I have been a huge fan of the Legend of Zelda franchise since I first played Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask on the N64 when I was a child. Among the many iconic and fantastical races those games introduced me to are the Gorons; the strong, hardy rock-people of Hyrule. Since then, the Gorons have played major roles in almost every major release in the series, including the most recent: Breath of the Wild.
Truthfully, the Gorons will always hold a special place in my heart. But there are simply far too many discrepancies that I cannot- that I WILL NOT ignore. They can walk on lava, they can breath underwater, there is no rhyme or reason to their reproductive cycles, and not ONCE has Nintendo ever bothered to explain any of this. We know almost everything there is to know about the other races of Hyrule, but the Goron’s inner workings remain shrouded in mystery.
Try as I might, I cannot solve many of the mysteries presented by these volcano-dwelling weirdos. But today I am willing to look past all of that. Today I’ll be trying to explain one of the few consistencies between all generations of the Goron. Today I am asking the question: is eating metal possible? And can one survive from doing so?
To answer the first question, we need to understand how the body is able to digest normal food. Your stomach contains acid, hydrochloric acid specifically, which dissolves the things you eat so that your body can take the nutrients it needs and get rid of the waste. But metal is not food (at least not to humans), so can it be dissolved by our stomach acid? It depends on the metal. Zinc, for example, is something you probably eat every day without noticing. Keep in mind that you aren’t eating bricks of zinc for breakfast, so you stomach is able to digest the smaller bits individually.
The problems become clearer as you move further down the periodic table. Hydrochloric acid just isn’t strong enough to dissolve tougher metals like iron. But Gorons are most certainly not like humans. If their skin is as hard as stone, who knows what’s in their stomach? So, for the sake of this theory, let’s imagine that Goron stomachs somehow contain nitric acid, and can dissolve strong metals.
Iron actually IS somewhat nutritious. If you could manage to break it down in your stomach, then that could effectively be part of a healthy diet. Only PART of a healthy diet, that is. Surviving on iron and zinc alone is unlikely to be possible, even for Gorons. Surprisingly, we are actually given quite a lot of insight into the Goron’s diet. Wearing the Goron mask in OoT will cause Gorons to suggest Link eats his green rocks to grow big and strong. In BotW, you can buy Goron spices from the store and meat from the grill in Goron City. Since I’m certain there aren’t a lot of Hylian tourists visiting Death Mountain, most of that food must be made for the other Gorons. This could all mean that Gorons are actually omnivorous creatures, and eat minerals simply because they can.
While I could just end this by saying that Gorons are omnivores with extremely powerful stomach acid, there’s one thing I’ve neglected to mention about the logistics of eating metal. No, I’m not talking about the excretion of the waste after digestion (I downright refuse to write a report on Goron feces), I’m referring to the gas. Dissolving metal in acid can produce hydrogen gas, with certain metals producing more gas than others. If the heat around that volcano is enough to cause Link to burst into flames, then it is more than enough to ignite the hydrogen and cause it to explode, making for a highly volatile belch.
Yep, that’s right. Gorons are explosive. Maybe they have more in common with the Nejirons from Majora’s Mask than we thought. As surprised as I was to learn this, I’m happier than ever to finally have a little closure on the Goron’s functions. Perhaps now I can finally be at peace.
- Researched and written by Ryan Bowers
You can follow him on Twitter at @RusticGiraffe. He told me to say that.
Heyyy, this is Kevin Lordi! Wouldcouldshould was kind enough to do the next analysis for my birthday! If any images don't show up, sorry, I had to add them all in with HTML because tumblr's being screwy. I did the best I could. I'll be adding my own commentary to hers, mine will be in bold. For her original post, see here: http://wouldcouldshould.tumblr.com/post/33692339528/episode-9a-laugh-ed-laugh
If I continued following the DVD's order, the next episode would actually be 'It's Way Ed' but you don't really miss anything by switching those episodes, so I'll just title this 9B and get to 9A when I can.
Greetings from planet “Would, Could, Should” with a guest analysis! Am I qualified? Probably not! Are there any qualifications? Probably not! On the occasion of Kevin Lordi, aka our beloved book-o-scams analysis writer, AnimatEd animator and answerer of “Ask Baby Eds“‘s birthday, I’ll be writing an analysis! I’d imagine that Kevin will do his own analysis in due time, or maybe not. Onto the analysis!
‘Laugh Ed Laugh’ is a reference to “Laugh Clown Laugh”, a silent film about a clown who falls in love with his adopted daughter. It also has a love triangle. The clown believes his adopted daughter no longer loves him and becomes hysterical. There are two different endings, one in which the clown dies and his daughter marries the other man, and the other in which the clown lives and she still marries the other man; however, they are all close friends. At first I had no idea how this related, but in this episode Eddy goes hysterical because he can’t scam. Maybe money and friends are his love triangle, and in the end his friends keep their money? Anyway… I've always figured it only connects to the title because of their hysteria, it's probably not much deeper than that, haha
Oh look! Bad quality! The card shows a kid with blue shoes and green shorts kicking a can, something the Eds do later in this episode. Marie is the only one with green pants, so I doubt it’s a character.
The house in the background also seems unusually close to the cul-de-sac's design, and there's a silhouette in the window which I suppose represents the quarantined kids in this episode.
