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Amphibia Season 3,Episode 13A/B Review

We are now in the endgame of Amphibia, people, and from what we’ve seen, it’s going to be a finale to remember. Anne and the Plantar’s have joined the rebellion against King Andrias, starting what’s essentially an “anime war arc.” However, they still lack a plan to defeat Andrias or his unholy master…until now. After skirting around the truth for so long, Anne and the others get a big piece to the puzzle. This week, they finally meet the Mother of Olms!

Mother of Olms

Picking up immediately following the last episode, Anne, Sasha, and the Plantar’s travel beneath Proteus to meet with their leader, the Mother of Olms. According to the vase Anne found on Earth, she can tell them what their destiny is in defeating Andrias. However, the Mother of Olms, voiced brilliantly by Whoopi Goldberg, isn’t quite what they expected. While she’s still very wise and sage-like, old age hampers her from being a full-on Yoda figure. So, the group has to head inside her head (literally) to help jog her old brain. It’s pretty gross, too; Sasha can’t help but complain the entire time!

The only one who doesn’t go in is Hop Pop, who feels he’s too old to be of any help.

Growing old is a scary thing for a lot of people. Our minds can deteriorate along with our bodies, and make us feel useless. But there are pay-offs, as well, such as wisdom and experience. Case in point, it’s Hop Pop’s years of agricultural experience that ends up saving the group from death by…nose goop. Furthermore, so long as you know how to manage things, old age doesn’t have to inhibit you, as the Mother of Olms remembers she wrote the prophecy down on the walls above her cave.

Eager fans already translated a line of text from King Andrias’ book a while back, but the Mother of Olms confirms that it is the prophecy surrounding the Calamity Box and the human trio. In fact, everything the Mother of Olms tells the group merely confirms what the fans already knew. That the Calamity Gems gave the girls incredible powers, and that they are meant to vanquish the Core, or, as the Olms call it, the Night. However, the heroes remain in the dark about what the Night is, or how Marcy’s being used as its unwanted host. At least now they have a lead on what to do, though.

Grime’s Pupil

Now knowing that the Calamity Box is the key to defeating Andrias thanks to the Mother of Olms, Anne and Sasha plan their next steps. They don’t have the numbers to fight Andrias’ army yet, though, so they can’t really do anything. However, Sasha remembers how Grime’s sister, Beatrix, has kept her army safe from Andrias, and brings her over to recruit her. Unfortunately, Sprig runs his mouth off about beating Grime, and Grime challenges his sister to a duel. Beatrix against Sprig; loser joins the winner’s army.

Yeah, Sasha and Anne are not happy about that, and punish them by forcing them to train together. Sprig and Grime aren’t happy about that, either. Sprig holds a big grudge against Grime for extorting Wartwood for years and then trying to kill Hop Pop. Grime can’t see Sprig as anything more than a wimpy frog. It’s not until they have to work together to fight off hyenabees that they see each other’s strengths.

A not-so-subtle recurring theme throughout the show has been the prejudice the different species of Amphibians have against one another. It’s part of why the world’s so sharply divided. But those differences need to be forgotten in order to defeat Andrias and save the multiverse. Once Sprig and Grime do that, the former combines the latter’s tactics with his own speed, allowing him to deal a knockout blow against Beatrix. Boom! The Wartwood Resistance now has a Toad Army to back them up.

The Pieces are Starting to Fall Into Place

Going into this week’s episode, I had been hoping that the Mother of Olms would the one to explain everything about the Calamity Box to us. The thing is, most of what we learned this week was information that we already knew, or had guessed. However, that’s not as much of a problem as you would think. Fans for shows like this can be pretty dedicated to guessing how things turn out. Getting to see whether you’re right or not is part of the fun of watching. This time, the fans were spot-on with their predictions. That didn’t really make the whole episode less enjoyable, though.

