Here's an episode that rips off not one, but two episodes of Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures. Said episodes are "Nobody's Cupcake" and "Family Fun And Games", and they're both much better than this one. In both episodes, Barbie had distinct motivations for taking part in the competitions. In the former episode, they play into her love of baking and doing this for her family when her sisters push her into this. The latter episode also has her sisters encourage her to take part in the competition, but at least they put a cash prize on the line, and it's all for the sake of fixing the family RV. Both episodes showed how she and her sisters clearly contrast with each other yet also know how to work together. What's her motivation here? She wants to earn cash money for the demo for Otto Phoenix. It's the same exact motivation as Brooklyn Barbie. I wouldn't mind this, but they act interchangeable and don't show off any unique motivations or actions. They're both equally skilled in athletics and don't do anything to distinguish themselves from each other. The ending is also contrived. Their prize was actually potatoes, and both their parents give them the remaining money because of how hardworking they are. Huh? They basically just lucked their way into this. They didn't earn it. Look at how "Family Fun And Games" ended. Sure, the fact that the RV brakes are faulty is a little too convenient, but at least they emphasize how well the girls work together and they at least take down someone who revels in tearing people apart. That's a well earned reward. Here, they get the money just because. Oh, and there's also a conflict about Brooklyn Barbie having to choose between acting class and a music career when Bertram Livsey offers her a chance to study under him, and she doesn't tell Malibu Barbie. It's too late to make stuff from Handler relevant, so this emotional moment falls flat. This episode is fun, but has no real substance.
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