Dragons Riders of Berk Reviews: Episode 20 - We Are Family Part 2

Well, this is it. The last episode of Riders of Berk. Now the last episode of the show, just season 1. Season 2 is called Defenders of Berk for some reason. I ain't complaining though, it makes it sound like there'll be more action. So after this, on to Defenders. 

We left the last episode off with hiccup being captured by the Outcast with Mildew's help by tricking him into coming to an Island that was supposedly crawling with Night Furies. How will Hiccup get out of this one? 

So the episode begins, where else? On Outcast Island. We zoom in on a large metal door, then we cut to a cage. A pissed off Nadder attempts a breakout and quite possibly is looking to start a riot. Hiccup is shoved into the shot being flanked by Alvin and Savage. Hiccup tells Alvin that was admittedly slick shit he pulled there. But he thinks using Mildew against them is some low ass shit, even for a scumbag like Alvin. Savage finds this funny, at least until Alvins punches the shit out his face. He makes a clumsy rebound saying no one thinks Hiccup's funny. 

Alvin then takes Hiccup on a tour of the dragon pens. The Outcasts are doing a terrible job at keeping the dragons under control. Outcasts are getting wasted all over trying to keep Dragons they don't understand from escaping. Hiccup gives some pointers, and comments that the Outcasts really suck when it comes to Dragons. Alvin tells Hiccup that's precisely why he's there, he's gonna be the Outcasts dragon training slave. Hiccup refuses sarcastically, Alvin shows him Toothless incapacitated to show him he means business and to get him to quit his sarcastic bullshit. Alvin tells Hiccup he'll train his Dragons for him, Hiccup asks what'll happen if he refuses. 

Then I'll be using your dragons bones as butt scratchers....
Bitch!

After a scene with Savage locking Hiccup in a cell and mocking him with false offers of food and yak milk and sensual massages, we cut to Stoick, Gobber, and the other teens flying towards the "Isle of Night". Fishlegs is about to piss himself with excitement for the possibility of seeing Night Fury's in the wild. Stoick tells the group to split up and approach from different directions. Astrid tells the group to be locked and ready to fuck shit up. 

Back at Outcast Island, Hiccup is attempting a prison break, when he hears Mildew and Alvin around the corner, having a not-so-friendly conversation. Mildew complains that they had a deal, Alvin tells Mildew to piss on the deal. He's got the muscle, he's changing it as he sees fit, and he sees fit to throw Mildew's ass in the slammer! Savage once again decides to mock Hiccup by pointing out they know each other, and that Mildew's time is just as short as his and Toothless'. Alvin, for good measure, pulls Mildew's sheep Fungus from him. Mildew is distraught and demands to know what Alvin's doing with him. Alvin tells him he's preparing Mildew's final meal. 

I'm altering the deal, pray I don't alter it further...
Bitch!

Back at the "Isle of Night" Astrid, Fishlegs, and Snotlout spot the fake Night Fury the Outcasts used. I wander why they would leave it behind, it's evidence that can be traced back to you, dumbasses! At least burn it or bury it or something! You guys would be terrible criminals. 

Anyway, they spot the Fake Night Fury but they think it's real from a distance. They set down and realise quickly enough that the Night Fury is actually fake. But Ruffnut and Tuffnut think its still real and blow it to shit. Astrid chews them out for being so stupid, that could have been Toothless for all their dumb asses knew. Then they say some nonsensical crap about chickens, horns, and Tuffnut being girly.  

Stoick and Gobber set down beside them on Thornado. He saw Barf and Belch fire from the sky, and asks what the fuck is going and if they found anything. Astrid tells him they found a fake Night Fury. When Stoick asks where it is, Fishlegs tells him it's nothing but a big, burning pile of shit now. Stoick looks at them like he's ready to rip Tuff's balls off and shave a spear up Ruff's ass. 

Don't pull shit like this again, motherfuckers.

Gobber asks Fishlegs for a piece of the burnt Night Fury. He tell Fishlegs to smell it, and Fishleg nearly chokes on his own vomit. This makes Tuffnut want to smell it. Gobber examines the piece of burnt shit and comes to the conclusion that it's made out of dragon skin and has ash from a charred Loki tree. Snotlout butts in, saying he's never hear of that shit before. Stoick tells him he's never heard of it, because it's from Outcast Island. Fishlegs concludes that Hiccup must be on Outcast Island. No shit Sherlock, this is why you don't leave evidence behind. 

Back at Outcast Alcatraz, Hiccup is attempting some Shawshank Redemption shit, trying to dig his way out with a rock. Mildew looks in pity at what Hiccup has been reduced to, he thought Hiccup was smarter than that. He tells Hiccup to stop dicking around with rocks, he needs to get out and find Toothless. Now Hiccup's response should be "Why the hell do you care?", but seeing as he doesn't got many options he asks Mildew how he proposes to do that. Mildew tells him to give Alvin what he wants. 

Meanwhile, Alvin and Savage are checking out the Dragons pens. 

