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Description
1. All That Jazzy

Writers: Norma P. Sepulveda & Alyssa Stratton

Director: Julius Aguimatang

Date: April 7, 2023

Synopsis: "Jazzy wants to be a great dancer."

This is an episode that definitely has a lot of style and heart. Let's talk about it. The episode involves Jazzy taking part in a dance class with the Firebuds. Said dance is led by Ayanna and her wheelchair Gliderbella (voiced by Tatiana Lee and Ali Stroker). However, she wants to take the lead and be a star much like how they are. The episode goes for a really solid message on how you should practice and work hard as part of a team before you become famous. Let's break this down.

First Half:

Things start out normally enough with Flash being excited from waiting all week for a concert. Bo says how even the ducks are excited. We then get Jazzy's entrance, where her behavior is of note. She's shown to be particularly excited, to the point that she almost gets too far ahead of her family. This is already good setup for showing how she doesn't always think straight when she feels too strongly about something. The announcer welcomes everyone to the Motopolis Movers event called "An Evening Of Dance". As it starts, Jazzy initially thinks that it's just alright, showing how she has overly high standards for what counts as good. At least she's not saying it's bad. Jenna says how the main attraction is Ayanna Filomi and her wheelchair Gliderbella. Jazzy becomes excited when finding out that she also has Spina bifida (she has a hole in her spine) yet can dance well. It's easy to see why since she finally knows someone who has the same condition as her, yet is still a success even with it. Ayanna definitely shines when she does some kind of performance with glowing boards while staying in her chair, which causes the audience to cheer. Talk about standout. After the show, Violet tells Jazzy that there's an opportunity to meet her, which she takes up. The line is too long, though Ayanna lets Jazzy come to her when seeing how excited she is. She says how Jazzy is like her since she's bold, strong, a good dancer, and doesn't let anyone get in her way. She's definitely shown to be a nice celebrity because of how she compliments her and praises her for her potential. She asks if she wants to be in her dance class tomorrow, and the class will end with a performance for the parents. So she's all about sharing her talent. That's good too. Jazzy says yes, and Ayanna invites the Firebuds, for which they agree. Jazzy is inspired by Ayanna, and thinks that she can be a star just like her. Her overconfidence is definitely showing.

We cut to the next day, with Ayanna and Gliderbella ready to teach the group. We see Jazzy trying too hard to stand out. She comes in ready to bask in the spotlight, and is wearing an outfit that looks just like Ayanna, even having a sprocket that looks like her badge. At least she knows how to go all out. When Ayanna says how everyone should be with their vroommates, Jazzy goes to the center. Ayanna says how this is a synchronized dance, meaning that she should be able to move with everyone else. She is correct about that, but Jazzy doesn't see it that way. She thinks that she has to prove herself, and gets more overconfident. Yeah she's definitely misreading her instructions, but it works here. Whenever she feels strongly about something, she is very determined to show how she's right. Ayanna gives instructions to do arm exercises, and tells Flash to move slower, Piston to move faster, and Violet that she's doing well. At least this shows how she gives constructive criticism, knowing how to say what works and what doesn't. Jazzy sees that she has a chance to show off. As she and Piper do more expressive arm movements, Ayanna tells her to move with the others. After they're done, she tells the vehicles to follow Gliderbella and go "forth, back, side, side". That sounds simple enough. Jazzy doesn't listen and she tries to be more spontaneous despite Piper telling her to follow what she was told. Yeah we see Piper takes after hew law abiding brother in how she doesn't want her to get into trouble. Jazzy says that you can't be the star by following everyone else. She does what she wants and bumps into everyone else. Yeah this definitely highlights a flaw of hers, mainly in how she thinks that you can do whatever you want as long as you stand your ground. She's still likable since she still wants to make her proud and admires her wisdom. Though no one was hurt, Ayanna calls for a break. Ayanna says how she has the skill, but tells her something their dance teacher said, "If you don't dance together, you're dancing towards disaster.". Those are definitely words to live by. She gives her reasonable criticism yet still says she has potential to be good, which is nice to see. Gliderbella asks Ayanna if they should teach the one wheel spin move, and she says not yet.

