Ep 2. The Gene/3DTV/The Smelly Farmer

In episode 2 of season 4 of Shaun the Sheep, entitled "The Gene/3DTV/The Smelly Farmer," viewers are in for a treat with three separate and distinct storylines. Set on Mossy Bottom Farm, Shaun and his flock of sheep get up to their usual antics as they try to outsmart and outplay their human farmer and dog companions.

The episode begins with “The Gene” storyline, in which Shaun discovers that a very important sample has been misplaced. In an effort to get it back, Shaun and Bitzer the dog embark on a mission to get into the Farmer’s house. Once inside, they cleverly avoid detection and manage to rescue the sample. Along the way, Bitzer accidentally turns himself into a half-sheep, half-dog creature due to genetic experimentation. This mutation is temporary but leads to some hilarious moments that include Bitzer awkwardly eating hay while maintaining his canine instincts and Shaun getting a laugh at his friend's expense.

Next, in “3DTV,” the Farmer purchases a new 3D television, which sparks a competition between Shaun and Bitzer. The two engage in a series of challenges, each trying to prove they are the better 3D viewer. Their antics result in a flurry of 3D items being thrown at the Farmer, with the competition coming to a close when Shaun and Bitzer’s on-screen adventures cause the screen to explode and everyone falling into a heap.

The last story of the episode is “The Smelly Farmer,” which sees the Farmer wearing a perfume to impress his date. However, it turns out to be a skunk-attracting scent, leading to chaos on the farm. Shaun and his fellow sheep must figure out a way to help the Farmer get rid of the smell before they all get sprayed. This mostly silent, physical comedy puts the spotlight on the sheep, who become the main characters in this storyline. Under Shaun’s leadership, the sheep come up with a plan to trap the skunk which most viewers will find quite an amusing moment.

Throughout these three stories, Shaun and his friends not only have a lot of fun, but they also learn some valuable lessons about teamwork, trust and friendship. The Farm Animators have expertly made each story in this episode very different and unique. "The Gene" storyline is a perfect example of that. It is a little more cerebral and highlight the smarts of our main duo without the need for dialogue, whereas the "The Smelly Farmer" is a bit more slapstick and humorous. Fans of Shaun the Sheep’s previous three seasons will not be disappointed in this fourth one, which continues to deliver fun and lighthearted episodes.

Visually, "The Gene/3DTV/The Smelly Farmer" episode showcases brilliant animation that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, and even includes a few small references to famous pop culture TV shows. Furthermore, the background music adds to the mood and atmosphere of each storyline, making them even more engaging and enjoyable.

Overall, "The Gene/3DTV/The Smelly Farmer" is a delightful episode that will have fans of this beloved show laughing and engaged from start to finish. It is a show that proves to be accessible to children and adults alike with its charm, unforgettable characters, and relatable themes. The episode embodies the kind of storytelling you’d expect from an experienced team of creators who clearly have a deep affection for the show and the characters' audience.