4x10 Pomp & Circuitry

9.3/10. I enjoyed practically every part of this. Dean graduating from "high school" and being dragged by Doc to the hilariously named "State University" had all the laughs that come from Doc being overconfident about what his last name and notoriety will get him. There's some generational irony that comes from Rusty resenting the life his dad made him lead, and yet pushing Dean into the same super scientist life. Dean's blithe ambivalence and Rusty's haughtiness are a good combination.

At the same time, Hank trying to join SPHINX was a laugh and a half as well. Hunter is less of a treat now that he's a regular, but he had some great lines here (him calling Hank "Heidi" for cutting their feed to Brock was some hilarious reference humor). And I love the idea that despite Hank's goofiness, after having been through all the Johnny Quest-esque misadventures with his Dad and Brock, Hank really is ready for whatever SPHINX can throw at him. It's a nice bit of character development, and the capper with him and Brock at the end, where Brock tells him not to emulate him so much because his life is nothing to crow about, was surprisingly sincere and sweet.

And Phantom Limb teaming up with Dr. Impossible (who's Bill Hader now!) to try to get his limbs back and get revenge on The Guild had some great animation and humor as well. Everything coming to a head back at State University (with a cameo from Mr. Brisbee!) was a nice touch, and the prospect of a villain team up with Phantom Limb, Underbheit, Dr. Impossible, (and presumably, eventually, The Monarch?) is exciting.

Overall, it was one of those Venture Bros. episodes where the show was firing on all cylinders.