FREEDOM!!!

GAH!! FUCK!!!

EAT MY WATERY SHIT!!

DAMMIT!!!

Hiccup's advice does wanders for the Outcasts abilities to keep their Dragon's under control. Alvin observes that Hiccup is really proving his worth. Savage suggests the idea of Alvin riding Toothless into Berk, saying that would be quite a sight. As Alvin ponders a new name for himself aside from The Treacherous, he notices that something's wrong with Toothless. His lackey's tell him that Toothless won't eat or drink, and hasn't had anything for hours. Alvin tells them to force-feed him if they have to, if Toothless dies they have nothing to threaten Hiccup with. 

Back at Hiccup's cell, Hiccup calls out to a nearby guard. He's ready to squeal for Alvin and train his dragons for him. The guard opens the door, but Hiccup smacks him with his metal leg. The guard however is still standing, looks like Hiccup's fucked. But Mildew finishes the job for Hiccup, knocking out the guard and pushing the key towards Hiccup. Hiccup makes a break for it, but Mildew begs Hiccup to free him. Hiccup's all like "You're shitting me, right?". Mildew promises he ain't dicking around, he knows his way around the Island and can help Hiccup escape. He asks Hiccup to let him make up for fucking him the ass. 

Oh come on Hiccup, would I lie?

Hiccup frees Mildew, but reminds Mildew that he'll flay him if this turns out to be a ploy. They both make a break for freedom. The guard wakes up momentarily, then goes back to being unconscious. 

Back at Toothless' cell, a couple of Outcasts are trying to wake him up by shoving a fish into his mouth. One of the guards randomly change faces between shots, and they argue about what how to get Toothless to eat. One of them asks the other if Toothless is breathing, the other guard thinks he's talking about the fish, the other bitchslaps him for being a simpleton dolt and unties the muzzle holding Toothless mouth closed. If they can't get Toothless to eat, they get stakes up their asses. 

They pull the muzzle off Toothless. Toothless then comes alive and blasts the guard. He bites his way to freedom. he strikes a scary pose for the camera, and smacks the shit out of the guards on his way out. 

Well, you've been outsmarted by a dragon,
I hope your proud of yourselves.

Hiccup and Mildew escape from Alcatraz and end up in Wild Dragon territory. Hiccup asks what's the quickest way to Toothless. Mildew points at a lava field crawling with Wild Dragons. As Hiccup makes for the field, Mildew stops him reminding him that it's full of Wild Dragons. Hiccup ain't afraid of a few Wild Dragons however. Mildew complains how a 90 pound boy is his human shield, right before his clumsy ass trips over himself. 

Toothless is prowling the Island looking for Hiccup, and blasts a bunch of Outcasts in his way. Hiccup and Mildew are advancing through the Dragons infested field, Mildew looks like he's ready to spill his bowels all over the ground as the Dragon eye him. A Deadly Nadder takes interest in them and tries to intimidate them. Mildew is bout to strike it with his stick, but Hiccup pulls it away from him before he pisses it off. Hiccup then moves behind the dragon gaining its trust, though it seems to take a liking to Mildew for some reason. Hiccup thinks he's found a way to get to Toothless. 

Mmm, tastes good.

After a little check in with Stoick and the gang recruiting Trader Johann for a covert operation  on Outcast Island, Toothless manages to find Hiccup's former cell. He scares the shit out of the formerly unconscious guard, who'd rather lock himself in the cell than face Toothless. Toothless continues on his hunt. 

At the docks, Trader Johann drops anchor and greets the Outcasts. They pile onto his ship fighting over the best weapons. Johann mentions that he has something special for Alvin, and Stoick and the gang hop out from the lower deck to kick ass and take names. Fishlegs seems to enjoy smashing heads with boxes, he asks if that's wrong but Astrid and Ruffnut seem to think that's hot. Stoick chokes a bitch and demands to know where Hiccup and Toothless are. 

Back at the lava field, Hiccup walks Mildew through all the steps of gaining a Dragon's trust, and in effect training it to be ridden. Mildew gets the trust part down and manages to crawl onto the Dragon's back. Hiccup can hardly believe he managed to get the crusty old dragon-hating fuck on the back of a dragon, and admits this is something he'll have to get used to. A few more pointers later and they're off to find Toothless, only Mildew is so terrified of falling off that he has to cling to something. 

OK Mildew, there's plenty of dragon to grab on to,
this is getting awkward.

After barely missing Toothless, Hiccup flies into the cavern with Toothless' cell, only to discover that Toothless is gone. Just then, all the cells belonging to the other Dragons start to open. Alvin is up top, he wants to see what Hiccup can do with some real wild dragons. he releases the Changewing, the Scauldron and the Whispering Death. After some clever manoeuvring, Hiccup's Nadder manages to trick the other three dragons and gets them all tangled up in one another. 

