Review: Big City Greens “Time Crisis; Gramma Driver”

Overview (Spoilers Below)

“Time Crisis”
Cricket’s best friend Remy is obsessed with how his actions impact his future, while Cricket hasn’t even considered it. A particularly 2020 episode, because, as Cricket shrieks, “The future is chaos and we’re all doomed!”

“Gramma Driver”
Gramma’s new gig makes her a getaway driver. Her accidental accomplice status results in epic adventure.

Our Take

Two particularly on-point episodes this week for the lovable Greens and their Big City antics. Compelling story lines that perfectly integrate characters potentially inspired by other fan-favorite cartoons make these picks well worth the watch.

“Time Crisis” revolves around Remy Remington, who’s character design will look familiar to fans of Irwin from The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy. The episode begins with Remy preparing for a violin recital. When Cricket invites him to take a break to get burgers, he explains that this recital plays a key role in his elaborately planned future, only to discover that he’s failed to fully prepare, resulting in a freak out. Voice actor Zeno Robinson hilariously enhances this massive meltdown, particularly Remy’s response when Vasquez (his butler/bodyguard) asks how to help: “FREAK OUT WITH ME!” Cricket manages to calm his friend and explains he’s never thought beyond the present. We’re treated to vastly different visions of the future from both boys, as well as a striking technicolor daydream sequence of Remy’s worst fears come to life, before a reassuring ending that embraces uncertainty.

The family gets new phones in “Gramma Driver” (presumably a reference to Baby Driver.) After an ill-fated call from the mechanic reveals Bill doesn’t trust Gramma’s driving, she signs up for Swyft to pursue 5 star ratings and prove him wrong. Unfortunately, the only customers who appreciate her need for speed are the Team Rocket-esque Bella and Bash. Meanwhile, the kids are off on their own adventures, with Cricket making prank calls and Tilly attempting to free the smartphone’s personal assistant, Agatha, from the confines of her device. The scene where Officer Keys’ driving foot gets a “flat” genuinely made me laugh out loud, but I can’t tell if that’s because it’s high quality humor or if isolation is finally starting to get to me. Cricket’s pranks also come home to roost, leading him to exasperatedly exclaim, “I can’t believe that, YET AGAIN, my actions have had consequences!” which could really be used in any episode, but is particularly well placed in this one.

Overall, these two installments serve as well-written goofs likely to hook existing fans and new viewers alike. The criminals in “Gramma Driver” get a boost of star power from voice actors Lauren Lapkus (the titular character in The Wrong Missy) and Thomas Middleditch (of Silicon Valley fame), while Danny Trejo shines as the gruff Vasquez.

If you’re in need of a laugh (and let’s be honest, who isn’t these days?) these episodes definitely deliver.