I can’t tell what’s on the can from this picture. It looks like a horse facing left, a soap dispenser and a genie with a ponytail. Upon closer inspection, there’s writing on the bottom of the can so I know it’s not a horse. I’m leaning towards genie.
Tilting this laptop upside down, it looks like a big-headed cat wearing a top hat, so it's probably cat food. Actually I'll just get a screenshot from the DVD...
Yep, it's 'Mr. Kitty' cat food!
And we’re back to the silly font! Kevin said each episode has been stiff except for Episode 8A, but 8B switched back for some reason. Now we’re back on track.
I just checked the real 9A (It's Way Ed) and it also has the silly font, so the above statement is still correct! :)
Today we fade into a yellow and pink cul-de-sac. Usually, at least from what I remember, landscape shots mean something weird or surprising is about to happen.
And here we are! A cow bell and a smug Eddy riding what appears to be cardboard. Already it’s really obvious how fake this scam is.
Cheap Ice Cream?! Heck yes! It’s funny how cheap is used negatively in most cases, as though Eddy is advertising how much their ice cream sucks. A question, though. Do ice cream trucks have cow bells? I was wondering if this was just another sad failure at recreating an ice cream truck, but maybe some do have cow bells? Mine just play weird music.
I think old-timey ice cream trucks (and/or maybe mail trucks) may have had bells because they didn't have the technology to play music. Regardless of accuracy, Eddy's probably using one because a music system would be too heavy for his fake truck.
Eddy, where’s your license to drive that thing? The cardboard truck is moving in spurts and the music dies out with a sound that really does sound like a car failing. I love those details.
“Come on guys, it’s gotta look real!” Like it already looked real, haha. I think Eddy underestimates the intelligence of these kids. And I just stated a major building block to this show! I think almost every scam has that undying factor behind it. However, with the amount of times they’ve actually fallen for a scam, I can’t blame him.
I don't think it's so much about tricking the kids as it is wanting to impress them with their accuracy at recreating adult services. Though the ice cream segment of this scam is absolutely baffling.
And here we see the Eds in their natural environment. In the cul-de-sac, the dominant male of this small pack comes up with the idea while having the subordinate males carry out the work. Much like lions, they hunt while the dominant male eats. Nah, Eddy helps plenty of times. They did have to have a driver, after all! What’s odd though is that Ed is tired and Edd has actually made it this far. Usually Ed’s endurance far outweighs Double D’s, so either Ed should have a lot of energy left, or Double D should be passed out somewhere.
Aw, this makes me sad. They’re totally exhausted! But here is where the wonderful law of Karma sets in. Eddy is the one to blame here, so guess who’s in the hot pot this episode?
Ed and Edd ask for a break, but Eddy tells them only a couple more feet. Then he yells “Onwards!” Cruel, but justified. They pushed it all the way here, so a few more feet isn’t much. It’s actually pretty funny how he commands them like huskies pulling a sled.
Aw, I don't think it's that cruel, he's not insulting them or anything, he's just got a vision to fulfill and they're not as dedicated to it as he is.
Hmm, I can’t tell if they came from the lane or Ed’s yard. Kevin would know!
Good eye, I never would've noticed they appear to have come from Ed's yard! The lane is completely fenced off from this side, so it's unlikely they came from there. I just now noticed that the yellow/pink appears to be a weird shadow and you can see the more accurate neighborhood colors crowding in on the edges
“Icecream! Big scoops!”
Eddy tells them to make ice cream while they wheeze. Ohhh Eddy, you’re gonna get it. I like how Edd looks here. Starfish hands, droopy eyes and it looks like he’s puking blue tongue.
Once again Eddy advertises how cheap his ice cream is while Edd curls up paper and puts glue in it. I guess that has several purposes— to keep to paper curled, to fill up the makeshift cone and to keep the baseball in. You know, that’s a LOT of glue! I pay more for that much glue than they’re charging for ice cream, not to mention the price they should charge for their effort and even the fake ice cream truck. Heck, I’d pay just for fake ice cream! But I guess that’s what makes it a scam.
And he also got a bunch of baseballs?! This scam seems really awful, haha. You think it’s ice cream and bite into a baseball! That can’t be good for your teeth.
That, or you end of licking paint! Paint is a medical hazard, not to mention tastes bad! Also, look how many baseballs they have! They must have found them, because I doubt they could afford all those baseballs.
Okay, srsly, this scam is bonkers. This is probably the worst scam they've ever tried to pull. Usually they have legitimate services and the problem is just that they're 12 and have no resources or expertise. But this is insane. It costs so much to get baseballs and paint and glue and papers, and even if these are all things they were able to find in their parents' houses, it would cost their parents so much less if the Eds just stole all the ice cream from their freezers and sold those. At the very least they could easily make their own ice pops or perhaps shaved ice, they don't even really need to buy ice cream.
Meanwhile, Ed is highly enjoying himself. I really love his laugh here, it must have been hilarious to record.
Seems legit.
This is where the episode takes a turn for the worse. The kids are nowhere to be seen. I had thought the kids were playing a trick on the Eds like they were in the April Fool’s episode! I was thinking, “Wow! They finally stood up to the Eds and their scams!” (which, actually, still seems possible…)
that's never crossed my mind and i don't think it's likely but an interesting theory that's definitely in character for them!