Hiccup and Mildew make their escape and land outside. Stoick and the gang find them and for some reason are on their dragons, when I thought they said they were going in by land and sea because Alvin would have expected them to come by air, but now they're on their dragons after having already attacked the docks from Trader Johann's ship??? 

Anyway, Stoick and the gang find Hiccup and Mildew and Tuffnut is wierded out by seeing Mildew on the back of a dragon and even more wierded out by Hiccup vouching for Mildew when Gobber's about to skin his face. 

This day just gets stranger and stranger by the minute!

Hiccup will explain all of this weird shit just as soon as they find Toothless. Astrid suggests that they should bring Toothless to them. Hiccup suddenly remembers the Dragon calls, and mimics a Night Fury call. Toothless hears them and runs in their direction. Hiccup and the gang find Toothless and they both embrace. Hiccup apologizes for getting them into this mess, but Toothless looks up and makes an angry look. Alvin in standing on top of the ridge and demands that they settle with their unfinished business, and throws a few harsh insults here and there.   

Hiccup accepts Alvin's challenge and dives toward him, but Alvin has a few tricks up his sleeve. The Outcasts throw a bunch of bolas and down Toothless. They move in for the kill. But suddenly, the other dragons form a defensive line around Hiccup and Toothless and get them out of dodge. Hiccup wanders what the hell just happened, the dragons rescued him all on their own. Astrid think they took their training to a whole new level. Stoick tells them they can catch up later, right now they need to get the fuck out of there. They make a break for Berk, but Mildew is holding on by a thread. He tell Hiccup he's sorry and lets go. 

SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!

  
Hiccup makes a turnaround to save Mildew, but Mildew falls into a pack of Outcasts and Stoick thinks there's no helping him now, even though there's only a few Outcasts and they could easily just blast a few times and get him out of there. So Mildew's fucked, and he's brought to Alvin. But then Alvin congratulates Mildew, who responds with a friendly "Not bad eh?". It turns out that old fuck was just acting the whole time! Alvin must of knew that Hiccup had plot convenience on his side, so he prepared accordingly. Alvin wants to know what Mildew's learned from Hiccup, and declares this a new era for the Outcasts. 

Back at Berk, Hiccup burns the fake map and apologizes to Toothless for it not being the real deal. But then he decides, maybe it ain't so bad being one-of-a-kind. Astrid reminds it that the Bork Week parade is about to begin. Hiccup explains, narratically, that a family doesn't have to be something you're born into. It's the homie's who stood with you, the dudes who kicked ass by your side, they'll be there for you and you for them, for the battles that are yet to come. 

Damn right.

Summary

This was a pretty great season finale, I can't say it's as good as part 1, but it's still pretty damn good. There's a lot of great action and stakes, and Alvin once again shows he's a great villain. Mildew also had a shining moment with the reveal that he lied to Hiccup about being a changed man. 

But the last episode was about Hiccup trying to find other Night Fury's for Toothless, this episode more deals with the aftermath of Alvin's trick and Mildew's betrayal. Still great but more about the action than character this time around. 

But, action is never boring and there was still some great character moments in this episode anyway. 

8.5/10 

And now onto Defenders of Berk!

Dragons Riders of Berk Reviews: Episode 19 - We Are Family Part 1

Well, last Wednesday Dragons Defenders of Berk finished its run. The season finale aired and there'll be no more How To Train Your Dragon related stuff until How To Train Your Dragon 2, and Season 3 in 2015. I'm not so sure what to say about the finale, but that review ain't gonna happen for a while yet. But what I am doing, is the season 1 Riders finale.

It's a happy day on Berk. Vikings and Dragons are hard at work, setting up some kind of event and for the first time in the series we see Vikings who aren't the main characters riding dragons. Hiccup narratically explains that Vikings have a strong sense of community, it's important to be a part of a family and to celebrate that connection. Which I think is Hogwash. Oh don't get me wrong, family is great, I guess. But family celebrations/get-togethers/dinners, I'm personally not a fan. But I guess me and Hiccup have major philosophical differences on this topic. 

We then see Gobber pounding nails into some strange large statue, the town watches in admiration and/or curiosity. Gobber then says "Happy Bork Week" to two villagers whose names coincidentally end with "us", Shamus and Magnus. Gobber then wishes a happy Bork Week to the statue of his great grandfather Bork. Bork is the Viking who wrote the Book of Dragons, and this is obviously a holiday celebrating that. 

Just as Gobber seems to be really enjoying his day, in comes Mildew to sweep any good feelings he had under the rug. Oh, not because Mildew said anything along the lines of "If only we had a man like Bork to kill all these dragons because they're a nuisance to me personally and I'm a crusty old fuck", Mildew just seems to have some strange superpower that sucks the happy feels out just by being in his mere presence. 

Oh, Mildew. FUCK MY LIFE!!!!!

Gobber is quick to remind Mildew that the days of fighting dragons is over and never coming back, and it's time for Mildew to roll over like the old dog he is and let progress run its course. But Mildew refuses to let society progress, he's a relic from a time long past and follows a tradition that has no place in this era of progression. He's an obstructive, crusty old fuck that ain't backing down till he gets his way. Somebody call the Republican Party, they'll want this guy ASAP. 

