directed by:
Ronan Guilfoyle written by: Craig Selbrede genre: Comedy |
LATEST EPISODE (EP 06) REVIEW BELOW.
This page contains reviews for episodes one, two, three, four, five, and six. As I’m sure those of you who have followed the web series “Hurt” would have naturally assumed, the main character took his stuffed turtle and created a whole sub-series. Classic odd-couple pairing, right? We find Stone Scriven, the anxiety-laden protagonist we’ve seen plenty of in “Hurt,” out in the forest, pretty much naked, with the exception of a very thin, pink budgie smuggler. Ain’t all that much left to the imagination, really, at least when it comes to the physical details. His stuffed turtle (Timothy) gives him the wise advice to “act natural” when a friend from college starts coming their way, and of course, that begs the question of what could be more natural than standing outside basically naked in the snow in Maine in February, with your stuffed animal buddy? It’s a fun set-up to start the series, even if there’s no reasonable explanation for anything that you see onscreen - or anything that occurs in this beginning scene. Sometimes you just have to go with it, you know? It’s possible that this leads somewhere or might eventually circle back to making some kind of sense…I’m not really holding my breath on that, but it’s not outside of the realm of possibility, I suppose. “Turtletastic!” shifts backwards three weeks from that opening scene, so perhaps we eventually end up with some explanation for this later down the road. From there, you get your essential plot points, like Stone being nineteen, rooming with his stuffed turtle at college…you know, the experience that so many of us have in post-secondary education/inanimate object care. Craig Selbrede, who writes this series and also plays Stone in the show, is no stranger to finding ways to do a lot with a little. Sometimes that plays to his advantage, like getting mileage out of how to make scenes entertaining and engaging with very little budget…or cast members. Sometimes it can be detrimental as well. With no one to answer to, he’s displayed a tendency to take the tiniest ideas and arguably stretch them a little thin. This new venture of “Turtletastic!” seems to acknowledge this and plays it safe by sticking to a much shorter length than what we experienced in the “Hurt” series, which is probably for the best. While he’s more than capable of creating entertainment, it’s not always going to be the easiest thing to do when much of this could go on to be about Stone & his stuffed turtle. Behind the lens, Selbrede has the steady hand of Ronan Guilfoyle as the Director for this new show, and you can tell from episode one that while “Turtletastic!” might not have a ton of bells and whistles, it will have everything it needs in terms of clean shots, clever framing, and good camera movement. Selbrede is also a genuinely funny dude, which will obviously be an asset to “Turtletastic!” overall. I’m not saying every joke he’s ever written lands a perfect ten, and my struggles with Stone Scriven as a character have been long documented on these pages here at IndyRed, but he is a very watchable star in the making, and I’ve always been clear about that. “Do you think people like me?” he asks his turtle friend, and even though he’s stuffed on the inside, I’d have to assume Stone’s plushy cohort has a better idea about the truth in that scenario than I do. The jury’s still out for me when it comes to the verdict on Stone Scriven. He’s perilously self-conscious at times, which at best are part of his endearing quirks, but at worst can be qualities that make it very hard to connect with him. With much of “Hurt” being focused on his need to be liked by others and his endless well of neurosis, I don’t know if we’re going to need a companion piece that does more of the same thing. I’m open-minded about it all, though, and have a weird faith in Selbrede to continually get sharper with his craft & steer his material in the right direction. So again, it’s episode one…lots of room to grow and evolve the story from here, and like most of the series-style shows that we watch, it requires a little patience at the start while it plants the seeds for the future. I dig the introduction to Franklin, Will, and Mort…their conversation/theories about Tinder was fantastic. Does what you see qualify as rugby practice or not…I’ll let you decide. This is another spot where Craig and his team just need to expand their ideas and enlist some warm bodies to get the job done right. As for the concussion, he comes back to the dorm with…if he can’t withstand a ball to the head, how in the heck is this guy supposed to be realistically playing the roughest, least-padded sport we have on Earth? Plot devices are crucial elements, of course, but Selbrede’s walking a very fine line with what’s included in episode one of “Turtletastic!” so far. I’m hoping that as it continues, we’ll see more separation between what he’s done in “Hurt” previously and this new show here…but time will tell. Stay tuned. Right now, we’re going with three out of five stars…I’m interested, but yet to be fully invested in this.