“Um, maybe they’re onto us…” Edd, you read my mind. Great minds think alike? That, or absolutely everybody was thinking it and Eddy underestimated the kids again. I really love this shot. Eddy looks like this suggestion is completely alien but actually possible, and Ed in an entirely different world.
“Nahh, this one’s foolproof!” Ed is now attentive, Eddy has smashed this curiosity or doubt in himself, and Edd looks a little more mad. You can already tell justice is coming!
Therrrre we go! Justice. I still feel bad for Eddy though, his scam being ruined and all. However, it’s now I see the other side is completely unfinished! Jimmy and probably Nazz could easily see this was a hoax. I like how Eddy decides to look around now. I suppose he didn’t have much choice, but it’s still good to have him agree.
NO ED NO POISONOUS (it…kinda looks like he’s licking a large zit on Eddy)
I'VE NEVER THOUGHT OUT HOW DANGEROUS AND IMITATABLE THIS IS
ED WHAT ARE YOU DOING ED STOP
Huh…you’re freaking me out here, Edd. I promise I did not plan this. “What are you doing, Ed?”
“Get your own!” Ha! Oh Ed. But seriously, why did you kick Double D?
Oh wow, he actually does kick Edd a little!
I do think it’s cute how Double D is trying to take it away from Ed for his health, though. Like, fighting for his friend’s well-being!
Yeah, this is a lot more endearing than it is funny now that I think about how hazardous this is for Ed. I like the shots of all the areas the kids normally are in, but they're not interesting enough for pictures.
Ed explains to Eddy that all the kids went into a wormhole and into another universe. That would be awesome! What other universe? Our universe? Another cartoon’s universe?
Taking a moment to appreciate this shot. Ed claims it’s simple, and Eddy claims Ed is simple while taking away the fake ice cream. Okay, that was over 20 pictures in the first minute or so. But it’s also probably the most important, so I’ll try to hurry on up!
hahaha welcome to my world, i always have to judge whether a screenshot or comment adds anything to the analysis before it becomes overloaded.
Anyway, they go to Jimmy’s house first and exclaim disgust at his appearance.
He does kind of look like a zombie with acne. Usually shows are pretty clear about whether or not a character is faking sickness, and this seems legit. He does think they’re the postman with eggs though, which seemed pretty fake to me. Chicken pox doesn’t do that, right? It seemed like an act at this point, but they must be great makeup artists and actors if that’s the case!
I don't think it's fake, I think he's just delirious from being sick. I've never had chicken pox, but having a fever during it doesn't sound impossible.
Eddy seemed pretty amused by Jimmy’s face, but it’s seriously creepy. Especially because it zooms in on it.
Ed wants to touch it, but once again Double D is here to save the day! I don’t ship them relationship-wise, but I totally friendship them hard! Maybe not the hardest, I like the thought of Kevin and Edd being friends, as well as Kevin and Lee, Edd and May, Rolf and Marie, May and Johnny, and Rolf and Kevin. (okay, maybe I actually ship Lee/Kevin, May/Johnny and Marie/Rolf) Moving on…
I also like how Edd puts himself in danger. Being like Edd in the area of the fear of germs and having OCD, I never want to get close to a sick person because, for some reason, I have this irrational fear they’ll start moving towards me and trying to get me sick. So, although the average person may not see this as much, this is a big sacrifice and show of bravery here! (a recurring trait I keep seeing in Double D lately)
Well, looks like my fear isn’t all that irrational. At this point I was convinced this was all a trick. (did the other kids do this too? We don’t get to see them, so if it’s a trick it’s a lot of wasted effort) That, or Jimmy just really hates the Eds, which is true.
nawwww, Jimmy's just delirious, he doesn't know what he's doing
Eddy pulls out a sign (the first thing I thought though was “stake” because of…vampires or something? Don’t ask) and says “Back, Chicken-boy! Back!” That nickname makes me think of Ed.
I absolutely love this scene because EDDY IS HEROIC. No one asks him to help but he sees his friends in trouble and rushes to their aid; now that's season 1 Eddy!
“It must be an epidemic!” Are…some of these in the street? If this is a trick, it seems like overkill. Though, if it’s not a trick this is really weird. Do people do this?!
Personally, this says "not a trick" to me, those signs look serious! I never noticed before now that only one of those signs correctly has an 'I' in it.
Eddy gives some nervous laughter about being the only healthy ones, and you can already see the wavy mouth lines of insanity creep up on him.
Aww, he looks sincerely dissapointed! They probably did spend a long time on that scam. (Not to mention money) Eddy shifts around for a second before he loses patience and suggests they do something.
“Like what?” Ha, Ed looks like he’s totally amused by himself and their new-found boredom, and Eddy is having another one of those sudden but short-lasting doubts. Ed’s face smoothly goes back into a derp, and he slowly puts him arm down. It looks great, but I can’t make GIFs. They ponder for a while.
Double D is sitting on Eddy while Ed is still apparently content with nothing to do. I wonder how Double D got to sitting on Eddy? Did Eddy just lay down on the ground and Double D just take a seat, or was this a request? “Eddy, I don’t want to sit on the grass. Would you mind?”
Ed has an idea!
Kick a can around! What I love about this is that usually these kind of ideas are pushed aside by Edd and Eddy as childish, but…
…Edd’s just so happy with this! He honestly looks like he’s having fun playing a simple game with trash! CANT YOU SEE HOW HARD I FRIENDSHIP ED/EDD?!
