My Babysitter's a Vampire "Fanged and Furious" Recap & Review

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I have to say that "Fanged and Furious" (originally called “Evil Car”) is one episode that has really left me in a neutral position.

After Ethan gets his learner’s permit, he buys a vampire possessed car from a classmate at a yard sale; the possessed car is literally out for blood, the gang has to figure out why before innocent people get hurt. I’m going to be honest with you; I read the leaked script posted by the episode’s writer, Ethan Banville. I don’t know if that’s why I feel different about “Fanged and Furious”, or was it just the episode itself.

A few irks for this episode, namely the numerous jokes from Benny and Rory (Cameron), mostly Benny (Atticus). Don’t get me wrong, I love when the characters joke, but it just seemed too repetitive in “Fanged and Furious”.

In the script, Benny said he replaced “God” with his name in a spell… Disney cut that part out of the episode. Parents might take it harshly and might say it’s blasphemous even, I get why Disney cut it, because this series is criticized enough (mostly by parents with blind spots and teen haters) as it is. But me personally, I feel that leaving it in the episode would have been fine; it wasn’t that bad of a joke. But one less joke in this particular episode is good.

And just one more thing, Erica seems to be reverting to her season 1 self in each progressing episode. Doing her usual antics, she initially wanted to steal the “blood car” from Ethan, for the blood, not to help Ethan who was getting blamed from trying to run over other students. I wonder why the writers seem to be taking a step back with Erica; she was so nice to the guys in the season premiere, guess some things never change.

The episode ended weird really, I don’t want to go into that because I have the past two episodes. I feel this show really needs to be a one hour show; too much is going on to fit 30 simple minutes. Besides, I want to know what’s going to happen to Ethan with the car being destroyed, oh well. Also I thought Ethan had a fear of needles, he took blood from one of his classmates and Benny, and apparently he took a nursing course over the summer, guess he got over that phobia quickly eh?

The episode in itself to me was okay, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't one to jump up and down about like "Say You’ll Be Maztak" was. I will say this, “Fanged and Furious” had its moments though, especially its Ethan/Sarah moments, and I think that’s what most fans enjoyed out of this episode, I know I did!

Here is the recap:

Cast:
Matthew Knight – Ethan Morgan
Vanessa Morgan – Sarah
Atticus Mitchell – Benny Weir
Cameron Kennedy – Rory
Kate Todd – Erica
Also: Joan Gregson – Grandma Weir

Guest stars:
Scott Beaudin – Malcolm Bruner
Brodie Sanderson – Derek Malvern
Trevor Coll – Richard Bruner
Tim Masterson – Ghostly Mechanic

Written by: Ethan Banville
Directed by: Tibor Takacs

The episode starts at the Morgan home and Ethan interrupted Benny who was about to conjure up an invisible sandwich to show him that he had his learner’s permit, Benny said it was way more important that his “Invisi-BLT”. Ethan said he was now legal to drive, as long as he had a licensed driver in the car with him, Benny joked that did he need a babysitter for the car too and said “lame”. Benny then realized that his babysitter was a “hot Sarah,” with a driver’s license and saying that was less lame. Ethan told him awesome people don’t like to brag, but added awesome people like him. Benny then asked him did he have a car, Ethan realizing that he didn’t. Benny told him to leave it to him and snapped his finger, but nothing happened. Benny then said plan B, and walked out of Ethan’s room.

Ethan and Benny then went to a classmate’s yard sale and Ethan saw a car that was a piece of junk, Benny noting it was in his price range, “zero to zilch-o”. Their classmate Malcolm comes over and tells Ethan that the car was his for $75. Malcolm tells them that his grandfather left him all of his favorite things in his will; he said to them happily that he was selling them.

Ethan picked up a picture of Malcolm's grandfather out from under the windshield wiper, Malcolm asked was he going to buy the photo and he would throw in a cat saltshaker. Benny said family heirlooms and told him he’d totally buy something from Malcolm that he thinks is worthless and resell it for more; Malcolm stared at Benny who then quickly told Malcolm that he was sorry for his loss. Ethan awkwardly said sorry, putting the picture back, and said he was more interested in the car, asking Malcolm did it run.

