I didn't expect to like this episode that much but when I focused on Ma-Ti and his arc I really appreciated it.
Now that the characters have been introduced this second episode begins to insert some conflict between the Planeteers. They make fun of Ma-Ti for not being able to complete the wall on the obstacle course. I know it's presented that it's all in good fun from their perspective however it does come off as needlessly cruel. This causes Ma-Ti to feel embarrassed and ashamed and he sits out of the adventure in protest. I used to think he was a whining brat, but looking at it now I can empathise with him. He is after all the power of Heart so it makes sense that he would be extra sensitive when it comes to these kinds of jeers & personal doubts.
The episode then cleverly sets up a believable situation where only Ma-Ti can help to save the day. A Warehouse with dangerous fumes inside renders the other powers useless and they spell out why: the Earth power could contaminate the soul, the Wind could release toxic fumes into the atmosphere, the Water could poison a ground spring, and Fire could cause a serious explosion. This all makes sense to the viewer, which means that Ma-Ti's assistance & self discovery is earned. Ultimately his essential contribution to the Planeteers is validated and we are shown why he is such an important team member. His telepathic powers are especially helpful.
Obstacle course, paradise island - pretty sweet of Gaia to provide them these kinds of amenities. Nobody has mentioned missing friends or family? I have no idea if that will get addressed but it seems crazy that they were able to ditch their old lives on a whim.
Skumm and the rat men, good enough villains, if a little generic. I like when a rat man fires on a random rat in the barrels and then laughs and says "sorry cousin". It reinforces how cruel and lacking in empathy the villains are, even to their own kind. Ultimately they are only self-serving.
In the end there is a discussion about Acid rain, and how you could write a letter to Congress about it. That is one of the lamest ideas I've heard. I guess it's the show trying to justify its existence with any kind of random environmental message it can grab out of the air.
Now that the characters have been introduced this second episode begins to insert some conflict between the Planeteers. They make fun of Ma-Ti for not being able to complete the wall on the obstacle course. I know it's presented that it's all in good fun from their perspective however it does come off as needlessly cruel. This causes Ma-Ti to feel embarrassed and ashamed and he sits out of the adventure in protest. I used to think he was a whining brat, but looking at it now I can empathise with him. He is after all the power of Heart so it makes sense that he would be extra sensitive when it comes to these kinds of jeers & personal doubts.
The episode then cleverly sets up a believable situation where only Ma-Ti can help to save the day. A Warehouse with dangerous fumes inside renders the other powers useless and they spell out why: the Earth power could contaminate the soul, the Wind could release toxic fumes into the atmosphere, the Water could poison a ground spring, and Fire could cause a serious explosion. This all makes sense to the viewer, which means that Ma-Ti's assistance & self discovery is earned. Ultimately his essential contribution to the Planeteers is validated and we are shown why he is such an important team member. His telepathic powers are especially helpful.
Obstacle course, paradise island - pretty sweet of Gaia to provide them these kinds of amenities. Nobody has mentioned missing friends or family? I have no idea if that will get addressed but it seems crazy that they were able to ditch their old lives on a whim.
Skumm and the rat men, good enough villains, if a little generic. I like when a rat man fires on a random rat in the barrels and then laughs and says "sorry cousin". It reinforces how cruel and lacking in empathy the villains are, even to their own kind. Ultimately they are only self-serving.
In the end there is a discussion about Acid rain, and how you could write a letter to Congress about it. That is one of the lamest ideas I've heard. I guess it's the show trying to justify its existence with any kind of random environmental message it can grab out of the air.