Though most people like to sympathize with the main character if they're in a bad situation, sometimes it can have the opposite effect. An example of this is the Loud House episode "Raw Deal". While the main character may be going through sever paranoia, it can still be rather humorous. Such is the case with "Arthur's Teacher Trouble".
Joe Fallon previously wrote the godawful "Arthur's Eyes", but this was a MAJOR step-up from his last performance. The story revolves around Arthur and Buster being put into Mr. Ratburn's third-grade class. They heard some pretty nasty stuff about him, and they and their friends don't take this news too well. Then we get some pretty enjoyable reactions out of them as they moan "Ratburn" over and over again. It's pretty funny. When the first day arrives, Mr. Ratburn doesn't come off as a bad teacher. But Arthur manages to land a spot on his radar. TWICE. Later, him and his best friend Buster overhear Ratburn talking on the phone. Ratburn was saying he needed boy's puppet heads, but the two friends misinterpreted it as REAL boy's heads, which makes them even MORE paranoid. The rest of the episode involves the duo trying to warn other kids about his supposed evil scheme. All of this makes for some pretty good chuckles, and it's an easy recommendation for me for it's creative humor, realistic plot, and great moral. 8/10
Episode 2B: Arthur's Spelling Trubble
Competing in a spelling bee can be pretty tough when you have severe stage fright, and I speak from experience, because I was chosen to enter the school spelling bee in third grade. I did very well; I came in second place, but still, standing up on stage with tons of eyeballs staring at you is no cakewalk. "Arthur's Spelling Trubble" teaches kids how to cope with that phobia, with a little confidence.
Arthur is picked to compete the annual School Spell-athon. He's a nervous wreck, but he ends up winning. This episode's message is one that almost every kid can relate to. This episode also houses some really funny moments with D.W. Before I say any more, I'd like to express an unpopular opinion I have. I LOVE D.W. I know a lot of fans hate her because she's bratty and is often really mean to Arthur, but she's the funniest character on the show in my opinion and she often kept the plot fresh and entertaining. What's more, Prunella plays the antagonist role really well, even though I still despise her as a character. In conclusion, this episode has all the characteristics of a classic Arthur episode, and addresses the issue of stage fright really well, so it's definitely worth a watch. 8/10
Season 1 Ranking:
1. Arthur's Spelling Trubble
2. Arthur's Teacher Trouble
3. Francine's Bad Hair Day
4. Arthur's Eyes
Next time, we find out why D.W. is so afraid of the water in "D.W. All Wet", and watch as Buster obsesses over a fossil in "Buster's Dino Dilemma".
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