I like what you said. Here are my thoughts about the episodes:
To Serve and Protect- This was honestly an okay episode to me. I like the idea of Simon having to deal with Alvin breaking the field trip rules. This was the perfect situation of "doing what's right" versus "not being about to live a dream of yours" plot. I really felt bad for Simon in this episode. I'm pretty sure we've all been in a situation similar to Simon's, so we know what he is feeling. The only parts I did not like was when Alvin tried to comfort Simon after he turned in his badge. Really Alvin? You knew you were trying to get Simon into the conflict he was put into so you couldn't get into trouble, and you think telling him everything will be okay will fix his emotional mindset? I also didn't like the part afterwards where Simon was given his badge back, got to go on the trip, and Alvin got into trouble. I felt like that was just rushed, and I honestly would have like to see Dave comfort Simon and reassure him that he did nothing wrong. Oh well. Anyways, I still think this was an okay episode.
Kickin' It Old School- I was excited for this episode. I really like the idea of Dave taking the Chipmunks away from technology and out into the woods. This episode reminded me a bit of "Swiss Family Chipmunk". The idea of other things being fun besides technology is so important; especially with kids these days acting like they are so "cool" or that they think they know everything. I get so annoyed when kids act like they know everything about a TV show or otherwise that they actually know very little about. For the episode, I actually was expecting Dave to make a "Back in my days..." reference. That would have been hilarious. I especially like the parts where Dave and the Chipmunks were having trouble adjusting to their camping experience. I loved Theodore's quote where he said "You brought us to a town, full of GHOSTS?!" Classic Theodore line! Everything else was good, but I honestly felt like the moral of the episode was hit or miss. The Chipmunks had fun and liked camping with Dave, but they were WAY more excited and happy once they got their technology back. Considering that, I feel like the moral could have been portrayed slightly better, but otherwise, this was a decent episode.
Clowning Around- This was a great episode. The idea of Theodore trying to be scary but failing was good. One of my favorite parts was when Alvin listed Theodore's fears. The Brady Bunch theme song scares Theodore? I cracked up laughing at that part! I am actually surprised Theodore's number 2 fear wasn't Ghosts. That would make sense considering the ghost quote and moments in the episodes "Kickin It Old School" and "The App". Simon surprised me because when he said "Alvin, you almost gave me a heart attack! I can't imagine what you'd do to poor Theodore!", guys, I am not joking, I thought of that exact quote in my head before Simon said it. Wow. Just wow. Also when Alvin scared Theodore and said: "I got you now, you little balloon!", that shocked me. Alvin, you are SO luck you didn't say that around Dave or you would be grounded! Seriously, I think we all know the "clown horror movie" reference from Alvin's quote. Theodore freezing in fear was interesting. I have heard of that happening, but I have no idea if that is actually possible... being so scared that you freeze in fear and don't respond. The rest of the episode was great.
Bully for You- This was another great episode for me. I definitely like the idea of Simon getting bullied, and making a body guard that does nothing but scare you just by being present around you. And the robot is named "Com Kquest e dorai?" That is awesome! What does that mean? The checkerboard glasses was an interesting idea. We have rarely seen Simon wear a different style of glasses. What I did not like was the fact that Simon practically ignored Dave's advice. Why did he not go to Dave after Dave said "If you ever run into any trouble, you can come and talk to me"? Seriously, bullying isn't something you can just deal with and act like it's no big deal. Simon should have tried to talk to Dave if he had the chance. And I loved the idea of Simon wanting to help kids be nicer to one another. That is a GREAT message to kids! The rest of the episode was good, especially when Eleanor kept cheering "Strength in numbers!" That was a great Eleanor quote. Â What really surprised me was the ending when Simon invited Derek to join them. I think Derek was so surprised since had been bullying Simon, and to see Simon act so nice to him was what I think made Derek have a change of heart. I do agree that it could have happened after a few more episodes, but I think the realization for Derek understanding what he did wrong was just so fast, that he accepted it. And Derek apologized to Simon? Simon forgave Derek and wants to start being friends with him? Oh my gosh! We rarely see this happen in bully episodes. Guys, I think we all could learn something from that ending of the episode. Anyways, great episode.