Second Half:

Jazzy asks Piper if she knows what to do, and when she says to follow everyone else, she says to do the one wheel spin move. Piper says that they haven't learned that move yet. Jazzy brings you what Ayanna said about how they're both the same since they don't let anything get in their way. Yeah she's really having her head in the clouds with how she thinks she can automatically do anything complex. She's using what Ayanna told her and is taking it too far, which fits with how she's ambitious to the point of being stubborn. It's here where she starts to sing "The Star You Are", a song about going above and beyond to reach stardom potential. It's a song that's definitely quite catchy yet also shows how she's letting stardom get to her head. She starts out saying how when other people doubt her, she won't let that stop her since she has the spark to rise above any challenge. She says how you can't really shine just by staying in line, and that you should shine like fireflies. This really highlights how she feels on top of the world and doesn't want the momentum to be lost. At least this shows how active she is, but it also shows that she's not taking the time to know how to achieve stardom properly. Things then transition to a stage and a ramp, where she has the Firebuds as her backup dancers. She says that while everyone else will learn the basics, she'll shine and rise above the rest. Even as she says this, she never really thinks that everyone else is bad for practicing. She just feels it's not her thing. Piper joins in and lifts her up as they both sing about being the best. This song definitely goes all out.

When class resumes, Jazzy and Piper try to do the one wheel spin move. They get in the way of everyone, making Ayanna more frustrated. I like this little moment since it shows how even she has her limits when it comes to patience. Jazzy and Piper accidentally bump into Flash, who accidentally bumps into the control panel. The controls go haywire, and Jayden and Piston get arranged on a suspended platform, for which Jazzy immediately apologizes for her actions. At least she doesn't try to defend herself. She sees she messed up by putting her brother in danger, and feels bad for it. Gliderbella wonders what Jazzy was thinking doing a move like that. She says how she wanted her and Piper to be the stars just like them. Ayanna says that she likes Jazzy because of how she's brave and bold must like her, and can dance really well. Gliderbella says how you don't become a star by going out of line and doing your own thing. Ayanna says how she and Gliderbella were part of the troupe and also had to do their routines before becoming stars. This is what gets to Jazzy, and believably so. Being an expert at something means working with others before setting out on your own. As they demonstrate their technique with their boards, Axl gets the idea to use the boards like a ramp to get them down. Bo asks if they can learn last night's dance routine in order to get them down. Jazzy says that she wants to help out, and will follow the lead instead of trying to stand out. Everyone puts the boards together to make a ramp. Jayden and Piston lose their balance as they drive off, but Jazzy stops them by throwing her sprocket to deflate one of Piston's tires. Now this out of the box thinking works here since she's more focused on helping others and not about standing out. We cut to later, where the performance turns out really good. Jenna congratulates Jazzy for doing a good job, and she says that she's just part of the troupe. Ayanna gives Jazzy her pin, and says she can become famous one day if she keeps practicing. Now that's a reassuring way to end an episode like this.

2. Iguana Hold Your Hand

Writer: Krystal Banzon

Director: Kris Wimberly

Date: April 7, 2023

Synopsis: "Piston has to deal with an iguana."

It's time for a little animal love. The episode has Piston coming across an iguana, which he's afraid of. When she gets loose, he's afraid to find her. This episode has a solid message on being calm when things get scary, and that you shouldn't let fear get in the way. Let's break this down.

First Half:

We start with everyone happily playing frisbee with each other. Piston is about to throw to everyone else, but when seeing Popcorn runs by, he throws it to him. He catches it and acts playful, causing Piston to be affectionate with him. Talk about an adorable way to start things off. Everyone likes what they see, and he says how he just has a way with animals. He never really struck me as the animal type, but it's still believable. Animals are generally fun, cute, and playful companions who are always there for you. It fits with how he likes things that are safe yet also enjoyable. Of course, things won't be easy. Pow comes by to show off a new pet that he got. Piston tries to guess what animal she is, but his guesses (a puppy, a kitten, and a bunny) are all wrong. Pow then shows off his pet, Bessie the iguana, and Piston hides in the bushes as she makes some sounds. Yeah this is definitely a bit unusual for him, but it works here. Bessie looks a bit weird, and he usually feels more comfortable around things that look nice and have a sense of familiarity. Pow apologizes for this since she usually doesn't act this way. Since iguanas are Violet's favorite animal, she says how Bessie is acting strange since she needs to get used to her environment. Yeah she would definitely feel smart enough to know that. It is sweet to her llay affectionately with Bessie. When asking what iguanas eat, Piston thinks she eats cars when Violet says she actually eats plants. Yeah he's letting paranoia get in the way of thinking clearly. When she makes a sound, Piston hides in the bushes while everyone is still in awe of her. Axl finds his behavior surprising since he didn't mind being around the lizards at Mudflap Marsh. He says how she's much bigger while they were babies. In his mind, they can't really act scary since they're not old enough to do so.

