Ep 17. When Howie Met Randy / Bro Money Bro Problems

When Howie Met Randy / Bro Money Bro Problems is the 17th episode of season 2 of the animated television show Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja. The episode focuses on the character Howie, Randy's best friend, and their dynamic as they navigate through different challenges and situations.

In the first part of the episode, "When Howie Met Randy," the audience gets to see the first meeting between Howie and Randy, which happened before the events of the first season. Howie is moved to Norrisville and is not having the best time adjusting to his new school and surroundings. That's when he spots Randy, who's performing some insane stunts, and immediately is drawn to him. The two quickly strike up a conversation, and Randy introduces Howie to his world of ninja fighting. It's a touching story that puts the spotlight back on Howie, who usually plays the comedic sidekick to Randy.

The second part of the episode, "Bro Money Bro Problems," is more action-packed and thrilling, as Randy and Howard pursue an elusive thief through a high-stakes poker game. The thief, who's stolen one of the ninja's weapons, is a notorious criminal named "Bro Money," and Randy and Howard are determined to retrieve the weapon before anyone else gets hurt. The two friends decide to go undercover to catch Bro Money in the act, and their plan takes them straight to the poker table. The stakes are high, both emotionally and financially, and the episode keeps the audience on the edge of their seats as they watch Randy and Howard navigate through the dangerous situation they find themselves in.

The episode is a standout in the series for a few reasons. For one, it's rare for an animated show to dedicate an entire episode to a character that's not the protagonist, but it works in this context. Howie is a beloved character in the show, and giving him his origin story is a nice touch that makes the series feel more fleshed out. Additionally, the episode's second half is a ton of fun, with plenty of action, humor, and suspense. The poker game sequence is particularly excellent, with some clever camera angles and editing techniques that make it feel like the audience is right there at the table.

Overall, "When Howie Met Randy / Bro Money Bro Problems" is an excellent episode that highlights the strengths of the Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja series. It's entertaining, engaging, and a real treat for fans of the show. Whether you're a longtime viewer or a newcomer to the franchise, this episode is sure to delight and leave you wanting more.