Ruby Skye P.I. – Chapter 9: “Tossed”

http://rubyskyepi.com — Ruby Skye P.I. is a comedy web series for tweens.

4 Swirlies

Aha! In this installment of Ruby Skye (or “Snoopy Skye,” rather), we finally discover the identities of the real criminals behind the spam scam…  though I won’t give them away in this review. The word “smarticles” makes its second appearance here. I think I’ll start incorporating it into everyday speech.

I am kind of blown away by how incompetent the characters seem. Why is everybody perpetually in trouble? How come Ruby keeps messing up? At least Griffin seems like a pretty forgiving best friend. Also, that roshambo dance was kind of weird, but I’ll take it. At least the song was catchy.

Most importantly, how will Ruby stop the impending wedding?!!??!

Ruby Skye P.I. – Chapter 8: “Scissor Sandwich”

Ruby Skye P.I. is a detective series for tweens. In her first mystery, The Spam Scam, Ruby discovers that a neighbor has fallen victim an email scam and vows to get her money back, but the clues lead in all the wrong directions. Pretty soon, she has no friends left. Can Ruby solve the mysteries and win her friends back? In Chapter 8: Scissor Sandwich, Ruby proves how far she’ll go to win back the people who used to love her? And it might be just a little too far.

4 Swirlies

“How am I supposed to solve a mystery without a sidekick?”

Ruby sets up a meeting with Griffin and Hailey only to witness something really unsettling.  Why are all of the adults on this show so weird? And, omg? Is it bad that this episode reminds me of the latest Gossip Girl episode? Why is everybody in Ruby’s life soooo sketchy? SERIOUSLY! I really want to know why/how Rock Paper Scissors figures into the story arc. I guess we’ll see…

Oh, and have you checked out the Ruby Skye P.I. website yet? I’m totally going to make these brownies.

Ruby Skye PI Ep. 7 “Stalled”

After embarrassing herself again, Ruby still isn’t ready to give up her hunt for the Spam Scammer. She listens in on a phone conversation, catches a book thief, searches a classroom and follows a suspect.

4 Swirlies

“That’s a whole other scam. A scam of the heart.”

In this latest episode, Ruby is still looking for more suspects. And finds one – oh yes, she does.

A good detective looks for three things: motive, means and opportunity. A good web series has three things: a good story, engaging performers and a style that helps support both.

This series has all three.

My only hesitation with giving this episode 5 swirlies is that I feel like it has less of that sense of urgency that other episodes in this series has. But we are headed for the home stretch – and I am more than along for the ride.

Ruby Skye PI:The Spam Scam Ep. 6 “Sister Act”

Ruby discovers that Mrs. Gooje isn’t the only victim of the Spam Scammer and as every detective knows, there are no coincidences. If Ruby can figure out what the scam victims have in common, she may be able to prove the police have the wrong suspect! http://rubyskyepi.com

4 Swirlies

“Wow, you just missed another opportunity to shut up.”

Part 6 of a 12 part series and a new suspect emerges.

As always, this show is really well produced, with great sound and a really polished feel.

What I really like about the last couple of episodes is how they present clue that seem to prove a suspects guilt – but since the show isn’t over, there’s more twists bound to come. It’s good mystery writing.

I’ve also noticed that the petition that features prominently in the episode is something that you can actually sign – an interesting way not only to promote the show through a little eco buzz, but to create a real world connection between Ruby and her fans. You can sign it here…

http://www.rubyskyepi.com/ban-the-bottle/

So, who do you think is the real culprit behind the Spam Scam?

Ruby Skye P.I. – Chapter 5: “Caught Ruby Red Handed”

“… he’s using my name as his password, which is a sure sign of a crush.”

This episode deals with THE WORST THING THAT COULD EVER HAPPEN.

THE WORST THING THAT COULD EVER HAPPEN? Is it:

• A: being framed for shoplifting?
• B: discovering that your best friend has a crush on you?
• C: being grounded by your parents for abandoning your little sister in a store change room?
• D: leading the metro police to one of their most wanted… who happens to be your best friend?
• E: receiving a text message from said best friend instructing you to “Stay out of [his] life!!!!!!!!”?

Oh Ruby, you’re so dramatastic! To be a tween. You know your life is taking a pretty nasty turn when all kinds of authoritarian adults get involved, like storekeepers, the metro police, your parents, and your best friend’s parents.

4 swirlies, and not 5, because I wanted more terrible things to happen to Ruby, but then the story would have been a bit too unrealistic. In other words, this episode does feel more like an act than an episode. I hate mysteries!!!

WATCH IT!

Ruby Skye PI – Ep. 4 “A Real Green Dress”

What’s worse than shopping? Plenty, as it turns out. First, there’s more shocking news about Griffin. Next, Diana turns up. And then things get really bad.

4 Swirlies

A new episode from tween detective series, Ruby Skye PI.

The clues are piling up. The noose tightens as Ruby finds some shocking information… and then gets framed! A badge of honour for any PI!

As always, this is a very nicely produced series that rivals many TV series. We take a bit of a break from the investigation in order for Ruby to pay of r hopping debt to her sister, Hailey. But trouble follows Ruby where ever she goes.

My one complaint about this episode is that it is to short – and that’s probably the only time you’ll ever here me say that. It feels like the episode only gets up to speed, and then we’re done. It certainly follows the old advice, leave ‘em wanting more!

But if you haven’t caught on to this series, hat are you waiting for?

Ruby Skye P.I. – Chapter 2: “Kay Eye Ess Ess”

Here’s what Ruby knows so far: someone scammed Mrs. Gooje out of a lot of money; the scam email was sent from Ruby’s school, The Dragon Academy. So Ruby is on the lookout for someone at school who recently came into money.

4 Swirlies

“He totally faked that walkie-talkie conversation.”

The plot thickens! This episode introduces several new characters who may or may not have anything to do with the Spam Scam: the hilariously severe bird-watching IT teacher, the cruel croc-bag-toting resident mean girl, the janitor whose fingernails are suspiciously clean, and the IT teacher’s playground bully of a crush. The plot thickens. The score is awesome. I admire Ruby’s keen eye for weird detail.

What would you do if your best friend was behaving reeeeeally suspiciously? i.e. he is your number one suspect? Does 1+1+1=3?

Love Pop Trash – Episode 1

The Huffing Boyz Crew recite a classic monologue from the film Scarface. Miriam & Ani debate on how to get a man.

1 Swirly

Love Pop Trash – Episode 1 from Love Pop Trash on Vimeo.

“Oscar’s not your man. He just likes to play with your boobs.”

What adults think “kids today” do at the mall.

Okay, this probably the only time you’ll hear me say this. This episode’s too short. Maybe if it was the beginning of a longer piece I’d have liked it better.

I’m not a ‘slice of life’ kinda guy. I’m looking for story. Guess I’m looking in the wrong place.

On the plus side the production is slick. It looks and sounds fantastic. The theme song is boopy and fun, even though it feels way too plastic for the subject matter of the show.

I guess the draw here is the shocking truth. I hate to be mean but I found it neither shocking nor ringing especially true. But that could have been the acting.

Or maybe I’m just too old to get it.

Don’t be surprised if you don’t see more episodes posted here.