Bo gives him a leaf to feed Bessie, but as he tries to feed her, she disappears. Violet says how lizards can move fast, especially when they're scared, which makes Piston more scared. Everyone looks for her in the yard, but can't find her. In order to avoid coming into contact with her, Piston says that he'll be in the treehouse looking through the surveillance while everyone else goes to look for her. At least he still wants to help out. It's just that his safety conscious conscience is making him choose something with the least amount of risk. Bo thinks this is a good idea, though Piston doesn't know she's just outside. Piston calls up the Firebuds to see what's going on. Violet says how she and Axl are helping Khalil and Carlos when the latter gets his arm stuck in a sewer grate from playing a game of motor polo. It definitely must've been pretty wild. He hears something suspicious, but pretends not to panic by saying that he didn't see Bessie. Piston calls up Bo and Flash, with the former saying how they're helping Iris out with a flat tire from the game. Yeah that is definitely pretty intense. Bessie accidentally knocks over the first aid kit, freaking Piston out, but he tries to play it off as now big deal. Yeah this highlights another flaw of his, that he tries too hard to be seen as mature. At least he still wants to help, but thinks that he has to be seen as completely tough with no weakness.He asks Jayden what he's doing, and he says that he saved Carly with his Collapsible Trapsible since she almost ran into Iris. He sees Bessie in the treehouse, and freaks out. He tries to leave, but she's waiting on the top of the tree. The way she nonchalantly pops up everywhere while not doing anything would be pretty freaky, so this is at least understandable.He tells the Firebuds to come back, but he has to catch Bessie on his own since they're still helping others. He does so, but tells them to hurry. He sees Bessie on the rug and tries to catch her. As she keeps moving around, he tries to get away from her, but freaks out when seeing a box of toy lizards. Yeah that would definitely be quite the nightmare.

Second Half:

As Bessie moves around, she accidentally activates lockdown procedures that Jayden installed. The Firebuds see that they're about to be locked out, so Bo goes inside to help out while Jayden gives him the Collapsible Trapsible to trap Bessie. Now that's some good quick thinking. As Bo tries to find Piston, the latter accidentally gets spooked by Iris and inadvertently traps the former. Yeah he's definitely letting his emotions get in the way of thinking clearly. Bo tells Piston to calmly get the remote, but he accidentally breaks it while moving forward. He even moved slowly while doing this. That's not good. He tries to get Bessie when she's on the J Swat, but she goes inside and accidentally activates it. Bo tells Piston that he has to get Bessie, but he's too scared of her. Yeah if it seems like she's intentionally retaliating against him and playing on his emotions, even if we know she's not, you can see why he's scared. He doesn't like feeling vulnerable.

The J Swat keeps moving around, and Bo tells Piston to stop since the machine keeps moving around as he's being moving around in a scared manner. Bessie is acting scared since he's acting scared of her. Despite her lack of expression, you can tell this is true since she's just trying to get by in life, and he's not making it ways. Bo sings "Scared Of You", a song about how things that may seem scary are actually harmless. It's definitely an uplifting song that gets to the root of the issue. He says how what you give us what you get when dealing with a pet. Piston is still scared of Bessie, but Bo says that she can only calm down and follow him if he's calm. It's all about maintaining a sense of internal balance. He slowly approaches the machine, turns it off, and gets Bessie calmly. Since he's more focused on trying to get her rather than avoid her, this works out well. Things go back to normal, and Bessie actually nuzzles Piston when they're free. That's a sweet way to end the episode.