Episode two of “Turtletastic!” has our hero, Stone Scriven, struggling greatly from the brutal concussion he suffered towards the end of episode one. And by brutal, I mean he took a ball to the head…a normal, everyday occurrence in Rugby or other ball-driven sports…and…sigh…now Stone has another reason to feel like he’s the real victim of planet Earth’s malicious design. As he does his best to recover while his faithful stuffed turtle, Timothy kindly reads the works of Karl Marx to him. I couldn’t help but chuckle as Stone accused his plushy friend of being a communist. It’s one thing to be a talking inanimate object, but it’s a completely separate thing to be a communist stuffed animal – that’s a bridge too far, ain’t it? The dialogue between Stone and Timothy continues to be a ton of fun and actually makes a ton of sense at the same time, too. It’s funny, but it also has a relevant and relatable aspect to it that I truly enjoy.
Much of episode two is spent directly with these two characters, having an argument…of sorts. I like that “Turtletastic!” doesn’t spend a moment’s worth of time on whether or not Timothy is “real” – we just go along with it like he is because, to Stone, he is. Perception is reality, as they say, right? We’re introduced to a slightly mustached person staring at a screen with Stone’s picture on it…and we have no clue as to what the heck that’s about or why that would be something somebody would do, but it isn’t that long before we get the answer. It’s a member of the “Sons Of Independence,” of course, who seem to be like…the student-led version of The Red Scare, determined to root out communism. The USA is a weird-ass place from the outside looking in, I tell ya…I don’t think these are conversations we really have here in Canada. Does that pigeonhole a show like “Turtletastic!” a little bit? It might. I don’t know that the rest of the world is all that concerned about the presence of communism as if it seems to pervade the American mind, but perhaps I’m wrong about that. I’m wrong about so many, many, things overall. From there, we end up in an interrogation-type scene, where we meet Keith, who apparently not only knows Timothy but plays pool with him on the weekends – who knew? Okay…look…I don’t know that we can totally judge “Turtletastic!” by episode two – this almost seems like what’s known as a “bottle episode,” whereby there isn’t all that much that’s related to the rest of the show involved in what you see. But as a whole, we don’t really know what “Turtletastic” even IS as a series yet, so even though it hinted as being more of a cohesive series as it began in episode one, it could very well go on to be a string of very loosely connected episodes for all we currently know as of watching episode two. What I liked best in this episode was that Selbrede leans on his most tangible strength as a writer, which is the dialogue. He’s got a genuinely great sense of humour, and you’ll find that in his work, some of the scenes that are the most visually threadbare are the ones that come out with the most balanced and successful jokes. Rather than leaning on visuals to do the work, when he chooses to go in a more character-driven route and let the dialogue shine, he’s capable of great things. There’s not really a whole lot to episode two other than that, but I’m okay with that. This was a fun episode of this new show, and it felt like it didn’t have to put too much effort into being as fun as it is…it’s just natural…organic…or…well…you know – as much as you can be any of those things when one of the main central characters is an inanimate stuffed animal. I don’t know that we can definitively say this episode furthers the plotline of the show so far as we’ve seen between its first two parts, but it does help us get to know its main characters a little more. Nothing measured, nothing gained…it’s still three stars out of five for me until this finally gets moving. 
Episode #3 review
by JEREMY GLADSTONE
In episode three, Stone gets himself a date at last. I’m looking forward to it! This dude needs someone to balance him out. Is it going to be Oliver? That’d be a hard pass from me y’all. I might not always be the biggest fan of Stone myself, but the guy deserves someone better than this “morally questionable” guy who shows up. Timothy the stuffed turtle seems to get it, so why is Stone so freakin’ blind to the obvious? Oliver’s clearly trash…but hey, we all need to get some at some point, right? No one is immune from making bad choices or hooking up with someone they’ll regret later on down the road. Will Stone give in, or will he find the backbone required to send this fool packing once & for all?
