iTunes Episode Set Review: "Lab Rats": Volume One

Rated: TV-Y7 for fantasy violence
Starring: Hal Sparks, Tyrel Jackson Williams, Spencer Boldman, Billy Unger, and Kelli Berglund
Released: February 27, 2012 - June 14, 2012 (original Disney Channel premieres)

Synopsis: When Leo's (Tyrel Jackson Williams) mother gets married, he gets a lot more than just his new stepfather, Mr. Davenport (Hal Sparks)! While looking through his new house, Leo discovers three teenagers--Adam (Spencer Boldman), Bree (Kelli Berglund, How to Build a Better Boy,) and Chase (Billy Unger)--who aren't just mere kids; they're bionic superhumans! Yearning for life outside the lab, Mr. Davenport lets them go to school and hang out with other teenagers...but, their special abilities get them into one misadventure after another! In this first volume, watch as they get into a gridiron match with the school's jocks, stop an impending train wreck, and have a surprise birthday party for Leo...without Leo!
As seen on Disney XD.

The Good: Before trying out Kickin' It, I was a bit hesitant to watch anything from Disney XD, but, their sitcoms are actually really good; at least, the ones I've seen so far...including this one.  Blending action and sci-fi elements with the comedy, it's the same kind of cute and funny production I've come to expect from the Mouse networks.  Kelli Berglund shines as Bree, the lone female in most of the episodes, and the rest of the cast does very well also.  Fans of shows such as this will find plenty to like about these ten episodes.

The Bad: There's nothing really wrong with the show itself; I just wish another episode or two were packed into this "volume".  Since I currently lack any iTunes credit, it'll be at least Christmas before I can get any more episodes...but, I've got plenty of other shows to watch, so, it doesn't really matter.  (I'm not being sarcastic.)

Content Concerns:

• Sex: Innocent romance: kissing, flirting, etc. 4/5
• Nudity: None. 5/5
• Language: Name-calling, at worst. 4/5
• Violence: Action violence is present in pretty much every episode, though it is usually played for laughs.  While no blood or gore is seen and nobody is killed, one episode implies serious injury. 3/5
• Drugs: An episode features "power pellets," which, when eaten by the bionic kids, enhances their superhuman abilities. 4/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: A scene or two of emotional intensity; the action can be a bit rough-and-tumble at times. 3/5

Conclusion: Fans of kiddie sitcoms, rejoice! This is another fun, cute, and family-friendly sitcom from one of the Mouse networks! If you don't care for such media, I have no idea why you're even reading this review, but I can guarantee you won't like this show; however, for those who do--like me--this is good stuff! I can't wait to get my hands on the remaining episodes!

Score: 4.5/5