4. Home Is Where the Hate Is
June 22, 2008
I really want to see these guys shoot that crossbow, things huge.Damn you, mingle! It could be argued that the Monarchs is the biggest arc in The Venture Bros. Doctor Venture tries to accomplish this and that, and a few characters go through big changes in the fourth season. The Monarch gets framed for murder, loses and regains the love of his life and then strives to find purpose after selling out. In Home Is Where the Hate Is, we find the Monarch settling into his new suburban life. His war is over, but he feels no peace. This episode is also the true introduction of Sergeant Hatred, replacing the Monarch as Doctor Ventures new archenemy. A terrific examination of a classic character, a tremendous presentation of a new one. In the gated supervillain community Malice, Sergeant Hatred is throwing a party. At first the Monarch has no interest in going, but once he sees that Doctor Venture is attending, the Monarch heads over to Hatreds to cause some trouble. 21 and 24 look after Hank and Dean, and they all run afoul of Kevin and Tim-Tom, the Murderous Moppets. A supervillain cocktail party in a gated supervillain community. The mundane mixed with superhero/sci-fi/Saturday morning cartoon conventions. That is a major part of The Venture Bros. Also, this episode is jam packed with jokes. The Moppets carrying their fancy little bed together. Dr. Girlfriend not knowing who Jacqueline Onassis is. An incredible hot tub climax. Sergeant Hatred is the one who really takes it home. Nearly every one of his moments is golden, most especially his soliciting Hank and Dean at the end. Home is Where the Hate Is has no exceptional animation, nor does it have terrific structure. Still, the great character work and nonstop gags make this one of the best.