The title is meant to address the character, but people tend to associate the title adjective to the quality of the story, and in the case of this show who ever does it is not wrong.
I'm Actually seven days late in celebrating this special anniversary, I had to watch this show one arc per day to better absorb and embrace the quality entertainment provided to us. This is how I break it down:
Day 1: Episodes 1-3 (collected as a Direct to Video in Attack of the Lizard):
Survival of the Fittest, Interactions, and Natural Selection.
I guess you can call it one arc for the style they built up Curt Connors transformation to the Lizard. Beside that, it feels like three separate episodes standing on their own.
Last minute of episode 3 is one of the most defining character moments to be shown on screen, stands out very well in showing why we care for the character. We see him in a moment of vulnerability and spiritual defeat, but he sees why he should continue, what he is capable of doing, what he successfully achieved as a man who owes it to be the way he is.
A glorious and triumphant minute.
Day 2: Episodes 4-6:
Market Forces, Competition, and The Invisible Hand
This collection also feels like three separate episodes standing on their own, but there is a bigger touch of an arching story-line going on with the mystery of the Big Man.
Day 3: Episodes 7-9 (Now this is the first true arc):
Catalysts, Reaction, and The Uncertainty Principle
The Green Goblin wreaks havoc and does his work to take over the Big Man's place. Proven to be intimidating, funny, and more than competent to take over even with Spider-Man standing in his way.
Day 4: Episodes 10-13:
Persona, Group Therapy, Intervention, and Nature vs Nurture
The Venom arc. I'm not one of those who think highly of Venom as a character in general, this show successfully made sure to keep a good mark with Venom.
There are some silly moments, but I'm glad they feel tasteful and fitting for the show, at least that is the way I feel about it personally.
Day 5: Episodes 14-17:
Blueprints, Destructive Testing, Reinforcements, and Shear Strength
The Master planner arc, a significantly strong start for the season. One of the webheads most fatal nemeses cuts loose on what he wants to do, and almost succeeds have it not been for a great deal of help from the Spectacular Spider-Man, and the firm resilience of Captain George Stacy who managed to walk tall after a time of vulnerability.
Day 6: Episodes 18-20:
First Steps, Growing Pains, and Identity Crisis
Venom returns, and beautiful chaos ensues.
Day 7: Episodes 21-23:
Accomplices, Probable Cause, and Gangland
Two episodes in a row where Spider-Man is more of an easy target than a spectacular acrobatic brawler, it feels low to see him that after being more powerful against a foe much stronger than he is in Venom. Good thing is that Gangland sees him return to form and defeats three foes in one battle.
Day 8: Episodes 24-26:
Subtext, Opening Night, and Final Curtain
The Green Goblin returns with vengeance, and he's as great as he's been in the first season. It's lovely to see him as a valid threat while Spider-Man is not toned down as a capable fighter.
It's a show that mostly sustained a high quality production even at its low points, the animation is consistently fluid, character volumes are consistent, nothing hectic or ugly looking, a good eye relaxing color palette, consistent continuity, good care for characterization and voice acting.
The show that unfortunately ended too soon, deserves the love it got.
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