After a pilot that was packed to the GILLS with characters and action, the second episode, "Interactions" in contrast is a little slower, only having one villain and some missing characters, but that is fine, fleshing out the ones we have and following a more traditional "villain of the week" format, which is perfectly fine if said episodes and villains are done well. People only complain about "formula" when it is done poorly.
The episode more importantly shows that this will be a show where subplots are built up and past actions matter and tie in together. That is CRUCIAL for an episodic format, otherwise things can feel pointless. It is about as good at that stuff as TMNT was in it's first season, and that's as good as one can expect. Following from last episode, we get to see Peter and Gwen working with Dr. Conners after school and May constantly calling Peter by cell if he isn't home by 10 p.m. Unfortunately, before all that, electrician Max Dillon undergoes an accident near Conners' electric eel experiment and is turned into an electricity-generating being. Not a criminal at first, Max is unable to control his power to the point where voltage zaps stuff with nearly every emotion, and he need to wear a special suit to survive. He can't even drink fluids without zapping out.
Eager to earn some money as the lab gig is non-paying, Peter talks with J.J. about getting paid for photos of Spider-Man, a proposition that was introduced last episode and Jameson shamelessly steals from Peter. More subplots from the pilot. Peter also is asked to tutor Flash's girlfriend, Liz Allen, in biology due to her low grades. Greg mentioned wanting to add more ethnic characters to the cast in the name of diversity (Midtown High was lilly-white in the 60's and he feels that isn't accurate for 2008), and so Liz Allen is now apparently a brunette and a Latina, although they didn't alter her last name (in interviews, Greg noted he also will be making Ned Leeds Asian and renaming him "Ned Lee"), and it works fine. Liz is still Liz so it really doesn't matter unless you are an ungodly strict purist. Peter is romantically interested in Liz but she couldn't be bothered to even put down her cell-phone. I like that the cartoon isn't making the mistake of the movies and setting up Peter & MJ as immortal lovers since first grade. No, Peter is young and he's willing to date around like in the comics, just he doesn't have much luck yet. Damn it Peter, Gwen's making those goo-goo eyes, damn it...
Much akin to real life, Liz has no respect for Peter until he blows her off to become Spider-Man, unintentionally standing up for himself ("You're the one who needs tutoring, not me. Get back to me when you're ready to learn.") I thought that was cool and subtle. Eager to get some action pics, Spidey is quick to fight Max, and dubs him "Electro" in the course of his banter. It isn't until later that Peter learns that Max is in fact a tragic victim of a science accident, not unlike himself. But by then, Max is too berserk to listen to reason. Granted, he was the type who seemed to care more about himself than the safety of others, which was why he left the hospital in the first place. I didn't care for Electro's design in sneak peeks but in animation it came off pretty well considering it was a bit generic, and they keep his green/yellow color scheme intact. True, once Spidey gets a rubber glove, he doesn't simply punch Electro, but throwing him against a wall or into a swimming pool is just as effective.
The episode naturally showed that Spider-Man is not the only "victim" of wonky science experiments, but what makes him special is naturally what he did in response to it. A lot of his enemies had similar origins but often turned the other way which helped make them dynamic foils. The episode continues the "feel" of the little Spidey-world here, with OSCORP signs and even Conners' getting that "electrified" lizard sample to use on himself, which builds up the Lizard. Within two episodes the show is flowing incredibly well. Hell, I'd argue this is Kids' WB's best launch in ages. Not even LEGION OF SUPERHEROES was this good 2 episodes in. The voice work is all good and the animation is crisp and exciting, with enough homages to past and present comics to fill a commentary reel.
The episode ends with Liz genuinely liking Peter, but caving to peer pressure once Flash shows up, and May being unhappy with Peter's response to her curfew rule. That ol' Parker luck.
Now THIS is Spider-Man, and for the first time in animation history the high school stuff is being showcased and well. Can't wait for more.
t: I like the begining where spider-man says that even with all his spider powers he cannot make it to school on time
