Ep 2. The Mating Dance

The sitcom series "Dinosaurs" follows the daily lives of a family of prehistoric creatures living in a modern world. Season 1 episode 2, entitled "The Mating Dance," explores the courtship ritual of the species as one of the main characters, Robbie, tries to impress a female classmate.

Robbie, a teenager of the Sinclairs family, has a crush on a female Triceratops named Wendy. When his friend Spike suggests putting on a show to win Wendy's affection, Robbie is hesitant but eventually agrees to the suggestion. Spike enlists the help of his girlfriend, and the two quickly develop a choreographed routine for Robbie and Wendy to perform.

Meanwhile, Earl Sinclair, the patriarch of the Sinclair family, is dealing with his own love life issues. His wife Fran is suffering from a midlife crisis and feeling unappreciated. Earl struggles to find a way to show Fran how much he cares for her and eventually seeks the advice of his coworker Roy. Their conversation leads to Earl creating a heartfelt gesture for Fran, which she appreciates.

The two storylines -- Robbie's attempt to woo Wendy and Earl's efforts to show Fran how much he cares -- intersect in an unexpected way. Earl's genuine expression of affection for Fran inspires Spike to take a risk and confess his love for his girlfriend. The scene provides a touching moment that illustrates the importance of genuine love and affection.

Overall, "The Mating Dance" is a light-hearted and humorous episode that explores the theme of courtship and companionship. The intricate dance sequence designed for Robbie and Wendy is a highlight of the episode, providing a glimpse into a unique aspect of prehistoric life. The episode also addresses the topic of ageism, as Fran grapples with insecurities brought on by her age and her perceived role as a housewife.

The show's use of puppetry and animatronics is also noteworthy, bringing the prehistoric creatures to life in a believable and engaging way. The cinematography is also quite impressive for its time, utilizing a blend of wide and close-up shots to capture the action and emotion of the characters.

"The Mating Dance" is a charming and entertaining episode that provides insight into both the desires and insecurities of the show's main characters. It successfully balances comedy with heartfelt moments and showcases the show's unique blend of technology and storytelling.