Mighty Max

Along Came Arachnoid

Season 2, Episode 8, Aired 9/21/94

Episode Summary

When giant spiders start attacking Seattle, Max is called in to investigate. Spiders are Norman's one great fear and he must overcome that fear in order to help save the world.

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Cast & Crew

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Rob Paulsen

Max
Tony Jay

Virgil
Richard Moll

Norman

Fan Episode Reviews (1)

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"Overall this is one of the best episodes of Mighty Max. Some parts may be corny, but it's strong morals make up for it, as does a fantastic score."

9.5

"Superb"

By Slizerpro, Jun 08, 2006 Report Abuse

'Along Came Arachnoid' is the television adaptation of the 'Trapped by Arachnoid' playset, which was in the very first wave of Mighty Max toys. As such it benifits from being an original story and the script even manages to include some foreshadowing. Norman's fear of spiders is an excelent plot device in what could have been a simple Norman Vs Monster while max faces villain episode (Like LSDL). This gives Max the chance to be a hero and alot of dramatic tension. The mad scientist story isn't all that original, steming from 80's horror like 'The Fly' with it's mutation tale. But if anyone's afraid of spiders, the simple suggestion of a half man, half spider will be scary. Although Virgil points the obvious out for the most part, the line;

"Bravery is not the absence of fear, it's acting in spite of it as Norman is."

is excelent, and the whole episode's moral stance on fear and bravery is very deep for a cartoon. Kirby is an OK villain, but considering he only appears in the second half, he is quite memorable. His lust for power reflects humanity well, and his constant pursuit to better himself beyond human is a powerful message of evil. Overall this is one of the best episodes of Mighty Max. Some parts may be corny, but it's strong morals make up for it, as does a fantastic score.
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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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Trivia
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- "No Mighty Max, I think you are dinner!" Not once did Max introduce himself to Kirby, and neither did Kirby know of him as the Mighty One. Also it is very rare villains refer to Max by this name. Usually it is either 'Mighty One' or 'Cap Bearer'. "Come into my parlour..." This is a misquote of the famous poem "The Spider and the Fly". it should be 'Walk into my parlour...'. Row 23B Considering this is the school's library, just one row of Non-Fiction books seems a bit small... "That must be Otis Face up there..." How could Virgil assume this? there are no markings on the helicopter and Face cannot be seen from the ground (or at all, he's webbed up!) The giant spiders Why Kirby has giant spider pets is never explained. Yes he was working with spiders, but why or how he was able to create giant spiders, which it can be assumed would take a lot of space and equipment, and keep them under his control is totally avoided by the script. Edit
Notes
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- Virgil's means of summoning: The message, "Portal at School Library" was spelled out on an anchovy pizza delivered to Max. Edit
Quotes
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- Kirby: Doctor Kirby is no more! I am… Arachnoid! I would be a fool to become human again! This is humanity's future! I'm more agile! Stronger! In fact, I'm superior in every way! When I transform the human race in my own image, I shall be worshiped as the father of my people! Max: That's what this is all about isn't it? You just want your name in 'Mad Scientist Monthly'! Well we're not afraid of you, are we Normie?... Normie? Kirby: Tomorrow all humanity will be like me! A few juices from a human cerebral cortex and my formula will be complete! Max: Well I'm not really human in a strict sense! Ask Principle Hudnut! Edit
- Max: Poor Norman. I always thought he was so brave. Virgil: Bravery is not the absence of fear, it's acting in spite of it, as Norman is. Edit
- (Max dives into the helicopter and then he turns on the rotor blades. They chop up the giant spider, but make the helicopter slip, throwing Max and Face towards the street. Face is caught by a fire crew, as Max grabs the web and clings on for dear life.) Max: I can't hold on! What do I do? Virgil: Let go, obviously. (Max is hanging inches from the ground) Edit
Allusions
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- Max: Ask Principal Hudnut! This is a sly self-reference. Rob Hudnut is a writer and one of Mighty Max's Executive Producer who co-developed the series with Mark Zaslove. Edit