THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN: RANDY JANDT

"Reaction," this Saturday's new episode of Kids' WB!'s The Spectacular Spider-Man, introduces Doctor Octopus.

Randy Jandt, writer of the episode, talked about the character and story in this short Q&A:

Question: What were the obstacles for you in introducing Doc Ock into the series?

Jandt: The challenge to writing this episode and specifically, introducing Doctor Octopus, was to keep in mind the expectations and history with a show/character like this -- so my approach was rather simple: be mindful of the history, listen to the direction and guidance of Greg Weisman, and then write an episode with a good, entertaining story that is packed with as much action and humor as 22 minutes will allow.

Question: Knowing all that has come before in the comics, and being aware of the storyline of Spider-Man 2, what did you seek to do with the characters -- particularly Doc Ock -- within this episode?

Jandt: In terms of deviating or staying true to character and story from the comics, the show's creators didn't think there was need to reinvent the wheel, but rather take and use all the elements that made Spider-Man such a fan favorite and then expand on it.

However, with that said, the fact that Greg chose to NOT start out the show with Spider-Man/Peter Parker as an adult, but as a 16-year-old kid, was brilliant and liberating on a variety of levels. That fresh perspective of a young Spider-Man/Peter Parker translated to the entire spirit of the show.

Doctor Octopus was challenging because he had such a range of character. From weak and meek genius, Otto Octavius to Megalomaniacal Doctor Octopus -- that's an amazing jump, filled with chances to create great drama ... and humor!. When you add the techy bells and whistles of his arms/harness, bringing this iconic character to life was extraordinarily fun to do.