On a technical level - be careful y’all…keep an ear on the volume issues, lest we end up in a similar situation that we ended up in with “Hurt” and struggling to hear certain parts or being blasted with too much sound in others. Listen to the spot around the 5:25 mark in comparison to the rest of everything else we’ve heard in the show so far. I’ve stressed this with Selbrede’s stuff in the past, and while he’s not directing “Turtletastic!” this time around, he’s still a major part of what makes this show come together…so let’s stand up for the material & push back when it’s required. No need to be offended - just be objective about what’s really needed in order for the show itself to succeed. Good audio is every bit a part of the equation to success. Most times, audio is more important than the visuals. Where I’m starting to get a little more worried about “Turtletastic!” is in the direction of the show itself. Where is this going? Is there a cohesive reason as to why all these episodes occur in the same season, or is the randomness of each individual episode’s plot the tie-in between it all? By the time we get to episode three, we have to question what it is we’re watching for – there’s nothing tangible that bonds it to episode one, there’s nothing that hints at it being related to episode two – all we have to keep this show together is the main characters it has in Stone and Timothy. I’m not saying that’s the wrong way to go about it, but if that’s what’s really going on, there are definitely opportunities being missed to bring this whole concept together in some way that watchers can comprehend. We can all agree that “puzzles suck” – but I feel like we need more from this series to make it clear that it’s going somewhere. As a standalone episode, I guess I’m not quite convinced that “Turtletastic” has enough juice in the tank to satisfy a large audience. What you see is essentially a date that didn’t work out, and there’s really not a whole lot more to it than that. Is that worth tuning in for? The court of public opinion will ultimately tell the full story, I guess, but to be fair, nearly ten thousand people have checked out episode three since its release only three days ago. That’s obviously good momentum, and there are obviously people who are as willing as I am to see where this eventually goes. That being said, to be fair to the point I’m making in a world justified by likes and such, we’ve got about 275 out of that 10K, which is roughly around 2.5% – you see what I’m saying? “Turtletastic!” will pass the time for you, but I have the feeling that Selbrede (Writer/Star) and Guilfoyle (Director) have intended this show to do more than it’s currently doing. I’m still interested, even if my patience for something tangible to bring this all together is starting to wear thin…there’s still potential in this show, but I do actually want to see it get realized. For the time being, episode three feels like a bit of a step backwards, so I’m going with 2.5 outta 5 stars. 
Episode #4 review
by JEREMY GLADSTONE
As of watching episode four of "Turtletastic!" we have to conclude somewhat that the real tie-in for the material is entirely the fact that it's centred around the character of Stone. Obviously, that's not necessarily a bad thing - especially if you're into the character. If you're like me and continually wonder what it is that connects people to this relentlessly chaotic and anxiety-riddled individual, then heading in this direction is a bit of an obstacle. Timothy is doing his best to keep this series going strong, but…I mean… he's a stuffed turtle.