Description
1. All That Jazzy

Writers: Norma P. Sepulveda & Alyssa Stratton

Director: Julius Aguimatang

Date: April 7, 2023

Synopsis: "Jazzy wants to be a great dancer."

This is an episode that definitely has a lot of style and heart. Let's talk about it. The episode involves Jazzy taking part in a dance class with the Firebuds. Said dance is led by Ayanna and her wheelchair Gliderbella (voiced by Tatiana Lee and Ali Stroker). However, she wants to take the lead and be a star much like how they are. The episode goes for a really solid message on how you should practice and work hard as part of a team before you become famous. Let's break this down.

First Half:

Things start out normally enough with Flash being excited from waiting all week for a concert. Bo says how even the ducks are excited. We then get Jazzy's entrance, where her behavior is of note. She's shown to be particularly excited, to the point that she almost gets too far ahead of her family. This is already good setup for showing how she doesn't always think straight when she feels too strongly about something. The announcer welcomes everyone to the Motopolis Movers event called "An Evening Of Dance". As it starts, Jazzy initially thinks that it's just alright, showing how she has overly high standards for what counts as good. At least she's not saying it's bad. Jenna says how the main attraction is Ayanna Filomi and her wheelchair Gliderbella. Jazzy becomes excited when finding out that she also has Spina bifida (she has a hole in her spine) yet can dance well. It's easy to see why since she finally knows someone who has the same condition as her, yet is still a success even with it. Ayanna definitely shines when she does some kind of performance with glowing boards while staying in her chair, which causes the audience to cheer. Talk about standout. After the show, Violet tells Jazzy that there's an opportunity to meet her, which she takes up. The line is too long, though Ayanna lets Jazzy come to her when seeing how excited she is. She says how Jazzy is like her since she's bold, strong, a good dancer, and doesn't let anyone get in her way. She's definitely shown to be a nice celebrity because of how she compliments her and praises her for her potential. She asks if she wants to be in her dance class tomorrow, and the class will end with a performance for the parents. So she's all about sharing her talent. That's good too. Jazzy says yes, and Ayanna invites the Firebuds, for which they agree. Jazzy is inspired by Ayanna, and thinks that she can be a star just like her. Her overconfidence is definitely showing.

We cut to the next day, with Ayanna and Gliderbella ready to teach the group. We see Jazzy trying too hard to stand out. She comes in ready to bask in the spotlight, and is wearing an outfit that looks just like Ayanna, even having a sprocket that looks like her badge. At least she knows how to go all out. When Ayanna says how everyone should be with their vroommates, Jazzy goes to the center. Ayanna says how this is a synchronized dance, meaning that she should be able to move with everyone else. She is correct about that, but Jazzy doesn't see it that way. She thinks that she has to prove herself, and gets more overconfident. Yeah she's definitely misreading her instructions, but it works here. Whenever she feels strongly about something, she is very determined to show how she's right. Ayanna gives instructions to do arm exercises, and tells Flash to move slower, Piston to move faster, and Violet that she's doing well. At least this shows how she gives constructive criticism, knowing how to say what works and what doesn't. Jazzy sees that she has a chance to show off. As she and Piper do more expressive arm movements, Ayanna tells her to move with the others. After they're done, she tells the vehicles to follow Gliderbella and go "forth, back, side, side". That sounds simple enough. Jazzy doesn't listen and she tries to be more spontaneous despite Piper telling her to follow what she was told. Yeah we see Piper takes after hew law abiding brother in how she doesn't want her to get into trouble. Jazzy says that you can't be the star by following everyone else. She does what she wants and bumps into everyone else. Yeah this definitely highlights a flaw of hers, mainly in how she thinks that you can do whatever you want as long as you stand your ground. She's still likable since she still wants to make her proud and admires her wisdom. Though no one was hurt, Ayanna calls for a break. Ayanna says how she has the skill, but tells her something their dance teacher said, "If you don't dance together, you're dancing towards disaster.". Those are definitely words to live by. She gives her reasonable criticism yet still says she has potential to be good, which is nice to see. Gliderbella asks Ayanna if they should teach the one wheel spin move, and she says not yet.

