iCarly Season 3 Episode 5 Review: iFaked It

Nevel Papperman and his wife Prunella return with a desire for revenge against Carly on iCarly Season 3 Episode 5, “iFaked It.”

While it’s immediately evident to everyone but Spencer (How in character!) that Nevel is behind the Tastes Familiga scheme, iCarly subverts expectations by revealing that his motivations extend beyond Carly’s unrequited feelings for him.

Instead of Nevel and Carly’s Deep Fake duel spawning from Nevel’s jealousy of Creddie making their relationship official on iCarly Season 3 Episode 4, “iGo Public,” the root of his renewed disdain has everything to do with his marriage.

“iFaked It” provides hilarious and borderline worrisome insight into Nevel and Prunella’s relationship, doubling as an evergreen reminder that iCarly‘s humor has matured with its audience — and its new platform.

The sexual innuendos are baked into the episode (The title!) and play out with funny reactions from its ensemble, like Spencer and the raw meat or the assumption of what will occur between Nevel and Prunella because of Carly’s delivery.

It’s also entirely Nevel’s level of petty to create a Deep Fake that could ruin Carly’s (and Freddie’s) life because she didn’t give them a gift after their wedding. iCarly‘s ability to maintain the characterization from the original series and elevate it contributes to its status as one of the best revivals on TV.

As great as it is to see Reed Alexander step right back into Nevel Papperman’s shoes, “iFaked It” gives Bailey Stender more room to make a lasting impression as Prunella.

Stender’s delightfully over-the-top performance matches Alexander’s so well that it’s not even a surprise that her take on Nevel’s iconic line lands without a hitch — so much so it makes even Nevel a bit upset.

iCarly knows how to sell a callback, even the more accidental or subtle ones like the pasta-based meat alternative. Spaghetti tacos, anyone?

Mostly, “iFaked It” sources genuine laughs from a wacky plot that brings back one of Carly Shay’s greatest nemeses. iCarly‘s list of the others (Lewbert, Ms. Briggs, Wade Collins, Griffin, Kyoko and Yuki, all the pet-tographers, Wes, and Beau) begs whether more familiar faces will appear during the Paramount+ show’s run.

Regardless, the episode balances a bizarre plot with genuine commentary on internet-based threats, even though Carly matches Nevel’s Deep Fake with another.

iCarly‘s overall tone may suggest it is incapable of doing so, but “iFaked It” moves through the humor to breach the topic with absolute sincerity.

Carly shares her experiences trying to report inappropriate behavior by a fan, BagglesLover489. The police’s dismissal and denial of the legitimacy of Carly’s consistent evidence makes BagglesLover489’s return in the live stream’s comments later in the episode even creepier.

Though that may never come to anything more in Season 3, iCarly uses humor to make a statement about how harassment via the internet is persistent and often goes unchecked by authorities who don’t see it as a point of concern.

“iFaked It” finds a director who understands how to walk that tonal line in Nathan Kress. His history with iCarly and the ensemble encourages hilarious and heartfelt performances, securing the episode as another memorable entry.

One of the most appealing storytelling elements of “iFaked It” is how the script bridges the A story with the B story. 

iCarly spins Harper into an independent arc that deepens her relationship with Tinsley, which is exciting after little on-screen development of their dynamic since its introduction on iCarly Season 3 Episode 2, “iLove Your Shoes.”

The story plays with the episode’s theme as Harper exposes Tinsley’s friend, Andrew, as a fake person who doesn’t have her best interests in mind. Laci Mosley and Patty Guggenheim exceed already high comedic expectations with the slow-mo bit of the Tastes Familigia reveal.

Then, that final scene between Harper and Tinsley becomes an unexpected source of vulnerability when Tinsley realizes how much Harper cares about her. Ultimately, iCarly Season 3 would only benefit from featuring their relationship more often.

Also, Guggenheim remains comedic excellence, perfecting Tinsley’s posh voice and mannerisms. iCarly‘s track record of getting stellar guest stars on its roster is glowing.

Of course, “iFaked It” also incorporates Harper in Carly’s camo-clad plan to get revenge on Nevel’s revenge. The moving parts of that ensemble sequence are excellent. From Millicent knowing the difference between chloroform and chlorophyll to Freddie’s cheerful entrance during his Deep Fake, there’s plenty to love.

Not to mention, that scene is one of many that acknowledges Carly and Freddie’s relationship through Carly’s protectiveness and a few adorable pet names. Even when they aren’t the focus of an episode, iCarly knows that all of its romantic relationships aren’t a hindrance but an advantage.

So with “iFaked It,” iCarly Season 3 continues to fire on all cylinders with cohesive and comical stories that highlight the ensemble’s talents.

—

What did you think of this episode of iCarly? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

New episodes of iCarly stream on Thursdays on Paramount+. Try Paramount+ for free, right here.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

‘Zoey 102’ Sets the Date for a ‘Zoey 101’ Reunion at Quinn and Logan’s Wedding