It's easy to forget that, even though Glitch Techs was released on Netflix as two seasons, it was actually one production season of 20 episodes that was artificially split in halves for release. I say this because it's surprising how well "The Glitch Modder" is able to get someone who hadn't watched the series in a while back up to speed on the series' distinct flavor and cast, while also adding some downright thought-provoking ideas to the more diehard fans, making for a really strong start for "season 2".
The action sequence at the beginning is a hell of a lot of fun, with each of the established techs being along for the ride, Mitch getting his most substantial role since "Smashozaurs", and of course Miko being extremely eager to show her worth. Her attitude, and the reminder that her memory can't be wiped, puts her under ridicule - particularly from Mitch, and at first it plays off as a very standard self-esteem type of conflict. However, it takes an incredibly refreshing twist when the discovery of an illegally modified Chomp Kitty glitch leads to Miko discovering someone just as unique as her. It becomes less about embracing your weird mannerisms and more about how it's your ethics and heart that matter above all else.
To be honest, this ultimately takes a bit of a backseat to the newcomer Ridley and especially her expertise in modding. This character leaves such a memorable first impression, with her showing a downright contagious passion for VG technologies and how she is able to modify the sprites and elements to her liking. And from what I know, most of what she describes on modding - although simplified to prevent making non-gamers feel left out - is extremely accurate to how such communities go about their work. They generally don't intend any harm or thrill, they just like the idea of being able to use their tools to enhance what they're given, sometimes to make others happy along with themselves. All that's topped with a very on-point performance by Ashly Burch, who also wrote this episode.
There's a lot of complicated discussion to this episode in regards to the ethics behind modding and the awkward situation a company representative has when encountering it. Miko enters Ridley's lair outright admiring her work, but it's upon noticing how the modder willingly releases glitch creatures (albeit tame ones) where she becomes conflicted. She feels the need to step in and do her job as a Glitch Tech, both to avoid danger and because it's what Hinobi would want her to do, even though Ridley isn't hurting anyone. The possibility is brought up of Ridley's talents being used at Hinobi's team, only for her to not only decline but also feel betrayed at who she thought was a new friend turn out to be the biggest obstacle to her doing what she loves. However, when a dangerous, untested sprite is prematurely released, she still has enough goodwill to let Miko and Five take it down, even if it's obviously to prevent further damage. It's exactly the type of discussion one would want to see in a show like this, and let me tell you, this is not all we're going to get out of it.
Being in the middle of the production season, this is one episode where Studio 100 and Top Draw appear to share animation duties across different scenes, and as such we pretty much get the best of both worlds, with some scenes getting unbelievably dynamic action and others getting a lot of expression and attractive color work. This rivals the Flying Bark episodes in just how consistently attractive and strong the work is all across the board. This probably has the most to break down out of any episode so far, and let me tell you, getting it down to an appropriate number of screencaps required a lot of restraint.
Not even 30 seconds into the episode, and we get a serious 'zest shot', where Miko is given these really angular inbetweens, jumps around, and slides back with the camera continuing to follow her. *Mwah*
Even the less energetic shots prove visually exciting, with how they not only do the whole multi-panel thing, but keep the focus on Mitch in this circle that remains in place as the camera shifts between panels. Also, Bergy is once again given the short end of the stick.
This phenomenally animated shot of Miko hopping and swinging to reach the blowfish glitch's weak spot manages to rival the one from a mere minute ago. It's not as dynamic with the camera, but it's incredible how much inertia they managed to pack in just a few seconds, with particularly confident posing to boot. I'm not even showing you the impact, but trust me, it is probably one of the best in the series.
There's the family from the very beginning of the series again.
I know Mitch was always a pretty insensitive, condescending griefer, but the fact he revels in making Miko feel bad about her oddities is honestly pretty low. But it does open up a chance to give him a number of solid facial expressions like this one.
Here's a new location, with a pretty cute name. Pity we never get a look inside.
Ridley's introduction is very mysterious, with her not saying a word at first and even wearing goggles of sorts. And yet they show just enough of her, like the fairly unusual choice of clothes and just the fact she surrounds herself with a modded chomp kitty, to know something truly interesting is up.