Malcolm told him maybe, if he got the squirrel’s nest out of the engine, Malcolm told him to think about it while he tried to sell some grandpa pants. Benny then looked over and saw an antique mini bullhorn, telling Ethan he bets its worth thousands, Benny began to blow on it. Ethan corrected him, telling him it was a hearing aid. Benny made a gagging sound and said it was waxy, asking Ethan to buy the car and to drive him to the nearest bucket of mouthwash.

Ethan got in the car and touched the steering wheel, as soon as he did it triggered a vision; which consisted of a building and a family crest, afterwards Ethan saw in the rear-view mirror where a vampire evilly said “revenge” and cackled manically. Ethan looked around frantically as Benny happily said the car runs. Ethan frantically rushed out of the car and took off running, telling Benny that he runs too. Benny confused at what Ethan was doing. The car was smoking and growling with red headlights.

Walking in the house Ethan told Benny there was no way he was buying the car, that when he touched it, he had a vision and there was a ghost in the back seat. Benny mocked eerily, backseat driver from beyond the grave and said it was a bonus. Ethan said it wasn't and was adamant that he wasn’t buying the car. Benny bet that the ghoul in the car probably isn't evil, Ethan snapped back like it was one of those happy ghouls that would stick it’s head out the window like a ghost dog, Benny happily asking him did they have those.

Just then the doorbell rang and it was Sarah, Ethan told Benny he’s still going to ask Sarah would she go driving with him. Benny asked him in what, his imaginary car, Ethan then gave Benny an evil stare, and Benny noticed asking him what he was doing. Ethan told him he was shooting imaginary laser eye beams into his head. Benny told him not to.

Ethan opened the door telling Sarah she was the girl he needed to help him get his license, if time “permits”, while pulling out his learner’s permit. Sarah said congrats, wondering who’s clunker was parked by the curb, it was the evil car. Ethan nervously told her that it wasn't his car, she told him not to be embarrassed because it was a little beat up. He told her that he wasn't embarrassed and that it wasn't his car.

Sarah still thinking it was Ethan’s car asked him would he take her for a ride, Ethan chuckled nervously and Sarah tugged him towards the car. Sarah told him not to be nervous, that the car wouldn't bite. Ethan replied fearfully that she shouldn't be so sure, he got in the car and gripped the steering wheel, expecting a vision to be triggered. Ethan then realized he didn't have the keys, Sarah told him he probably left them in the ignition, rookie mistake.

Ethan was driving on the street, the car smoking, and other cars blowing at him and passing him. Ethan yelled to the passer that he was trying; Sarah told him it was okay, she got honked at when she flies, mostly by geese, she told him the trick is not to go too fast, he told her that that wasn't the problem. The car began growling and headlights turned red when Malcolm ran in the street that Ethan stole the car. Sarah shocked asked Ethan did he steal it, he frantically told her no, that it followed him home.

Malcolm was bargaining to take twenty dollars off the price if Ethan stopped the car. Sarah screamed at Ethan to hit the brakes, he tried but as he pushed it, the accelerator pushed harder, the car steering in Malcolm’s direction, Malcolm falling to the ground but quickly getting up and running into his house. The car finally stopped when it ran into a clothes rack, Ethan yelled to him sorry, Sarah told him he really did need practice.

Ethan defended that it wasn't him, Sarah captivated asked Ethan what a smell was, and Ethan told her again it wasn't him. Sarah told him that it was blood and that Malcolm must have hurt himself when he fell, she told him that she needed to go and showed her fangs. Ethan agreed nervously and said the car ride was a bad idea. She told him there was nowhere to go, Ethan told her jail. Sarah assured him he’d be fine and that Malcolm would be fine.

They both got out of the car and Ethan stressed to Malcolm, who was hiding in his house, that he was sorry and that he’d leave the car. Ethan nervously ran behind Sarah.

The next day at school, Ethan asked Benny did he think anyone would blame him for what happened to Malcolm. Students in the hallway got out of Ethan’s way, Benny told him could be. They found Erica and Sarah in the hall, Erica told Ethan that was another reason for girls to avoid him. Ethan apologized to Sarah about what had happened yesterday. Sarah told him to relax, that everyone has accidents, and that’s why there’s insurance.

