BubbleCAN Review: Ben’s City ‘Episode 2’

Spoilers Below

In “The Cloud”, episode two of Ben’s City, we meet the latest pop sensation and in an unrelated manner, we learn that sex still sells.

After several attempts at producing a television ad for Dan’s Screwdrivers, all being sexually suggestive, Scott finally nails the hammer on the head with his third attempt, creating a sensation and driving sales through the roof. Everybody in the city is buying Dan’s Screwdrivers in pairs.

Meanwhile, Toxicompany is discharging large toxic fumes throughout the city, and both Toxico and Minister Wallet are under great scrutiny by the press.

When the city’s contract with Toxico is found modified from its original version; some of the clauses have been ripped from the pages, Ben and Minister Wallet track down Henry’s predecessor, former Minister Jobin, to get to the bottom of the scandal.

Elsewhere, pop diva Splendid [probably spelled $plendid by today’s ridiculous standards] is coming to town to have her hair styled at Sophie’s salon, creating another media buzz.

It would be a safe bet to consider Ben’s City to be a satire, utilizing some of the key components that would best describe the genre – humour through irony, exaggeration and ridicule. Exposing pop stars for their lack of intelligence, criticizing politicians’ vices and media sensationalism are some of the more apparent themes covered here, yet there are still a few topical issues covered which aren’t so apparent. Either way, Ben’s City does its due diligence in delivering the goods, just not as deep or well-tailored as some of today’s animation masters. But moreover, it’s still worth a watch.