The ensuing chase to get Miko into Ridley's lair is pretty standard in terms of animation for the most part, but this one goes above and beyond in conveying the speed with all the whoosh lines in the background, something you don't normally see in this show. Pretty sure this was a Top Draw scene.
Great staging here; not just in the angle, but also the fact the music almost completely drops to a dramatic tremble, as well as the distance being even more emphasized with the camera perspective moving Five's position further left.
This windup and impact you don't even see coming, as it comes with basically no warning right after Ridley's Chompkitty landed in the lair. And I think the power conveyed in these drawings speak for themselves at this point.
I love how excited Ridley suddenly gets when she finally reveals herself. It's not even played as a dramatic reveal despite the earlier buildup, and that's what makes it great.
So uh, remember when people hyperfocused on this shot in the trailer, wondering what the heck this robotic Miko could mean, only for it to merely exist in Five's head? Dang marketers...
Besides, this Miko is MUCH more freaky-looking.
This is where Ridley delivers the "Weirdos for life!" line. It's also worth mentioning that just before, she mentions being called weird by someone named Mike Simms. I want you all to remember that name, it'll pay off several episodes from now.
A close-up look at Ridley's little control panel. Note the artificially-added control peripheral, the multitude of extra buttons on the menu, and even the 'R' written on the front. As someone who has a real life friend exactly like Ridley, I can say that all this absolutely nails what these people are like.
I love this entire conversation. Not only does it really show how much Burch knows what she's talking about in regards to these activities, but it shows Miko's conflicting feelings on the matter, starting out excited over these abilities only for the enhanced Chomp Kitty beta to leave her frightened and put her in a more vulnerable state. It helps that they really know how to mix up the camera angles to match the mood of each specific portion and make it much more than just a talking heads scene.
When Ridley starts feeling betrayed, the artists pull an undeniably interesting trick and have the colors from the monitors and Ridley-box display reflect on her in this close-up, creating a much more sinister, emotional look than most other scenes taking place in the lair.
Five re-entering the plot is quite abrupt, but it definitely stops the mood of the previous scene from becoming too uncomfortable. Plus, him launching between them and toward the camera is a funny visual.
Don't let the energy unleashing from the Ridley-box distract you from the *hilarious* look on Miko.
And come act 3, we get right back into fast-paced action. Not that I'm complaining with drawings as intense as this.
Miko tries to tell Five that she had everything under control, only for this little pop-up to outright pause the show for a second just to correct her. Heh.
There's definitely a little self-awareness going on with how Miko and Five are talking things out while being chased by a fire-breathing glitch that's out of their control, and it's pretty funny how it's played out, even if it does kind of undermine the danger a bit.
I haven't found a place to mention the whole "does a salamander eat seaweed" motif yet. Doesn't do too much for me, but I find it endearing how Five was willing to fact-check this for Miko's sake. Says a lot about them both, honestly.
We get a couple shots of Ridley being in the shadows as she works on the D-team's Gauntlets. She's not entirely like this during the brief process, but I like how - even though you could figure out her intents from the given context - you don't exactly know what she's doing.
A good look at the enhanced, very medieval costumes Miko and Five get from the Ridley-flaired gauntlets. I think my favorite thing has got to be Five's staff, look at the tip of that thing.
Here's probably the best look we get at the beta Chomp Kitty. A little simplified in terms of design, but still IMO one of the more memorable bosses with that long, chainball tail and those purple stripes. This entire battle scene was also very clearly Studio 100's work, as it's full of that trademark lowered frame rate that only makes the individual frames pack all the more of a punch.
Five getting to deliver the final blow is extremely appropriate. The explosion itself isn't anything special, but I do really like the chroma appearance to the staff blast.
Ridley's exit is also just the right level of dramatic. Mysterious and open-ended for sure, but not overplayed nor too much of a downer.
With how much Bergy was beaten up early in the episode, him owning Haneesh in this little game feels quite deserved. Look at that smug face.
But not as deserved as Miko calling out Mitch ridiculing her so much. There's many expressions I could have taken, but this stink-eye is probably my favorite.