iCarly Review: iBuild a Team (Season 2 Episode 6)
The original Nickelodeon feelings are in full force on iCarly Season 2 Episode 6, “iBuild a Team.” Not only is it nostalgic for bringing in Josh Peck and giving us a full-on reunion, but it also delivers references that true fans pick up on quickly.
This episode showcases the millennial/Gen Z dilemma of trying to accomplish everything by yourself, or ultimately bringing in extra help to stay afloat.
Josh Peck plays a character named Paul, who serves as Carly’s manager for a brief stint, and having him in this role is not what I expected.
Paul comes off as pretentious in his video to Carly and I’m not shocked that Freddie is skeptical of adding him to the iCarly team. It does make sense that Carly needs help; Freddie is constantly working on his app and they both have adult responsibilities that weren’t an issue on the original series.
The addition of Paul’s character also brings out a dynamic in Carly and Freddie that we aren’t used to seeing. They’re on totally different pages and are making decisions without each other which takes away from their strong partnership.
While the webcast focus still belongs to Carly, Freddie is an integral part, so it’s a bit strange to see him pushed off to the side.
I can’t really say Freddie is wrong in his feelings towards Paul. Paul is annoying and obnoxious right off the bat and Carly introducing him in person doesn’t help his poor personality. His ideas also don’t work for the nature of the web show.
The psychic bit on “iBuild a Team is one that also fits seamlessly into the narrative. iCarly Season 2 Episode 4, “iHire a New Assistant brings in zodiacs and astrology, so it’s fitting to see tarot cards and psychics make an appearance.
Freddie is the perfect character to question absolutely everything. His freak out over the accuracy of the reading is perfectly on brand, but he’s ultimately freaking out about being replaced.
On the other side of the episode, Harper is helping Spencer while trying to find her mojo.
Harper isn’t the same since Dutch left, and it’s showing in her character. There is a lack of purpose for her as well as a lack of the Harper sass that makes her so loveable. She’s still feisty, yet the lack of development for her storyline feels unfair and stagnant.
It’s only after Spencer’s restaurant is mistaken for an art installation that Harper feels like herself again. While it’s nice to see Spencer go back to his creative roots, it still feels like Harper is riding the success of someone else, rather than getting there herself.
I’m glad she has her mojo back, so I hope going forward she’ll have a development that is more front and center.
Stray Thoughts:
- It’s great to see Carly controlling her narrative and getting Freddie and Paul to work together through guilt-tripping and her fixer tendencies.
- Millicent and Mrs. Benson are a duo that I didn’t expect to love, but they are hilarious together.
- Since Paul and Freddie made up, are there going to be more guest appearances from Peck?
- Spencer should start sculpting again.
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.