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Looking Back - iCarly

(Nickelodeon, 2014)

Which of you recall iCarly – that American sitcom aimed at teens and young adults which ran from 2007 to 2012 on Nickelodeon?  Whether you are a past fan or have just discovered the show, here are some thoughts on the sitcom and a deep dive into one of my favourite episodes. Many forget that iCarly was the longest running live action sitcom on Nickelodeon until 2019 and remains third longest-running show on the channel until to date (iCarly Fandom, 2025a).  In 2020, Paramount + revived the show and Netflix have also started re-running earlier seasons, showing that there is still an audience out there interested in the show and its characters.

In a show that imitates art, the main character Carly Shay, created an internet webshow with her brother, Spencer, and friends Sam and Freddie.  The programme was family friendly, aimed mainly at older teens and young adults (although we may be a little older now!), and was the first ever show to have audience members participate by sending video clips to the show’s official website, (iCarly Fandom, 2025).  It had a lot of humour, cultural references – the show was made in Canada – and was extremely successful until 2011 when ratings began to fall.  This was partly due to a legal dispute between the corporation who owned Nickelodeon, Viacom, and DirecTV.

One of the things which made iCarly popular was the fact it mimicked life, in that it had a group of friends in a High School creating a webshow. One of the things sitcoms attempt to do is to create a feeling of warmth and closeness to the characters.  As mentioned above, iCarly took advantage of ‘fictional reality,’ allowing viewers to send in their own clips and be involved with the show (Latouche, 2011).  This meant that there was a link between television and social, online media, with many viewers finding a more enjoyable world on television than in their actual lives. 

iCarly took hyperreality to an audience in a new way, blurring boundaries in how it created characters that seemed like friends or people that viewers would know in their own lives.  In addition, the show alongside the website, made it seem to viewers as if the characters were creating a real webshow rather than a fictional one. In order to create authenticity, the show involved unsteady camerawork, as though the teens were filming, a battery indicator on the screen and prompts which were later removed for the online webshow, shown within the episode.  It could be said that Carly Shaw was one of the original influencers, with guest appearances from celebrities and also internet engagement, (Shanfield, 2021). In today’s world, iCarly could possibly be a YouTube channel.

In order to celebrate iCarly, let’s look in-depth at one of the episodes.  The episode chosen for this blog is ‘iGo to Japan’, which is the fifth episode of the second season of the show.  Season Two had seven episodes in all, aired in 2008.  This episode highlights the hyperreality of the show, as the iCarly team are invited to Tokyo, as they have been nominated for the iWeb Awards.  During the award ceremony, the team are asked to perform a live skit on stage, and they create one called, ‘Melanie Higgles: Space Cheerleader.’  The trip gets off to a bad start, when Mrs Benson refuses to allow Freddie to attend and only agrees if she is allowed to come too.  However, the group have only been given three airplane tickets, and, with Mrs Benson, Carly, Spencer, Freddie and Sam, there are five of them.   The group try to trade in their three, first class tickets, for five in economy but end up riding in a possum-filled cargo plane and having to skydive out of the plane into Japan!

The group are found by a Japanese policeman who takes them to their hotel. While there, they are met by the stars of a competing web show, Kyoko and Yuki, who are nominated for the same award as them.  At first, they appear to be friendly, offering Spencer and Mrs Benson free passes for Japanese seaweed massages at a spa and taking Carly, Freddie and Sam shopping. They then pretend to be lost and run away, leaving them stranded.  Meanwhile, Mrs Benson and Spencer are left tied to the massage tables by seaweed. Spencer manages to eat the seaweed and escape and cut Mrs Benson free.  The group eventually manage to reunite for the reward ceremony, but the security guards refuse to let them in as they do not understand English.  Carly and Sam act out what has happened during their trip to try to explain to the guards what happened and, when Freddie videos their actions, they are broadcast to the audience at the awards ceremony.  They are far more popular than Kyoko and Yuki, who attempted to stop them and win the award for best comedy.  

(iCarly.com, 2025)

This is a great episode in my opinion.  It is not part of the first series, where the team are finding their feet, so characters are more established. However, it is in the second of the first of five original series, so still feels new and fresh and has a good amount of comedy.  I particularly like Carly and Sam acting out the actions at the end of the episode, working together to try to save the situation and the way that Freddie is involved in filming what they are doing. Even though they had a rough journey, plus another group trying to stop them winning the award, they were always positive.

