(A/N: Hey, just wanna apologize again for how my Steven Universe review seems to be more of bashing the show than an actual review. It's no one's fault but mine for how negative it got. It's hard to stay biased when Pink gets blamed for everything that happened in the show, despite the fact that she actually changed to be a better person, while the Diamonds never got punished for their actions and only changed just to either convince Steven to stay with them or to be on his good side. So, until I'm certain I can review them without being biased, I won't review Steven Universe The Movie, Steven Universe Futures and the Light Trilogy for some time. With that out of the way, hope you enjoy this review and feel free to drop a comment/review below. P.S. There will be references to Across The Multiverse season 2 sprinkled in, which are spoilers for said season and the story associated with it. I'll talk about the reference at the end of this review.)
A trio of glowing dots looked at the readers.
Critical Mew, looking for you
The glowing dots split into the Legendary Titans(excluding Regigigas).
Critical Mew, where are you?
The Critical Mew flies in, wearing a trench coat and a hat, giving the readers a wink.
Come on, Mew, where you been?
The Critical Mew took off the trench coat and used Transform, becoming a king, a dame with blonde hair, a waiter and an Elvis impersonator.
Trouble's on the loose again
A mysterious figure showed up, trying to crush Mew with a sandbag, only to narrowly miss. He looked behind him to the embodiment of stress, who proceeded to chase him to a door of things to review, which began to do the Thriller hip movements.
(Mew)
They're not gonna get you
(Critical Mew)
The Legendary Titans went in a protective circle in front of Mew, protecting him.
Uh uh, the Regi Trio's gonna help you
(Mew)
Mew was in a barrel full of toys, deciding to peek out only for the floor to break under him, causing him to grab a loose floorboard with his tail.
Ooh, the comment's gonna be there
Registeel jumped on the floorboard, launching Mew into the air. Regice and Regirock caught Mew in their arms. Regieleki and Regidrago let out a sigh of relief.
And the readers too
The Critical Mew floated past Lavender Town, only for the ghost of Marowak to appear, scaring him away.
Critical Mew, looking for you
Mew was surrounded by loads of Ghost and Dark-Type Pokemon, all about to ambush him.
Critical Mew, where are you?
Only for the Legendary Titans to attack them all, saving Mew as they head back to the Tree of Beginning.
Mew, Critical Mew
Mew
The stuff to be reviewed danced once again, doing the Thriller hip moves.
Critical Mew
Mew
A pair of eyes zoom out, showing Mew and the Legendary Titans with the Tree of Beginning in the background.
Critical Mew!
The Critical Mew-Season One
Episode 8: Amphibia Season 1
Tree of Beginning, Kanto Region
"Well, I got good news and bad news. The good news is that the army of angry fans are gone, and Regidrago and Regieleki are now working here. The bad news is that Regice, Registeel and Regirock are still recovering from their injuries," Mew said. "According to Celebi, they no longer look like the undead Regi Trio. They just look like a cross between that and their normal selves."
Regieleki soon popped in, electricity and joy bursting off him. "Hey, Mew, I got something that would put your mind at ease," Regieleki said, holding up a T.V. remote.
"What would that be?" Mew asked, glancing up.
"A certain show on Disney about a teen girl in a frog world," Regieleki said, turning on the television.
1 marathon of Amphibia Season 1 and 2 later
"Wow, I did need that. Thanks, Regieleki," Mew said.
"You're welcome, Mew. Well, my job is done. Now, better help Regidrago with the patrols before he starts challenging Armaldo to a duel. See ya," Regieleki said, leaving via skateboard.
"I'm not gonna ask why he's riding a skateboard." Mew said to himself, before turning towards the camera. "Anyways, who wants to talk about Amphibia?"
The crowd cheered at those words.
"Ah, Amphibia, a show on Disney Channel and created by Matt Braly, director of 8 episodes for Gravity Falls. The first season aired in June 2019 and ended in July, the same year. Season 2, on the other hand, aired in July 2020 and ended in May 2021. You know, this year. And there's the third season, which might be the final season." Mew explained, as comments were popping up.
"I know Matt Braly said he planned for the show to be a 3 act show, but sometimes things change, so we just have to wait and see.
"Anyways, we're here to talk about the first season. Of course, I'm gonna need someone who has first-hand experience to help me with this. That's why," Mew began, opening a hole through time and space and grabbing a recognizable Thai-American girl, who was shocked about what was happening, "we have a guest star. Everyone please give a warm welcome to Anne Boonchuy," Mew concluded as the crowd of Pokémon cheered and clapped.
"What the? Where am I? How did I get here?" Anne looked around, still shocked by what happened, before glancing at Mew. "And who left their weird, though cute, pink floating kitten?"
"I'm not cute!" Mew said.
"Okay, okay sheesh. If you say so. And I thought Hop Pop was the grumpy old guy, er, frog," Anne said.
"I'm not grumpy!" Mew shouted.
"Yeah, right, grandpa," Anne said, disbelieving.
"That's it!" Mew said, lunging at Anne, only for her to duck.
"Ha! I knew being chased by dangerous creatures that wanted to eat me would pay off. Anyways, where am I?" Anne asked.
"Easy. You're at the Tree of Beginning," Mew said.
"Yeah, I don't know what that is." Anne said.
"Really? Tree of Beginning? Part of the Kanto Region? World full of Pokémon, creatures capable of controlling the fricking elements?!" Mew said.
"Hmm, nope, not ringing any bells. However, Marcy would know, wherever she is in Amphibia. If only Sasha and I had actually decided to join in her gaming sessions," Anne said, looking troubled at the mention of Sasha.
"Friendship problems, huh?" Mew asked.
"Maybe, but it's not that big of a deal." Anne said.
"Sure it isn't," Mew said sarcastically.
"Look, I don't know why you brought me here, but I should be heading back to the Plantars. They're gonna freak when they realize I'm gone, along with the other people staying with us," Anne said.
"...Okay, I see the problem," Mew said.
