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Amphibia Season 3, Episode 17 Review

I…don’t even know where to start with this. I’ve spent the last week consuming Amphibia content to hype myself up for the one-hour special episode, “All In’. Now that it’s here, I can say that it didn’t just live up to the hype. It exceeded it! I don’t think I’ve cheered at something on TV in years, it was so good! Matt Braly, if you somehow read this, know that you and your team made one of the best cartoons Disney’s ever made. In fact, I think it might be one of the best cartoons ever made, period!

It’s Like The Avengers All Over Again

During the week leading up to the premiere of “All in”, I kept comparing the episode to the climax of The Avengers (which, coincidentally, just had its ten year anniversary). A major American city attacked by an army of aliens, only for a group of heroes to appear out of nowhere to save everyone. Sound familiar? Because that’s essentially what happened in Amphibia, and it was as amazing as seeing The Avengers was for the first time.

Everyone who matters to the story from Earth and Amphibia returned for this epic battle. Mr. X and Jenny show up with the Boonchuy’s in tow, the full might of their resources behind Anne. Olivia, Yunan, and Grime get to see what Earth is like and get some new weapons. Did I mention that Polly upgrades Frobo to look like an anime mecha? Essentially, almost everyone who’s helped the heroes contributes or cameos at least once.

This is how you do right by a show with a large supporting cast. Give them moments to shine, and be as cool as we’ve come to know them. Not only that, but the show gives the characters a chance to show us how far they’ve all come since the start.

All In to be Their Best Selves

I didn’t fully realize it when this show first started, but one of the big themes behind Amphibia is change. Life is about change, from the moment we’re born until the day we ascend to whatever lies beyond. As Marcy made clear, change can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be if we don’t let it. Case in point, “All In” shows us just how much the heroes have all changed for the better.

In a flashback to the day before her birthday, Anne’s asked what she wants to do with her life, and she doesn’t know. It took going to Amphibia to make her realize that she was simply coasting through life and not really doing anything to grow as a person. Now, though, she’s become her absolute best self, and is willing to fight for what’s right.

Sasha was always able to manipulate her way into getting whatever she wanted, but Amphibia changed all of that. For the first time ever, she had to face the consequences of her actions, and it almost cost her everything. As painful as it was, though, it helped her abandon her more toxic traits and become a true friend to Anne and to Grime. Even Grime admits that his friendship with Sasha helped give his life real meaning.

While I won’t spoil anything involving Marcy, I will say this. She gets her own breakthrough and realizes that what she wanted isn’t what she really needed.

Everyone gets a chance to show how far they’ve all come. The Plantar’s confront the demons of their past and conquer them. Literally! Olivia and Yunan have a cause they can be proud to fight for. As for Andrias, he gets a moment that helps him make peace with what happened between him and Leif. That’s right, Leif is the Plantar’s Ancestor! We all knew it!

One Last Job

By the time the dust settles, it looks like everything’s over. Andrias is defeated, Marcy’s freed, and the invasion’s over. All that’s left is to return to Amphibia and end the war. However, things aren’t as simple as the heroes would like. The moment they get back to Amphibia…the moon starts to fall down. The final part of Leif’s vision has come true, and no one has any idea why.

It doesn’t take a genius to realize that Leif’s concerns about the Calamity Box were right on the money. Somehow, using the gems one too many times has affected the fabric of reality. Thus causing Amphibia’s moon to plummet towards their world. In other words, it’s just like what happened in Sonic Adventures 2. So, if the Calamity Trio wants to stop it, they’re going to need their powers. But at what cost?

My guess is that everyone will be faced with a choice. If they save Amphibia, they will likely forfeit any ability to travel between worlds, meaning Anne, Sasha, and Marcy may never see their Amphibian friends again. It’s easy to say you accept change, but it’s hard to put that into practice. With next week being the series finale, I honestly have no idea how things will pan out. Plus, the Core’s still alive, and it will likely try to stop the heroes. All I know is that it’s going to be a bittersweet experience, both in the show and in real life. Whatever happens, though, I’ll never forget the three year ride we’ve been on. Also, this episode made me a K-Pop Stan! #Blackpink4Life!

