The second episode of the new Spidey series is still introducing us to people. We meet Liz Allan, Peter's reluctant tutoree, and get a better feel for the gang at the lab. One of those people is Max, who has a bad run-in with genetically-modified electric eels right after electrocuting himself with a drill. (Again with the eels. Is all I'm saying.) Max becomes a walking power plant, though one significantly less creepy in his full-out monster form than he was in his rubber suit. I was having Doctor Who "The Empty Child" flashbacks with the suit; the Electro design seemed, well, cartoonish in comparison.

Alanna Ubach joins the cast and gives a great performance as Liz, who's learning to see Peter in a new light but can't break her ties with the In crowd just yet. She's got shades of Cordelia Chase to her characterization, which bodes well for her development. As a related aside, I'm glad to see some diversity to the characters we're seeing. A series set in New York should have a big variation in potential character backgrounds. The police partners with echoes of Elisa and Matt to them is a nice touch, too. Also, I appreciated the low-key slashy vibe between Eddie and Max, whether it was intentional or not.

Peter and Aunt May are continuing to reveal their relationship.

It's nice to see that she's trying to take an active interest in his well-being, though it's implying she didn't have as big a role when Uncle Ben was still alive. Speaking of relationships, we're already seeing a little jealousy on Gwen's side when Liz shows Peter some attention. This should be fun.

Once again the fight scenes were visually impressive, though my kid tried to hide under my shirt whenever Electro flashed his powers. I saw the ending coming a mile away, but when you're dealing with electricity-powered supervillains, there are usually a very limited number of ways you're going to take them down. I like how the arc with the scientist (didn't catch his name) is still building. Lizard DNA? Someone's gonna mutate.

This was a nice second ep. The universe is still getting set up and the first story arc is getting into place. Next week looks really sweet from here.

The Spectacular Spider-Man
"Interactions"
Written by: Kevin Hopps
Directed by: Troy Adomitis

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