Totally Spies - Week One - Talkback (Spoilers)

[Lonestarr]

This week marks the network premiere of the series "Totally Spies". If you have something to say about the episodes, post your thoughts here.

July 7th: A Thing for Musicians
July 8th: Queen for a Day
July 9th: The New Jerry
July 10th: Vacation
July 11th: Eraser

Sorry the talkback's late, but it's here now, right?

[Rabi~en~Rose]

http://www.totallyspies.com/logo.gif

La la la...

The spies are here! And boy are they...fashionable!? For sure!

A failed series or just mistreated? Decide for yourselves as Cartoon Network presents Totally Spies every weekday at 4:30 p.m.!

Monday: A Thing For Musicians

Tuesday: Queen For A Day

Wednesday: New Jerry

Thursday: Vacation

Friday: Eraser

This is the spies debut week! Are they worthy of their pre-Toonami slot or will people just clamor for more Camp Cartoon Cartoons? Discuss!

[Rabi~en~Rose]

This is my first time ever seeing this series so I didn't know what to expect. The commercials didn't do anything for me and the talk here about it being to valleyish sure did not help! But....

A Thing For Muscians:

Intro wasn't bad, no theme song surprised me but oh well! How old are these girls? I was expecting early teens but they appear to be late ones which is neat. The plot of the episode itself was different to say the least but not bad and provided for a bunch of funny moments some of which were accompanied by anime style facefaults and the such. The girls didn't seem very annoying to me infact they are kinda cool. Animation was surprisingly good to! Only bad thing, the constant using of the logo to change scenes. Yuck! http://members.aol.com/kimminakochan/chicken.gif

[Lonestarr]

Rabi, I had started a talkback thread a little before you did. I didn't have the heart to lock your thread, so I merged ours together.

Some changes I noticed:

- The theme song was changed from a vocal track to an instrumental

- Likewise the sequence; perhaps this was the 2nd season opener or Marathon just did a new opening

- No title; the opening card was from the later episodes of the first season. Someone must've forgotten the title.

- The transition was changed from a flower to some kind of zoom lens (same as in the logo)

I liked "A Thing for Musicians". One of funnier moments (for me) was the name of the girl's group: Spies. That was rather unimaginative.

[Rabi~en~Rose]

Darn I knew I shoulda posted earlier! Didn't see yours I guess cause it was stickyed and I wasn't expecting that seeing as how official Hamtaro talkbacks were never made! Glad you're using my poll style ^_^ Looks to be a good fun series so far! http://members.aol.com/kimminakochan/chicken.gif

[Teio]

It was actually rather fun to watch.Of course,I wasn't expecting a serious plot so I accepted the goofiness of the story.But I have to give it a couple of more episodes to see if it is superior to Kim Possible.

Though I agree with Rabi~en~Rose,the transitional effects were rather distracting.

As for the voice credits,I believe I saw Jennifer Hale's name in there.

[Corrado]

Out of 5 stars, I give it 3 stars. It's no Kim Possible but still alright.

Bob Bergen also had some voices in the episode as well.

[Inkan1969]

BTW: Actually, there were plenty of official "Hamtaro" threads.

From www.epguides.com/totallyspies

Andrea Taylor - Clover ( blonde )
Katie Leigh - Alex ( brunette. So that's whatever became of Honker Muddlefoot/ Sunny Gummi :) )
Jennifer Hale - Sam ( redhead, also played Mallory MacMallard, the Black Cat, and Cinderella in the D2V sequel )
Jess Harnell - Jerry ( baldy )

I saw most of this show's eps on Fox Family. The plots got very repetitive and illogical. This show is in no way great. Still, it's enertaining fluff. It's basically "Charlie's Angels: the Teen Years". I like the cartoony gags that frequently occur in this show. This first ep already had plenty. And the main reason for this show's existence is fanservice ;) . The makers sure seem to like the ultratight body suits the trio wears.

[Tea]

I managed to watch "Queen For a Day.."

Cotton candy is a good way to describe this show.. It's alright. Nothing too impressive. Clover's valley girl accent got on my nerves a little. Not too many people still talk like that... So, if you're bored, this is a nice show to watch.

[Corrado]

"Queen For A Day" wasn't that good. Out of 5 stars, I give it 2 stars.

