| THE WATCH LIST – A WEB SERIES REVIEW BLOG

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

http://rubyskyepi.com Will Griffin ever talk to her again? Maybe, but only if Ruby can solve one final mystery.

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

“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 Ep. 10 “Seven Minutes in Heaven”

http://rubyskyepi.com

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.

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 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: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 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 PI – Ep. 3 “Break In.”

Ruby proves herself to be the master of the art of distraction and pretty good at Rock Paper Scissors too. ; Hailey does some hacking.

5 Swirlies

The mystery thickens! Who is behind the spam scam? Is it… Ruby’s best friend?

Of the reviewers that come and go through The Watch List’s hallowed gates, I’m the one least likely to give out a perfect score, but this episode earned it.

The writing, directing and performing is sharp and very funny. The visual look, the use of sound and music is spot on.

Everything works to make this an enjoyable few minutes, but where this series really shines is the on screen presence of its stars, Madison Cheeatow, Marlee Maslove and Kevin Gutierrez. How they found three, young fresh faces that seem to have so much confidence in their performances, I’ll never know.

Yes, this is great episode, probably the best so far, but I recommend you start at the beginning if you haven’t already.
I Kissed A Vampire – Act 1

This is Act 1 of I Kissed A Vampire. To download the full series and featurette, please visit www.itunes.com/ikissedavampire.This is the first time the web musical, starring Lucas Grabeel, Drew Seeley, and Adrian Slade is available for free on YouTube.

In Act 1, Dylan is crazy about his neighbor Sara, but when he starts developing fangs and a thirst for O positive hes terrified that if he kisses her he wont be able to stop himself from drinking her blood and draining her dry.

2 Swirlies

“She sings when she gets emotional.”

Wow, Twilght meets Glee.

I guess one of the things the internet provides is a quicker way to cash in on trends. I don’t know who’s behind this show, but it looks like they sunk a bunch of money into it.

Essentially, the guy is a newly turned vampire and his biggest problem is that he’s worried that his crush slash best friend won’t love him. Add two extended music video sequences and a “surprise” ending and you have what feels like a pitch at tweens. Is it meant to be an online ‘backdoor’ pilot for a TV series?

The production is slick, but it feels too slick and doesn’t really help creating any kind of mood. The acting is pretty bad (sorry guys, I know you’re trying your best.) I suppose if you’re 13 and think Glee and Twilight are the high water mark of cultural achievement this is the show for you.

If, on the other hand, you’re still discussing the ending of the Sopranos, made I suggest something else from the Watch List’s extensive menu?

Does it matter to you if you sense a webseries is just a thinly veiled attempt to get a TV show? Like they’re only dating you to get to your hotter friend?