Second Half:

Jazzy asks Piper if she knows what to do, and when she says to follow everyone else, she says to do the one wheel spin move. Piper says that they haven't learned that move yet. Jazzy brings you what Ayanna said about how they're both the same since they don't let anything get in their way. Yeah she's really having her head in the clouds with how she thinks she can automatically do anything complex. She's using what Ayanna told her and is taking it too far, which fits with how she's ambitious to the point of being stubborn. It's here where she starts to sing "The Star You Are", a song about going above and beyond to reach stardom potential. It's a song that's definitely quite catchy yet also shows how she's letting stardom get to her head. She starts out saying how when other people doubt her, she won't let that stop her since she has the spark to rise above any challenge. She says how you can't really shine just by staying in line, and that you should shine like fireflies. This really highlights how she feels on top of the world and doesn't want the momentum to be lost. At least this shows how active she is, but it also shows that she's not taking the time to know how to achieve stardom properly. Things then transition to a stage and a ramp, where she has the Firebuds as her backup dancers. She says that while everyone else will learn the basics, she'll shine and rise above the rest. Even as she says this, she never really thinks that everyone else is bad for practicing. She just feels it's not her thing. Piper joins in and lifts her up as they both sing about being the best. This song definitely goes all out.

When class resumes, Jazzy and Piper try to do the one wheel spin move. They get in the way of everyone, making Ayanna more frustrated. I like this little moment since it shows how even she has her limits when it comes to patience. Jazzy and Piper accidentally bump into Flash, who accidentally bumps into the control panel. The controls go haywire, and Jayden and Piston get arranged on a suspended platform, for which Jazzy immediately apologizes for her actions. At least she doesn't try to defend herself. She sees she messed up by putting her brother in danger, and feels bad for it. Gliderbella wonders what Jazzy was thinking doing a move like that. She says how she wanted her and Piper to be the stars just like them. Ayanna says that she likes Jazzy because of how she's brave and bold must like her, and can dance really well. Gliderbella says how you don't become a star by going out of line and doing your own thing. Ayanna says how she and Gliderbella were part of the troupe and also had to do their routines before becoming stars. This is what gets to Jazzy, and believably so. Being an expert at something means working with others before setting out on your own. As they demonstrate their technique with their boards, Axl gets the idea to use the boards like a ramp to get them down. Bo asks if they can learn last night's dance routine in order to get them down. Jazzy says that she wants to help out, and will follow the lead instead of trying to stand out. Everyone puts the boards together to make a ramp. Jayden and Piston lose their balance as they drive off, but Jazzy stops them by throwing her sprocket to deflate one of Piston's tires. Now this out of the box thinking works here since she's more focused on helping others and not about standing out. We cut to later, where the performance turns out really good. Jenna congratulates Jazzy for doing a good job, and she says that she's just part of the troupe. Ayanna gives Jazzy her pin, and says she can become famous one day if she keeps practicing. Now that's a reassuring way to end an episode like this.

2. Iguana Hold Your Hand

Writer: Krystal Banzon

Director: Kris Wimberly

Date: April 7, 2023

Synopsis: "Piston has to deal with an iguana."

It's time for a little animal love. The episode has Piston coming across an iguana, which he's afraid of. When she gets loose, he's afraid to find her. This episode has a solid message on being calm when things get scary, and that you shouldn't let fear get in the way. Let's break this down.

First Half:

We start with everyone happily playing frisbee with each other. Piston is about to throw to everyone else, but when seeing Popcorn runs by, he throws it to him. He catches it and acts playful, causing Piston to be affectionate with him. Talk about an adorable way to start things off. Everyone likes what they see, and he says how he just has a way with animals. He never really struck me as the animal type, but it's still believable. Animals are generally fun, cute, and playful companions who are always there for you. It fits with how he likes things that are safe yet also enjoyable. Of course, things won't be easy. Pow comes by to show off a new pet that he got. Piston tries to guess what animal she is, but his guesses (a puppy, a kitten, and a bunny) are all wrong. Pow then shows off his pet, Bessie the iguana, and Piston hides in the bushes as she makes some sounds. Yeah this is definitely a bit unusual for him, but it works here. Bessie looks a bit weird, and he usually feels more comfortable around things that look nice and have a sense of familiarity. Pow apologizes for this since she usually doesn't act this way. Since iguanas are Violet's favorite animal, she says how Bessie is acting strange since she needs to get used to her environment. Yeah she would definitely feel smart enough to know that. It is sweet to her llay affectionately with Bessie. When asking what iguanas eat, Piston thinks she eats cars when Violet says she actually eats plants. Yeah he's letting paranoia get in the way of thinking clearly. When she makes a sound, Piston hides in the bushes while everyone is still in awe of her. Axl finds his behavior surprising since he didn't mind being around the lizards at Mudflap Marsh. He says how she's much bigger while they were babies. In his mind, they can't really act scary since they're not old enough to do so.