Meanwhile at the Plantars' House-Wartwood, Amphibia
"Someone remove the freaking Anne!" Polly exclaimed, entering the living room.
Hop Pop, Sprig, Polly, a certain nephew of Scooby-Doo, and an Infinity Gauntlet android all screamed, the males, plus the android, screaming like girls, while Polly, for some unknown reason, had a deep-pitched scream this time around.
However, another male, with long, wild hair that is black and green, wasn't screaming. "Hey, that's my joke! What cosmic being decided to steal my joke?" he shouted up towards the sky.
Back at the Tree of Beginning, Kanto Region
"Well, I brought you here to help me do a review," Mew said.
"A review, huh?" Anne said, skeptical, before she processed the word 'review'. "Wait, does this mean we get to review Suspicion Island? Or some of the anime and manga from back home? Or how abo-"
"Actually, the thing we're reviewing is the show which is based around your misadventures with the Plantars in Amphibia," Mew interrupted.
"Wait, people don't need to know what happened. After all, it's not that much of a big deal. Why don't we just review Suspicion Island?" Anne asked.
"Yeah, no. We're reviewing this show, and nothing is going to change my mind," Mew said.
"Fiiiiiiine," Anne groaned out.
"And to help with the positive attitude, we're gonna knock that attitude out of you. Starting with this," Mew said, slapping Anne's phone...by mistake.
"No! My pictures of my cat! My parents! My memories!" Anne exclaimed as she picked up her phone, only to be surprised that it wasn't broken or even cracked. However, she didn't think to question this. She instead glared at Mew. "Why would you do that?!" she demanded.
"Honestly, that was not my intention," Mew said, apologetically. "Though I think the more we delay this review, the more time you'll be gone and the more the Plantars will be worried. So, let's just get this done so you would be back with your adopted frog family."
"Hmm, I don't have anything to lose from that, and I do want to return to the Plantars. We are heading to Newtopia soon to find a way to get me, Marcy and Sasha back to our world, so sure," Anne said, sitting down next to Mew.
"Time to get to the review, starting with the summary of the episodes. Something I've learned from my reviews on Steven Universe," Mew said, remembering the terror of the two-parter review.
"What's Steven Universe?" Anne asked.
"Just a show that was a disappointment in its morals," Mew said offhandedly.
"Okay then," Anne said, wondering what Mew meant.
"Anyways, let's begin the summaries!" Mew exclaimed.
"We begin the show with the episode 'Anne or Beast?' the Plantars go to town so that Hop Pop can get some stuff, leaving Polly in charge of the cart and Sprig due to several accidents prior to the show," Mew said.
"Really, leaving Polly in charge of Sprig for minor accidents? I mean, sure, Sprig doesn't have the best track record, and I may have made it worse, but that's low, even for Hop-" Anne began, only for Mew to play the clip.
Hop Pop Plantar: Ho. Ho. (Turns around.) All right, kids, I'm gonna do a little shoppin'. You watch the cart.
Sprig Plantar: You got it, Hop Pop! I'll defend this cart with my LIIIIIIIFE! (says life while pounding chest.)
Hop Pop: Sprig, I was talking to Polly.
Sprig: What? Polly's a baby!
Polly Plantar: You're a baby! (says this while pointing at Sprig with her hand.)
Hop Pop: Polly's got more responsibility in her little flipper than you have in your entire body!
Sprig: Ridiculous. What makes you think I'm irresponsible?
Hop Pop: Oh gee. Let me think.
*Flashback 1: A green liquid substance explodes out of a pot while Hop Pop's cutting veggies because Sprig put something in it.*
Sprig: Oops!
*Flashback 2: Sprig crashes through the wall while Hop Pop is sleeping.*
Sprig, Hop Pop & Cow-worm: (Screams.)
*Flashback 3: Showing outside of Plantar Farm.*
Hop Pop: Sprig, what did I tell you about leaving the lights on?
*Giant fireflies start ramming the house.*
Hop Pop, Sprig, and Polly: Screaming.
Sprig: Okay. So yesterday was a bad day.
"...Okay, I can't deny those things happen. But after I came into their lives, there were far worse things than those three accidents," Anne said.
"That's not helping anyone's reputation," Mew said.
"As long as we did it together, it's fine. Plus, those incidents were funny afterwards." Anne said proudly.
"Okay then," Mew said, looking away, before continuing on. "After overhearing One-Eye Wally telling everyone about a 'beast' in the woods, Sprig manages to distract Polly with candy so that he could go off and capture said 'beast'. Only to end up in the trap made by the 'beast', who is actually a human teenager, the very same person next to me," Mew said, pointing at Anne.
"Yeah, I'm surprised my traps worked. Wait, Sprig had candy?" Anne asked.
"He used to have candy. Polly ate them Pac-Man style," Mew said.
"Hmm, actually, I can see that. Then again, maybe that's why Polly wants some of my candy a couple months ago," Anne said.
"Anyways, after freeing Spig from the trap and escaping a praying mantis, Anne becomes friends with the young Plantar, only to get tied up by the rest of the town. Only for the praying mantis to show up once more, which brings us to this," Mew said.
Green Praying Mantis: (Roars)
Villagers: (Mixed gasps and screams)
Mayor Toadstool: Hurry! Everyone! Mantis formation!
(Everyone gets into formation.)
Blue VIllager: Hyah!
Green Praying Mantis: (Walks away & squeaks)
Hop Pop: We scared it off!
Mayor Toadstool & Villagers: We have power!
Red Praying Mantis: (Lands)
Polly: Nope. That scared it off.
Hop Pop: Yeah, that makes more sense.
Red Praying Mantis: (Screeches and hits a bunch of villagers)
"Did they think that was going to work?" Anne asked.
"It might've worked before you showed up," Mew said.
"Are you saying I'm the reason it failed?" Anne asked.
"Noooo, you're the one who said it. After all, you're the one who said after you showed up, there were worse things than what Sprig did," Mew said.
"Don't use my words against me," Anne said.