Edd kicks it as hard as he can and then screams “yeah!” out of victory. He’s so cute!
Eddy seems to think this is really weird…
…but decides to give it a shot! The sound effect here sounds like a gun being cocked, going with the motion of his leg being lifted. I really like it.
What I think is interesting about this episode is how they're exploring that Eddy doesn't really know how to be a kid. His scam-love is definitely exaggerated for the sake of story, but the overall point is that scamming and showing off are the only ways he knows how to express himself. Without the option of an audience, he's too frustrated to just hang out with his friends. This episode and his ensuing madness could very well be the frayed end that kicked off his instability and jerkiness in the later seasons, obsessed with being as cool as his Bro.
On the other hand, I think it's really weird that it's only been 9 episodes and they're already doing an episode that subverts the show's normal formula. That's normally best saved for the end of a series, but fortunately there were still a few other subjects available for such episodes later in the series (Edd's showering, the Eds never being absent, and actually another episode about Eddy not being able to scam).
RUDE. But also adorable! He’s so passionate about this! Eddy is still baffled. I have conflicting feelings about whether that was acceptable or not. He laughs in a cute way that is high-pitched, so it also must have been fun to record. Also, Edd doesn’t move his mouth to laugh.
He’s right you know, it is his turn. He has justified claimage here.
BUT NOT HERE He smashes the can! Gosh, Eddy!
HE'S SO MAD ABOUT A CAN, OH MY GOD
HA. Ed and Edd are just blinking, but the expressions fit so well. Totally not amused and unaffected by Eddy’s rage. Eddy finally gets his turn to kick the can, I guess.
Creepy tiny Eddy face rudely tells Edd it’s his turn while the can hits a cat.
I really like how Edd's head is drawn there. That is a very good drawing of Edd.
SO. ADORABLE. Okay, okay, I’ll stop. Ed asks if Eddy is okay, and Edd is clueless. HELLO EDD, YOU STOLE HIS TURN. WITH ENTHUSIASM.
HAHAHA, "with enthusiasm." Season 1 Edd is so innocently rude.
Once again these two cuties have found a way to entertain themselves! Also, Edd shows us another one of his hidden talents.
He laughs AGAIN with his mouth closed this time, which is extra creepy. The hands here look fabulous, I love the effort despite how quickly these frames show.
Eddy’s still brooding, but look what he’s missing! It’s really odd how attached Eddy is to scams in this episode. There are plenty of other times when he just has fun with his friends and hangs out. Ed’s turn!
Honestly, that was unexpected. I was thinking he would make something amazing. Though how me managed this after all the knotting is pretty amazing, I guess. What he does next is even more so.
All the while keeping his hands in front of him. Ed falls and Edd is horrified/blown away/impressed.
I've always loved this clip. Very simple silly comedy.
Eddy says nothing, his mouth is just open like this for some reason. Wavy mouth lines of insanity, guys! Something bad is about to happen.
Looks like he's growling, haha. Maybe some dialogue had to be cut for time there.
Ed says “oops” and they both start laughing. It looks like Edd is trying to show Eddy. It doesn’t seem cruel that Edd is laughing at Ed’s fall, because Ed is fine and the fact he got himself tied up like that really is funny.
Yeah, it's kinda schadenfreude, but even victim Ed is admitting this is hilarious.
For some reason there’s a PRETTY CREEPY close up of Eddy’s face. He’s obviously holding onto dear sanity. He’s even stretching his lips out to avoid the wavy mouth on insanity!
GEEZ EDDY CALM DOWN
“You two…”
“Are BORING ME!” Well gosh Eddy I’m sorry we failed to please you with our own business and fun. Ed has started to walk away, and I can’t blame him.
I love the way that Ed walks away. It looks like he's either distracted by something in the sky or he's trying to nonchalantly leave without attracting Eddy's attention.
Ed's plan doesn't work.
“WHERE ARE YOU GOIN’, MONOBROW?!” At this point I think it’s safe to assume he’s losing the grips on sanity. Ed looks genuinely scared.
Definitely lost his grip. “YEAH, THAT’S RIGHT!”
“YOU HAVE ONE EYEBROW!”
“AHEHEH!”
“AND NO CHIN!” That face man That face.
I always expect him to say "and the brain of a bug," but that's a season 2 episode.
Oh. That’s kinda sad…
“Hmm…” He’s looking at his unibrow and chin right now (or lack-thereof), but it also kinda looks like he’s rolling his eyes or looking down in disapproval.
I think Ed's just looking at his features. He seems to be self-conscious, but I don't think he's upset by Eddy pointing it out. Ed, the body-issues character?
“Aw, come on, Eddy…” Season 1 Edd is here to save the day! More friendshipping between Ed and Edd. In later seasons Edd would sooner be lecturing Eddy on manners, but Season 1 Edd is just…sympathetic.
“AND YOU!” EDDY WHEN WILL THIS BASHING END THESE ARE YOUR FRIENDS WHY
Eddy's so mean when his hormones kick in. ):
Oh. He just went here. Not only did he just ask what’s with the hat, but he literally walked all over his friend. I love Eddy, but episodes like this make it hard! I’ll just blame it on insanity.
Yeah, this is just insanity. Even at his worst, Eddy wouldn't normally be complaining about minutia for no reason.