Overall, iCarly had a lot to offer viewers, especially for those interested in possibly having their own webcast or an interest in filming.  It showed that creating things together could be fun and that, although the shows were difficult to make, they worked out in the end.

Sources

iCarly.com (2025). Carly and Sam dressed up for their iWeb Awards. Available at: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/icarly/images/e/e5/Mealanie.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20100302040023 [Accessed 20 Feb. 2025]

iCarly Fandom. (2025a). ICarly (TV show). [online] iCarly Wiki.  Available at: https://icarly.fandom.com/wiki/ICarly_(TV_show)?scrlybrkr [Accessed 14 Feb. 2025).

iCarly Fandom (2025b). IGo to Japan. [online] iCarly Wiki. Available at: https://icarly.fandom.com/wiki/IGo_to-Japan [Accessed 20 Feb. 2025]

Latouche, J., 2011. My real imaginary friends: iCarly and the power of hyperreality. Americana: The Journal of American Popular Culture, 1900 to Present, 10(1).

Nickelodeon (2014). Find Out What Happened to Your Favorite ‘iCarly’ Characters. Available at: https://www.j-14.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/icarly-cast.jpg?fit=1000%2C895&quality=86&strip=all [Accessed 20 Feb. 2025].

Shanfeld, E. (2021). ‘iCarly’: Top 10 Episodes, Ranked. [online] Variety. Available at: https://variety.com/lists/top-10-icarly-episodes-ranked/icook/ [Accessed 14 Feb. 2025]

Written/published by: Laura Rosa Fernandes

Stream: Netflix/Paramount+

Can we ever truly escape the shadows of our past? Is the quiet, peaceful town of Twin Peaks a fragmented version of reality? Twin Peaks is a cult classic TV series created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, which first aired in 1990. The show is well-known for its unique blend of mystery, drama, and surrealism, set in a small town in Washington called Twin Peaks. The story focuses on the investigation into the murder of high school student Laura Palmer, a case that reveals the dark undercurrents of the seemingly idyllic community. The narrative is driven by FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper, who arrives in Twin Peaks to solve the case. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers not only the secrets of Laura Palmer but also the dark waters that flow beneath the town's idyllic surface.

Twin Peaks has a distinct visual style characterised by its use of surrealism. Combined with melodrama and film noir, this creates a dreamlike atmosphere that challenges the basis of reality. Mixed with Angelo Badalamenti’s haunting score, the show crafts an atmosphere that is both eerie and whimsical in a horrifying way. The music, with its haunting melodies and ethereal tones, underscores the emotional weight of the story and amplifies the tension in pivotal scenes. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, drawing viewers deeper into the psychological landscape of the characters. Together, these elements create a unique viewing experience that transcends traditional storytelling, inviting audiences to explore the complexities of human emotion and the darker aspects of existence.

Each season of Twin Peaks explores slightly different themes and narrative arcs that contribute to the complexity of the story. In season one, the story focuses more on the investigation into the murder of Laura Palmer. This season establishes the central mystery and introduces key characters, setting the stage for the exploration of the town's secrets and the impact of trauma on its residents. In season two, we see a shift in the mysterious occurrences in the town, which relates to supernatural aspects within the town. The introduction of elements such as the Black Lodge and the presence of otherworldly beings deepens the narrative, intertwining the personal struggles of the characters with a broader metaphysical context. This season expands on the themes of duality and the battle between good and evil, further complicating the story. In season three, we see the return of the characters 25 years later, focusing on the lives of all the characters, including Dale Cooper. This season presents a more distorted and fragmented reality, reflecting the passage of time and the changes that have occurred in both the characters and the town itself.