"No. Anyways, Sprig frees Anne, who proceeds to save Sprig and the rest of Wartwood from the praying mantis, all while her eyes glow blue," Mew said.
"Wait, my eyes were glowing? Why didn't anyone mention that?" Anne asked.
"They were busy with the killer mantis," Mew simply said.
"Oh, yeah. Kinda forgot about that," Anne said.
"Don't worry, most people would too if they were in your shoes," Mew said. "So, long story short, the mantis gets tied up, the citizens were about to run off Anne only for the Plantars to take her in, and due to the fact that the mountains are dangerous that time of the year, so she has to stay in Wartwood for a couple of months before being allowed to leave the valley," Mew said.
"At least I finally managed to sleep somewhere other than a cave," Anne said, shuddering in disgust.
"Then we get to 'Best Fronds', where Sprig takes Anne to a lake so that she wouldn't be homesick. While there, she reveals the 'friendship' method Sasha had imposed on her, along with a sea serpent that gets beaten by Hop Pop's pain peppers," Mew said.
"The moral of that day: never ignore hastily written signs," Anne said.
" 'Cane Crazy', Anne breaks Hop Pop's cane and fearing he would throw her out after he threaten to do so, she, Sprig and Polly go off to get a new one from the Doom Tree, only for the new cane, and Anne's pen, to be used to pay for damages done to Loggle's shop. However, Hop Pop doesn't throw her out of the house, instead he lets her stay, puts her on dish duty for a month and tries to make comebacks due to her retorts that morning, but makes everything awkward," Mew said.
"Mainly due to the fact the moment's passed when he did it," Anne agreed.
" 'Flood, Sweat and Tears', Anne's room gets flooded due to holes in the pipes, so she and Sprig become roommates, which ends up going downhill due to the two's different living conditions. However, they don't say anything until Anne accidentally breaks Sprig's favorite toy and after they get rid of the source of the problem because they believe that if they can't be roommates, then they can't be friends. However, Hop Pop tells them otherwise, cheering them up. However, they never fixed the pipe, causing the living room to get flooded while Anne is trying to sleep there," Mew said.
"That took a few days to fix the pipes and to drain the basement and the living room from all that water," Anne said.
" 'Hop Luck', Anne and the Plantars go collect ingredients to make pizza so that the Plantars won't be in the Cage Of Shame, only to lose all the ingredients inside a giant tomato. Despite using said tomato to make something good, they still end up going into the Cage Of Shame, but at least they could be in it together.
" 'Stakeout', fed up with Anne and Hop Pop's fights, Sprig stole Hop Pop's crops to get the two to do a stakeout. After a brief bonding session, Anne and Hop Pop start fighting once more, only to get an acid trip from the others' drinks. The two almost kill Sprig and Polly, only to realize what's going on and pass out, with Sprig fainting soon afterwards, and Polly gets her own acid trip," Mew said.
"Yeah, Hop Pop and I were suffering from the side effects the next morning," Anne said, drinking her sports drink.
"Wait, someone spiked your drink!" Mew shouted, as Anne spitted it out.
"WHAT?!" she shouted in horror, as she started to suffer the acid trips once more.
"Some Ditto decided to punk you for no reason. Hopefully, it'll wear...off…" Mew said, drinking his Berry Juice before realizing something. "Great, that same Ditto spiked my drink," Mew said, before glancing at Anne and seeing her with stardust hair. "Darn," Mew groaned.
Anne glanced at Mew and did a double take. "Who let in the tiny realistic flying cat?" she asked.
"Hardy har har," Mew said, not realizing his current 'acid trip' appearance.
"No seriously," Anne said, pulling out her phone, turning on her camera app and switching the view to selfie mode, Mew showing Mew his new appearance.
"AHHHHHH!" Mew screamed like a girl in a horror film, dreading what the rest of the acid trip would bring.
1 hour later
"Ugh, that was the worst," Mew groaned, his head flat on the table.
"I know, and that's the second time I've been through it," Anne commented, her face in her hands.
"Anyways, on with the review, before things get much more weird, not to mention dangerous," Mew said.
"Agreed," Anne said.
" 'The Domino Effect, Anne and Sprig saves a caterpillar, who looks like Anne's cat, Domino, and sneaks it into the house due to Hop Pop's rules on pets. However, Domino 2 is a danger to everyone, especially when it becomes a murderous moth that almost eats the Plantar. However, Anne soon lead it away using a cat toy, and Sprig makes a doll out of the shedded fur, which Anne keeps," Mew said.
"Yeah, I should've talked to Hop Pop about Domino 2." Anne said sadly.
"Hey, that's why mistakes are made: so people can learn from them. After all, if everything was perfect, what's the point of everything?" Mew asked.
"Heh, that's true. Thanks," Anne said.
"No problem." Mew said, before returning to the task at hand.
" 'Taking Charge', after showing the Plantars a couple episodes of Suspicion Island, Anne's phone battery is drained by the morning due to someone watching the rest of the season. While on the quest to recharge it, Sprig and Polly are suspicious of each other and Hop Pop, making the situation bad until Hop Pop admits he watched the entire season due to loving the show. After everyone gets zapped by the Zapapedes, saving Hop Pop, Anne's phone is charged and everyone returns back to the farm," Mew said.
"Yeah, and my phone still has a lot of battery life," Anne said, as her phone still has 10,000% battery charge.
"Wow," Mew said, amazed.
"I know, right? I was surprised too. And then we managed to watch the rest of the season while ignoring Hop Pop trying to spoil the rest of the season," Anne said.
" 'Anne Theft Auto' , Anne and Sprig take Bessie on a joyride only to end up in the middle of a forest. While Sprig rides with Mrs. Croaker to try and get some help, which Mrs. Croaker is driving slowly, Anne reads Bessie's book that Hop Pop wrote, which helps her and Bessie get away from hedgehogs. After meeting up with Sprig and Mrs. Croaker, the latter advises them on their road rage before driving off in a quick manner." Mew said.