So after asking Gobber about Bork's dragon-gutting dagger that might or might not be foreshadowing, I don't know at this particular time, Hiccup is in the quarry making dragon noises with his hands. Just like you would do with a bird or wolves, only I'm not so sure Dragons vocalisations can be mimicked by humans. Though, seeing as Dragons don't exist is real life, this is kinda a moot point. Reality sucks. 

Anyway, Hiccup is making Dragon calls and Snotlout thinks this is boring and stupid. Fishleg's tells Snotlout to sit his punk ass down and wait for the calls to work. Snotlout sits down, and decides to fuck with Ruffnut and Tuffnut by flashing a light dot like you do with cats. 

I'm calling it, Ruff and Tuff are reincarnated cats.
It explains so much.

Hiccup tells Snotlout to knock it off, Snotlout reluctantly agrees because it was just so damn funny. But he's still bored as shit becuase nothing's still happening. Juts then, Toothless appears, responding to Hiccup's call. Snotlout is reluctant to say it, but he admits that was pretty cool.  Hiccup then asks Fishleg's to demonstrate his Gronckle calls. But Fishleg's gets caught up in the moment and rambles for 5 hours before Snotlout tells him to shut the fuck up and get to the point. Fishleg's makes some calls that bring Meatlug and a pack of Gronckle's to the Quarry. Astrid, being a very competitive person, beats that by calling her herd of Nadders in perfect formation. 

Tuffnut wants to ask Hiccup something important. Hiccup wants to know if it's actually something that's not a complete and utter waste of his precious, valuable time, and shockingly it is a legitimate quandary. He wants to know why they're dicking around with Dragon calls. Hiccup explains to him that they'd be useful if they ever get separated from their dragons, which Tuffnut doesn't get. It's like trying to explain how to tie your shoes to a toddler. Hiccup also mentions how his Dad wants a Dragon air parade for Bork Week. Ruffnut asks why they give a shit about a Dragon Killer, Fishleg's explains that Bork wrote the book on Dragon Knowledge and is the predecessor to their fields, so that's why they still celebrate his name. Snotlout then asks who Toothless is going to fly with during this parade. 

Does he have to fly with anyone?

Meanwhile, Gobber is throwing shit out of his attic, looking for a chest with all of Bork's old shit in it while singing a song of how Bork saved Berk then went Berserk. He finds it and is about to leave but finds Mildew blocking his way. He tells Mildew that the next time he sneaks up on him, he'll gut him and spill his entrails. Mildew says he needs Gobber to clean up his mess for him, he claims that his wheelbarrow broke and his cabbage is littered all over the road. Gobber tells Mildew to clean up his own mess, but Mildew just asks what happened to customer service. Gobber agrees and leaves Bork's chest and dagger to go deal with Mildew's cabbage. Mildew eyes the dagger and chest.

Hiccup and Toothless are on a hill overseeing the preparations for the Dragon parade, but Toothless is all like "You a'ight Dawg?" when he sees that Hiccup doesn't look too happy. Hiccup wishes that there were more Night Furies for Toothless to interact with. Astrid lands by Hiccup and informs him that she got the Nadders flying in perfect formation, Hiccup compliments her on a job well done. Astrid however notices something's gone fuckey with Hiccup's mood and asks him about it. Hiccup explains that all the other dragons have homie's to chill with, but Toothless has no one. Astrid tells him Toothless has Hiccup to chill with, and she also says Toothless looks pretty happy to her. 

Toothless you magnificent cute bastard! 

Hiccup isn't so sure about that though. Astrid tells him that Toothless will be fine, then tells him that Stoick wants to see him at the Great Hall and that he's got some serious business with him. Hiccup prepares for the worst. 

Hiccup goes to the Great Hall, which has been darkened for dramatic effect. Stoick, Gobber, Spitelout and a bunch of other nameless Vikings wait to receive him. Stoick tells Hiccup to come forward and hold out his hands, Hiccup is noticeably terrified. Hiccup tries to tell them that he can't stop Snotlout and the Twins from causing chaos 24/7. Gobber says this ain't about those dicks and their shenanigans, it's something good. Stoick gets pissed at Gobber for once again spilling the beans when he wanted to spill them.

Stoick explains that this is the first Bork Week since they've made peace with the dragons. So it has been decided that everything dragon related including Bork's work will be entrusted to him and the academy, the music ups the dramatic effect. Gobber shows Hiccup Bork's shit, his whole life's work, ideas, thoughts, even some delicious recipes. Hiccup is overwhelmed with happiness by being given this responsibility. Stoick says that Bork was their history and him and the Acadamy are their future, and he's trusting Hiccup with both. A very touching father/son moment among many. Gobber however, is finding it hard to part with his ancestor's shit. 

Gobber, clinging to it isn't gonna make it easier,
HAND IT OVER!!