The fact is, there’s still a month left of episodes to watch before the big finale, plenty of time for us to learn the truth behind the Calamity Box or why it was brought to Earth. In addition, it looks like Disney’s letting Matt go all-out for the finale:

Disney is giving Amphibia the finale that it deserves, moving it to 8 pm on May 7 and May 14th, with the series finale taking up an entire hour. In other words, they’re turning it into the biggest thing since the end to Gravity Falls. I, for one, cannot wait to see what happens. It’s been a long time since I’ve been so hyped for a series finale for a show!

I Give “Mother of Olms” and “Grime’s Pupil” a 3.9/5 and 4/5

Stray Observations

• Look at Sprig’s Face!

• Sasha in a cheerleader outfit made my day!

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Amphibia Season 2, Episode 20 Review

When Disney chose to postpone the season finale of Amphibia a few weeks back, fans were left in shock. However, that shock gave way to outrage when they let “True Colors” leak onto iTunes. As a result, spoilers spread online like crazy! Despite this, though, fans and team members came together to show their support for Amphibia as they awaited what would likely be the biggest episode of the show until the series finale. Then, finally, Disney announced a new premiere date:

We could argue that Disney pushed “True Colors” because they wanted to make sure it was appropriate for kids. However, fans who tuned in to watch the finale had one question on their minds: was it worth the wait?

Now, I was one of the people who saw the spoilers online, but since then, I’ve actively tried to repress the memory of them. After seeing the finale on TV when it should’ve aired, I’m glad I did. Otherwise, my brain may have broken trying to comprehend the awe of what I witnessed, and got to witness it once more. Now, get ready to jump into the heart-stopping season finale of Amphibia, “True Colors”.

Warning: Spoilers From This Point On. If you Haven’t Seen the Episode Yet, Go Watch it Now! Seriously. You’re Doing Yourself a Disservice Otherwise!!!!

The Coup Begins…

If you saw the finale to season one, then you might remember that it started out with a flashback to the day the Human Trio got sent to Amphibia. That continues here, but whereas the previous one was from Anne and Sasha’s perspective, here we see what Marcy did that day. But more on that in a moment.

In the present day, Anne, her friends, Grime, and the Plantar’s arrive in Newtopia, all set to send the girls home. However, Sasha and Grime use this moment to carry out their coup. They capture King Andrias and get all the Toads in Newtopia to revolt. In addition, the Toad Army is only hours away from the gates of the city.

Everyone who’s been watching the show knew that this moment was coming, when Sasha would reveal her true colors. Knowing that it would happen, though, doesn’t make it any easier to watch. Anne is absolutely devastated, not just at Sasha for betraying her (again), but at herself for letting herself be fooled by Sasha. At this point, it’s safe to say that Anne no longer considers Sasha her friend. Given how the two genuinely seemed to enjoy their time together in the last two episodes, this makes this moment all the more heartbreaking to watch.

But this is just the start to the emotional rollercoaster that the show’s taking us on.

Andrias’ True Colors

While Anne and the others try to stop the coup, Sasha and Grime discover something about Andrias that frames their revolt in a new light. Since his introduction, the show’s been hinting that Andrias is not the good King he makes himself out to be. During the second act to the finale, though, we get confirmation with this:

The Music Box was dubbed the Calamity Box for a good reason. In truth, Andrias’ ancestors used it as a power source to build a technological empire, the remains of which we saw in the factory Frobo was made. Complete with the floating castle and weapons of mass destruction, and this is exactly like Laputa from Miyazaki’s film Castle in the Sky. But when the people Andrias considered friends (one of whom looks a lot like Sprig) left him, the box was lost. Now that he has it back, though, he plans to finish what his family started: build a massive army and use it to invade and conquer every other dimension in existence.

Dang. That’s even worse the second time around. However, we also learn that Marcy had no clue regarding Andrias’ true goals, but that doesn’t make her any less guilty. But then, just to twist the knife further, Andrias drops an earth-shattering revelation.

Marcy’s True Colors

In the previous flashback, it was shown that Marcy learned about the Calamity Box through a book she found at the library. However, that then took a backseat to an announcement from her Dad: he was getting a new job which would require his family to move. Marcy was going to lose her two best friends forever. But when she stumbled on the antique shop that had the box, she got the idea to steal it and see if it would work.