Clover is getting annoying.

Also, in yesterday's episode, they had what voices the actors played. Today's episode, they just listed the actors.

[lostrune]

Yeah, I saw most of TS too back in Fox/ABC Family. It's quite episodic, so it doesn't really matter the order of eps.

And don't say I didn't warn about the valleygirl thing ala Clueless as well as all the girly pink ala Sailor Moon.

There are "fanservice"... by American cartoon standards. These are very tame compared to anime, i.e. don't expect pantyshots, Gainax bounces, faceplants, etc.

IIRC, the transitional effects are like that because back in Family, there are more commercial interruptions where those effects are. So those are actually "bumpers" or "eyecatches," not for scene transitions.

[rmarti3926]

Got my first taste of Totally Spies, and it's nice to have Jennifer Hale as one of the leads.

I love her as Jessie Bannon (The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest), Ms Keane (The Powerpuff Girls), and Electra Ovilio (Cowboy Bebop: The Movie). Hearing her as Sam make her strong and confident. This could make this Ms. Hale first lead role that could make her a serious voice actress to be reckoned with.

I'm glad we had finally a girl-oriented comedy-adventure show after missing Sailor Moon for several months and having The Powerpuff Girls hold the fort before this week.

[rmarti3926]

Oh, I would like also to congratulate this show for being the first Western-produced series to feature the infamous Anime sweatdrop.

[Sailor Chibi Otaku]

*blinks*

Euh.. "Totally Spies" is done in France.

[RayChuang]

Are the episodes being shown on CN different than the episodes shown on Fox/ABC Family? I remember Fox/ABC Family showed about 26 episodes only, while we know there were 52 episodes completed.

The two episodes I saw on CN so far are definitely NOT what I saw on the other channel.

[lucky]

*blinks*

Euh.. "Totally Spies" is done in France.

I thought that it was done in Canada? Isn't Teletoon or whatever the company is Canadian?

[sl4]

Oh, I would like also to congratulate this show for being the first Western-produced series to feature the infamous Anime sweatdrop.

This is done in France, as Sailor Chibi Otaku mentioned. The first Western-produced series to feature the sweatdrop is....

The first episode of my phenomenally mediocre Flash cartoon, when it airs on local public access tv as soon as the first season is done.

(Hey, it'll be on tv, so it counts, right? :p)

[Inkan1969]

There are "fanservice"... by American cartoon standards. These are very tame compared to anime, i.e. don't expect pantyshots, Gainax bounces, faceplants, etc.

I guess. Stil, they're unusual for a Western produced cartoon. Like in "Queen for a Day" when Alex the brunette had her legs conspicuously spread out. :)

[oranthal]

I forgot to see Monday's episode but I did catch Tuesday's episode and my suspicions were correct: a fun, light-hearted show. From what I saw, I liked it. Out of the three girls, I like the redhead (what's her name) the most; she seems the most mature and "normal". It was a little strange seeing the sweatdrop but whatever. It didn't take from nor add to the show. So far, all the girls seen on this show were drawn a little too good.

Compared to the other girl power shows, this is how I would rank them:
1. Sailor Moon
2. Totally Spies
3. PPG

I never liked PPG. I say Sailor Moon wins over Totally Spies because SM has an element of seriousness to it. Although it is too soon to tell, I don't think Totally Spies will have that serious side to the show.

[Corrado]

"The New Jerry"was better than yesterday's episode. Out of 5 stars, I give it 3 stars.

[MaDJoE]

"The New Jerry"was better than yesterday's episode. Out of 5 stars, I give it 3 stars.

I miss the first 20 minutes of this, recap please?

[NinjaJack]

I LOVE this series, cute girls, great crisp 2d animation nad some of the best action western cartoons have seen in many years.

I love Sam and Alex!

Check out the official website.


http://www.totallyspies.com/language.htm

[lostrune]

I thought that it was done in Canada? Isn't Teletoon or whatever the company is Canadian?

Marathon Productions ('http://www.marathon.fr') of France.

Not many people know, but they also did Marsupilami for Disney years ago.

[Hatter]

I've been watching this show on TeleToon for a few weeks, and I have sadly become obsessed with it. I know, the plots are pretty much techno Scooby-Doo, but the girls are so damn endearing. And as far as animated chicks go, they're pretty hot.
The voice work is fantastic, and the animation is quite well done.