Ethan stressed that it wasn't him that it was the car, that it was possessed. Erica said mocking eerily, that it was a ghost car and making an eerie “vroooooom” sound. Erica walked off and Rory walked over telling Ethan not to worry, when he first started flying he rear-ended a 747, and then making a joke about hating airline food. Students still trying to get away from Ethan, Benny told him it’ll blow over, he betting it already had.

Then Malcolm came in on crutches and covered in bandages, telling Ethan he tried to run him over. Malcolm told him he better have the car back by the end of the day or he’d call the police and have his permit revoked. Rory sniffed the air and said to Malcolm goofily that his bandages were leaking, Benny and Ethan giving Rory a look, Malcolm was going away, Rory in right behind him.

Benny told Ethan to just give him the car, Ethan told Benny he didn't have it and the last time he saw it was on Malcolm’s front lawn, growling. Benny stressed they needed to find it, telling Ethan that no permit meant no practice driving with Sarah, and Benny then added by the way jail time. Benny told him they’d find it and make it talk.

One of the students was walking, talking on his cell phone, repeatedly telling someone he was their “sugar bear”. He then noticed the evil car and lifted the hood, noticing the engine looked weird, he stuck his head in and the hood slammed down the car sucking him in.

Benny found Ethan in a lounging area at the school, telling him he missed class. Ethan looked up the cars registration number and learned the car was designed to be a racer. Benny said his tricycle could beat that clunker. Ethan told him his tricycle had rocket boosters, Benny laughed and said it was a sweet ride. Ethan read that Malcolm’s grandfather was Manfred Bruner, Benny asked him as in “Bruner’s Automobile’s” Ethan tells Benny that the car has been in all kinds of suspicious accidents, all involving members of his family and then it just disappeared.

Benny told Ethan to remind him to never be related to Malcolm Burner. Ethan’s sure this shows that there is something up with the car, Benny asking him how, Ethan bet the car was possessed back then too. Ethan said it was his get-out-of-jail-free-card and that they needed to spread the word. The two were about to go until Ethan got a phone call from Rory, Rory wanting to know if he did the math homework yet and if Ethan savagely chewed Derrick Melvern with his car. Ethan told him no, Rory answered that it’s what everyone thinks.

Rory held his phone out for Ethan to hear Derrick screaming Ethan Morgan did it to him and to revoke his permit. Ethan ended the call, stating at least they know where the car is. Benny saw in the paper where The Beetles were coming to town and that they had to go.

The boys saw that the car was in the school’s parking lot, looking close to new. Benny commented “creepy car makeover”. Ethan told them he had been in two accidents since he had it and the car looked better than ever. Benny joked one more and the car might have heated seats. Sarah and Erica walked up, Sarah commented the car looked good, Erica adding it smelled good too. Rory then said he smelled blood, and said “dibs”.

Rory opened the hood and found himself a lucky squirrel’s tail. Ethan remembered Malcolm told him there was a squirrel’s nest in there. Benny took the dipstick out for the oil and it was covered in blood, Benny saying he didn't see that coming. Ethan asked squirrel blood, Sarah told him it was human, Rory added with a hint of squirrel. Ethan was shocked it was a car running on blood; he was about to pull the plug on it when a vision triggered.

Ethan saw the car, looking like new, and the evil ghost vampire he saw before driving it. He was pulled out of his vision when the car shocked him, they all jumping back from the car, Ethan slamming down the hood.
Ethan tells them the car is possessed by a vampire and it bit him. Rory asked that car was it hungry, called it jalopy face and said he’d give it a knuckle sandwich, harshly hitting the hood, leaving a huge dent. Sarah strongly noted it feeds like a vampire and regenerated like one.

Benny said to tell everyone it was a vampire car and Ethan wouldn't be blamed for anything, by reason of insanity. Ethan said he wasn't worried about himself anymore that they needed to stop the car before it hurt someone else. Just then the bell rang and Benny told Ethan he didn't need to go to prison and detention.