Season two, episode 22, also known as “Beyond Life and Death” or episode 29 of the whole series, serves as the finale before season 3, “The Return,” which was made 25 years later. In this episode, everything comes together as we see the various plotlines explained. Cooper finds himself trapped in an alternate dimension known as the Black Lodge, where the boundaries of reality blur. The episode introduces Cooper’s doppelgänger, a dark reflection of his character that embodies the themes of duality and the struggle between good and evil. The narrative is filled with many cryptic messages and surreal imagery, contributing to the dreamlike quality of the episode. For instance, the introduction of the mysterious figure known as Judy adds to the unsettling atmosphere. Throughout the entire episode, the atmosphere is eerie, dark, and surreal, as Lynch delves into themes of the supernatural. The visual style, combined with the haunting score, creates a sense of dread and anticipation. This episode keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see what will unfold next. As a fan of David Lynch’s work, it's evident that he draws heavily from film noir and classic horror, with these elements woven throughout the series, enhancing the overall impact and complexity of the story.

Overall, I would say that the episode itself created a huge impact as it was left on a cliffhanger, and it also changed the trajectory of the way television is made. The supernatural elements are mixed with surrealism as David Lynch makes us question whether the reality in Twin Peaks truly is fragmented. This blending of genres allows for a deeper exploration of the characters' psyches, illustrating how their fears and desires manifest in both the real world and the dreamlike realms of the Black Lodge. This innovative approach has inspired countless creators to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling, encouraging them to incorporate elements of mystery, horror, and psychological depth into their own works. Ultimately, "Beyond Life and Death" stands as a testament to Lynch's vision and its lasting influence on the evolution of television as an art form.

Written/published by Kiara Choruma

Sources/ BFI (2018) https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/features/how-twin-peaks-stretches-television-into-unknown [Accessed 18 February 2025]

Stream: Paramount Plus

Rating: 4.5/5

To what extent would you do for love? Would you do anything for the person you love, maybe even kill the ones they love and cherish? Season 1 of ‘YOU’ shows what you would do for love and the sacrifices you would make for the person you love. The show follows the narration of the protagonist, Joe Goldberg, a bookstore owner who becomes infatuated with Guinevere Beck, an aspiring writer determined to become a successful writer. As Joe becomes infatuated with Beck, he begins to stalk her, from finding her house to following her to places so that he would ‘accidentally’ bump into her. During this season of ‘YOU’, we will see how one person would do so much and do anything for someone they become infatuated with.

Season 1 of ‘YOU’ shows the side effects of social media and how that can come with its dangers when you expose your whole life to the internet. This is present in Beck, the aspiring writer, who has been exposing her entire life to the internet. Joe takes advantage of that as he follows her every morning from the beginning of Episode 1. Still, this habit continues into later episodes as he constantly checks where she is always. The continuous stalking leads us to the finale episode of the season ‘Bluebeard’s Castle.’, containing so much intensity and plot twists in one episode. As the audience, we can see how desperate Joe gets trying to reconcile the strong chemistry he and Beck had before she had found by him opening up to her by mentioning the actions of Benji’s past and Peach’s obsession with her while trapping Beck in a glass cage who is in fear and rage processing of what had happened in the last 24 hours from saying  “I love you” to being caged up in a cage. We, as the audience, could see this as the real side of Joe, seeing who he is because of his trauma being slowly revealed throughout the whole season, but showing his trauma also serves to humanise his actions as a dangerous person, prompting the viewer to reflect the complexities of human relationships and its darker sides of love.

Looking more into the finale episode, there were many plot twists with Candace coming back, Beck being trapped in a cage, and Paco ignoring the cries for help from Beck. Mainly exploring the interaction of Beck and Joe, we can see how Joe traps Beck in the cage, hoping that she will be able to forgive him and that it will teach Beck a lesson as it did for Joe in his past, with Mooney punishing him by sending him to the cage. Joe uses his trauma on Beck, explaining how his being trapped in that cage ‘helped’ him to become a better person and attempting to convince it will do the same to her. We can see that Joe is a very complex character with his trauma from the past, and he passes that on to others. This is reflected in the show, where Beck is trapped and suffering as he did when Mooney locked him in that cage. The finale episode’s use of lighting is darker as if we are reaching the end of something. As also shown in the episode, Joe leaves Beck with a typewriter as she starts writing down the story of her and Joe but later says to Joe it is about Dr Nicky to gain Joe’s trust back, hoping that she will get closer to escaping but she never made it out due to one scene between her and Paco where Paco sees Beck being trapped at the door of the basement refusing to help, we could see this as Paco not wanting to be involved after what Joe had did for Paco with his abusive father. 