"I said it before, and I'll say it again: Mrs. Croaker is the woman I want to be," Anne said in amazement.
"So, you want to be an old frog lady with a pet spider?" Mew asked, dumbfounded.
"I meant in personality," Anne defended, her face red from the question.
"Okay, okay, just a question," Mew said.
"Anyways, 'Breakout Star', after gaining pimples, Anne becomes famous as the rest of Wartwood believes her pimples are warts. Using this as part of his mayoral campaign, Toadstool gives Anne everything she wants in exchange for good publicity. However, her pimples soon disappear, causing her to ask for help from the Plantars to get berries that look like pimples so she could continue the charade," Mew said.
"However, I soon realized that the Plantars supported me regardless of whether I had pimples or not and gave up the fame to be with them. That, and because Toadstool was telling me not to be around them anymore, and I didn't like that idea," Anne said.
"Not to mention Toadstool's plans failed when he admitted to tricking everyone," Mew said, as he and Anne burst out laughing.
" 'Sprig Vs. Hop Pop', fed up with Hop Pop burning everyone's suggestions, Sprig challenges him to a sumo match, which he won, much to everyone's surprise. While Sprig, Anne and Polly deal with the farm going bad, Hop Pop spends some time at a graveyard with some beetles. Soon, Anne and Polly try to convince Hop Pop to come back, which he wouldn't until Anne drops this on him," Mew said.
Anne: Sprig sleeps in your bed now.
Hop Pop: He what?
"Yep, Hop Pop and his priorities," Anne said.
"Then again, old people enjoy their soft, comfortable beds," Mew said.
"Knowing how hard Hop Pop's furniture is, I don't think so," Anne said.
"Meh," Mew shrugged. "Anyways, Hop Pop challenges Sprig for the farm and promises to read each suggestion, along with getting rid of the fire pit, which causes Sprig to be relieved and give the farm back to Hop Pop.
" 'Girl Time', Anne takes Polly out for a girls day just so Polly won't be as gross as Hop Pop and Sprig, using the IOUs Hop Pop made. However, those IOUs aren't suitable for businesses, and Anne and the Plantars are almost stuck with collecting spider eggs until they get saved by Polly breaking the spitting record, using the gold from the trophy to pay off their debts." Mew explained.
"Plus, Sprig and Hop secretly like the spa. Who knew?" Anne asked.
"You'll be surprised that some of the male gender actually like going to the spa," Mew said.
"Wait, they do?" Anne said, surprised.
"Yeah. Anyways, 'Dating Season', Hop Pop, Anne and Felicia forces Sprig and Ivy to start dating, which makes the two young frogs awkward, leaving the Firefly Festival. While the two are looking at fireflies, Anne, Hop Pop, Polly and Felicia get abducted by love doves, who want to eat them. Luckily for them, they get saved by Sprig and Ivy, and Sprig realizes something by the end of the whole thing," Mew said.
Anne: Oh, you just fell in love with her, didn't you?
Sprig: Yeah, I just fell in love with her.
"I felt bad for using dating articles to try and force Sprig and Ivy into a relationship, but hey, at least Sprig realizes he has feelings for her," Anne said.
"Yeah. Anyways, 'Anne Vs. The Wild', Anne goes with the Plantars on a trip they know she doesn't want to go on because she was upset that they didn't give her the chance to turn them down. Making herself miserable by pretending to enjoy camping, Anne and the Plantars soon camp with Soggy Joe, only to get attacked by cannibals. Using her last bath bomb, she saved everyone, and they soon left. Later, Anne reveals the music box to the Plantars, who say they don't know what it is. However, um," Mew glanced at Anne nervously, "Hop Pop does some late-night reading," he concluded.
"Don't know why you would be nervous by Hop Pop's reading, but then again, you've never met him personally, so, I'll let this slide. Though Hop Pop is nice once you get to know him," Anne said, her eyebrows raised.
" 'Contagi-Anne', Anne pretends to be sick to avoid doing work in the middle of a massive storm, only for the Plantars to end up sick. Anne makes soup for them, only for them to end up turning red. Thinking they had contracted a fatal disease, they head to a lake that would cure them, only for it not to work due to the fact that it was a mushroom that Hop Pop uses for cleaning, which Anne put in the soup, that caused their red skin. Relieved, Anne hugs the Plantars while sobbing." Mew said.
"Hey, it was scary, thinking they were gonna die and it was because I faked being sick!" Anne said.
"Hey, no one is making fun of you for being glad they're alive," Mew assured.
"Just checking," Anne said, calming down.
" 'Family Shrub', while Hop Pop goes through some misadventures in getting glue for the family shrub, Anne, Sprig and Polly go through the hidden rooms of the Plantars' house, hidden behind the fireplace, realizing that the family history is actually interesting.
" 'Lily Pad Thai', Anne helps Stumpy improve his restaurant to improve a food critic, a newt known as Duckweed. The restaurant gets a positive review after a brief struggle with a live octopus." Mew said.
"Now Amphibia had some Thai food to go with their natural insect diets," Anne said proudly.
" 'Plantar's Last Stand', due to an increase in taxes for food stands, Anne convinces Hop Pop to temporarily be dishonest to sell 'Plantar Potions', which Hop Pop gets into and soon puts actual garbage in them," Mew said with a look of disgust.
Hop Pop: Let's see... A-ha! Jackpot! (Going through pile of garbage)
Anne: Uh... Yeah, uh... Yeah, that's literally garbage.
Hop Pop: Garbage? Or Plantar Potion's new secret ingredient?
"However, after Mrs. Croaker, the most loyal customer, almost drinks literal garbage, Hop Pop admits his lies and saves everyone from giant flies. However, he not only loses his stand but also the trust of others," Mew said, as Anne vomited in the background from the memory of everyone drinking garbage.