WHAT NO THIS CARTOON IS A WHIRLWIND OF EMOTIONS This is just really sad, though. Edd is really obsessive and scared about his hat and what’s under it, and Eddy’s here ripping it off for no reason. He even asks what Edd’s hiding. Thankfully Edd trusts them later on, but it’s easy to see why it took until the movie!
Okay, so important commentary time! This, 9 episodes into the series, is the FIRST time that anyone acknowledges that there could be a mystery of what's under Edd's hat. It is not in the series bible, it was never intended to be part of the series, it's just a running gag that started in this episode. In fact, I think this is the only reference to it in season 1.
And for the record, it's not even clear that they intend it to be a mystery or a serious problem for Edd yet. Eddy asks what the deal is, but it's a joke at Eddy's expense, like it's ridiculous that Eddy's so paranoid right now that he thinks there could be some mystery under the hat instead of just his friend's head. Edd's reaction still fits with the later developments that something may be wrong with his head, but at this point in the series, he could still very well just be holding onto his hat because of territorial/personal space issues
So all in all, I'm not convinced that it was ever meant to be a mystery until the 2nd season, and I honestly wish it had never become one. In the context of this episode and this season, Eddy's not being that mean to his friend; Edd has never acted strangely about the hat before and now Eddy wants to take it off. From Eddy's perspective, it's no different from jumping on Kevin's back and taking off HIS hat.
Eddy falls off and loses his eyebrows
Thinkin’ the same thing, guys. However, they’re not mad that Eddy just hurtfully teased Ed on his appearance and rudely asked Edd what he’s hiding while trying to rip off his hat.
Another good reason I don't believe Edd's hat was a mystery this season. Look at how quickly he looks disinterested. In seasons where it's actually a mystery, he'd still be clutching the hat and looking startled, but as soon as it's over in THIS episode, Edd's cool with it.
Instead, Ed suggests they change a lightbulb! How many Eds does it take to screw in a lightbulb? But seriously, instead of being mad Ed just suggests another form on entertainment! A bad one, but still.
“BORRRIIIINNNNNG!!!” I really love this clip XD The way it’s so dramatic, the way Eddy has just snapped, and how the word he’s yelling is so… anticlimactic.
Eddy tells Ed his ideas are boring, and Ed once again looks scared but confused.
Eddy shoves Ed on the ground and Ed makes a really painful, sad sound. Somewhere between a sob and the sound it makes when air is knocked out of you. Kevin, are you sure “Sorry Wrong Ed” is your least favorite? Which is worse, Eddy getting hurt for no reason, or Eddy hurting people for no reason?! I guess the casualties are worse is Sorry Wrong Ed…
WARNING: BELOW I UNLEASH THE RAGING STORM THAT IS MY ANIMOSITY FOR THE EPISODE 'SORRY WRONG ED'. FEEL FREE TO SKIP IT.
By all means, 'Sorry Wrong Ed' is worse than this episode. 'Sorry Wrong Ed' is a confused little boy being sentenced to death by the universe without any rhyme, reason or justice, and absolutely no way to defend himself and nobody on his side. Eddy's only options in that episode are to accept death or keep fighting something no human fully understands and it ends without resolution. That's dark and disturbing, and then they pile all sorts of cruel violence on top instead of humor. I'm not comfortable looking at some of the things that happen in it. There's barely any character interaction or jokes or story in that episode, it's just reactions to pain. Really, I don't think that deserves to be a canon episode, because in the end NOTHING happens. Nothing of importance is added to the series, it's never acknowledged again and the characters are barely characters in it. All I get out of it is Edd likes Dr. Seuss and the designs for EEnE-style hippos.
I see you've been bringing up Eddy's flawed justice system in this episode, but when I complain about justice in this show, I'm talking about the aspects of the universe that only the writers control. I can respect characters being victimized because of their own actions, there's realism and room for growth in that. But when the writers clearly set up events so that the character will be victimized and that character has no options but to lose, then there's no point in the story. Sometimes it's hard to draw the line on what's just and unjust. A story can be naturally complicated so a character will get pushed toward failure, but other times bad elements will come out of nowhere to make things worse without a setup. But the ONLY set-up in 'Sorry Wrong Ed' is injustice and I can't enjoy that abuse of the godpower of being a writer.
THIS episode has a very understandable layout for its events. It's all character interactions that, while flawed, make sense to those characters, plus a look into Eddy's fragile psyche and how much he relies on scams. Everything's portrayed pretty innocently and fairly. Nobody's really mad at each other, they're all very internalized and doing their best to communicate without getting too personal. I actually really like this episode. It has its mean parts and the premise is kind of "base," but it's really active and character driven.
Anyway, RANT OVER.
“SOMEONE” “ANYONE”
“I NEED A SUCKERRRRR!”
Oh god, what a face....
Haha wow, not “I need cash!” or “I need scams!” or even entertainment since he’s bored, but suckers. XD
Edd puts some sense into Eddy, also contributing to the final break to insanity. “No kids, no scams.” Eddy perks up, but looks confused. Maybe it’s another weird doubt thing he can never bring himself to. As if he thinks he can still scam without kids, which actually kinda happens.
Maybe he's supposed to be thinking of using his friends as a last ditch audience?