Something to take away from this episode was that it showed what Joe was capable of and what he would be willing to do for the person who he has fallen, even if it had resulted in death, which reveals the depths of his obsessions. The character of Joe isn’t a character that not most people can relate to, but his trauma makes the audience sympathise with him, however, this could be because we are only understanding from his perspective and understand why he would do certain things because of his upbringing of his past which were the main reasons for how he is now.

Overall, the episode itself is impactful, and the use of its sub-genre psychological applies well to the storyline of this season, keeping the audience on edge with each episode to the finale of the season, which left a big impact on the audience as many clues were left behind to be later discovered or not…

Written/published by Mai Hoang 

Sources/ Seiga,M. (2018-2025) YOU. [online] IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7836784/mediaviewer/rm60013057/ [accessed 16 Feb. 2025]

Stream : LIFETIME / Netflix

What happens when a man stumbles into a murder and suddenly finds himself at the centre of a deadly conspiracy? Netflix's The Madness is a gripping thriller that dives deep into paranoia, conspiracy, and the search for the truth in a chaotic world. The story pivots on the main character Muncie Daniels, who is a media pundit who is portrayed by the talented Coleman Domingo, who stumbles upon a murder in the Pocono moutons and finds himself in a dangerous scenario. Muncie must face his lost beliefs and reunite with his estranged family to clear his name and live freely. But does The Madness deliver a thrilling and thought-provoking experience, or does it lose itself in its own chaos? Let's dive in.  

The Madness did well on carrying out a lot of suspense throughout the series. From the very first episode, the show thrusts viewers into chaos as the audience view how Muncie Daniels witness a brutal crime. The series keeps the tension high by constantly raising the stakes. Muncie isn’t just running away from the law; he’s also uncovering a vast conspiracy that threatens his life. Each episode reveals just enough new information to keep the audience hooked while leaving plenty of unanswered questions. Whilst religiously binge watching the show I believe that it effectively uses misdirection, making both Muncie and the audience question who can be trusted. The allies Muncie one had they turn into enemies and supposed Villans may have unexpected motives. As part of the audience, you start to think that the storyline is heading just one direction, a new revelation changes everything.  

As we continue to dive in the episodes, we learn that Muncie is not just on the run but he’s also grappling with his own past and fractured relationships which tells us that with in the show there are psychological tension and paranoia. We see the examples of his past and fractured relationships throughout the series as Muncie tries to reconnect with his ex-wife Elena and his son Demetruis as his individual relationship between both is deeply strained. We see that Elena don’t trust Muncie and Demetruis resents his absence this emotional tension adds to Muncie’s struggle. He's not just running away from a conspiracy but he’s fighting that may longer believe in him. We witness this in episode 3 when Muncie reaches out to Elena or help, but she hesitates, questioning whether he was innocent, the scene is charged with emotion as Muncie pleads for her support, but past wounds make her sceptical. This moment highlighting how his credibility isn't just in question with the public.  

Muncie takes us on journey of ways of escaping his trouble with connections, some people who he encountered are people he knew had known and have a good relationship with them, but we also learnt that he doesn't know who to trust and some people closest to him end up working against him, further isolating him. We learn this in Episode 6, a supposed ally Franco Quinones, who has been helping Muncie uncover the truth, suddenly turns on him. Weather Franco was coerced, bribed, or had his own hidden agenda remains unclear, but this betrayal forces Muncie to act alone, heightening the suspense.  

My overall take on The Madness is an ambitious conspiracy thriller that delivers suspense, strong performances, and a gripping storyline. Led by the powerhouse acting of Colman Domingo, the series takes viewers on a relentless journey filled with paranoia, betrayal and unexpected twists. But does it fully stick the landing ? From the very first episode The Madness wastes no time pulling viewers into its web of mystery. Muncie Daniels, a media pundit turned fugitive, finds himself in the centre of a deadly conspiracy after witnessing a brutal crime. What starts as a straightforward escape story quickly evolves into something much deeper. A tale of misinformation fractured relationships, and the search for truth in a world where reality is constantly being rewritten.  

The heart of this series is Colman Domingo, who delivers a layered and emotionally charged performance. As Muncie, he portrays a man battling external threats as he already was known by the public figure and his past failures. His strained relationships with his son and ex-wife add emotional weight to the story making his fight for survival even more personal. Domingo’s performance keeps the show grounded, even when the plot takes some ambitious turns.  