Stone ain't happy with the noise from a party nearby, and he's trying to get some sleep. That's perhaps a bit on the thin side when it comes to plot lines. Do you feel me? But that's what you get in episode four – that's it, that's all – and I have no problem telling ya that "Turtletastic!" is starting to lose me a little. You can call me greedy if you wanna - I'm okay with being the villain when it comes right down to it if that's how you see me – but from my perspective, all I'm ever doing as a critic and reviewer is trying to encourage the creative community to tap into what makes them unique. Imaginary friend? Not groundbreaking - but cool. A show where there's a party that's too loud? Been there and done that, several times. So like – c'mon – it's hard enough to live with an audience being cheated, but don't cheat yourselves as artists. Selbrede has more in the tank than he's showing us in episode four, and for what it's worth, Director Guilfoyle should be calling him out on that. Right now, "Turtletastic!" feels very aimless & wandering, and I can't rightly imagine that's what the creators behind the show are trying to achieve in the comments section. There is still much time to right the ship & put this show back on course, and I hope the upcoming episodes have got them digging a little deeper than they have been. The bright side of the scenario is that each episode has really only been about six or seven minutes long at the max, but make no mistake, you still need to hook people and make them want to watch the next episode. You don't need a gigantic budget to put great ideas on display, but you can't get caught up in a pattern of trying to make mediocrity appear to be something else, either. I know that Selbrede has got greatness in him, and despite what I might think of his character, Stone Scriven, at times, as a writer, I've got all kinds of faith in his abilities – but he really needs to focus on his strengths. As for Guilfoyle - he needs to be confident in the material so that when he's ready to roll, there's a script that is filled with purpose and the kind of dynamics that will keep people invested & watching with their full attention. I have major concerns that they're creating background noise at this point and that they're not prioritizing the uniqueness of their show or maximizing its potential. Someone out there has gotta be honest with them about "Turtletastic!" and it not currently being enough, so that they snap out of it, and start to really dial in on what could make it great. If that's gotta be me, then fine, so be it. Acting-wise, things are alright; dialogue and direction are also alright. It's the actual plot that isn't quite hooking me, even in short stretches…maybe even, especially within a short timeframe. They've really got to ask themselves if 'alright' is the benchmark they're going for, though, or if perhaps they'd rather a critic like myself would be ranting and raving over the incredible work they're putting out there into the world, you know what I mean? Generally speaking, this is passable stuff as it stands… I'm willing to split the difference and give this episode another two and a half stars outta five, but I'm really hoping upcoming episodes up the game. I'm looking directly to Selbrede to level this series up - because I know he's more than capable. 
Episode #5 review
by JEREMY GLADSTONE
In this episode, Stone decides to ditch his stuffed turtle friend Timothy and run away from a paper that's due for class. After suffering his concussion, he seems to be on the mend…or at least, doing well enough to run the heck away. He soon runs into a new character, known as "The Void" – you know, the personification of that space we all end up in at some point along the way. Represented perfectly by being a faceless figure in an all-black jumpsuit, The Void tries its level best to advise Stone on the best pathway forward. Meanwhile, Timothy is trying to track him down with maps and fake phone call surveys to people that Stone hangs out with. Some time passes, and magically, Stone's paper is now finished, and he's back in his dorm room, waiting for another witty, sarcastic quip from Timothy to bring him back down to Earth.
Director Ronan Guilfoyle and writer/star Craig Selbrede need to have a major sit-down and figure out what they really want to do with "Turtletastic!" because I think they're losing the audience. For instance – why is this described as a 'Gay Comedy Series?' What are the defining characteristics of the show that make it that way? There has been one episode out of five that loosely dipped into that realm, but other than that, to be honest, there's next to nothing gay about it at all! I'm not saying there needs to be, but it does come across as a strange thing to label "Turtletastic!" that way - when it's not being utilized as part of its main storyline. The math on that is simple – if you were randomly tuning into the show to see what it's about, and 4/5 episodes don't even make a reference to its supposed gayness, then that leaves people with an 80% chance of just seeing "Turtletastic!" the way that they'd see any other show that doesn't proclaim itself to be gay – make sense? Beyond that, I think we're starting to deal with a real case of 'it is what it is' in the sense that Selbrede and Guilfoyle are treading water, and for as much credit as I've given them to find their way to solid ground, I'm starting to have my doubts. It's like I want to sit them down for a stern talking to & ask them what exactly happened in this episode that they would consider to be entertainment we can't live without? It's got a few mild chuckles here and there, usually found in sarcasm from Timothy or the occasional look from Stone, but they seem to have seriously lost their grasp on what it means to create with purpose and intentionality if you ask me. Crucial elements! Right now, they're showing us they can make something with a tangible storyline and edit a show in a coherent way…and I think they need to ask themselves if that's the result they're going for. Shouldn't we be seeing something that makes us really want to rant and rave about "Turtletastic!?" If these are the scenes we're seeing – what, oh what, could they be leaving on the cutting room floor? If anything? Call me greedy if you want to, but I want more out of capable minds I know are creative enough to supply it…and right now, I feel like Craig & Ronan need to snap out of drifting dangerously close to a level of mediocrity they shouldn't be in. Lean on the strengths like the dialogue & characters like The Void and Timothy – but at the same time, the plot of the show has simply gotta do more than offer what a quick semi-funny comic strip could do in a three-panel box. I'm willing to stay the course with two & a half stars out of five based on the strength of The Void as a character…but if my patience is wearing thin for this series overall, it's a safe bet they've gotta make some bold moves before people start tuning out. 