But Gobber eventually lets go and tells Hiccup Bork's shit is his now. Hiccup takes it back to his house and looks through Bork's notes. Everything he ever observed about dragon's in in those notes, along with interesting drawings of his neighbours. So, Bork was a peeper? He sounds like quite an interesting guy. Hiccup however finds his drawings disturbing as shit and throws the book aside, only for it to reveal some kind of hidden piece of paper. Hiccup pulls it out and unfolds it, and its a bunch of pages about Night Furies and an Island that's crawling in em'. II don't know, there's something awfully suspicious about this. 

So Hiccup and the teens are off to find the Isle of Night. They're looking for Bork's cave which will have a map to the Isle of Night. They find a large rock formation and set out for some kind of cave. But then they hear something strange, but it turns out to be Snotlout attempting a Changewing call. Fishleg's however points out it's more like a Changewing having diarrhoea than an actual Changewing call and quickly corrects him. Snotlout then bets that Fishleg's can't do a Thunderdrum, a bet that Fishleg's destroys. After that little bit of theatrics, they find the cave. But they hear what appears to be a Thunderdrum. They think it's Fishleg's mimicking a call, but Fishleg's denies it, saying that his is much more authentic which insults the pissed off Thunderdrum right around the corner. They book it to the cave, but it's disappeared. Hiccup, Fishelgs and Astrid deal with the Thunderdrum while Snotlout and the Twins try to find the cave. Snotlout swears he saw it right where he's standing. 

Surprise Motherfucker!

A Changewing was blocking the cave, and it snatches Snotlout and starts beating him. As Astrid and Fishlegs are dealing with the Thunderdrum, Hicup and Toothless fly into the cave and find a map that leads to the Isle of Night. He tries to draw it, but the chaos outside causes the cave to start collapsing. Hiccup manages to get the map all drawn out despite the urgency of the situation. Outside, Snotlout is up shit creek without a paddle. He's being thrown around and slammed against the rocks by the Changewing and the Twins' intervention only makes the situation worse. 

Speaking of which, Hiccup is also up shit creek without a paddle and whatever he tries will only make his situation worse. The Thunderdrum blocked the exit out of the cave and the cave is collapsing, blasting would only bring the cave down on them. But Toothless reveals an ability he has that we never knew he had. he does some echolocation shit, kinda like bats have, and finds his way out of the cave. Astrid is amazed they managed to get out, but Hiccup is dumbfounded as to how they got out of that one. Hiccup then decides to go help Snotlout. 

?????
Uh,....... I got nothing.

Hiccup makes fun of Snotlout for the ridiculous predicament he's in, then blasts Snotlout out of the dragon's grasp. Snotlout is caught by Hookfang, and the teens head back to Berk. Hiccup tells the others about Toothless' totally awesome unknown ability. They're confused, but it doesn't really matter as we're following the plot about finding other Night Furies. 

Back at the house, Hiccup is reading Bork's notes. It turns out that Night Furies ain't down with being around other dragons. So Hiccup decides to go alone to prevent a tragedy. Wait a minute, Hiccup you fool! It's a ploy, trust me on this! But Hiccup heads off alone, despite my warnings. 

The others are waiting in the arena for Hiccup, but Hiccup ain't showing up. They find it hard to believe that Hiccup would leave em' hanging like that. Astrid goes to his house to find out, and finds Stoick carving a wooden duck that I swear I've seen somewhere before. Stoick tells Astrid that he's not sure where Hiccup is, so Astrid tells him she'll just leave a note for him in his room. She finds Hiccup's notebook with the map drawn in it. 

Hiccup and Toothless arrive at the Isle of Night and see what appears to be a Night Fury giving distinct Night Fury calls. Hicup lets Toothless approach but notices that something ain't right with this picture. But it comes too late as Hiccup and Toothless are captured by Alvin the Treacherous. They've been tricked with a fake Night Fury and a horn. 

You've just been punked!

Alvin demands that Hiccup train Alvin's dragons for him. Hiccup refuses, but Alvin thinks he'll get Hiccup to cooperate, and once he trains Dragons he'll destroy Berk with them. Hiccup tries to process how Alvin managed this, just as it cuts to Gobber knocking on Mildew's door and finding the old fuck gone. 

At the arena, Astrid and Fishlegs are packing up for the Isle of Night. Stoick flies in on Thornado and asks them where Hiccup is, then inquires what they're up to. Astrid tries to bullshit him and says they're just going on a training exercise. Stoick ain't convinced, and singles out Fishlegs who is a loose-tongued craven who spills the beans on everything at the first sign of pressure. Astrid makes an epic facepalm. Gobber comes in and tells Stoick he can't find Mildew anywhere.

Turns out Mildew is on the Isle of Night working with Alvin and the Outcasts. 

Even his sheep is helping them.

