When Control Freak busts out of jail, throwing him back in should be as easy as clicking a remote. But after CF hot-wires some high-end A/V equipment and escapes into a TV. set, things get ... a little weird. Can the Titans make their way through the wacky world of television to catch the channel-flipping bad guy? Or will Control Freak make our heroes flip out?
Alex Polinsky as Control Freak
General Episode Notes:
 The original title of this episode was "Don't Touch That Dial."
The episode title "Episode 257-494" refers to the actual production number of the episode.
Control Freak's mug shot shows the number "257-325" - which is the production number of FEAR ITSELF, Control Freak's first appearance.
The production number 257 is seen again with "Agent 257."
The Mijo & Tito are a reference to Lilo & Stitch [a child and an alien friend; "Mijo" is Spanish for "friend."]; The alien shown looks like Soto from EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY. When Beast Boy flips channels in THE BEAST WITHIN, he sees a scary scene with Soto's shadow and a boy resembling series producer Glen Murakami. This is perhaps related to Miyo & Tito.
The TV chef show appears again. It was also seen in NEVERMORE and THE BEAST WITHIN.
The evil villain from "Clash of the Planets" looks a lot like Baron Karza, an evil Micronaut from 1970s Mego's toy line. Producer Glen Murakami has mentioned that Cyborg's look on the series is inspired somewhat by the Micronauts.
The monster movie "It Came From Jones' Lake" is a nod to the director of this episode: Ben Jones.
Writer David Slack is a big fan of the Japanimation series, "Battle of the Planets" - which has multiple references in this episode.
"The Hooten Boys" is a reference to Chris Hooten, the series colorist.
Baron Ryang (the Baron Karza type guy) is named after Titans' prop designer, Norm Ryang.
Beast Boy uses the "Hakjoon Chant" to banish Control Freak to the 2-D prison. He chants the name Hakjoon Kang. This is a reference to Hakjoon (Hak) Kang, Teen Titans Background designer (and designer of the T-Tower itself!).
When trapped in "Clash of the Planets." Cyborg says, "I remember this scene. We're in the first episode of season four." This episode is the first episode of season four of Teen Titans.
The guest on "The Actor's Studio" is Dr. Victor Payton - which is a reference to Khary [Cyborg] Payton's father.
Raven is tackled by the football team, The Steel City Tigers. Titans East is based in Steel City.
When Robin waterskis, he 'jumps the shark.' "Jumping the Shark" has become slang for the moment when a show goes downhill. The phrase originated from an episode of "Happy Days" where Fonzie jumped a shark on waterskis in California.
Control Freak says he is a 12th level Space Samurai. "12th level" is a term used in Dungeons & Dragons.
When Control Freak becomes the 12th level Space Samurai, he calls himself "Count Rol Freak-O"
TV and Movie References:
There are multiple references to "Battle of the Planets;"
- Beast Boy talks about "Danger Team Five" and the character shown looks like Mark or Jason from "Battle of the Planets". There's also five members of the G-Force team on "Battle of the Planets."
- "Clash of the Planets" is a takeoff on the title "Battle of the Planets"
- The "Clash of the Planets" logo is exactly like the "Battle of the Planets" logo
- The robot is called "7Gorn7" which is reference to Seven-Zark-7, their computerized coordinator
- When Beast Boy explains "Clash of the Planets," one of the fat fanboys is dressed like Princess from "Battle of the Planets."
- The small robot who hugs the boy at the end of "Clash of the Planets" looks like Seven-Zark-7.
There are multiple references to "Star Wars:"
- Control Freak's training is similar to Luke Skywalker's Jedi training
- The weapons of "Clash of the Planets" are exactly like light sabers
- Control Freak becomes a powerful being similar to Darth Vadar
- Control Freak revealing he is the boy's father is exactly like the Luke/Darth scene from "The Empire Strikes Back"
- Control Freak uses Jedi mind powers
- Beast Boy attempts Obi Wan's Jedi mind trick when he grabs Raven's robe and says: "You don't need our identification."
- Control Freak uses an energy ball similar to the Emporer in "Return of the Jedi"
The opening sequence is an exact parody of the opening sequence of the 1950's sci-fi show, "The Outer Limits."
The 7Gorn7 Robot looks just like Robbie the Robot - who was seen in "Lost in Space", "Forbidden Planet", "The Outer Limits", and countless others.
The 7Gorn7 name contains two references: Seven-Zark-7 of "Battle of the Planets" and the Gorn from "Star Trek" the original series.
The Mijo & Tito are a reference to Lilo & Stitch [a child and an alien friend]
Control Freak says: "We have the technology" - which is a reference to the opening sequence of "The Six Million Dollar Man."
The "Hooten Boys" are a reference to "The Dukes of Hazzard."
The rhyming pelican is similar to a Dr. Suess character.
