Now this is what I've been missing.The new characters are clever and interesting, the plot is scientifically wacky and also fun.This is what I signed up for.Let's start with Sam.Sam Lovejoy is someone we should have met a long time ago.He's snarky, he's got that "I've been doing this a long, long time" demeanor down pat, and he gives us a glimpse at a possible future for Jack that doesn't involve carrying a badge until he dies.

Zane Donovan is that annoying kid who hacks the high school's computer system for fun, turned up to eleven.His interactions with Jo are fun from start to finish, and I loved how Jack gave him the dating advice at the end.One note to Jack Jo: do not give the incarcerated supergenius an electronic device.Ever.

I loved the Dexter's Lab shoutout.The town full of Dexters became infected with DeeDees.Hilarity ensues.

Also, the bracelets were probably not intended to be a Farscape shoutout, but I'm choosing to see them as one.So there. For no reason I can fathom, Salli Richardson's take on dumb!Alison struck me as very Buffy:TVS.Very cute moment with Alison and Stark: "I guess we'll just be dumb together."

Great work on Jack versus Zane.I loved how Jack figured out to call Zane's mom.I loved even more how he tried to "sell" the town to Zane to encourage him to help.

The ep was full of great quotes."Our neuropharmacologist is apparently playing Candyland" may be a lot funnier to me than most people, granted, but "The rest of you, um, start learning physics" is a true classic.

All in all, this was a very funny episode.The twist at the end was actually good, and even if the science made no sense, it was a lot more fun nonsense than average.It's not every day that the plot twist is Stupid Chicken, and I respect that.Next week: the invisible sheriff.