[lucky]

Marathon Productions ('http://www.marathon.fr') of France.

Not many people know, but they also did Marsupilami for Disney years ago.

Oh. Okay, I believe you all.

[JOKESONU]

This show was definitly bizarrre. Mostly on how they managed to not get into any legal trouble cosidering this show is a complete Rippoff of Charlies Angels. An unofficial animated series practiclly. They just have different names, and instead of black leather jumpsuits, they have mutlicolored ones

And I remember a rumor there is a Charlies Angels Animated Series coming soon, it should be interesting to see how similar the series end up being.

This show also stole big time from the matrix. I remember one ep that had three former spies turned evil, the Evil old spies faced off against the new younger spies, and in one scene, one of the spies did Trinities Mid-air crane kick. They even rotated around her in the same fashion. Complete ripoff.

But I most say I like how this show reminds me of sailor moon being that the VA for the Orange haired spy was the same VA who did the english dub of Sailor Venus

One thing that really pisses me off is that Totally Spies is really just overemphasising the Ditzy Girl Power movement setting that false image to young girls thinking they can do things they can't. I've seen so many girls who think if they can kick, they can beat up anyone. THis one girl I knew saw Charlies angels the movie and thought she can do gymnastics and fighting in high heels. She was in the mall one time and she wanted to show off her "GIRL POWER" and ending up falling flat on her ass and sprained her ankel (in front of a lot of people).

Nothing like a stupid movie to inspire stupid people.

[raykremer]

I managed to see Tuesday's episode. Based on that, this show doesn't actively suck but it's nothing to write home about either.

[Tommy Lawson]

Well, I must admit I'm a huge fan of this show and have been looking forward to its return since its departure from ABC Family last September. First-time viewers really should check out the ABC Family opening and then listen to the BGM used in the CN opening. I promise it will make a lot more sense to you once you do so. Most of the last 15 seconds of the opening has the same scenes, but you can tell what CN was trying to remove because one of them really sticks out. You can find both versions here, but be warned, the CN version is quite a bit louder than the ABC Family version:

http://www.prinfozone.freewebsitehosting.com/Totally%20Spies/ts.htm

I know quite a bit about the music of the show. First off, the theme is based off a song called "Here We Go" by Moonbaby. The lyrics are completely different though and some are a bit suggestive, so be forewarned that it's not supposed to be a Totally Spies extended theme song. Here's a link where you can see part of a music video with Moonbaby's "Here We Go" in Quicktime format:

http://www.syndicate.se/gallery/moonbaby/

That's not all though. There's also another official theme for the German market. Click here to listen to see the German opening of TS, which has the same opening video as the ABC Family version but an entirely different song playing:

http://www.pummeldex.de/pummeldex/de-videos/totallyspies/totallyspies.html

The German theme song is called "You've Got a Secret" and is performed by a group calling themselves, what else, "Totally Spies." They actually dress up in similar color outfits to what Sam, Alex, and Clover wear in the show for their video. You can view the band's website here:

http://www.eminewmedia.de/totallyspies/

That's quite a bit of info on the music of the show. Let's see Christina Milian and "Call Me, Beep Me" try to top that. :)

[Numbuh 4]

didn't catch monday's episode but i caught the other two
first impression: it's Jessie...!? (still a fan of jonny quest)
overall i'd say this should be an entertaining show, but i wouldn't put it on my top favs
Nothing like a stupid movie to inspire stupid people.
he...he... i like that

~:knd4:

[Lonestarr]

This show was definitly bizarrre. Mostly on how they managed to not get into any legal trouble cosidering this show is a complete Rippoff of Charlies Angels. An unofficial animated series practiclly. They just have different names, and instead of black leather jumpsuits, they have mutlicolored ones

What a ridiculous notion. Even if this show was a rip-off of Charlie's Angels - which it isn't! - consider this: if Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera weren't dragged into court four decades prior for ripping off "The Honeymooners" to make "The Flintstones", how good do you think the chances are of Marathon being dragged into court over this?

