iCarly Review: iHire a New Assistant (Season 2 Episode 4)
Personified plants and aging humor initiates iCarly Season 2 Episode 4, “iHire a New Assistant,” in what can only be classified as a perfect multigenerational experience.
The plants act as the jumping point for Carly’s plant cam, an ongoing livestream where viewers can come check on the progress and growth for each one, and it pokes at the idea that plants are the new children.
Spencer also reveals that Granddad Shay will be visiting and even though Spencer and Carly are both full-fledged adults, there has always been a bit of tension there.
Granddad’s early arrival is a surprise and his immediate favor towards Carly doesn’t go unnoticed. He regards Spencer more coldly and it feels oddly comforting to know these character relationships haven’t changed.
While it’s comforting, it also reflects on how much Spencer yearns for Granddad’s approval. Even Carly jumps in, in the effort to highlight the changes and successes Spencer has had recently.
In another attempt to showcase Carly’s fixer tendencies, she suggests that Granddad should work as her assistant, and she ultimately ends up hiring him.
What’s funny is that iCarly Season 2 Episode 4 is demonstrating that unending loop of hustle culture through comedy. Radical Rosemary (the plant) is dying, if it’s not dead already, yet Carly has so many other tasks on her plate that the plant gets put on the back burner.
It’s truly that classic blend of comedy driven forward with a bit of chaotic, cringe-worthy drama.
The subplot taking place at Shay What (Spencer’s new business endeavor) between Freddie, Harper, Pearl, and Millicent is genius and I’m a bit surprised it took this long for iCarly to incorporate the beloved zodiac debate.
This choice is brilliant. Freddie, of course, is the one in the dark and believes it’s a bunch of nonsense which is the perfect contrast to Harper and Pearl both believing that life is indeed written in the stars.
The fact that Harper and Pearl find themselves to be perfectly aligned with Freddie due to their birth charts is hilarious, relatable and effortlessly falls into the vibe of iCarly. You either love or hate the idea of astrology and picking characters to fall on either side of that debate is wonderful.
In addition to astrology finally making an appearance, the innuendos and jokes from everyone on “iHire a New Assistant could really be targeted to any audience.
Bringing in Granddad and giving him his own sub storyline could have either failed or succeeded.
For this episode of iCarly, it works. His comments about the “old days,” the coin puns and overall generational differences are natural and easygoing. Even the old rivalry between him and Vinny is entertaining. He also finally says he’s proud of Spencer and that is a moment that Spencer and viewers alike fully deserved.
Stray Thoughts:
- I really wanted to know Freddie’s zodiacs.
- The salsa dancing was iconic.
- Spencer’s goofiness makes me laugh every time.
What did you think of this episode of iCarly? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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New episodes of iCarly air Fridays on Paramount+.
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Courtney Shapiro
Courtney is a New Jersey native who loves sitcoms, reality TV and dramas. When not talking about pop culture, she can be found catching up on the latest book. She graduated from NYU with a master's degree in journalism. Her favorite shows include New Girl, Gilmore Girls, and the Bachelor franchise.