“Let’s go change that lightbulb!” Ha! Love the continuity and the enthusiasm about changing a lightbulb. Eddy tells them to wait and watch, but it seems they know what’s coming.
If for some reason you haven’t noticed their odd-colored tongues yet, you have now. Nice trick! Reminds me of Scooby Doo.
That's really weird, it reminds me of Scooby too... Maybe because of that old clip of Scooby licking cotton candy off his own face?
Naw. Eddy, they’ve seen that before. “Now you’re boring us!” Once again, justice in EEnE! He was calling their cool tricks boring, and now they’ve done the same to him. However it’s added insult that changing a lightbulb is more exciting than Eddy’s trick, which is justice for Eddy’s insults.
I guess this was their last chance to save him. Without kids to fleece or friends that haven't already seen his tricks, Eddy's got nothing to keep him active.
We fade to black and come in on Eddy looking around calling out names of the kids and trying to show off to no one. I’m pretty sure he’s still in the lane, so the fade to black was kind of unnecessary. I’m assuming Edd and Ed left to change the lightbulb while Eddy just stared into the distance for a while.
Actually the scene starts with Eddy in the street, looking at Kevin's quarantined house, then Jonny's (both houses are drawn surprisingly accurate) and then Rolf's (we only see the quarantine signs in front of Rolf's house). And then SUDDENLY, Eddy's back in the lane.
Anyway, calling out for the kids that aren’t there. It’s really pitiful, actually.
He runs up and bangs on someone’s door, and even gives in to looking for Kevin and Sarah.
That "someone's" door was Rolf's surprisingly on-model door! :D
Kevin would probably say something about porch accuracy here, but I honestly have no idea XD
I sure would, that's a spot-on Ed+Sarah house!
I just think it’s really funny how horrified he is that he’s turned to asking Sarah. We get a really cool eyes-into-head spin with little popping sounds
This is one of two brain shots in the series! The other is Ed's brain in 'Cool Hand Ed'. I can never tell if Eddy's brain is supposed to look small and shriveled here or just gross like anyone's organ, but it's definitely a healthier size than Ed's.
SUDDENLY
WHAT
I’m not sure what popcorn-brain signifies. He’s finally popped? I don’t know. (but I’ll bet Kevin does)
I think it's just a visual metaphor for him blowing a gasket. His mind filled up and then it burst!
That's another surprisingly on model Rolf house back there!
Eddy starts bopping around and upside down with buggy eyes, so we can be rest assured he’s snapped. The next scene is too disturbing to show, unfortunately. He starts ringing like a phone and flying up and down, then running around with his tongue above his head.
“OH DEAR” Looks like they’re done changing that lightbulb and have come back for Eddy…to find this.
hahahahaha, I've never really thought about how Ed and Edd just suddenly appear now. it's funny to imagine they walked outside and this meltdown is what they found.
Ed think Eddy’s funny, and we see a rare “eyebrow” or lackthereof on Double D.
Edd scares Ed by explaining that without kids to scam he’s gone crazy, so I guess Ed doesn’t think Eddy’s funny anymore.
“We have no choice Ed! For Eddy’s safety, we have to capture him!” Again, bravery for the protection and preservation of friends! Good episode for Edd
That's a good point, this may be Edd's strongest episode in season 1! Though he doesn't have much of a choice seeing as he tends to be the default main character when Eddy's not around.
We fade to black and hear “I SEE YOU”
We’re on the inside of the mailbox and Eddy is…well.
“OH YEAH!”
Here, ONCE AGAIN, a laugh without ever opening the mouth. Very creepy.
My friend who worked on the show isn't fond of this episode because it's a cliche portrayal of insanity; someone being able to lose their mind on a dime and then being humorously silly. But I think there's still some sad/creepy subtext to this insanity. The way that Eddy appears to be thinking about the nonsense he's doing and basing them off of fevered memories. What could this mailbox stunt have meant to him in the past? Or is it all simply another desperate attempt to impress his nonexistant audience? food for thought
The post breaks under his weight, and he’s on his face.
PS, I love that the background appears a lot more vague as a reflection of his insanity.
Suddenly
A smooth eye roll in opposite directions with a sliding whistle sound going up and…
oh
HAHAHA OUT OF CONTEXT THIS IS JUST PERFECT
oh again
So this is their plan of capture. I guess they’re trying to give Eddy someone to show off to, since he needs his suckers. PLAN A FOR ACTING
I like how they drew Plank's face in a different style than whoever drew the REAL Plank's face. Speaking of Plank, I wonder if he got sick too (wood rot?) or if he's just tending to Jonny.
You know, if we wanted to be shippers right now, we could mention how in Hanky Panky Hullabaloo Eddy’s love interest is Plank. This picture by itself seems useful for memes or something. I don’t know, it’s just that weird enough.
Ed starts laughing and Jonny’s face falls off. Awwwwkarrrrrd.
I NEVER NOTICED EDD’S FACE-PALM (or is it Plank-palm?) At this point I thought Eddy had caught the act, but apparently…not. Eddy almost sarcastically tells “Jonny” he lost his face, then offers to get him a new one.
(I don't think it was sarcastic, I'm fully convinced crazy-Eddy believed this)
If the Plank mask had fallen off, would it be a repeat of the “Find a new Friend” scam? Anyway, the point is that Eddy ran away, so Ed and Edd must go catch him again. He’s in the playground scamming squirrels.