" 'Toad Tax', Anne, tired of the disrespect the town is giving her, teams up with toads from Toad Tower to collect taxes and everyone's possessions. However, since they're aggressive with their methods, and Anne slowly realizes that she needs to be the better person, she tries stopping them, only for her arm to get broken. However, Sprig reveal where Toadstool hid the taxes, which the toads takes and leaves." Mew said.
"Yeah, that was the worst pain. Luckily, it recovered in a week," Anne said.
"That means you have plot armor. Either that, or you're related to Wolverine from the X-Men franchise. Either way, you recover from serious injuries and won't die," Mew said.
"Does this mean Sasha, Marcy and I can return back home due to this?" Anne asked.
"No," Mew said bluntly, causing Anne to pout. "Anyways, 'Prison Break', which takes place at the same time as 'Toad Tax'," Mew said.
"Wait, someone broke out of prison? Who?" Anne asked.
"Your friend Sasha. After all, this is one of three episodes centered around her," Mew said, before realizing what he just did.
"Wait, one out of three? What are the other two about?" Anne asked.
"Um, uh," Mew looked around before seeing something that would help fix his mistake. "Look, a distraction!" he pointed behind Anne.
"Where?" Anne asked, turning around. She and Mew saw some Butterfree fly past the Tree of Beginning, towards the horizon. "Aw, they're so cute. Quick question, do they eat people?" Anne asked.
"Nope, they're completely harmless. They do have their mating seasons once a year. But they go somewhere remote to do that, so they don't ruin people's images of them," Mew said, hastily, as Anne briefly had a look of horror on her face.
"Oh thank Frog. ...I've been in Amphibia for too long if I'm saying the name of their god like that," Anne mused.
"Yeah, I can't help you with religion problems. That's more of Arceus' thing, when he's not a jerk," Mew explained.
"Yeah, no. I'll stick with Marcy's help, once I find her," Anne said. "Sasha could help too, if she decides to be nicer," she added, more to herself. Mew, however, looked away, awkwardly.
"Anyways, onto the episode. Grimes is fed up with his army, on top of Sasha not revealing how she ended up in Amphibia. However, herons, giant birds that will kill and eat anything, attack Toad Tower thanks to Percy, a toad who had just quit, unintentionally luring them there via the sounds of his instruments. Sasha helped Grimes get respect from his army by telling him to give them compliments. In fact, I think she said it best," Mew said, putting on the scene.
Sasha: Okay, if you keep yelling at them like that, they'll keep being useless, and we'll all die.
Captain Grimes: What do you suggest, I congratulate them? Give them each an award?
Sasha: Not exactly. Just try saying nice things for a change. Get them to love you, and they'll do anything for you.
Captain Grimes: That actually works?
Sasha: Oh, it works, all right. Trust me.
"I would've been hurt by this, but given how I just found this out a couple of weeks ago, I'm not shocked. I just wish Sasha never did the things she did that led up to us getting stuck in Amphibia," Anne said.
"Yeah, but maybe there's a reason why she did those things. You know, besides the stereotypes of teens these days," Mew commented. "Anyways, Sasha, Grimes and the toads fend off the herons, saving the day."
"Wait, if they can defeat the herons, then why were they built up as a threat? I mean, what had they actually done to anyone?" Anne asked, as Mew had flashbacks to the episode 'After The Rain' with the bombshell near the end.
"Anyways, Grimes gives Sasha a choice: either she can leave the safety of Toad Tower and get eaten by dangerous creatures, or she can stay at Toad Tower as his second-in-command and find her friends much easier. She chooses the latter, but when she is alone, she promises to find Anne and Marcy while having fun with Amphibia," Mew finished summarizing the episode.
Sasha: (Holds the photo of her, Anne and Marcy, with the words BFFs written underneath) Hold on for a little longer, girls. I'm coming for you. And when I find you, we're gonna get home. But first, I think we're gonna have some fun with this place.
"Wait, so Sasha decided to stay at Toad Tower so she can use their resources to find me and Marcy? Now I feel confused about my friendship with her," Anne said.
"Well, actions speak louder than words. And while we take some time so you can sort through your emotions, it's time for commercials," Mew said, as he and Anne left so that the latter could figure out her emotions towards her friendship with Sasha.
"It's time for the commercial, brought to thou by Lord Mew," Regidrago said, trying to figure out how to get the commercial on.
"Need help, bro?" Regieleki asked.
"No, no, I g-" Regidrago began to say, only to get interrupted by the electronics flashing all of its light. "Yes, if you could please, brother," Regidrago said, hanging his head in shame for not figuring out the technology.
"Sure. And don't feel bad about not getting this stuff. I mean, I don't know much about crystals or chivalry like you do," Regieleki said while fixing the electronics, causing Regidrago to beam in pride...literally. "And there, it's done," Regieleki said, as the commercial began playing.
(Cue instrumental version of theme song)
This review is brought to you by Wartwood Toad Tower
The screen was black for a few moments before turning on, revealing to be filming from a phone perched on a high area.
"Are you sure this would help our reputation?" Captain Grimes asked, skeptical.
"Trust me, this will work. From where I'm from, people fall for this type of stuff everyday. It's the reason their wallets fly to the T.V. screens, begging to be used," Sasha said in her usual tone: arrogant, prideful, and full of passion.
"She's right, you know. Humans fall for this stuff, and anyone in this world would eat up anything from other worlds with no questions asked," a certain purple-skinned sea witch commented, agreeing with Sasha...for once.
"Hmm, fine, if you think this would help us, then go ahead," Grimes said, waving them away.
"Thanks, Grimesy, you won't regret it." Sasha said, before clearing her throat.
"Hello, dear viewers! This is Sasha Waybright, captain of the cheerleading squad, top scorer in Super Dance Fusion, and First Lieutenant to Captain Grime. And I'm gonna explain why you should join the Toad Army," Sasha said, giving the phone a wink.
"First of all, they had these great armors," Sasha indicated her own armor. "Their training allows anyone to become better, even taking on predators like herons. Not to mention the fact they had great food," Sasha said.
"And now, all the cons," Ursula said, as a bunch of cons went by, too quickly for anyone to read, which was the intended purpose.