This show also stole big time from the matrix. I remember one ep that had three former spies turned evil, the Evil old spies faced off against the new younger spies, and in one scene, one of the spies did Trinities Mid-air crane kick. They even rotated around her in the same fashion. Complete ripoff.

My word. Then we'll have to file suits against the producers of Shrek, Scary Movie, Kung Pow: Enter the Fist, Deuce Bigelow: Male Gigolo...

But I most say I like how this show reminds me of sailor moon being that the VA for the Orange haired spy was the same VA who did the english dub of Sailor Venus

Actually, Jennifer Hale voices Sam (the redhead). Sailor Venus was voiced by Stephanie Morgenstern.

One thing that really pisses me off is that Totally Spies is really just overemphasising the Ditzy Girl Power movement setting that false image to young girls thinking they can do things they can't.

Great. Now you've alienated the young girls visiting our site. I hope you're happy!

Nothing like a stupid movie to inspire stupid people.

I agree with you about this...up until "to inspire stupid people".

[Umino]

But I most say I like how this show reminds me of sailor moon being that the VA for the Orange haired spy was the same VA who did the english dub of Sailor Venus

No, Sam's VA does Sedusa in PPG and I think Electra from Cowboy Bebop the movie.

[HellCat]

This show was definitly bizarrre. Mostly on how they managed to not get into any legal trouble cosidering this show is a complete Rippoff of Charlies Angels. An unofficial animated series practiclly. They just have different names, and instead of black leather jumpsuits, they have mutlicolored ones

And I remember a rumor there is a Charlies Angels Animated Series coming soon, it should be interesting to see how similar the series end up being.

This show also stole big time from the matrix. I remember one ep that had three former spies turned evil, the Evil old spies faced off against the new younger spies, and in one scene, one of the spies did Trinities Mid-air crane kick. They even rotated around her in the same fashion. Complete ripoff.

But I most say I like how this show reminds me of sailor moon being that the VA for the Orange haired spy was the same VA who did the english dub of Sailor Venus

One thing that really pisses me off is that Totally Spies is really just overemphasising the Ditzy Girl Power movement setting that false image to young girls thinking they can do things they can't. I've seen so many girls who think if they can kick, they can beat up anyone. THis one girl I knew saw Charlies angels the movie and thought she can do gymnastics and fighting in high heels. She was in the mall one time and she wanted to show off her "GIRL POWER" and ending up falling flat on her ass and sprained her ankel (in front of a lot of people).

Nothing like a stupid movie to inspire stupid people.

I think Lonestarr has said everything. You's just trying to find any fault you can to insult a show that's meant to be a bit of harmless fun. Grow up.

[Corrado]

"Vacation" was alright. Nothing special, though.

I hated the dancing.

Out of 5 stars, I give it 3.

[Sailor Chibi Otaku]

O_o

Sam's voice actress is SO not Mina's first dub voice.

Stephanie was also in "Dino Crisis" as Regina, and if you've played "Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty", then you'd recognise Sam's voice actress as Emma, Otacon's step-sister.

Up here in Canada, we got to see the first two seasons before you guys did.

Bring on season three!! :D

I love ALL of the episodes. "Totally Spies" rocks so MUCH!! :D

Clover is my favourite. :cool:

[Bubblegum Girl]

I'm glad that I'm able to see Totally Spies again. I love that show.

[lucky]

This show was definitly bizarrre. Mostly on how they managed to not get into any legal trouble cosidering this show is a complete Rippoff of Charlies Angels. An unofficial animated series practiclly. They just have different names, and instead of black leather jumpsuits, they have mutlicolored ones



I would have figured that the show would get most of its criticism due to the fact that their animation has similar characteristics as anime.

[oranthal]

Clover is my favourite. :cool:

:eek:

This is a very fun show to watch, and Clover is not as annoying when I first heard her so that's good.

I have a question. Was Monday's episode the very first episode for this series? Did they ever show how the girls became spies?

[sag_2002]

:eek:

This is a very fun show to watch, and Clover is not as annoying when I first heard her so that's good.

I have a question. Was Monday's episode the very first episode for this series? Did they ever show how the girls became spies?

I think that'll be explained in a special Clip Show episode that should air later in the run, if all goes well.

Oh, and regarding the CN opening... Not too different, just some scenes replaced at the beginning.

