Spider-Man Season 1 Episode 11 The Night of the Villains / Here Comes Trubble
- November 18, 1967
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6.8 (91)
The Night of the Villains / Here Comes Trubble is the 11th episode of the first season of the 1967 animated series Spider-Man. This classic episode is a double-feature of sorts, with two separate segments, each with its own unique storyline, delivering a wholesome superhero experience filled with action, mischief, and the quintessential wit of the web-slinger.
In the first segment, The Night of the Villains, a strange phenomenon has gripped the city when classic historical villains seemingly come back to life to wreak havoc. The notorious figures from history, notorious for their infamy and treachery in their times, are robbing modern New York, causing panic and confusion among the citizens. As these anachronisms cut a swath through the city, it is up to Spider-Man to get to the bottom of this bizarre situation.
Our agile hero must use his detective skills to uncover how these figures, who should rightly be confined to the history books, have appeared in the twentieth century. Without spoilers, one can expect Spider-Man to perform incredible feats, swing from the skyscrapers with his trusty webs, and engage with these out-of-time antagonists in an effort to protect the city. This segment is a blend of suspense and action, challenging Spider-Man’s combat abilities and his knack for solving mysteries.
Switching gears, the second segment, Here Comes Trubble, introduces viewers to a new kind of challenge for Spider-Man. This time, a new villain has entered the scene; the cunning and sly Miss Trubble. Armed with her brilliant mind and a devious plan that includes a concoction with unusual effects, she proves to be an adversary who relies less on brute strength and more on her wits and cunning to achieve her goals.
In this segment, Spider-Man is tasked with preventing Miss Trubble's scheme from coming to fruition, which threatens the safety and wellbeing of the city. Spider-Man's agility, intelligence, and sense of responsibility are put to the test as he's forced to navigate Trubble's traps and tricks, which are unlike any he's faced before. Full of intrigue and clever plot twists, Here Comes Trubble showcases a cerebral duel between two sharp minds, where strategy and quick-thinking are just as important as brute strength.
Throughout both segments, the episode maintains the distinctive animation style of the 1967 series, characterized by its bold colors and dynamic, although occasionally limited, animation techniques due to the technology and budget of the time. The vibrant art, along with the voice talents of the cast, create the unmistakable atmosphere of the Silver Age of comics, bringing the iconic Marvel character to life in his television debut.
While action and adventure are at the forefront, both segments are not without their dose of the classic Spider-Man humor. Peter Parker’s alter-ego Spider-Man is known for his quips and one-liners, and they are strategically placed within the dialogue to add lightness and the character's signature charm. Moreover, character development, particularly of Peter Parker/Spider-Man, continues to be an integral part of the episode as these challenging situations test his moral compass, intelligence, and the very essence of what makes him a hero.
The Night of the Villains / Here Comes Trubble is a showcase of the elements that have come to define the Spider-Man series: a blend of wit, ethical dilemmas, and exhilarating action. Each story presents a unique threat for Spider-Man to overcome, demonstrating why he's one of the most beloved and enduring characters in the superhero genre.
This episode typifies how Spider-Man, even in his earliest animated form, acts not just as a crime-fighter, but as a relatable character facing surreal and larger-than-life events with the same determination and bravery that viewers have admired for generations. Fans of the character and newcomers alike can find themselves enthralled by how the simplicity of the series still effectively conveys the spirit of Stan Lee's original creation.
For anyone looking to delve into the origins of Spider-Man's animated adventures or simply to revisit the nostalgia of Saturday morning cartoons, The Night of the Villains / Here Comes Trubble stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of the beloved web-slinging hero.