In certain ways I like this episode but at the same time feel as if it lacks that certain something. Consequently it has never been one of my favourites.  I do like the change of scenery, it was good to see the gang on a trip to the beach, going to the movies and visiting the zoo; it has a nice summer holiday feel to it.  I liked the shark attack, the trip to the costume store and it was interesting to learn that Peter has spare Spidey outfits.  I also liked the Sandman as the villain. However, having one of the Spider-Friends secret identities exposed was used several times during the series and I find it hard to believe that the Sandman A. didn't figure out that Peters two friends were actually Iceman and Firestar and B. was so easily duped into believing that he had been mistaken when he saw Peter and Flash Thompson (dressed as Spidey).

  
  Well I've got to give them some credit as this episode is the only third season episode to have the feel of a first season episode.  We have Flash Thompson involved heavily in his last really major important role in the series.  We have a classic Spider-Man villain, the Sandman, in a classic type Spider-Man plot.  Well executed story although I think not as tight as the first season scripts.  Sandman making a picture of Aunt May in the sand had to be a goof.  How would he know what Peter's Aunt looked like?  Ah, but besides these are minor things.  The humor was good this episode and lots of action too.  I also agree with Caroline; it was nice to see the three of them out having fun although for kids who never have much money they sure were living it up there for a bit.

    
Before I discuss any of the third season episodes I feel like it's necessary to mention that I didn't see any of them on their initial airing.  My NBC affiliate didn't air the show again until a year later (despite my prank-calling efforts).  Therefore I was watching these as a biased twelve year old instead of a wide-eyed 8 year old (like I was in the first season).  That said though, this is a pretty fun episode. I don't feel like the humor is quite as sharp, but it's great to see Flash put to use and to FINALLY see the Sandman!  Got another one for you Caroline & Mark: When Sandman and Peter fought on the beach, wouldn't Sandman later remember that he seemed a little "super-strong"?  It's such FUN to nit pick!!!