Mainly, I found this episode really good, but the over-long exposition very nearly made me dislike it (which is rare for an YGOTAS episode). It really was just that, exposition. I'm sure there could have been some funnier or shorter way of getting that information across.
What saved it for me were some nice Off Model jabs, the CSI Miami reference, and the return of Joey's infatuation with Kaiba.
I still think the two following episodes are a vast improvement.
OK, the off model jokes and the Joey/Kaiba thing were in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mai". So much for that.
I didn't like the rape joke. Not at all.
That said, the rest of the episode was good. In fact, every episode from this one to end of season 2 was enjoyable (I loved LK's take on Marik's flashback).
It kind of looks like season 3 will just be one big Take That to 4Kids and I'm skeptical that you can sustain a single joke for that long.
You say that Duke makes a "playboyish" comment. While that is true, the line is really a reference to Sailor Moon Abridged, when Tuxedo Mask says "Unconsious girls can't say no!" during one of the episodes.
@64.4.237.143: You're gonna have to forgive me for missing that reference, I admit it flew right over my head. Never really watched Sailor Moon, abridged or otherwise. But yet again, that was a neat reference XD
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Episode 44 - Ishizu Explains It All
This episode rocked. To all those who stopped watching thinking the series was decaying, think again. After a brief section involving the gang at Mai's bedside(with Duke's inevitable playboyish quip),ladies and gentlemen, we proceed to the meat of the episode:the duel of Kaiba vs Ishizu. And the fun Little Kuriboh must have had making this episode is clearly on display from that point on. Not to spoil anything, but those who have witnessed the duel on the actual TV series know that things didn't exactly go well for Kaiba (in the beginning at least). However the way LK uses this to comedic effect is just plain awesome. After some 4th wall breaking revelations by Ishizu, Kaiba starts the duel. The way it plays out and his reaction to it is just priceless. Basically the boasts and scre overs in his turn and Ishizu's combined take barely 50 seconds, which make their impact all that more felt. Then we are greeted to something LK hasn't done in a long time:editing in the scenes themselves. In order to explain how Kaiba defies destiny in his next turn, LK uses a move so random and unexpected that I prefer to leave the surprise to you.(hint:it involves a chicken... kinda...and some really random references) But what's interesting is that it still manages to cram in plot from the actual series itself while doing so. Needless to say Kaiba steals the spotlight in this episode, his abridged version character has got all his best parts on proud display, making for a very fun 8 minutes. A reference to CSI Miami at the end of the episode is sure to leave most viewers cracking a smile at the end of this extremely enjoyable episode. This is by no means LK's best, but it is certain not to disappoint. Top notch voice acting, fun dialogue from the characters we have grown to love, and more make this episode shine, but all this is present in larger quantities in the the next episode, which concerns Marik's past. Not to mention the 'conclusion' of the 4kids story arc in episode 46, so no, this show is not dying anytime soon. The main reason I'm writing this review is because I didn't want a randomly passing tvtropes user to view 1 review on the site as a final verdict that the show is going downhill. I hope I'm not the only one who feels this is not so. Give the ongoing episodes a shot! They're worth it!