Hiccup wants to know just why the fuck Mildew is here. Mildew reveals that he put the map in Bork's notes, and led him into a trap. Mildew hates Hiccup and is loving every minute of finally outsmarting him, and to poor some extra salt in the wound he points out he did it all for the love of a dragon and advises to think hard about where he places his loyalties. Alvin pushes Mildew aside and tells the crew to raise sail and head for Outcast Island.

Shit just got real Yo!

Summary

A great part 1 to the season finale. Although it was kinda obvious that there would be no Night Furies and it was just a trick, and Mildew's part in it wasn't exactly subtle. I mean, that would be a pretty big deal in the series, and it's not something they'd waste in the TV show. But that's not what the episode was about, it was about just what length's Hiccup will go to for Toothless and how strong their friendship is. This was the first episode that really tackled that. 

Mildew's betrayal was actually a bit of a surprise to me, because I don't quite see the logic in it. Why would Mildew go over to Alvin when Alvin also wants to train dragons? I guess he realises that it's beyond his power to undo what Hiccup's done and instead decides that revenge against Hiccup will satisfy him? Well, it was still a great twist and his plot with Alvin shows their cunning as villains. And with that cliffhanger, the second part oughtta be good. 

9/10

Dragons Riders of Berk Reviews: Episode 18 - Gem Of A Different Color

So the first part of the Defenders of Berk Finale aired last Wednesday, and the final episode of Season 2 this week. I'm stoked, the first part was epic! And, great news, there's going to be two more seasons! Sweetness! June and How To Train Your Dragon 2 is fast approaching, and I've still got 22 episodes of Riders/Defenders and 3 Dragons related videos I want to do before it gets released. 

Today's episode is the first Fishleg's orientated episode of the series (at least I think), and the introduction of a very cool dragon from Book of Dragons. 

The Twins are in the arena, carrying shields and trying to kick the shit out of each other with them. Ruffnut smashes Tuffnut into the dust with her shield. Hiccup explains, in narration, that Vikings are strong and courageous, and that some are born with it and that for some it's a never-ending struggle. And some don't know enough to be afraid. Courage is a tricky maiden, ain't she?

Gobber congratulates Ruffnut on a ass-kicking well done and explains how the shield is the number one weapon. He asks whose next in line for an ass-kicking, disappointing Tuffnut, who thought he would get to kick Ruffnut's ass in return. Gobber tells him to do it on his own time and picks Astrid and Hiccup for the next ass-kicking. Hiccup objects claiming to be a gentlemen who doesn't fight girls, right before Astrid tackles him and twists his arm around his back, and if this wasn't a cartoon I'd say that's pretty sexy. 

Hiccup admits defeat after taking Gobber's advice to play dead. Gobber congratulates Astrid, and Astrid asks Hiccup if she hurt him....... much. Hiccup says he can't feel his arm and thinks his shoulder's been shattered. Gobber then gets Snotlout and Fishleg's to try and beat the shit out of each other. Snotlout is thrilled, as you would expect of a giant douchemonkey, but Fishleg's is nowhere to be found. He prefers spending time with Meatlug on a sandy beach looking into the sunset which is far too much of a romantic setting.

OK, tone it down a bit. 

As if it couldn't get any worse, Meatlug starts a fire when its cold and her and Fishleg's share a look and Fishleg's starts singing a rhyme about Meatlug, oh god there really is no making this less akward is there? Well, this is mercifully brought to an end when Meatlug wanders off and starts digging in the sand. Fishleg's then sees something that emits a rainbow coloured glow, or something to that effect, and shiny objects always bring intrigue. 

Back at Berk, Astrid is starting to worry about Fishleg's and wanders if he's okay. Ruff and Tuff says he looks fine as he's flying back from the Island, but comment that the fact he's glowing is spooky. Snotlout is getting ready for hand-to-face combat, Snotlout's hand to Fishleg's face. Fishleg's however is in no mood for an asswhooping, and instead shows the others the shiny rock he's found. 

Cut to Fishleg's with Gobber in front of the entire village. Gobber says its a stone of good fortune, saying his great uncle's wife's brother said that whoever came in contact with a stone of good fortune will be blessed with just that. Mulch mentions that Gobber's... uh, relative, was apparently mute. Gobber confirms that he indeed was, until he found a stone of good fortune, then he wouldn't shut the fuck up. Hearing this, the townspeople turn on Fishleg's like a pack of ravaging wolves. 

Stay Back you Savages!!

The mob crowds over him like a bunch of zombies trying to eat his brain. Stoick walks in and puts a stop to this spectacle before it gets out of hand. He asks who found the stone, a beaten and battered Fishleg's tells him that he found it. After Stoick helps him out, the mob starts offering Fishelg's shit for the stone. They offer him chickens, yaks, women, gold, golden women, and their first-born sons. Stoick tells the crowd to calm their tits, the stone belongs to Fishleg's and it's his to do with as he pleases. The villagers continue on their bidding for the stone and Hiccup decides to get Fishleg's out of there before he cracks under pressure. 

