User blog:Justsomeordinarydude/Anti-Social (The Loud House): A Reaction.

Anti Social

This was a really solid, fun little episode that was able to overcome the fact that it was dealing with a worn out, overused and somewhat overexposed premise. The story idea about someone becoming too addicted to the internet and electronic devices in the modern age is hardly original or innovative at this point, but the writers were able to take the idea and run with it. The story is filled with humour and moments of amusement throughout, such as the pictures of muscular Dad, awkward Lori and baby Lincoln. It was also a narrative which presented the perspectives of the characters in a relatable light. Lynn Sr was understandably upset when he returned home from work, just to be ignored and have his presence undermined by the constant attachment his family had towards social media. Everybody was so focused on their devices that he had to slam the door in order for the others to even realise he was there (and this happens again, except the roles are reversed, later in the episode after the kids succeed too much in showing their father the benefits of technology). Of course, this is the modern generation we're talking about here, and since they are kids, it's understandable that they are so attached to their social media (well, to an extent, as there is a problem with this setup as while they are all kids, some of them have never seemed to be that obssessed with social media, but I'll elaborate on that in a moment). Luna even compares Lynn Sr disconnecting the internet to cutting off their oxygen supply. The direction that was taken was predictable but still well executed regardless. The kids' plan goes horribly right and Dad becomes addicted to social media, but then he ends up returning the ignorant and disconnected behaviour they were showing him at the beginning, and they have to bring back the status quo in order to resolve the matter. They do in the end and everybody makes up. Sure, that's a resolution that the average viewer can see coming from a mile away, but it's the way in which is was done that added so much strength to the quality of the episode.

It was very heartwarming to have Lynn Sr and the rest of the family apologise to each other for their behaviour in the story, as well as to see the father bonding with his kids in a range of personalised activities. It was great to see him playing chess with his son, rocking out with Luna, playing sports with Lynn, and so on. It was a really satisfying and pleasant ending to watch unfold. There was also a neat little detail that was added into the scene where the Louds help their Dad to overcome his newfound obssession with social media. While partaking in fun activities with his children, he initially has a temptation to check his phone, but is stopped each time. As the montage progresses, he manages to resist without the kids needing to stop him, and then is shown engaging in the activities with 100% commitment, with the same device placed somewhere in the room or background, untouched and with no focus on it. This is a great way to visually show how Lynn Sr gradually loses his unhealthy attachment to social media through playing with his kids, and ceases to rely upon it for satisfaction. It's little touches like this that should be more appreciated when it comes to the art of storytelling, especially visually. With all this being said, there are two main gripes I have with the episode, however...

Firstly, the plot seemed a little forced. How often do we see the entire Loud family all attached to their smart phones or other devices all at once in the same room? Never. Lori sure is attached to her phone, and maybe Lincoln to a degree is into his TV shows and gaming, but most of the other sisters are usually partaking in other activities (I.e. playing music, sporting activities, plumbing, sleeping in coffins, etc.) and are rarely seen using modern technology or social media. True, we have seen them all use social media every once in a while, but the family has never been portrayed as overly reliant upon or obsessed with their electronics, so why are they all shown to be so in this instance? Again, because the plot demanded the characters to act this way. Too often does the story dictate how the characters act and what they are supposed to be like in this show. Truly scrupulous and masterful writing is most evident when storytelling doesn't require changing characters nonsensically and making them drastically alternate just to fit with the intended direction of the plot. Instead, a well told story will work with the characters, as they are established, and not take them out of character in order to progress with the narrative.

Secondly, enough of this guy. I've said it before, so I'll keep this short and to the point. Enough of Lynn Sr. He's a likeable enough character, but not the main character. True, he was funny and enjoyable enough to watch in this instance, but let's see more of Rita. Let's see more of the underutilised sisters (E.g. there's another character named Lynn on this show who is in dire need of character development). Let's see more of underused and underexposed side characters (so many to list). The cast is expansive and there are many other great stories this show can tell. It doesn't always need to be about Lynn Sr. To be honest, this type of plot doesn't even seem to be especially befitting of Lynn Sr anyway. Why would this guy, someone who previously worked in an I.T job, be a technophobe? Then again, he did quit that job due to favouring cooking, so I guess it's not too inconsistent with what is established with his character.

Anyway, enough ranting. In spite of those two main critiques, I still found this episode to be highly entertaining and amusive, with some touching moments as well.

Final Rating: 8/10 (GREAT).