[Justy]

Originally posted by RayChuang

Are the episodes being shown on CN different than the episodes shown on Fox/ABC Family? I remember Fox/ABC Family showed about 26 episodes only, while we know there were 52 episodes completed.

The two episodes I saw on CN so far are definitely NOT what I saw on the other channel.

These are the same episodes, given the chages that CN or Marathon made that have already identified and discussed. All 26 first season eps were aired on Fox/ABC Family as far as I know.

Originally posted by oranthal

I have a question. Was Monday's episode the very first episode for this series? Did they ever show how the girls became spies?

Monday's episode was the first episode of the series, but CN appears to be airing them in production order, not in the order they were originally aired on Fox/ABC Family.

I'm sooooo happy that CN decided to air this show! It's one of the three really good shows Fox/ABC Family showed in the last few years, the others being Braceface (do I hear groaning?) and Shinzo. In any case, it's a great intro for Toonami. I'm disappointed that the opening was changed but, oh well...

Is it just me or is anyone else reminded of Dirty Pair? Especially given the shows premise and the use of an acronym (WHOOP vs WWWA)?

CN will be airing Season Two episodes later this summer and Season Three is in production. <YAAY!>:D

Thanks, Tommy Lawson, for the info about the themes. I downloaded an mp3 of the original English opening and will check out the links you provided. The video of the original opening provided on the official website looks really crappy and I hope I can get a better copy.

[Drake Aldan]

IMO...

I straight up hate the series.

It is horribly cliched, and the fact that these are valley girls we're talking about here turns me off even more.

You can't persecute me either! I watched a whole episode, and thought it was pretty much crap.

I don't really understand how people can watch it and not be disgusted. :shrug:

I am pointing at my sig too much...

My two yen. (I spent my two cents on a Naruto bootleg plastic figurine! Yay!)

May all your days be blessed,
Drake Aldan

[Inkan1969]

IMO...

I straight up hate the series.

I don't really understand how people can watch it and not be disgusted. :shrug:



Because I think the series is funny and sexy. Those are already two things that "Striperella" is not. :)

[Corrado]

"Eraser" was probably the best "Totally Spies" this week.

It was pretty good minus the dancing.

Out of 5 stars, I give it 3.5.

[Teio]

Though I have to agree,the "cute girls" factor also keeps me tuning in.But it only works because of its nicely written dialouge,consistant animation and great style.

[Tommy Lawson]

Eraser was one of my favorite episodes of the first season, although not the top one. The best part IMO was the chase with the Super Cycles (or the Motorbikes as its toy is known by). You find pictures of its toy here: http://www.totallyspies.co.uk/motorbike.htm

The Clover victory dance on the ship was quite funny, as was Mandy's reaction at finding out that Sam, Alex, and Clover were spies, before the obligatory "erase her memory" bit of course.

[Mackenzie Rainelle]

I'm kinda surprised that none of you all mentioned the role I immediately thought of when I heard Sam....or maybe I'm just too nostalgic. As soon as I heard her, I went "It's Ivy!" Y'know....."From Where In the World Is Carmen Sandiego?"....Y'all remember that, don'cha?

[Artemis]

You're kiddin' me.

::goes to imdb.com and looks it up::

You're right. Huh. Didn't know she even voice acted back then. And it also says the show was made in 1994 when I coulda sworn it was from 1990/1 or something.

[Teio]

As soon as I heard her, I went "It's Ivy!" Y'know....."From Where In the World Is Carmen Sandiego?"....Y'all remember that, don'cha?

Hmm...It has been such a long time;I think I was 10 when I used to watch it.Though now that you mention it...

Oddly,I only reconzied Jennifer Hale (http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/PersonDetail/personid-19292/) as the voice of Sam from her role as Electra Ovilo from Cowboy Bebop The Movie.

[Xada-Hgla]

First post here. I guess all I wanted to say was "Vacation/Getaway" was probably my favorite episode of the week. Can't go wrong with babes in swimsuits. :D

[David Lucas]

O_o Oro?!

Elektra is Ivy?!?!

Holy crap, I've managed to always hear a voice and recognize it, but ever since PAX took Carmen off the air, I haven't seen it in ages. That was the freakin greatest show, Chief was a riot. Not to mention they played Carmen with such a distinguished and non-comedic villain.