Neither "Hotel Hangout" from S1 or "Odd Couples" from S2 are episodes I view too positively, even if I thoroughly enjoy this series for what it is. My nostalgic memory of the first two seasons is both clearer and fonder than that of the third season but I found "Graduation" to be the best season premiere thus far. There's some welcome characters returning (Holly the con-girl from S2 and who elevate the content somewhat and Kurt Martin, whose always delightful) who manage to elevate the content and energy of a show that is nearing its end.
The Zack story is definitely amusing and his scheme for getting on stage for graduation when he didn't was definitely a high point in the episode. Beyond some entertaining moments, it was serviceable but not very memorable. Then there's Maddie's story, which offers some amusing moments without being too memorable either. It's nice to see Holly, the con-girl from the second season return, but the humour is too repetitive (the constant "at least you have..." sequence of lines) and its rhythm a little irritating.
There's also perhaps not enough Mr. Moseby for the episode, and even when he appears on screen, he doesn't quite have that same energy here. It's an OK episode I thought, just one that I have little to no interest in really re-visiting again. It still is barely my favourite of the season premieres.
The Zack story is definitely amusing and his scheme for getting on stage for graduation when he didn't was definitely a high point in the episode. Beyond some entertaining moments, it was serviceable but not very memorable. Then there's Maddie's story, which offers some amusing moments without being too memorable either. It's nice to see Holly, the con-girl from the second season return, but the humour is too repetitive (the constant "at least you have..." sequence of lines) and its rhythm a little irritating.
There's also perhaps not enough Mr. Moseby for the episode, and even when he appears on screen, he doesn't quite have that same energy here. It's an OK episode I thought, just one that I have little to no interest in really re-visiting again. It still is barely my favourite of the season premieres.