Snotlout is dumbfounded how Fishelg's could possibly turn down 20 sheep and Gustav Larson. He demands to know what Fishleg's wants for it. Fishleg's tells him he can't have it for any price, though Snotlout suddenly doesn't feel the need for a price. He thinks his fist is a good enough price. Astrid, however, aks him how bad he wants it like a total badass. Intimidated by Astrid's display of badassness, Snotlout tries to distract the group from his puss-out by claiming he just doesn't hit girls. Astrid gives him one last burn saying neither does she hit girls, before walking away like a badass. Snotlout decides to take the stone. 

Alright then, robbery it is!

Fishleg's, Astrid and Hiccup are heading back to the Island so Fishlegs can put the stone of good fortune back where he found. Hiccup asks if he's sure he wants to do that, since he could be the richest man on Berk, ripoff whoever he pleases, herd the Viking sheep in whatever direction he wants and have hookers for lunch everyday. Fishlegs tells Hiccup to stop filling his head with such evil notions and that he can't deal with the stress. That mob tried to tear him limb-from-limb for that stone, and he's starting to think the "good fortune" part was bullshit. 

They reach the Island and Hiccup asks Fishlegs about the flamboyant gems that are randomly in the trees. Fishleg's tells him that he found his stone on the beach. As they get closer they realise that those gems are in Dragons nests. Fishleg's realises quickly enough that his Stone of Good Fortune is actually a Dragon Egg. Fishlegs is ashamed he is guilty of kidnapping. After a very tearful goodbye, and with unseen dragons closing in, Fishlegs returns the egg back to its nest. As they make a break for it, the trio is attacked by stealthy dragon ninjas that shoot acid that melts anything. They barely make it out with their lives, only for Snotlout to come along and head towards the Island to most likely take as many eggs as possible. 

Snotlout; Arrogance, Repugnance, and Stupidity all
for the price of one. 

Back at Berk, Hiccup, Astrid and Fishlegs are looking through the Book of Dragons trying to find out what the ninja dragons were. They turn out to be Changewings, dragons that can camouflage into any environment, basically giant camellions that breath acid like the Aliens from Alien. Astrid then asks if the book says anything about eggs, whihc sends Fishlegs into a state of merciless self-loathing for being so stupid as to not recognise a dragon egg.   

Hiccup tries to reassure him, anybody would have mistaken that for a gem. But Fishlegs insists that it's his fault, he should have known. Hiccup sees the futility in trying to cheer him up and tells Fishlegs that at the very least, they managed to get it off Berk before something unfortunate happened. And unfortunately, and with most inconvenient timing, Ruff and Tuff walk in carrying a Changewing egg. Fishleg's looks in sheer terror at what he's caused. 

What have I Done!!

Hiccup asks them what they're doing with an egg, but they of course think it's still a stone of good fortune. Astrid tires to take it away from them, but the Twins are willing to die horrible painful deaths just to keep it. Astrid demands to know where they got it or she'll gladly kill them in horrible, painful ways. The Twins tell her they traded for it. 

Snotlout is in the middle of town holding a bid for his last of three "Stones of Good Fortune" to the townsfolk, getting filthy rich off the people's ignorance and products that don't even work and dooming the entire village to horrible, acidic deaths. Isn't capitalism wonderful?

The Dynamic trio arrive far too late, as Snotlout has already sold all the eggs he had. Hiccup and Fishlegs try to talk some sense into Snotlout, but rich men lack the common sense of common men. Snotlout is perfectly satisfied with being filthy rich and doesn't give two shits that he's put the entire town in danger, and is also quick to rub his immense wealth in their faces for good measure. 

For an extra good measure, Snotlout points out that Fishlegs also took an egg from the island. Of course with Fishlegs it was only an accident, with Snotlout he might not have known at the time but he does now. He doesn't seem to care much though, and he just tells Fishlegs and Hiccup to take it up with his customers. Snotlout's phenomenal douchebaggery sends Fishlegs once again into a state of self-loathing, claiming it's all his fault. After he carefully explains how it is his fault, Astrid agrees. 

We are trying to cheer him up, right?

Hiccup says it doesn't mean shit whose fault it is, they just need to find those eggs and shove their feet up Snotlout's repugnant ass if anyone gets melted over them. Cut to Tuffnut and Ruffnut at the edge of a cliff with a pit full of Fireworms at the bottom. Tuffnut wants Ruffnut to kick his ass off the cliff into the Fireworm pit, thinking the "Stone of Good Fortune" will protect him. Ruffnut thanks Thor for the perfect opportunity to kill her brother and most likely get away with it. She pushes him off, sending him plummeting towards his fiery doom. Astrid saves him in the nick of time however, and Hiccup explains to them that it's a dragon egg. They shockingly seem to get the concept on their first try, and point out there's one right behind them. Three Changewings come out of nowhere and take Tuffnut's egg back. The teens figure that those three will be back to tear apart Berk until they find every last egg. 