Episode #6 review
by JEREMY GLADSTONE
This was so entirely necessary! Right at the point of “Turtletastic!,” where the series had finally put me to my chips & genuinely had me wondering if I could take another episode, it felt like episode six managed to save this whole show from becoming too ordinary. Right at the point where it felt like “Turtletastic!” was losing its direction and what might make it special, episode six came along to lean into its strengths and put things back on the course that could lead to its success. I’m thankful for all of this, because I really felt like it was losing me.
I suppose that in retrospect, I can look at this series more like how I’d look at listening to an album as a whole – there are up/down dynamics over the course of a set-list, and more often than not, one really can’t exist without the other, you know what I mean? To appreciate the good, sometimes you’ve gotta go through the not-so-good, but in doing that, what’s good can feel even greater – I hope that makes sense. So, after struggling with the last few episodes of “Turtletastic!,” it honestly felt good to see this show get a solid win again. It’s not like Director Ronan Guilfoyle and Writer/Star Craig Selbrede haven’t been putting in effort – they just needed to apply a heftier dose of focus, and go back to what was really working at the start. No better time for them to circle back to the beginning than now, like they do in episode six, which has our main character, Stone Scriven, out in the snow in the woods with his budgie smugglers on again. This time around, though, it serves a purpose and perhaps introduces what could be the biggest part of their blueprint forward. No…not having Stone stuck out in the cold with his pink underwear on - that’s all well & good for a couple of episodes, but what I’m talking about is that you’ll find episode six actually digs deeper into morals and values in a very empowering and enlightened way. Think of shows out there right now that are massive hits with their audience, stuff like “Ted Lasso” or “Shrinking” – these shows hit for their comedy, yes, but they also hit even bigger because they mean something. When I watched this new “Turtletastic!” episode, it felt like Guilfoyle & Selbrede were now scratching the surface of what this series could go on to be. Listening to stuffed turtle Timothy’s expert guidance on how to get Stone to embrace who he is…that’s meaningful stuff! That’s authentic content! And I’m here for it – I love what they did in this episode and feel like it’s some of their strongest stuff so far. I still feel like there’s room for just about everything to continually improve across the board, but there’s not a doubt in my mind that this episode felt like the series finally turned its most crucial corner. The more “Turtletastic!” goes on to present a clear point of view, the more it’s going to make an impact. The more “Turtletastic!” really leans into its humour, knowing that the material is actually quite funny, will make a huge difference. The more “Turtletastic!” embraces the random, knowing that the way they use what’s unexpected & unpredictable to their advantage is what’s working best – the more potential they’ll open up to do just about anything they wanna do with this series, and play by their own rules. Scenes like Stone’s photoshoot with Timothy as the photographer were fantastic. I also like the dialogue that they use when it’s way overboard with its intelligent arguments for what you’d expect to find in a silly comedy. There’s important social commentary in this episode – that’s awesome too. And the finale of episode six, where Stone loses his clothes altogether in the strangest of ways? Brilliant. There’s fun camerawork in the mix, which even makes this episode more enticing on a visual level. The balance of Comedy & Drama was spot on. 3.5 out of 5 stars episode six…”Turtletastic!” feels like things are back on track. |
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