"So join us today, or else! End. Of. Discussion." Sasha said firmly, her eyes narrowed, before her normal expression returned on her face. "Hope to see you soon," she said, turning off the camera, as the screen once again fades to black.
(Cue instrumental version of theme song)
"What just happened?" Anne asked, she and Mew had just watched the commercial.
"That wasn't supposed to be it. We were supposed to be advertising Wartwood's peaceful community, not army progandras!" Mew exclaimed.
Suddenly, Mew's iPhone, which he had a few weeks prior, vibrated. Checking to see what caused it, he saw a text from Registeel.
"...Great, he believed that since he's not here physically, he needs to do something crazy, so he changed the commercials," Mew said.
"Why?" Anne asked.
"He's like our own Crazy Steve, so who knows why. Maybe he did it as a joke." Mew said.
"Well, that doesn't explain why he would do something like this," Anne said.
"Nothing will explain why. Anyways, time to do the second half, starting with 'Grubhog Day'. Sprig wants to enjoy the Grubhog Day carnival, but he is forced to be responsible for the Grubhog due to Hop Pop volunteering him after the other care-taker got the plague. Anne gets Sprig to have fun while bringing along the Grubhog due to loophole abuse, only for the Grubhog to get captured by a bird. Thinking quickly, the two made a puppet of the creature to fool everyone, only for Sprig to intervene when the puppet, and Anne's hand, is almost cut open, as per Grubhog Day's traditions. While Wartwood is entertained with the puppet show, the Grubhog, revealed to be a king, plans with the bird to wage war against someone," Mew said.
"Still can't believe they were gonna kill that cute little Grubhog. ...Wait, did you say it plans to wage war?" Anne said.
"Yep. And we don't know who it's waging war against," Mew said.
"Now I'm gonna sleep with one eye open, just in case," Anne said.
"Don't worry, it's no longer in Wartwood or the surrounding areas," Mew said.
"Again, just in case," Anne said.
"Well, I tried. Anyways, 'Hop Pop and Lock', Hop Pop wants to impress Sylvia by dancing at the dance festival, but A.) he can't dance, and B.) his rival, Monroe, is also interested in Sylvia. After getting training from Anne, he shows off his dance moves. However, when Monroe proves to be better, Hop Pop goes for free-style dancing, his moves are terrifying to everyone except for Sylvia since she likes the weird ones. The episode ends with Hop Pop and Sylvia dancing, Sprig playing his violin, and Anne and Polly waltzing." Mew said.
"While Hop Pop's free-style dancing was terrible, at least he won Sylvia's heart," Anne said romantically.
" 'Civil Wart', Anne shows everyone a Twilight rip-off during Theatre Night. After an argument about the love triangle, Sprig and Polly, along with Wartwood citizens sharing their opinions, end up splitting the town in two, declaring war. However, when Polly was about to get hit by produce, Sprig takes the hit for her, ending the war and affirming his love for his younger sister. Anne then shows everyone another film, which we never got to see," Mew said.
"First of all, Love Choice is not a rip-off of Twilight," Anne said.
"Really? How?" Mew asked.
"Easy. It doesn't have vampires and werewolves," Anne said.
"But it does have a love triangle between a human girl and two non-human boys, right?" Mew asked.
"Yes. Alastair, the deer-hybrid and Hunter, the cyborg...Hey!" Anne shouted.
"See, it's a Twilight rip-" Mew was interrupted by Anne's fist in his face, sending him to the ground. "Ow," he groaned out.
"Anyways, we get to the time Hop Pop ran for mayor," Anne said, as Mew floated up.
"Yeah, 'Hop-Popular'. Hop Pop runs for mayor after pointing out how Toadstool hadn't done a good job with Wartwood, prompting the citizens to nominate him as candidate. After three trials and a boxing match, Hop Pop wins his campaign in Wartwood, but loses the election due to not campaigning outside of Wartwood. At least the citizens made him a new stand." Mew said.
"That was Hop Pop's happiest day. Next to that dance festival," Anne said.
" 'Croak & Punishment', Sprig finds a Blue Moon Shell to give to Ivy, only for it to go missing. Thinking someone stole it, Anne and Sprig try to find the suspect via acting like cops, only to almost get killed by Gunther, someone who just recently arrived in Wartwood. However, it turned out that Ivy took the shell to clean it, and after Sprig gives it to her, she puts it on the front door, so that when she sees it, she knows she's near the Plantars' house.
" 'Trip to the Archives', Anne and the Plantars go to the archives to do some research to prepare for when they leave the valley, only for Sprig to get them stuck since he wants them to go through experience and not do boring research. After some mishaps, they finally manage to leave the archives and Anne tells Sprig that the reason for the research is because she fears the fact she might mess up her only chance to return home, so she's willing to do anything she doesn't like. And then as they hug, they break the skylight, falling down on top of the piles of books." Mew said.
"The place didn't even have mangas," Anne commented.
"I don't think Amphibia has any manga. However, they do have winter, as shown in the episode 'Snow Day', where the citizens of Wartwood have three days of being blocks of ice so they can sleep and feel refreshed. Anne decides to protect the citizens from whatever predator keeps taking them every year, but unfreezes Sprig when she feels bored. Soon, she and Sprig had to save Polly from a weasel, who was preparing to feed the young frozen pollywog to her own babies, only for Anne to give them an omelet she made. Once the temperature warms up and everyone, excluding Sprig, wakes up, Anne admits what happened, but everyone isn't upset with her. At least until Sprig, not thinking straight, shows everyone the photos Anne took." Mew said.
"Ugh, the scolding I've gotten from everyone for messing around with their frozen bodies. Okay, now I see why," Anne said.
" 'Cracking Mrs. Croaker', Sprig is trying to figure out why Mrs. Croaker doesn't like him. After bringing someone who he assumes was Mrs. Croaker's lover, who actually wants to kill her for something, only to get beaten by her, Mrs. Croaker decides to give Sprig a chance, which he uses as an excuse to not learn the lesson of accepting that not everyone will like you," Mew said.