Look at him trying to act like his normal self, fighting the madness!
check it out, his weird three eye-lines are actually drawn as crow's feet here!
Hmm. Squirrel design in EEnE. Fascinating!
I love these squirrels. In season 2, they keep a squirrel (and a dog... IN THE SAME EPISODE) off screen as if we're not allowed to see them, even though we've seen both of those animals in season 1. A squirrel is seen in season 4, though, and I think its design is close to the same. The squirrels in 'The MisEdventures' video game look radically different, though.
Several more squirrels come up, all making odd human-sounding noises. Are they backing up their friend or trying their luck?
Apparently trying their luck. Eddy successfully scammed the squirrels, so is that a “win”?
I guess so! I just love that the squirrels communicate with each other and managed to place bets with a human.
Double D tells Eddy to drop the nuts, so Eddy stuffs them in his mouth. PLAN B FOR…BORING.
hahahahahahahah
Seriously, they’re just standing there and yelling. No plan of action or device to catch Eddy.
Also meme-worthy picture if I do say so myself. Ed and Edd are awestruck or just freaked out.
JEEZ, THEIR FACES ARE PERFECT
Eddy zooms off AGAIN and jumps into a tree, which is all adding up to thinking he’s a squirrel now? I’m not sure, but it seems to be the case.
Could be, but I think he was acting more like an ape or Tarzan or something...
He’s escaped and Ed and Edd must catch him again. He swings on vines to the cul-de-sac and sees a fire hydrant.
…Mistaking it for a jawbreaker.
Ripping it out of the ground.
And eating it. What is there to say? This is extreme insanity for just a lack of suckers. PLAN C FOR CAPTURE
Wow, I really wish they had titled these plans the way you are, these actually work too perfectly.
PLUNGER AND ROPE For like the 5th or 6th time in this episode, we get uncomfortably close to Eddy’s face.
ED SCREAMS AS HE THROWS THE PLUNGER AND
HE SCORES!
Eddy screams even though he looks like this. Why must Double D’s friends constantly eat the inedible? Eddy screams “Ambush!” and tries to run away, but the rope was there for a reason! Double D observes it…
…And takes hold.
Did they seriously tie a string to the plunger and then forget that HOLDING the string was integral to the plan?
Edd is dragged through the street and Ed wants to ride too. Double D is dragged through wood and bush and develops a beak.
I don't say this for Edd a lot (mostly because it's more common with Eddy), but the unnecessary abuse in this scene makes me sad. And yet on the other hand, I'm glad it's actually not just Eddy who has to go through junk like this. Why even are there fences and bushes ON TOP of the sidewalk, though?
The later it gets into the night the more I want to just tell you what’s happening instead of analyzing.
Oh man, I've been there before... I don't think it's entirely our fault, though, season 1 is very straight forward. Most of what's analyzable this season is just how certain events will be referenced again in the later seasons.
Respect, Kevin, respect. So much quality in such looooooooooong posts! In the end, Edd is slammed into a pole. UNNECESSARY PAIN
Ed wants it to be his turn, and picks up squashed Edd saying “You have all the fun”.
Oblivious to others' pain, a gag I complain about a lot. But I do love this drawing of Edd and the DING DING sound he makes when he points upward.
Eddy has gotten away again! PLAN D FOR DOLLAR! Right, so Eddy is eating a fence and asking about buttered toast when he sees a bill on the ground!
That part always makes me wonder if buttered toast is an automatic sign of brain problems in this show.
He calls it sweetheart, and I can’t help but think of motherly boomerang Eddy. He even chases it saying “Baby! Come back!”
That's a good observation. I know he's more romantic than motherly in this situation, but they're similar nice traits that are brought out only by deconstructing his mind.
Also, some sweet moves on the pole in order to turn fast.
Eddy would make a very interesting pole dancer.
Of course, Ed and Edd are the ones carrying the other end of the rope. We see a very familiar run, too.
As Edd reels in the rope, a sound effect of a fishing pole reeling is heard.
AND OH MY WORD EDD IS HEARD BREATHING HEAVILY BUT DOESNT OPEN HIS MOUTH!
This might be the episode with the worst lip sync problem, hahaha
As Edd teases Eddy with the bill (Eddy even asks Edd to stop teasing), Eddy yells “Lucy, I’m home!” Huh. Maybe it’s not motherly, but relationship…ly. I mean, that would agree with the Laugh Clown Laugh thing!
As Eddy glomps him, Double D asks Ed to close the door. Weird sounds of excitement were heard from Eddy and Ed closes himself out. I’ll admit, even though I don’t ship Edd/Eddy, this was suspicious sounding. WE WERE ALL THINKING IT, RIGHT?! NO?! No?…oh. Okay. *cough* Moving on.
I'm... surprised I've never thought of that before!
Ed realizes what he’s done and opens the door to see Eddy running circles from ceiling to floor chasing a bill.
you can't see it in this quality, but iirc, that blurry purple pillow with the green lace say something about las vegas, which i imagine to be one of eddy's parents' pillows. there's a lot of evidence that they go on many expensive vacations.
checking other shots, it looks like this is edd's backyard shed, though. hard to believe he used to have a lie detector set up in here!