Yes, you read that right. Not only did Marcy come up with the idea of making Anne steal the box, something she was very uncomfortable with, she did fully knowing it could send them to another world. In other words, she’s directly responsible for the events of the series.

When I first saw this, I was genuinely stunned. I had grown to adore Marcy since we first met her, to the point that I forgot that the synopsis of the show is about Anne making her first true friendship. Now I understand why it’s like that. As much as Marcy tries to justify her actions, it doesn’t change the fact that she tricked Anne and Sasha into getting stuck in a world where one wrong move could’ve killed them. This moment just drives home Marcy’s greatest flaw: while she may be smart, her emotional intelligence is the lowest of the three. And now, she has to live with the fact that she’s endangered her friends, Earth, and Amphibia all at once.

The True Power of the Gems

A climatic battle ensues against Andrias, and when I say things get dark, I mean really, really dark. Honestly, the last time I saw a Disney cartoon get this dark was with the season two finale of Star vs. The Forces of Evil, “Starcrushed.” The warnings that Disney put out were very justified. However, it’s also offset by the fact that we finally see the true power of the Gems of the Calamity Box.

Since the start of the season, it’s been hinted that the Gems gave each of the girl’s some kind of power. The events of the Temples confirmed this, but it’s only here that we get to see what power they can give the girls. In a fit of rage, Anne unwittingly taps into the remaining gem power within her. As a result, she goes full-on Super Saiyan, and it is glorious! From the flawless animation to the amazing music, this has to be the highlight of the finale! Alas, not even that’s enough to stop Andrias. And while I won’t say how the fight ends, I will say what happens in the aftermath: Anne and the Plantar’s are sent to Earth.

You read that right. After months of trying, Anne’s finally managed to get home to Earth. The sad irony is that now Earth is the last place that she wants to be. The Plantar’s are stranded on Earth while Sasha and Marcy are trapped in Amphibia with the Box, and Andrias seemingly poised to invade every other world. In other words, things are bad.

One of the Best Things I’ve Ever Seen

Having gotten the chance to see “True Colors” not once, but twice, any doubts I had about the hype around it have been silenced. Matt Braly and his team have created one of the best season finale’s I’ve ever seen in my life. Honestly, the last time I can think of a finale leaving this starstruck was “Crossroads of Destiny” from Avatar: The Last Airbender, all the way back in 2006. That episode left me absolutely reeling as a kid, and now, Amphibia’s given me the same reaction.

Matt Braly, you and your team managed to create an absolute masterpiece in “True Colors”. Nearly everything about it is flawless, from the bombshells to the fighting to the music. If you guys don’t win an award for this episode, then I don’t know how you will! Truly, Disney did you a great disservice by delaying this episode.

And the best part? At the very end of the episode, we got this. A sneak preview of the Season 3 opening:

That’s right! It looks like Season 3 is going to be split between Amphibia and Earth. The Plantar’s are adjusting to life in our world, Sasha is helping to lead a resistance against Andrias, and both sides are preparing for Andrias’ all out invasion of Earth. In other words, this is going to be beyond epic!!!

I Was Right about Amphibia

When Amphibia first came out two years ago, I said that it was going to be a show to watch out for. And thus far, everything we’ve seen has only validated that belief. However, after seeing “True Colors” and the opening to Season 3, my opinion of the show has skyrocketed. Matt Braly and his team may be creating one of the best cartoons of the century. One that’s on par with the likes of Adventure Time, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Regular Show, and Gravity Falls. Now, GO WATCH THIS SHOW!

I Give “True Colors” a 5/5.

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Amphibia Season 2, Episode 19A/19B Review

Okay, I’ve been saying this for close to a year now, but I need the soundtrack for Amphibia on ITunes! And I need it now, because this show’s got some crazy awesome beats to it. But before I go all fanboy, it’s important to note that this is the penultimate episode to the second season of Amphibia. On the surface, it may look like another light-hearted episode. However, when you remember the fact that the season finale will likely see Sasha turn on Anne once more, possibly even Marcy, then it makes this episode all the more heartbreaking. It’s the final moments that Anne, Sasha, and Marcy will likely have as friends for a long time before things get really, really dark. And I think it proves why Amphibia’s one of the best cartoons on TV right now.