In class Ethan was telling Benny the car was quiet for years, why was it “road ragey” now. Benny joked that it’s ghost-free warranty expired. Ethan guessed his psychic energy gave it a jump start, and it had that squirrel’s nest for breakfast, then BAM, vampire car lives again. Benny asked him how do they stop a vampire possessed car, cut off its headlights or cover it in garlic. Ethan told him it was a car, not a pizza. Benny then suggested to cover the car in cheese, Ethan stressed to him the car wasn’t the problem, the vampire possessing it was.

Ethan asked Benny did he have a spell to cast out the vampire. Benny asked him Benny quipped, but basically it was a no. The bell rang and Benny told Ethan to stay because people think he’s still hurting students with the car. Ethan agrees and says if It runs over Benny next, he shouldn’t be anywhere near it. Benny agreeing but recalled what Ethan had just said. Ethan calls Benny “Magic Man” and tells him he can do it, and if he can’t do what he does, call Sarah for help.

Ethan looked out the classroom window to see the car sitting outside in the parking lot.

Meanwhile Erica had a plan to steal the car, using Rory to hot wire it, complaining that Rory couldn’t. Rory asks why did she need the car anyway, Erica told him it was a blood car and every time it fills itself up it’ll be like their own private blood delivery service. Rory then asked her if it still attacked people, wouldn’t Ethan get in trouble; she asked him if she said they were helping Ethan would he get back to work, Rory said yeah. Erica said with spirit they were helping Ethan.

Benny and Sarah walk up, Benny asking what were they doing. Erica said slowly, nothing, but Rory blabbed that they were getting Ethan out of trouble by stealing the blood. Sarah and Benny stared at Rory, Rory saying it makes sense when Erica says it. Erica says sweetly that they were just trying to help out, and she put the blame on Rory. Sarah then said that Rory having an idea, she might as well blame space aliens, that it was more believable. Rory looked around in the sky saying he knew it, and said stupid space aliens.

Benny apologized to the “vamps” and told them the blood banks about to get closed. Benny began an incantation over the car, the car began glowing and Benny gave Ethan a thumb’s up but soon after the car started by itself. Benny was telling the car to stay and saying to it “nice evil car, nice evil car”, the car then backed out of the school’s parking lot and took off to Ethan’s surprise too. All of a sudden the car chased another person down a street.

At Benny’s house, Ethan named off the car’s victims to Benny; first Malcolm Bruner, Derrick Malvern and now Ronnie Barnstrom. Benny found a family tree that connects the three victims. Grandma Weir came over to the boys and showed them a newspaper and told them they should check out Jacob, that he was the one who built the car in the first place. Ethan told her that was who he saw in his vision and he asked her if she ever heard of him being a vampire.

She told him sure, and it was after the photo in the newspaper was taken, Ms. Weir continued that Bruner found out and it was tricky trying to fire a vampire. Benny joked, asking if Bruner had a wooden stake division, his grandmother told him close, that Jacob stole the car and had an accident with a wooden fence post. Ethan realized that that is what he said to him, revenge, and that he was still after the Bruner’s.

Benny told Ethan to call him crazy but he thinks he knows where the “bite mobile” was going next, Ethan read Richard Bruner, grandson of Manfred Bruner. Benny whined that he wanted to say that, he did all of the printing, Grandma Weir told them that Richard didn’t know his days were numbered thanks to Ethan and Benny. Benny said that they must warn him.

Later the boys are walking back into Ethan’s house, Benny complaining that Richard’s butler wouldn't let them in. Ethan told Benny it was because he didn't take his shoes off, Benny told him that he wouldn’t either if he had little big toes, Benny told him it was embarrassing. Then the doorbell rang, Ethan knew it was Richard and asked Benny did he have what he needed to do the spell. Benny said of course and asked Ethan how he managed to get Richard to come over.

Ethan ignored the question and let Richard in. Richard asking if that was where he was supposed to meet for a charity photo shoot. Benny asked him that and Richard told him they wanted photos of him donating some croquet mallets to the underprivileged, Richard looked around Ethan’s home and at Ethan saying he looked poor. Ethan told him they didn't need mallets, Benny said happily that he’d take them and Richard let him take them.