"Again, Mrs. Croaker is the woman I want to be. Not in the physical sense, nor specie-wise," Anne said, stopping Mew from making the comment from before, causing him to pout.
" 'A Night at the Inn', Anne and the Plantars, after seeing that the ice blocking the mountains still haven't melted, ends up in a hotel runned by horned toads. Polly, trying to act independent, sleeps alone in the room next to Hop Pop's, only to be scared by the shadows. She became more terrified once her family and Anne, knocked out by cookies, are almost cooked by the horned toads, revealed to be cannibals. Managing to save everyone, Polly, Anne, Sprig and Hop Pop leave the hotel, which explodes thanks to Anne, via Bessie, and return back to the farm.
" 'Wally and Anne', Anne saw a Moss Man, but nobody believed her. That night, she and One-Eye Wally go off to find the Moss Man, forming a friendship. When she gets the chance to take a photo, however, Wally is about to get hurt from a long fall, causing Anne to choose to save him. However, Wally still falls anyway and ends up getting hurt. Anne and Wally tell everyone, but due to lack of proof, no one believes them. But that's fine with them because they know they saw it and that's enough for them." Mew said.
"Playing Wally's accordion was fun as well. Not to mention my reputation as 'One-Shoed Anne'." Anne smirked.
"I'll keep that in mind," Mew said, sweating nervously.
"Make sure you do," Anne said.
"Um, 'Family Fishing Trip', Anne, the Plantars and Sylvia go on a fishing trip, the latter much to Sprig's chargin as Sylvia spends time with Hop Pop. After tricking Slyvia to get some flowers on an 'island', Hop Pop decides to hang out with Sprig, due to Sylvia suggesting it, causing Sprig to feel guilty. Especially when the island turns out to be a crab. After beating it, Sprig admits to his wrong-doing, but gets forgiven for almost killing Sylvia." Mew said.
"And I tried parasailing. It didn't work out," Anne said.
" 'Bizarre Bazaar', Anne and Sprig sneak out to a night bazaar to try and figure out the music box, only for it to get stolen and used as a prize. After losing to the Wrecker, a huge frog, the bazaar ends, and the Wrecker turns out to be Hop Pop in disguise, who reprimands Anne and Sprig for sneaking out. Anne trusts Hop Pop with the box and he, um," Mew glanced at Anne nervously for a brief second, "sent it off to his contacts."
"Of course he did. Don't know why you seem nervous when you say that." Anne said, once again raising an eyebrow.
"Um, 'Cursed!', the day after helping Sprig end his arranged relationship with Maddie, something that happened in 'Hop Luck', Anne and Sprig are cursed, causing Anne to be a bird and Sprig to have hair covering his face. They believed it's Maddie that did this and apologized to her, but she reveals that it wasn't her that did it. They soon find out that it was Barry who did it, just out of petty spite. After Maddie beats him, the curse on Sprig and Anne is lifted, turning them back to normal and Sprig and Maddie become friends.
" 'Fiddle Me This', a talent competition comes to Wartwood and Hop Pop, feeling like he's not giving Sprig and Polly the best opportunity for their future, which includes going to Newtopia University, forces Sprig to enter to win and pushes him to his limit. At the thing, a bat kidnaps Sprig, only to be saved by Hop Pop, Anne and Polly. Sprig soon gets mad at Hop Pop, saying that he wanted to have fun, causing Hop Pop to apologize for his actions.
" 'The Big Bugball Game', Anne and the Farmers challenge the Townies to a bugball game, where the loser has to wear a turkey suit. After some training, and learning the value of teamwork, Anne and the Farmers win the game, causing the Townies to wear the turkey suit." Mew said.
"I can't believe I was missing out so much. When I get home, I'm going for team sports," Anne said.
" 'Combat Camp', forced to be at a 'daycare center' while Hop Pop goes to a farming convention, the daycare center turns out to be a 'combat camp' owned by Tritonio. However, he was training them to rob a train, and almost leaves them to take the blame only for Anne to stop him, which gets him arrested. Hop Pop soon arrives, picking them up and denying whatever happened to him," Mew said.
"At least Tritonio did cause me to realize that maybe I should give my teachers back home another chance." Anne said.
"That's good. And we're in the home stretch of this review. 'Children of the Spore', fed up with the antics of Anne, Sprig and Polly, Hop Pop uses some magical mushroom spores to control them, only for them, and the rest of Wartwood, to become mind-controlled. Apothecary Gary reveals to Hop Pop that he plans to rule over Amphibia, only to get beaten by Bessie. Anne and Sprig forgive Hop Pop, but Polly is still upset about how he mind-controls them.
" 'Anne of the Year', Anne is voted Frog of the Year, but Toadstool points out Anne is entirely self-less, getting her upset to the point that she went overboard with her party, trying to get Sprig to confess his feeling for Ivy, getting Hop Pop to do improv and allowing Polly to be a bouncer. ...Actually, that suits Polly," Mew said.
"You mean due to her personality or how she abused power?" Anne asked.
"Yes." Mew said.
"To which one?" Anne asked.
"Just yes," Mew said.
"Okay then," Anne said.
"Anyways, the party ends in a disaster, which causes Anne and Toadstool to team up and save the day. However, Toadstool reluctantly accepts that Anne deserves the award, and we get the reason why she got it in the first place," Mew said.
Hop Pop: Anne, we didn't vote for you because you're flawless. Heh, far from it. We voted for you because of how far you've come. You've grown so much in your time here. And this town just wouldn't be the same without you.
The citizens of Wartwood: (cheering in agreement)
Wally: Here! Here! That's why I voted for her!
"So, the party got better, Ivy confesses her feelings, starting her and Sprig's relationship, and Anne is enjoying herself. What more could she ask for?" Mew asked.
"At the time, I could share the moment with my friends. Which I got my wish, sorta," Anne said.
