THE SPAM SCAM: Ruby Skye P.I. is a detective series for tweens. In her first mystery, The Spam Scam, 15 year old amateur girl sleuth 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, Ruby has no friends left. Can Ruby solve the mysteries and win her friends back?

4 Swirlies

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“I was there too. I was the one with the Mentos.”

The final episode of Ruby Skye P.I. I’m sad that it’s over but I’m glad that we’ve finally arrived at the bottom of all of the mysteries Ruby wanted to solve. Madison Cheeatow (Ruby) was consistently strong throughout the series as a genuine Ruby Skye. I liked the scene with Ms. Springer waving Ruby into the room with a giant pair of scissors. Or maybe they were shears? Anyway, the blades were a foot long. I also really enjoy the playful score featuring what I believe are clarinets.

My main criticism is that this episode seemed kind of anticlimactic, since it comes after the resolution of the main mystery and doesn’t tie up that many loose ends. Such as: why did Diana frame Ruby for shoplifting? But it’s nice that the show finishes with Griffin and Ruby as BFFs again. I also wish the connection between the clown, the petition and Griffin’s dad had been a little clearer. I had to watch the episode twice to follow Ruby’s logic. Or maybe I’m slow.

So, if you haven’t watched the whole series yet, CHECK IT OUT! Especially if you are between the ages of 8 and 12, use words like “whatev” and “smarticles,” and all of your interactions with your friends are documented on your iPhone, Facebook, or email.

Congratulations, Ruby Skye team, on your beautiful show.

Ruby Skye P.I. Chapter 12: Duh Duh Duhn – A Comedy Web Series

In Chapter 10: Seven Minutes in Heaven, Ruby faces danger, claustrophobia, a ticking clock and one very angry sister. Only science — and YouTube — can save Ruby and her friends now.

5 Swirlies!

“That janitor just threw me in the closet, and I’m not talking to you.”

Whoops! We here at the Watch List accidentally skipped Ruby Skye episode 10, and already posted 11. Sorry, guys! Here’s Episode 10 for your viewing pleasure.

Now that we know who is behind the Spam Scam, things are getting tense for our heroes, Ruby, Griffin and Hayley. How do they get outta that closet? Well, it’s nothing short of meme-tastic!

Ruby Skye Ep. 10 “Seven Minutes in Heaven”

Ruby Skye P.I. is a comedy web series for tweens.

5 Swirlies

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“Yo Vinnie! You SUCK at rock paper scissors!”

This episode earns 5 Swirlies because I like the scoring for the wedding march. This installment of Ruby Skye draws together all of the characters we’ve encountered up to now — and draws one mystery to a close. The little girl throwing petals during the wedding scene reminded me of a funeral at first, which I guess is kind of apt given that the groom is a profiteering criminal.

Watch this episode if you want to see a wedding crashed, a wall of bottles, and goofy adults on the run.

With one mystery solved, what’s going to happen next ??!?!

Ruby Skye P.I.: Chapter 11: Best Served Cold

4 Swirlies

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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 9: “Tossed”

4 Swirlies

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

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 Ep. 7 “Stalled”

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 PI:The Spam Scam Ep. 6 “Sister Act”

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

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I hope you enjoy!

I’m still working out the kinks (more on that below) so be careful you don’t watch Episode 4 of Untitled Fiction Project before Episode 3.

As anyone who has glanced at the header can tell, getting these Friday Playlists up and running has been a goal of The Watch List from the beginning.

The philosophy behind The Friday Playlist is to give people a way to watch a selection of the best web series (whether new or just new to us) with very little trouble.

Number one, we’ve already found them. Number two, you can lean forward and browse through. Number three, you can hit play and lean back and be entertained for half an hour or so. Get it up on the big screen, dim the lights, settle back on the couch and hit play.

You know, eventually. Right now, they’re being presented backwards. So later episodes of something on the playlist would autoplay before earlier ones. Like watching a series on DVD but backwards. Sucks.

Friday Playlist – November 5

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 PI – Ep. 4 “A Real Green Dress”