The Dinner

The episode starts off on a very optimistic tone. Anne and Marcy are overjoyed that they have Sasha back, and don’t hesitate to invite her to dinner. The Plantars, though, are far less trusting; especially since Sasha’s bringing Grime with her. And they’re right to be worried, as Sasha and Grime still plan to overthrow Andrias. But to do that, they need Anne and Marcy to get them into Newtopia, so they gotta play nice.

To say the dinner party’s fraught with tension is an understatement. Firstly, Hop Pop and Grime unintentionally insult each other with racist comments. It’s first-hand proof of how deeply divided and distrustful Amphibia is of each other. And considering how each of the girls represents the Frogs, Toads, and Newts, it feels like there’s a clash between them coming. Especially considering how Sasha has refused to change, instead doubling-down on her toxic behavior.

Fortunately for the plot, Grime’s (seemingly) innocent dessert of a vol-cake-no, which is a giant cake with chocolate lava (and hornets) ends up bringing everyone together. In addition, it also shows Sasha that Anne’s no longer the meek, nervous girl she could once control. She’s able to stand up for herself, and Sasha has to accept that. She, at least, pretends to accept this, but the tension still remains between the two.

Which brings us to the next episode.

Battle of the Bands

To help ease over everyone’s worries about Sasha and Grime staying in Wartwood, Mayor Toadstool organizes a battle of the bands. And as it turns out, Anne, Sasha, and Marcy all had a garage band back home. “Sasha and the Sharps,” and they’re reuniting for the competition! It’s a musical episode, people!

I will be upfront with you guys: I think the Human Trio’s voice actresses absolutely slayed it with the singing in this episode. I forgot just how great a singer Brenda Song (and how good she is at pretending to be bad,) but this episode reminded me of that. She was one of my favorite Disney Stars back in the day for the reason.

But I think that the real MVP of this episode (besides Troy Baker as Grime) was Anna Akana as Sasha. Just listen to her heavy metal song, Heartstomper! It perfectly sums up how much of a bad girl Sasha is.

Unfortunately, this episode demonstrates that Sasha still has the same problems with controlling others in this episode. When Anne wants to do a song she wrote, Sasha’s first instinct is to control everything to suit her, which leads her to leave the group and join up with Toadie. However, it’s through Toadie, of all people, that Sasha realizes that while she may not always get to do things her way, she should still support her friend’s decisions. Surprisingly, Sasha seems to take this to heart, as she rejoins the group for their song, No Big Deal.

I loved this song. It perfectly sums up the girl’s time in Amphibia, and how they’ve all grown to love this world, and how the world’s come to love them. The girls have really grown since the show started, haven’t they? Too bad they lost to Grime’s tear-jerking harp-playing. Who knew?

Regardless, everyone had fun, and the girl’s reveal that in the morning, they’re returning to Wartwood to have Andrias send them home. Thus, the cast of Wartwood joins together for a group selfie. I almost cried at this point.

The Beginning of the End?

While we still don’t know what Andrias has planned for the Calamity Box, we know that it’s likely not good for anyone. However, we also know that whatever the cast has planned will fail because Anne’s gem is only partially recharged. I’m still unsure of whether this is a good or bad thing, but I’m hoping towards the former. Especially since we know that things are going to go south real fast.

Like I said at the start, this episode is a very bittersweet moment for the show. We can see that things seem to be looking up, but we know that the finale will see everything fall apart. Heck, this may end up destroying the girl’s friendship forever. As some who’s followed the show since the start, this is going to be tough to watch. That said, I won’t lie that I’m looking forward to see what happens next and how this sets us up for the third, and likely final, season of Amphibia. Next Saturday can’t get here soon enough!

Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go figure out how to get Disney to put those songs on ITunes, because I want them!

I Give “The Dinner” and “Battle of the Bands” a 3.5/5 and a 4.5/5 Each.

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