One of the shows biggest strengths is its ability to maintain suspense. Every episode had a story and at the end of every episode ends with a revelation or cliffhanger that keeps you wanting more. The pacing is fast, and the story constantly shifts in unexpected ways. Just when you think you have a grasp on the truth, the show throws another curveball, making both Muncie and the audience question everything. However, at times the shows complexity works against it. While the twists are engaging, some moments feel overcomplicated, leaving certain plot threads unresolved or overly convoluted. A tighter focus on key elements of the conspiracy could have made the storytelling even stronger.  

Overall, the madness is an intense, well-acted thriller that keeps the audiences engaged with its high-skates storytelling and unpredictable twists. Coleman Domingo’s performances the highlight, elevating the series beyond a typical conspiracy drama. While the plot is can feel a bit overwhelming at times, the show delivers, the show delivers enough tension and intrigue to make it a worthwhile watch.  

written / published by - Caleb Zola

Sources/  Belber, S. (2024). The Madness. [online] IMDb. Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26676489/ [Accessed 15 Feb. 2025].

Stream: Netflix

Each season of The Bear so far is brilliant, they go beneath the surface of craft and chaos in the kitchen. It establishes atmosphere, mood and characterization through shots, dialogue and performance. Quick summary , Head Chef Carmy Berzatto runs 'The Beef' , a sandwich shop, after his brothers suicide.

Season Two plot begins with Carmy making new plans for the restaurant hoping to transform and elevate it into the fine dinning establishment 'The Bear'. The restaurant is a symbol of Chef Camry's'  mind , its claustrophobic, creative, feeds on chaos as stability. As that's all he has been around.

  I am 100% a fan of this show I have  watched all three seasons cant wait for the fourth and I have to say Season 2 was a favourite of mine as it takes you through the development of most characters you again see them as everyday ordinary people of real life , with struggles, anxieties, personalities and emotion. They are not overexaggerated for artistic intention. they are authentic. One of my favourite episodes of season 2 is episode 3 Sundae, focal Character Sydney Adamu. Sydney's motif in character arc this season was the journey towards creating the perfect menu, and receiving a Michelin star which Carmy agrees to aspire too. She goes to several places in Chicago ,with the goal of getting inspired for her new menu and hiring new front of house staff for The Bear.  

The montage of in this episode shows how attentive Sydney is to the food and little details around her. The imagery of plating and food layouts as she expands her palette , attempting to come up with a recipe, Its a beautiful and colourful piece of imagery, sort of an organised mess in its arrangement. A greatly executed demonstration of her creativity, experimentation and need for perfection. This perfectionist mindset is what further indulges her in anxiety around creating an original menu and the restaurants progression and where she stands in all of this. An old colleague suggests that Sydney should listen to her gut … only dive into new restaurant as a partner with no profits if she trust Carmy. In a later scene Sydney is displeased with Camry's' inability to inform her of the walls of the restaurant being knocked down due to mould. Reflecting on the quota of trust , Sydney needs to ensure she can trust Carmy before she continues her part of this journey. Clarification.

We saw Sydney look at the small details to get on the right path. Ironically enough in the end scene the outcome is not what she wanted. Its frustrating going though efforts just to get nowhere and that took a toll on Sydney. she's now  back where she started at the beginning of the episode. Sundae was a great episode in showing the continuing  development of characters she slowly finds her drive in this industry.

We have seen Sydney in many scenarios were she has a need for stability and control in events / environment. Its a fear reaction that she falls to unconsciously. Noting when she talks earlier on in the show about wanting to achieve a star for the restaurant. She thrives for perfection in her career, to be great, its her passion. 

written / published by - Rheanna Mason 

Sources: Eakin, M. (2023). ‘The Bear’ Season 2, Episode 3 Recap: ‘Sundae’. [online] Vulture. Available at: https://www.vulture.com/article/the-bear-season-2-episode-3-recap-sundae.html

Daulerio, A.J. (2023). ‘The Bear’ Season 2 Episode 3 Recap: ‘Sundae’. [online] Decider. Available at: https://decider.com/2023/06/23/the-bear-season-2-episode-3-recap/

‌‌(accessed 14th of Feb 2025)

Stream: Disney Plus 

Rating 4.5/5