Edd locks the door, and gives the key to Ed with instruction to hide it discreetly. BUT THEN
Eddy asks Edd to marry them! Him and the bill, that is. I’m not sure if this is because he’s crazy or because Edd was the one who “gave” him the bill. The shipping is hard in this episode.
Anyway, I really like Edd’s response, which is “I’m not registered for that!” Eddy replies with “Then, blow a loop!” Haha this episode is craaaazy. Glad I got to analyze it!
Actually, Eddy said "then, we'll elope," meaning he'll run away to marry it. This was the first time I heard "elope" as a kid and I also found it hard to hear.
Meanwhile, Ed is making a key sandwich.
OH WAIT, i found a good shot of that pillow and it says "Welcome to Miami"! I still think it should belong to Eddy's family.
oh DOUBLE WAIT. the camera then pans over to Eddy, and there IS a pillow that says 'Scenic Las Vegas'. I think those should both be Eddy's parents'. Maybe their kid would get in less trouble if they'd give him allowance instead of going on these crazy vacations.
After eating the sandwich, Ed turns Eddy’s head to see the PILE OF BILLS THEY MADE HIM Edd congratulates Eddy on being rich and says “Woolah!”
Voila!
Now a lot of things have happened, but let’s not forget that Eddy was being a total jerk for no reason and these two boys have spent all day trying to help him— even to the point of making all this fake money! They’re so sweet.
Aww, Eddy had a reason, it was just a very deep-rooted psychological one. ;P
What happens next is…odd.
CHA CHING
okay pretty normal cartoon gag
MOOHLAH
WHAT ON EARTH?
OOH HA HO MONEY
WHO DREW THAT?
oh no
what lunatic got to animate this scene???
DINEEEEROOOOOOOOO
*squeal*
AAAAAAAAAHHH, THAT'S THE WORST. HE'S LIKE NAKED WITH FRECKLES ON HIS BUTT, BUT HE'S ALSO A PIG AND A BANK BUT HE'S STILL GOT SHOES ON EXCEPT THEY'RE FLESH COLORED AND CONNECTED TO HIS LEGS
CAAAAASSSSHHHHHHH
OKAY, now we're getting normal again. I'm surprised this is the only time Eddy's hairs turned so simply into dollar signs.
eeek, kinda weird again
WAHAAHAAAaaaa!
Finally Eddy has exercised the insane out of himself, and is back to normal!
“We’ll buy a truckload of jawbreakers!”
Ed is confused and Eddy is confused about why Ed’s confused, but then he realizes the cash is Ed-money.
Edd tries to silence Ed (though here it looks like he’s breaking the fourth wall) and Ed tells Eddy he drew it himself.
Eddy is mad, and finally not in the insane way!
Look, the "Scenic Las Vegas" pillow is now huge behind Ed!
Ed just think Eddy’s angered, but Double D has accomplished his mission! Eddy’s back to normal!
it's kinda sad that eddy being upset is normal enough for edd. you... don't want to try and help him with his remaining problems, mr. caring??
The moral of the story is…without suckers, you go crazy! And without money, you’ll stay that way!
But wait! Eddy hears the kids!
I actually thought that the separating foam was a doorway, and it really confused me why he didn’t just exit through it. Only later I realized it was showing inside and outside.
BUT WAIT
THE KIDS LOOK FINE!
Did they all miraculously heal?! Was only Jimmy sick?! Was it all a really good act?! I’m sure Kevin has something to say about the dolls, too, but I got nothing XD Rolf goes by on a unicycle and Nazz is chasing him. I’m not opposed to their friendship friendshipping either.
oh no, nothing to say about the dolls, those are the usual ones. I just want to point out that this is YET ANOTHER season 1 scene where the kids are just playing.
oh, and i still don't think it was a trick, i just think it's convenient timing, like many of the eds' losses.
“Come on boys, the chickens are ripe for the plucking!”
If this a reference to when he called Jimmy a Chicken-boy?
????????????????
he has his brother's chin!
Oh. Right. Ed ate the key, so now the Eds are locked inside.
Well, justice is justice, I guess. The one to blame is the one to…tame?
I don't follow who this is justice for, but alright, haha
It kinda looks like Eddy is strangling Ed.
(and maybe even digging Ed’s grave! Okay yeah that’s stupid)
The hole is significantly smaller now
that used to bother me so much. It looks like they haven't even started digging yet now!
Yes, Ed, you are a good shovel. A good shovel indeed.
THE END!
I don’t know whether to say if this is a win or lose. I mean, Eddy got to win those acorns and fake money, and the kids got to be Ed-free. Not to mention the Eds didn’t catch chickenpox, so I can say win, right? Eh. This episode was quite a weird adventure, not a scam that did or didn’t work. So, neutral?
yeah, i'd go with neutral. eddy wasn't stuck crazy and nothing of importance failed, and like you say, the Eds really lucked out with their immune systems.
Anyway
Hope you liked my analysis! If you didn’t, don’t worry, this was my only time doing one! Kevin, I also hope you enjoyed it. And though this is cheesey, my gift to you isn’t the hours of work into this, it’s the respect I learned for you from this! Kudos, Kevin! (BUT ACTUALLY ITS THE DAY AFTER BY TWO MINUTES! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Well, I finished the analysis itself on your birthday, but this message cause me lateness! Sorry haha, and hope you had a great one!)
Thank you so much, I had a great birthday and it's such a relief to not have to take all these screenshots myself!