Ethan told Richard he had to lie to get him over to tell him that he was in danger of a vampire possessed car. Richard told Ethan he didn't have time for the tales of a malinfomed pauper. Ethan tried to stop Richard from leaving, telling him he was in danger. Richard kept trying to swat Ethan out of the way, Ethan called for Benny, who was playing with the croquet mallets, he stopped when he saw Ethan needed help and he began an incantation before simply touching Richard, causing him to pass out.

Ethan dragged Richard onto his couch while Benny was surprised his spell worked and excited that now they could knock out whoever they wanted. Ethan commented that it looked like Richard was psyched to be the first. Ethan then began taking out a large needle, Benny asked Ethan that he thought they were going to save him, not drain him. Ethan said they needed his blood to lure the car back into a trap and destroy it once and for all, Ethan glad he took a nursing course during summer school.

Benny then lifted his sleeve, telling Ethan he knew that someone was stealing his blood and that Ethan told him that he was imagining it. Benny then asked him that was his blood for Sarah, Ethan avoided the question saying it wasn’t important right now, that first they needed to locate the car. Ethan opened the door to see it sitting on his front lawn.

Later that night Ethan’s driving in the car, wearing a cell phone earpiece, he tells them he hopes their plan works, Benny said of course it would, they were wearing headsets, he also told Ethan to buckle up. Ethan asked the car did it see the poor and defenseless rich guy up ahead, the car growled and it’s headlights turn red when they heard the car, they took off running towards the impound lot.

Meanwhile Benny and Erica were setting up a makeshift spike strip using sharp rakes, the runner ran through them and Benny and Erica jumped out of the way as the car ran over them, causing flats. They stood in front of the stopped car and Rory pulled off a black wig, Rory stating it was him and not Richard Bruner, grandson of Manfred Bruner, taking the vial of blood out of his pocket. Ethan said to see how scary the clunker is with four flat tires, but then the tires re-inflated themselves.

The car then started itself back up and started growling, Ethan said nervously that that didn’t work. The car then steered itself towards the person holding the blood, Rory, who passed it to Erica, who said if she wasn’t drinking it, she didn’t want it, and Erica threw it at Benny, Benny whining that he was the only one who couldn’t outrun the car and Benny was about to hand it off the Sarah when Ethan took it, and said he had an idea and to give him a head start, he took off running. Sarah yelled for him not to.

The car was about to take off after Ethan but Sarah, Rory and Erica held the car back with their strength. Ethan told them to let the car go, and to trust him, Benny told them to do what he said that it was Ethan’s “I’ve got a plan” voice. The three immediately let go of the car and it sped after Ethan who tried to take off running and fell, the car going into the direction Ethan was, but the car flipped over on its top when it ran over something.

Ethan attacked the car with a large and sharp two-by-four and quipped “end of the road car-nivore“, trying to stake the car. Sarah came up and asked to do it, quipping “this blood drive’s over” before harshly jamming it into the car. Ethan told her thanks, and that she didn’t have to one-up his victory line. Ethan saw he still had Richard’s blood and he gave it to Rory, saying he earned it. Erica told Rory she came all that way, that he could at least buy dinner, the two fighting over the blood.

Benny said he had it and used the knock out spell on the two, telling them to sleep tight "fangy friends" Benny then realized it would be left up to them to clean things up and Benny then used the spell on himself. Ethan said he got them into the mess, he’d clean it up, Sarah suggested to leave it for them and she offered to give Ethan a ride home, holding out her hand. Ethan grabbed it and Sarah took off in a flash.

A moment later the three woke up and Benny couldn't believe they left them to clean up the mess, Erica told Benny she can’t believe he thinks he's staying. Benny said to Rory that it was a big clean up job, Rory agreed, Benny added it took skill and character and he might be taking a big risk, but he said he was putting Rory in charge. Rory told Benny goofily that he wouldn't let him down, Benny told him thanks before walking away, Rory then sniffed the air and yelled squirrel before taking off as well.

The episode jumps to black.

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