Back at the main house, Stoick is trying to process the fact his village is about to be under siege by acid-spraying ninja dragons they can't see. In typical Viking brute fashion, he decides to gather the dragons and fight them off. If only it were that simple. Hiccup knows what needs to be done, they have to find the eggs and return them. Fishlegs continues in his self-loathing misery. Just then, Gobber barges in to tell Stoick he got the Stone of Good Fortune mixed up with a Changewing egg, he always gets them confused. he then asks what the teens are all talking about. 

................. GOBBER!!!!!!

Stoick asks Hiccup what they should do. Hiccup thinks they should evacuate everyone until they find the eggs. Stoick spits at this absurd notion, in all his years he's never run with his tail between his legs! But he might have to today, as the Changewings start attacking the village, destroying everything looking for their eggs. Stoick picks up a huge log and tries to smack a bitch, except the bitch disappears before he can smack her. Tuffnut tries to tame it, but only touches a rock. 

The Changewing's continue their rampage, and Stoick sends Hiccup and the teens after the eggs while he and Gobber deal with their pissed off parents. The townsfolk tell Stoick that the situation has gone from bad to worse and demand he do something about it. Stoick then eyes a Changewing nearby. He and Gobber grab logs and rush over to beat it to death. 

SUCKERS!!!

With that blow to Stoick's pride, and seeing the chaos around him, Stoick decides to admit defeat and evacuate the island. Meanwhile, Bukcet is happily singing a tune when a Changewing notices the egg he's carrying. It chases his ass all across the town, and Bucket refuses to surrender the egg. Astrid tries to tell him that's its an egg but Bucket doesn't get her drift. He tries to hide under a house, but the Changewing manages to get its egg back all the same. Two down, one to go. 

The third and last egg is with Mrs. Larsen, who sold her first born son Gustav to Snotlout for her egg. When Fishlegs demands to know where the egg is, but Larsen reminds him that she sold Gustav to Snotlout and Snotlout said no returns. Fishlegs tells her he'll kick Snotlout's teeth into his throat and get Gustav back for her, he just needs the egg. A Changewing appears behind Larsen catching her off guard, and sending her baby and the egg rolling down the steps. After a dramatic slow-mo of Fishlegs catching the baby and the Changewing catching its egg, Fishlegs shows the baby to Meatlug. 

GAHHH!! FUCK!!!!

Damn, must be one ugly ass baby. 

So the village is in a total panic trying to get to the docks,  trampling over Gobber as he tries to calm them down. Stoick tries to reassure them, but the teens come back to tell him that all the eggs have been returned and the Changewing's are 100% gone. Gobber would then like to know why the Changeing's are 125% not gone. Why 125% you ask? Because a fourth one just showed up, yo. Wait a minute....

The Changewing's have their sights set on the evacuation ship. There's obviously one more egg, and Fishleg's knows the shit weasel who has it. He tells the others to keep the Changewing's at bay, he goes off to do something he should have done a long time ago. 

As the others stick it to the invading Changewing's, Snotlout watches from the ship, pleased that his depraved plan of getting away with the egg might just work. But there's one final obstacle standing in his way.

Hand it over Snotlout, or your ass is grass!

Snotlout however refuses to hand it over, claiming it's none of Fishlegs business. He then asks what Fishlegs is gonna do about it. Fishlegs completely loses his shit, fucking up all the riches Snotlout obtained from ripping off the Islanders and threatening Snotlout like a total badass. Bucket and Mulch suggest to Snotlout that he better give up the egg, as there's no telling what Fishlegs is capable of. He does so without haste. 

With the last egg in hand, Fishlegs goes off to return it to the Changewing's. he draws them to the middle of town where they completely surround him. Before he gives it back, he tries flattery and promising the Changewing's he'll dedicate his life to making sure no one ever takes their eggs again. They seem to accept this proposal as they don't eat him. 

At the academy, Hiccup is drawing a Changewing. Fishlegs tells him about his close encounter, and Hiccup uses this info in his drawing. Fishlegs mention how they now have to find one and train it, that'll be quite a handful. But before they can discuss this further, Gobber calls Fishlegs up to kick Snotlout's ass. 

Hiccup explains (in narration of course) that courage isn't not having fear, it's plowing your way through motherfuckers in spite of it. Whether it's to save a baby dragon from it's sodomite kidnappers, protecting your homie's & bitches, or giving certain douchebag's the ass kicking they so richly deserve. 

BATTLE ROYALE!!!!!

Summary

Damn, Fishleg's turned into a total badass at the end there. The first Fishlegs orientated episode in the series and they did a pretty good job. Though, I think there was bit too much self-loathing on Fishlegs part, but it led to an awesome pay-off. 

I'm not sure whether Snotlout's incredible doucheaggery this episode was a good, or bad thing. But it was definitely entertaining, and I'm wandering if it was a but of a jab at Capitalism? The parallels are too obvious for it not to be. 

The Changewing's are pretty awesome, the rest of the gang is great, Gobber's little misunderstanding with the eggs was hilarious, another great episode on the show's belt. 

8/10