Feeling depressed over the lost of Mary-Jane, Peter considers giving up being Spider-Man for good. However, when Robbie is framed for a crime by the Kingpin, Spider-Man might be needed to help clear Robbie's name.
This episode provides examples of:
- Clear Their Name: The episode's plot deals with Robbie Robinson framed for a crime he was never involved with, and both Spidey and Jameson are trying to help clear his name as they know he wouldn't commit anything.
- Continuity Nod: Spider-Man mentions that the Kingpin's son, Richard Fisk has been incarcerated on Rooker's Island, the prison the Kingpin had Robbie's prison sentence changed to, ever since he tried to frame Peter Parker for treason.
- Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass: In this episode, Jameson briefly goes back to being a reporter to uncover a conspiracy against Robbie. He actually does a pretty damn good job at it, successfully finding the necessary information largely on his own, and handling himself reasonably well for an unpowered guy years out of action. (Even Spidey is impressed with ol' flat-top.)
- Downer Beginning: The episode, by extension the season, starts off with Spider-Man still upset over losing Mary-Jane in the fight with the Green Goblin, and wanting to give up the mantle.
- Dramatic Irony:
- While Spider-Man is trying to save Robbie from being kidnapped by Richard Fisk and Tombstone, he ends up being the distraction the two needed for their prison escape with Robbie by helicopter.
- At end of the episode, Robbie, trying to convince Peter to reconsider not give up taking photos of Spider-Man, tells him he has never been more convinced that Spider-Man is a hero, with no idea that he just convinced Spider-Man himself not to retire.
- Dramatic Unmask: Spider-Man pulls off the ringleader's mask, only to see it's Robbie.
- Even Evil Has Loved Ones: Kingpin bankrolled the whole scheme so that his son would get out of prison.
- Good Parents: Robbie cuts out of work to go see Randy in an all-star game. Jonah recalls doing similarly for John, and he says Robbie is lucky to still have moments like this.
- Hero of Another Story: In this episode, it is revealed Jameson used to be an Intrepid Reporter known as "Jigsaw Jameson" with an entire supporting cast of his own, including a friend on the police force and an old flame, along with personal enemies
- Heroic BSoD: Peter is grieving over Mary-Jane's disappearance, blaming himself for it, and almost gives up being Spider-Man. When Robbie is arrested, he even starts blaming himself more because he thinks he unintentionally ruined Robbie's life. Luckily at the end of the episode after Robbie's name is cleared, the latter is able to take unknowingly talk Peter out of giving being Spider-Man.
- Hidden Heart of Gold: During the party welcoming Robbie back, Jonah insists he only did all this because it would've been too much work to replace him.
- Hollywood Hacking: Spider-Man is able to hack into the Kingpin's advanced computer using a couple of hacker’s tricks he learned.
- Lampshade Hanging: In the face of Jonah actually taking a shot at him:Spider-Man: Didn't you ever think that if Robbie Robertson thought I was okay, there might be something to it?
- Leaning on the Fourth Wall: During Robbie's trial when he tries to explain what happened to him the night before the robbery at the docks, the prosecuting attorney dismisses his claims as unbelievable, saying it a court of law not a Saturday morning cartoon show.
- Little "No": Tombstone, after ending up back in prison.
- Oblivious Guilt Slinging:
- As Harry frets about the loss of both his father and his ex-girlfriend, Peter looks incredibly guilty.
- Ned Leeds to tries convince Jameson that that Robbie is guilty, and he and Spider-Man were working together, but Spidey betrayed him. This is in front of Peter making him feel worse.
- Oh, Crap!: When wondering why Kingpin would want Robbie at Rooker's with Richard, Spider-Man then remembers a mutual enemy is also being detained there.
- Pet the Dog: J. Jonah Jameson does everything he can to help clear Robbie's name, not just to help him but also for Robbie's family.
- Previously on…: Rather than the standard montage sequence, the previous episode is recapped by Spider-Man thinking back to his final battle with the Green Goblin.
- Properly Paranoid: Scoping out the tech in the hideout, Spider-Man immediately knows that only the Kingpin could afford this set-up.
- Right for the Wrong Reasons: Anna blames Peter for Mary Jane's disappearance. May and others treat this as an overreaction caused by grief, but Peter privately admits she has a point since Mary Jane disappeared during a fight with one of his enemies.
- This Cannot Be!: When one witness testifies that Robbie took confidential Bugle files for this scheme, Jonah shouts that's impossible.
- Villain Team-Up: Richard cut a deal with Tombstone, previously the top enforcer for his father's biggest rival. If the plan works, Richard gets out of prison, and Tombstone gets revenge on Robbie.
- We Meet Again: Tombstone when confronting Robbie in prison.