I Give “All In” a 5/5

PS-My one complaint about this episode was all the commercial breaks!

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The Owl House Season 2, Episode 18 Review

As Amphibia gears up for its grand finale, The Owl House continues to amaze me with each passing week. After all, the stakes feel higher than they ever have. Two weeks ago, we got the big “wham” episode revealing Belos’ true plans for the Boiling Isles. Last week, the show surprised us with the truth about King’s origins, and ended with the titular house surrounded by the Emperor’s Coven. Things have never looked so bleak for the show! However, all’s not lost. Even if Luz isn’t around, her spirit, and that of another, lights a fire of rebellion at Hexside. A rebellion that could be what the heroes need to save the Boiling Isles.

Hexside Without Luz

It’s not confirmed whether this takes place concurrently with the last episode or right afterwards, but I’m betting it’s the former. As the Day of Unity’s less than a week away, Belos prepares to tie up any loose ends. Which also means going to Hexside to forcibly induct every student into a Coven.

The fact that Belos has no intention of sparing even the children drives home how evil he truly is. In the more immediate news, this happens right as Hexside begins allowing multitrack courses, something that wouldn’t have happened had it not been for Luz and her friends. Fortunately, the timely intervention of Gus reveals the trap before it can be sprung. Unfortunately, the stress also makes Gus’ magic go out of control, covering the school in a massive illusion.

Remember how I said that illusion magic wasn’t useless? This is what I was talking about. The guy made an illusion that even throws the head of the Illusion Coven (whose a total jerk) off his game. However, it’s only thanks to help from Hunter that Gus escapes the Emperor’s Coven.

Hunter Trying to Heal

The last time we saw Hunter, he was having a full-on nervous breakdown. No could blame him, though. He learned that not only is Belos a liar and a monster, but that he’s, essentially, a clone. The latest in a series of clones that Belos repeatedly murdered. That leaves him traumatized, scared for his life, and paralyzed by the mere thought of Belos finding him.

At his core, Hunter is, and always has been, a good person. It’s why Belos could never truly control him. However, the poor boy’s so traumatized by the years of abuse that it makes it hard for him to trust others. As the flashback in the stinger reveals, Gus was in the same boat.

Gus has always had a feeling of inferiority due to his age. His magical talent, combined with his naïveté, made him a target for people who sought to use him. Meeting Willow and Luz helped, but the issues still there. And when he falls for a Coven illusion, he ends having another period of self-loathing. Luckily, just like he helped Hunter, Hunter helps him.

I personally loved the moments between Hunter and Gus in this episode. They reminded me a lot of two brothers helping each other out. The whole thing was so sweet, and reminds us of how the right people can help us overcome trauma. Amity and Willow also get some nice moments as they reaffirm their friendship with mutual respect.

The Rebellion Begins

The episode’s climax culminates in a brawl between the students and staff of Hexside against the Emperor’s Coven. It’s full-on rebellion as Hexside proceeds to throw the Coven out of their school, and I just loved it.

The episode ends with Hunter getting the love and acceptance he needs from people who actually care about him. It’s a really touching moment, and that boy more than deserves it. Yet, the big problem still remains: the Day of Unity.

The episode ends with Hunter about to tell Hexside everything he learned, and while we may not see it, everyone will no doubt be horrified. Everything they’ve believed in was a lie; how could anyone not be horrified by that. However, this could be good in the long run.

Think about it. Once they know, they’ll tell everyone they know. Odds are, most people won’t believe them. Belos’ lies have been ongoing for decades. However, the people who know them personally might listen. That might be enough to spark a rebellion against Belos. At the least, this will give Luz the help she needs to stop Belos. Which could only make it worse if they end up failing.

I want this rebellion to succeed, but The Owl House has one more season of specials coming. Odds are, the season might end in an even worse spot. Here’s hoping.

I Give “Labyrinth Runners” a 4.5/5

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