Brother, Can You Spare a Clarinet? (Arthur)

"Brother, Can You Spare a Clarinet?"
"Music stinks!" - Binky Barnes.
Series: Arthur Part of Season: 6 Episode Number: 4b Air Date: October 15, 2001 Writer: Dietrich Smith Director: Greg Bailey Previous episode: Muffy's Soccer Shocker Next episode: The Boy Who Cried Comet

"Brother, Can You Spare a Clarinet?" is the second half of the fourth episode in the sixth season of Arthur. It first aired on October 15, 2001.

Plot

The excitement for the Young Person's Orchestra tryouts is palpable among everyone, except for Binky, who is facing trouble with his malfunctioning clarinet.

Why It Doesn't Spare a Clarinet

1. Binky is extremely unlikable and is at his worst in this episode because he tries to sabotage everyone else's instruments for the tryouts all because his isn't working properly, which is extremely idiotic and nonsensical? Why not just get it fixed and move on?
   • If Binky's clarinet issues had been resolved sooner, the entire episode might have been prevented.
2. In this episode, the Tough Customers remain unlikable as they join forces to assist Binky with his plan. Indeed, the Tough Customers are not designed to be entirely likable characters, yet their actions still contribute to the narrative.
3. In this episode, Mr. Haney seems to have a minimal role, as he does little to deter Binky beyond issuing a warning.
4. This episode essentially undermines Binky's character growth. Initially, he was portrayed as a bully, but he became gentler as the series evolved. Yet, in this episode, he reverts to being an even greater bully than he initially was.
5. The episode attempts to elicit sympathy for Binky from the audience, but it is unsuccessful due to the portrayal of his character.
6. Apart from being sent to the principal's office, Binky faces no further punishment for his behavior in the episode and does not offer an apology to his friends.
7. Bad ending: Even though Binky attempts to sabotage the other musicians' instruments, he is still admitted into the orchestra because the judge is impressed with the sound of his clarinet.
   • Also, while everyone else shows support for Binky, he knocks George over, which shows that he doesn't care.

Redeeming Qualities

1. The first few minutes of the episode are okay.
2. The show has its humorous instances, such as Arthur noting Binky's dual personality and Binky advising Arthur to recycle the plastic wrap from the pie that ended up on his face.
3. At least everyone else is still tolerable as usual.
4. Binky having trouble with his clarinet is an interesting concept, but was miserably executed.

Comments

Loading comments...