Episode 1, Season 1 "Dan vs. The Wolf-Man" - INDY'S REVIEW

E1, S1 "DAN VS. THE WOLF-MAN"

This episode does a phenomenal job at establishing characters and character dynamics. It gives you an idea of how the show functions, by giving you the classic Dans car has been destroyed and he needs revenge plot. And while this episode isn't exceptional, it has its fun and silly moments that leave you wanting to continue watching!

PART 1: SUMMARY

Dan realizes his car has been destroyed, and after inspecting the evidence, he comes to the conclusion that the culprit is the wolfman; a half-wolf, half-man character from a movie. He calls up his best friend, Chris, and asks for his help. Halloween night, the next full moon, our lovable duo begins to exact their revenge on the aforementioned culprit. 

They end up in jail after Dan mistakenly kidnaps a child in a Halloween costume, thinking it was the wolf-man. They start heading home. On the drive home, Chris and Dan are fighting about whether or not the wolf-man is actually real, and lo and behold; there it is in the middle of the road. They attempt to chase it down and find it, but fail to do so.

Back at Dan's apartment, a month later, Chris shows up with a silver coin that Dan had requested. Dan turns the coin into an arrowhead, which would be used to capture the wolf-man. They dig up a bow at an archaeological dig site, escape from a horde of skeletons, and are back on the road. 

On a stakeout, complete with coffee and donuts, they spot the wolf-man again! They chase after it, and Dan manages to shoot it with his silver arrow. The wolf-man runs home, and the duo follow it there- where its revealed that Dan had no intention to kill it after all. Dan simply keys the wolf-mans car, calling it even. 

PART 2: THOUGHTS

As I previously stated, this show is amazing at introducing characters and character dynamics.

Right of the bat, Dan is introduced as this life-hating misanthrope. Based on his expression and the state of his apartment, you get the idea of what kind of person Dan is and how he interacts with the world around him; his first line literally being "I can't believe how much I hate everything."

Based on his dream about the supermodel offering him pancakes in exchange for a kiss, you learn what Dan truly wants in life. A supermodel girlfriend who finds him clever and cute, and offers to cook pancakes for him. Of course, this is too good to be true, as he complains about on the way out of his apartment. 

His first call with Chris tells you everything you need to know about their relationship. Dan is unpredictable and demanding, while Chris is peaceful and understanding. You get the idea that Chris lets Dan walk all over him, and  you learn this isn't the first time poor Chris has been dragged into his crazy antics. 

And Elise, Chris' wife, is the intelligent mediator who clearly wants the best for her husband and is not approving of Dans revenge schemes.

I feel like doing a good job of introducing the characters is the literal bare minimum for a show, but I really like how nicely and casually it was done here. 

PART 3: DEVELOPMENT

Since it's the first episode, I have nothing to base the character/plot development on. I will be skipping this part of my review- sorry! 

PART 4: HUMOR

I fully believe Dan vs. has a little bit of everything when it comes to comedy. Everyone can find the show at least a little funny.

At the very beginning of the episode, we are hit with this classic and genius joke: "I don't care who the IRS sends, I am not paying taxes!" This always gets a snicker out of me, its so unexpected and random.

I also enjoyed when they were in the police station, and Dan is ranting and raving about his brass knuckles being confiscated, and he says he will "confiscate this water'. He proceeds to extremely calmy and casually drink a cup of water from the dispenser, and then immediately begins yelling and running around again. Such a simple gag was extremely funny to me. 

I enjoy the small bits and gags throughout the show that make you think what the hell is wrong with Dan?!

PART 5: OVERALL RATING

This episode had a simple plot, but it was entertaining nonetheless thanks to its humor and silliness. The reveal at the end of the episode, showing that dan went through all this work to simply key a man's car, is very amusing to me. It's nothing revolutionary, but I still liked it.

8/10!