Bo gives him a leaf to feed Bessie, but as he tries to feed her, she disappears. Violet says how lizards can move fast, especially when they're scared, which makes Piston more scared. Everyone looks for her in the yard, but can't find her. In order to avoid coming into contact with her, Piston says that he'll be in the treehouse looking through the surveillance while everyone else goes to look for her. At least he still wants to help out. It's just that his safety conscious conscience is making him choose something with the least amount of risk. Bo thinks this is a good idea, though Piston doesn't know she's just outside. Piston calls up the Firebuds to see what's going on. Violet says how she and Axl are helping Khalil and Carlos when the latter gets his arm stuck in a sewer grate from playing a game of motor polo. It definitely must've been pretty wild. He hears something suspicious, but pretends not to panic by saying that he didn't see Bessie. Piston calls up Bo and Flash, with the former saying how they're helping Iris out with a flat tire from the game. Yeah that is definitely pretty intense. Bessie accidentally knocks over the first aid kit, freaking Piston out, but he tries to play it off as now big deal. Yeah this highlights another flaw of his, that he tries too hard to be seen as mature. At least he still wants to help, but thinks that he has to be seen as completely tough with no weakness.He asks Jayden what he's doing, and he says that he saved Carly with his Collapsible Trapsible since she almost ran into Iris. He sees Bessie in the treehouse, and freaks out. He tries to leave, but she's waiting on the top of the tree. The way she nonchalantly pops up everywhere while not doing anything would be pretty freaky, so this is at least understandable.He tells the Firebuds to come back, but he has to catch Bessie on his own since they're still helping others. He does so, but tells them to hurry. He sees Bessie on the rug and tries to catch her. As she keeps moving around, he tries to get away from her, but freaks out when seeing a box of toy lizards. Yeah that would definitely be quite the nightmare.

Second Half:

As Bessie moves around, she accidentally activates lockdown procedures that Jayden installed. The Firebuds see that they're about to be locked out, so Bo goes inside to help out while Jayden gives him the Collapsible Trapsible to trap Bessie. Now that's some good quick thinking. As Bo tries to find Piston, the latter accidentally gets spooked by Iris and inadvertently traps the former. Yeah he's definitely letting his emotions get in the way of thinking clearly. Bo tells Piston to calmly get the remote, but he accidentally breaks it while moving forward. He even moved slowly while doing this. That's not good. He tries to get Bessie when she's on the J Swat, but she goes inside and accidentally activates it. Bo tells Piston that he has to get Bessie, but he's too scared of her. Yeah if it seems like she's intentionally retaliating against him and playing on his emotions, even if we know she's not, you can see why he's scared. He doesn't like feeling vulnerable.

The J Swat keeps moving around, and Bo tells Piston to stop since the machine keeps moving around as he's being moving around in a scared manner. Bessie is acting scared since he's acting scared of her. Despite her lack of expression, you can tell this is true since she's just trying to get by in life, and he's not making it ways. Bo sings "Scared Of You", a song about how things that may seem scary are actually harmless. It's definitely an uplifting song that gets to the root of the issue. He says how what you give us what you get when dealing with a pet. Piston is still scared of Bessie, but Bo says that she can only calm down and follow him if he's calm. It's all about maintaining a sense of internal balance. He slowly approaches the machine, turns it off, and gets Bessie calmly. Since he's more focused on trying to get her rather than avoid her, this works out well. Things go back to normal, and Bessie actually nuzzles Piston when they're free. That's a sweet way to end the episode.