Reviewed by: Pugilist

Firstly I know this review is way overdue.  I have the usual raft of excuses, re-orgs at my day job, shoulder surgery and recovery, my wife leaving me (yeah, I know, big surprise there), buying new furniture, whine, waaa, waaa.  Regardless, getting back on track, I watched The Game is Afoot, Hero Envy episode 22 the day or so after it came out and had every intention of writing a review.  See above whining for my excuses.

We've seen a steady influx of more and more complex plotlines being developed in the Hero envy series.  From the first short geek rants, enjoyable and well done, to specialty shows to some truly excellent work that culminated in Episode 20.  So, where could they possibly go from Behind the Hope in Episode 20?  Well, episode 21 of course were we saw a send up of classic sci-fi, including Mirror, Mirror, the classic Trek episode that has spawned so much imitation.

In Episode 22 we have another step in the complexity process for the GlintOfHope.com folks.  On the surface you might take it as a simple Law and Order rip but if you did it would only prove that you were not paying attention.  You should have that looked at, it might be serious.

In episode 21 we saw a solid and self-contained story.  In Episode 22 we see that Episode 21 was not only solid and self contained but was the founding of a three (at least) part story line.  Now, truth be told, I've not watched episode 23 yet but The Game is Afoot clearly ends with every intent of a continuation of the story so I am making a leap of assumption here.  Oh, that and they told me they were doing a three part storyline.

I am so smart, just ask me.

So we have a Law and Order foundation/structure around this episode so what we'll see is random references to Law and Order by characters from Hero Envy, right?  Shit, have you never watched an episode?  Seriously, they never do that sort of thing.  Dear God, what prick would lead you to believe such a thing?  Yeah, me.

Anyway, we have the Law and Order framework for episode 22 and as has become expected, we have the characters operating within that framework as their own damn selves.  From JD acting as his own fluffer to Orson displaying some truly amazing deductive skills, to Wally pining about Brooke, to Dekker trying to trot out the Wii Self-Abuse module again to Noonan and JB and the best damn stenographer they've had in an episode yet.

OK, the only damn stenographer but the reactions and color commentary made the role one of the many highlights.  And that really sums up the episode in general.  As we've come to expect there is a solid story line, there is a guiding theme, and there is clever and well timed comments by the characters that are designed to enhance the story and provide pivotal humour points without stooping to mere cliché.

Hero Envy, as a series, continues to impress me with the depth and breadth of effort and obvious desire to continue to produce quality entertainment and Episode 22 continues this tradition.

I do, however, have to comment on Wally's jewelry choice.  Ok, I've given Mike a hard time about leaving his wedding ring on at times but is that any reason for him to wear it on the middle finger of his right hand?  Ow.  If I did not find that so hilarious I would be dreadfully offended.

OK, that's bullshit but it was damn funny when it hit me.  Well done guys.

Episode 22 is a solid, and stand-alone, episode.  We see the characters extending themselves and, as we've come to expect, reject mere cliché and catch-phrase and the easy laugh.  There are plenty of laughs though and while there are no "fall on the floor" moments there is a consistent level of solid storytelling, writing, and acting so that even with the nearly 30 minute run time you never feel like you are waiting on anything.  Seriously this episode, as I re-watched it recently, kept my attention without effort and since this was the 4th or 5th time I had seen it over the last four (4) months and I am notoriously critical, this is no faint praise.

I'll rate it a solid 9 only because I am in an ornery mood and though this is an excellent episode, Behind the Hope remains the best to date.

I'll now catch up on Episode 23 and will get a recap/review on it in the next week or so.