Anne [laughs]
Toadie Ahem! Miss Frog of the Year? There's someone waiting at the bridge for you. They say they're a friend. Anne ...A friend?
(Anne goes out to the bridge. Aboard it is a hooded Sasha, now clad in toad armor; she takes off her hood in surprise...)
Sasha Anne?!
Anne: Sasha?!
(screams)
[both laughing]
Sasha: Oh, my gosh. I can't believe that it's you.
[both laughing]
Anne: Oh, my gosh. You're here too? I wasn't sure. I woke up all alone. [gasps] Is Marcy with you? Where have you been? I've missed you so much.
Sasha: [giggles] I'll fill you in later. For now, I'm just glad I found you. We came as soon as we heard.
(Pause.)
Anne: (confused) "We"?
Sasha: -Yup. Just me and some friends of mine.
[bug buzzing]
[crunching]
Captain Grimes: Nice to finally meet you, Anne Boonchuy.
"Oh, well, we're finally at 'Reunion', the season 1 finale. The episode begins with a flashback on the day of Anne's birthday," Mew said.
"Oh yeah, I remember. Sasha and I skipped school because Sasha pretended to be sick. We went to the arcade, Sasha did some graffiti, and we rode around in a shopping cart," Anne said, smiling weakly, before frowning. "And then when I wanted to go to my birthday party, she forced me to go with her and Marcy to steal the music box, and you all know how that ended up," she said.
"Yeah, but at least you've realized your mistake. And it thanks to the positive influence of Wartwood," Mew said.
"Yeah, that is true," Anne said, smiling again.
"Anyways, we cut back to the present day where Sasha, Grimes and the Toad Army invite everyone in Wartwood to Toad Tower for a feast. While there, Sprig notices that they're led into a trap. At the same time, Anne and Sasha catch up and the latter reveals the reason for the feast." Mew explained.
Sasha: I know, right? [sighs] And once this is over, we can finally find a way out of this crummy, gross world.
Anne: [slurping] Once... what's over?
Sasha: Oh, the rebellion.
Anne: [chuckles] The what now?
Sasha: You don't know about the rebellion? Look, I'll explain. Just promise not to freak out or anything.
Anne: O...kay.
Sasha: So you've probably already noticed that the toads in this valley have one job: to rule over the frogs. And lately, those frogs have been stepping outta line. It turns out these rebels have been inspired by a certain frog. You might just know him. Stood up to some tax collectors, even ran for mayor against the local toad.
Anne: [coughs] What? Hop Pop's not a revolutionary.
Sasha: Doesn't matter. Word has traveled like wildfire, and we've got to make an example out of him.
"Freaking out, I left the room, stole Sasha's armor, tricked the toads into leaving the room and all just so we could escape," Anne said.
"Yeah, but you didn't realize Wally planted boom-shrooms along the way, did you?" Mew asked.
"No, he thought he was winking, but no one could tell due to him having one eye," Anne said.
"Yeah. So, you and everyone got captured by the toads and brought to Sasha and Grimes, where Sasha tried to manipulate you only for Sprig to call her out on her actions. How did you feel about Sprig defending you?" Mew asked.
"Well, I was happy that Sprig was being a true friend and that helped me realize that I don't need Sasha's garbage," Anne said, as the denizens of the Tree of Beginning applauded.
"Anyways, Anne and Sasha do a sword duel, due to Grimes promising that if Anne wins, Hop Pop lives. Anne wins, but Grimes is still planning on killing Hop Pop, only for the boom-shrooms to start destroying the tower.
"As Anne and the Plantars tried to keep Sasha from falling, Sasha realizes what a horrible person she is and lets go, falling to her death, only to get caught by Grimes. After the Toad Army leaves, Anne lets out her emotions of recent events through tears. The season ends with Anne and the Plantars looking into the horizon, waiting to see what the future holds.
"And that's Season 1! While it sucks that Disney aired from June to July of 2019, it did cause people to start enjoying things Disney had made, especially given their track record," Mew said.
"Yeah, can't deny that one," Anne commented.
"Thank you, Anne, for being a guest star on this review," Mew said.
"You're welcome. Thanks for having me here, but I think it's time I return back to the Plantars," Anne said.
"I agree," Mew said, opening a portal to Amphibia for Anne. Giving Mew a hug, she walked through the portal, returning back to Amphibia. The portal closed after she went through.
"Well, that's done." Mew said, before a thought entered his mind. "Dang it, I could've sent Anne, Marcy and Sasha back to their Earth! Then again, Matt Braly might deck me," Mew said, as he imagined that.
"Hey, Matt," Mew said nervously, only to be uppercutted to the sun.
"Yeah, I don't think I'm gonna mess with continuity," Mew said.
Meanwhile in Wartwood, Amphibia
"Well, I'm back to my daily life of trying to figure out a way home," Anne said, before realizing something. "Wait, why didn't I ask him to send me, Sasha and Marcy back home?! No, even better, why didn't I ask him about the music box?! He clearly knew something about it! WHY?!" Anne shouted to the sky.
Next time: Pleasant Valley Poltergeist
(Cue instrumental version of theme song)
Credits:
The New Scooby-Doo Mysteries
Amphibia
Across The Multiverse(Season 2 Spoilers)
Scooby-Doo franchise
The Little Mermaid
Pokémon
(A/N: Hey, thought to explain the references to my other work, Across The Multiverse. In the moment where the Plantars are screaming, you've noticed three extra people. Those three are Scrappy-Doo, Infinite(an android that is also the Infinity Gauntlet) and Aaron Dimension, who is in his 20s by that point. When I get to season 2 of Across The Multiverse, I'll explain the reason the three are there, but for now, it is not important at this point. The other reference is the commercial where Ursula the sea witch is part of the Toad Army. The reason she's there is because she wants a place she can rule over, which would be explained more when I get to that story. For now, the references are just that: references. They're not important for now until the story. Anyways, hope you've enjoyed the review, and apologies if I didn't write Anne the way her character is.)