I started reading the original Jim Butcher books about a month before the sereies began, so needless to say I already had certain expectations. My biggest complaint is Bob, turning him from a lecherous spirit into more of a father figure. However taking away the fact that I keep trying to compare to the books, I do still parts of this show that need work. The actors chosen are excellent, especially the main cast of Dresden and Murphey. However, the plotlines try to cram too much into a single episode, turning great ideas into cliches. Perhaps if the storylines were presented in parts, they would be better able to give depth and twists to the show. The special effects are well done. The set-up of Dresden's office fits the character perfectly with its worn out couch and protective spells.

One of the show's many themes has always been Jasmine's love for her kingdom and her goals to become a great ruler, especially after being locked away from her people for so long. This episode took that idea and used it to reveal the depth of Jasmine's convictions. The episode deals with more than the usual villain and hero plotline. Jasmine and Aladdin face choices as leaders as well as fairy tale heroes. The Ethereal herself is straight out of old world mythology, frightening yet lovely with alternative motives behind her every decision. Overall, the episodes messages of doom are well scripted and Jasmine's fear is justified, as are the actions she and Aladdin take to save the kingdom.

I think this is one of the episode almost every little girl remembers when she grows up. It included everything an Aladdin episode should. First of all, Mozenrath was the villain. The greatest episodes revolved around that pale, mysterious, unterly evil Jonathan Brandis voiced sorcerer. Aladdin reveals just how well he knows Jasmine and believes in her. Most off all, the main focus of the episode reveals Jasmine's strengths, her adventurous and determined nature. She has the opportunity to save the day, yet the plot and dialogue is still in-character. Top it all off with Genie's "Evolution of Man" speech and you have a hit episode!

This episode was a wonderful introduction of all the character's personalities. Where as in the pilot we learn the basis of the show, "Future Jock" reveals more of how they relate to one another. You see the lengths Phil will go to in order to impress Keely, even act out of character. He allows popularity to go to his head and breaks rules he would normally never break. Pim's evil nature begins to reach it's full potential. Keely, who was shown in the pilot to be a bit of ditz, is shown to be more understanding and better friend than expected. Phil's parents even get a chance to show off their disciplinary skills. Vice Principal Hackett's idiodicacy is revealed as well, most of his funniest lines are hidden in the background of scenes. I loved Pim's mockery of Phil who deserves "buckets and buckets of soup". The fact that I'm adult, I also appreciated the line where Hackett proclaims that "ketchup is once again a vegetable" since I can remember when schools did do that.