Perhaps the darkest episode in the series (Besides The Ultimate Enemy), Control Freaks offers a very interesting approach to the Danny Phantom series by having Danny become evil. With this twist of fate, Tucker and Sam are forced to jump into the hero role and save the town. Extremely entertaining with the action sequences, but with enough humor so it doesn’t kill the mood, Control Freaks is the best example of writing at its finest. Instead of focusing an entire episode on Danny, they instead focus more on Sam and really develop her character. It’s really refreshing to see an episode that doesn’t focus on a “Danny loves Sam” storyline, so they could expand her depth as a character. She is extremely witty in the episode with such classic lines such as “I’m a creature of the night, doomed to a family of morning people...” Her humor is funny, without the use of immature and annoying actions or sayings. Perhaps the most interesting part of the episode, is how Danny becomes evil, forcing Tucker and Sam to save him in the first place. Introducing a new villain, Freakshow is one of the most interesting villains. Not a ghost, he instead controls ghosts using a staff, with no motivation except for his greed and profit. He doesn’t do any of the crimes himself, but rather, sends out his “minions” to do his crimes for him. After he gets Danny under his control, it’s obvious he doesn’t show any remorse and can easily commit crimes himself if he’s forced to. One of the best villains to date, he has extreme potential in later episodes. The episode also focuses on an idea I’m sure a lot of people were wondering. What if Danny was evil? Taking this concept, the writers did an excellent job showing how evil Danny could be with his ghost powers, robbing banks and having little regard for law enforcement. Entertainingly evil, the writers created an entirely new character, that is sure to be a fan favorite. With wonderful action scenes and an intriguing storyline, Control Freaks should be seen as a shining example in the Danny Phantom series. Entertaining to both children and adults, this is a perfect episode.
By Bladeboy2004
The “A” plot is simple. Danny falls under the influence of an evil ringmaster, losing his free will and turning into a willing, eager minion. He seems to enjoy the freedom from his human conscience, and turns out to have a real talent for malevolence. But the secret to his salvation is not magic, or technology, or strength or wisdom or perseverance. No, the solution is that he lurrrrves Sam. It’s a pity they didn’t explore whether he would have been strong enough to break free of the enchantment if it had been Tucker falling to his death, or Mr. Lancer or some random stranger. But we’ll never know.
The “B” plot is actually the meatier of the two. It’s a series of relationship moments: Sam and her parents, Danny and Sam’s parents, Sam’s parents and Danny’s parents, Sam and her grandmother, all three kids and the school administration. (It’s a pity they couldn’t find room in the story for the Foleys as well.) We are treated to a cornucopia of interpersonal relationships, all wheeling around the central question: what is the proper extent of parental authority? How healthy is this friendship, anyway? Let’s face it: being Danny’s best friend is dangerous even when he’s in total control of his faculties. Dancing around the periphery are the Amity Park police, who haven’t been seen since the ghost invasion in Public Enemies. There’s the poignant reminder of Danny’s status as “Public Ghost Enemy #1.”
(I’ve noticed that fanfics that feature a revelation of Danny’s secret often include the question, “But what about that time you kidnapped the Mayor?” Nobody ever mentions the robbery spree and destroyed police cars from Control Freaks, for which Danny was technically guilty. Then again, maybe I’ve just answered my own question.)
Anyway, this is where the disappointment sets in. There were no repercussions. Sam said that Danny could fix everything, and apparently she was right—because the magic universal reset button made sure that we never heard about Danny’s evil deeds, or the restraining order, ever again. An episode this significant deserves to have lasting significance, and this one fell short.
Average Rating: 
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