| "Partners" | |||
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| Spider-Man (1994 TV series) episode | |||
Alistair Smythe captures the Black Cat |
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| Episode no. | Season 4 Episode 46 |
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| Written by | John Semper Teleplay by: Cynthia Harrison and Brooks Wachtel |
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| Production code | 315 | ||
| Original air date | May 3, 1997 | ||
| Guest stars | |||
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Sandra Bernhard (Sarah Baker) |
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| Episode chronology | |||
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| List of Spider-Man episodes | |||
"Partners" is the fifth episode from the fourth season of the animated series Spider-Man,[1] originally airing on May 3, 1997,[2] on Fox Kids in the United States.[3] As Martin Landau was overwhelmed with work following his Oscar award for his role in Ed Wood,[3] Richard Moll was re-cast as Scorpion.[1]
Contents |
Alistair Smythe, currently working as Silvermane's top scientist, kidnaps the Black Cat. He then bribes Spider-Man into capturing either the Scorpion or the Vulture, whom both have unique DNA samples which are essential for Silvermane if he is to restore adulthood, in exchange for her release. Meanwhile, Mac Gargan is in grief over his permanent condition as a superhuman, and has been keeping the Vulture captive as is capable of producing the necessary technology which can restore Mac human. Scorpion eventually decides to resort to robbery in order to afford to undergo an operation for his condition, against his girlfriend, Sarah's advice. Spider-Man is then able to capture him to fulfill his and Smythe's bargain. Silvermane then trades his DNA with Scorpion, before attempting to trade his stature with Spider-Man. The bound and gagged Black Cat tries to warn Spider-Man, but by the time she has removed her bonds Spider-Man has been captured. Silverman then tries to drain Spider-Man's powers, though Vulture interrupts the operation and permently makes himself youthful, though in the process Silvermane is aged back.
When the Black Cat comments that she and Spider-Man have landed themselves in yet another negative situation, it is a reference to the comedy duo of Laurel and Hardy, notably the 1930 film in which featured them, Another Fine Mess.[1] The Black Cat also indicates the Incredible Hulk in the episode.[3] Spider-Man also references The A-Team, specifically the character of John "Hannibal" Smith played by George Peppard with the line "I love it when a plan comes together."
The episode has received criticism during a review, which speculates that an excessive amount of characters appear, notably an unnecessary appearance of Silvermane. Also, scenes associating Spider-Man and the Black Cat have been criticized, somewhat predictably. The episode is considered to be among those in which Black Cat lacked interest, partly as she is featured outside her origin. However, viewers have commented that aspects of the episode such as Scorpion reforming, and the Vulture being unable to control de-aging, noticing that he is missing the mutation disease he absorbed from Spider-Man during Neogenic Nightmare,[1] are somewhat interesting. Scorpion resorting to robbery only in order to afford to cure himself has been described to "flesh the character out more".[4]
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