are some that were disappointed that Brock was nowhere to be found, but I’m okay with it. I trust that he’ll be back sooner, rather than later.
Clacked by Brett Love 
on Oct 27, 2009 @ 10:00 EST5EDT
the Chopper 5 promo they switched to was too funny. … that and Ghost Robot (aka Action 5’s Weather Robot)
“I’ve also now elevated Barbie-Q to the status of favorite secondary character we’ll likely never see again.”
Come on! That totally has to go to Ghost Robot, especially after his speech.
“I too know the hollowness one feels when just going through the motions, like a living ghost. Or a robot.”
Thirded on Ghost Robot.
And was the stunningly obvious narrator who described Captain Sunshine’s recharging scene the same voice from Super Friends or just a credible imitation?