The Beast Boy/Control Freak chase scene is a takeoff on a Road Runner cartoon, with Control Freak as Road Runner and Beast Boy as Wile E. Coyote
Beast Boy is trapped in a 1950s sitcom similar to "Leave it to Beaver" and "Father Knows Best."
A few James Bond references:
- Agent 257 is just like James Bond, Agent 007
[who often wore tuxedos]
- Control Freak acts like Bond's nemesis Blofeld when he is seen in shadow stroking the white cat
A villain stroking the cat in shadow is also similar to "Inspector Gadget's" arch-enemy, Dr. Claw.
The guard robots with one red eye are a reference to the Cylons from "Battlestar Galactica."
The Xinthos commercial is a parody of a pharmaceutical commercial: "The makers of Azarath and Metrion, are proud to introduce... Zinthos. New and improved Zinthos gives you exactly what you need, exactly when you need it. And becuase it is blue, Zinthos goes with everything. (scrolling warnings at bottom) Zinthos isn't right for everyone, and may cause bloating, cramping, hair loss, disturbing visions, fits of rage, and the growth of Additional eyes. Children under the age of three should not be exposed to Zinthos. Do not get Zinthos wet, or feed it after midnight. If you experience trouble meditating, stop saying Zinthos and consult your ancient scrolls immediatly. New, blue, Zinthos."
The warning to "never feed Xinthos after midnight" or "get it wet" is a reference to the movie, "Gremlins."
The newscaster looks just like Ted Koppel
Control Freak's training is similar to Neo's in "The Matrix." Control Freak says, "I even know Kung Fu. Woah" - which is a dig at Keanu Reeves, who played Neo.
"Stuntfest" is a parody of extreme reality shows like "Crocodile Hunter" and "Fear Factor."
Control Freak says, "Hasta La Vista, Titans." This is a reference to "Terminator II"... where Terminator uttered the famous line, "Hasta La Vista, baby!" Control Freak wears sunglasses, which is another signature Terminator bit.
The interview show is a parody of "Inside the Actor's Studio"
The 1960's "Batman" TV show is referenced when the Titans "T" zooms in and out to change scenes; The music is even similar to "Batman."
Control Freak says, "There can be only one." This is a reference to the famous line from "Highlander."
When Count Rol Freak-O says "There can be only one!", he strikes the classic He-man pose, with lightning and all.
Beast Boy's final move which defeats Control Freak is similar to the "Dragonball" series.
When Control Freak is banished, he is thrust into a mirror-like device; This is similar to the imprisonment of the Phantom Zone villains in "Superman I" and "Superman II."
Producer/Writer David Slack on "Battle of the Planets" and Teen Titans: "And what drew me to the show was, I was a big fan of "G-Force" or "Battle of the Planets" - whatever you'd call it - when I was a kid. So I quickly realized this was my opportunity to do "G-Force." And what I liked about "G-Force" was that it seemed like it was made for me. Fun, exciting. So I put guidelines as to what kinds of stories we were looking to tell."
In the comic book series, Beast Boy was once a star in a sci-fi space series before joining the Teen Titans. Needing a change of scenery, Beast Boy left home and traveled to Hollywood where he became an actor in the television show Space Trek, 2022, playing an alien metamorph named Tork. Both Beast Boy's acting ability and the show's episodes were less than memorable, and soon Beast Boy found himself out of a job and looking for a place to stay.
From the Xinthos commercial: "Zinthos isn't right for everyone, and may cause bloating, cramping, hair loss, disturbing visions, fits of rage, and the growth of Additional eyes." The additional eyes and fits of rage are a reference to Raven's demonic heritage. Raven's father, Trigon, had four eyes. When Raven gave into her dark side and Trigon corrupted her, she had four eyes and red skin.
For more information on the comic book versions of the characters - including many images - visit titanstower.com's meeting room page.
Control Freak: The sequel. And it's the rare case where the sequel surpasses the original! We only scratched the surface of Control Freak in FEAR ITSELF. In this episode, he shines in all his geek glory.
Control Freak is a fun character; He's the obsessive fanboy we hold up to ridicule - yet remain about only two degrees away from him. We laugh at him, yet we also are more-than-aware of just about every subtle reference tossed about in EPISODE 257-494. Is there not a little Control Freak in all of us?
EPISODE 257-494 is a hyperactive episode in the tradition of FRACTURED and MAD MOD. Repeated viewings are rewarded with things you might not notice the first time around. Beyond the skewering of TV and movies, EPISODE 257-494 manages to sneak in some very clever humor. The Xinthos commercial was simply hilarious; Beyond a parody, you listen carefully and also will catch a few other references contained within. That's the fun of this episode... layer upon layer of humor with winks and nods to works past. You have to love Cyborg's self-referencial line, "Hey I recognize this scene! We're in the first episode of season four."
A franticly funny episode. Here's hoping for a Control Freak trilogy. Grade: A
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