One of the admirable things about Danny Phantom as a series is that it observes a fairly high level of continuity and development. (I look forward to seeing fifteen-year-old Danny in his second year of high school.) Here we have one of the most significant character developments of the early series, in which Jazz begins her evolution from annoying semi-antagonist to deeply appreciated semi-protagonist. This evolution is enjoyably gradual, as even before this episode, Jazz was carefully established as having an interest in psychology and being very protective of her little brother's psyche. There are many opportunities in subsequent episodes for the discreet Jazz to cover for Danny without letting it slip that she is doing so. She just grows and grows as a character as the series progresses.

Penelope Spectra may just be the best villain of the series. While other ghosts seem to have vague notions of world domination, Spectra is clearly malevolent toward humans—human children, in particular—and has parlayed her charisma and ability to pass for human into an effective career in draining the little darlings dry. Her ability to cause psychological anguish, combined with her position of authority over hundreds of teenagers, is disturbing. One wonders how many other schools she had worked at before she came to Amity Park.

The process by which Danny falls under her influence, spurred along by Bertrand’s playful goading, is achingly wonderful to watch. I get the impression that Bertrand is not the first ghost to “get away,” even though we’ve only seen Danny’s successes in earlier episodes. Two of the episode’s finest moments come back-to-back: Danny’s stunned realization that he had managed to trash the drug store during his fight with Bertrand, and his desperately lonely “I’m really not hungry, may I please be excused?” meal afterwards.

This episode also features one of the most chilling (pre Reality Trip) examples of why Danny wouldn't be willing to reveal his secret to his parents. I am referring, of course, to the scene in the kitchen when Danny and Jazz overhear their parents talk about peeling the ghost at Casper High and examining the remains. Contrasting that with Jazz's affectionate offer of support was an excellent choice.

And contrast that with the episode climax, as Jazz is the one who put the smack-down on Spectra. The Peeler looked to be a horrifyingly painful and effective weapon, unlike many of the other early Fenton gadgets that seem to be geared more toward catching and studying ghosts rather than destroying them. So it’s interesting that the only non-ghost-hunter named Fenton is the first member of the family to cause serious bodily harm to a ghost.

All in all, My Brother's Keeper is one of the best episodes Danny Phantom has to offer. Character development, an unusual pair of villains, and lots of great action make this an episode I'm always happy to watch again.

By: bluemoonalto

Rating: None given

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