Wayne Knight Guest Stars on New Amphibia

Amphibia S3 Episode 3A/3B Review

All the way back in season one, we learned that Anne’s parents owned a successful Thai Restaurant, which is what gave her her culinary skills. Thus, when the series shifted focus to Earth, I was excited to see what it was like. Now that we have, it did not disappoint; it had Wayne Knight in it! Nor did the follow-up segment disappoint, as it felt relatable, given how I’m a cat owner.

Oh, and there were a few references to Gravity Falls and the early days of Amphibia in the Wayne Knight segment.

Thai Food

When you love something, you want to see it flourish or be a part of it. In this case, this episode sees Sprig desperately wants to be an official part of the Boonchuy family, rather than a guest at their home. To that end, he desperately tries to make himself useful to Anne and Mrs. Boonchuy at their restaruant, Thai Go. However, his attempts to be helpful do…more harm than good.

See, the Boonchuy’s best customer Ned, played by Wayne Knight, loves their food. So much so, he bought a food truck and wants to share their food throughout LA. However, Mrs. Boonchuy refuses to give him their recipes, and he can’t move his truck (the brakes don’t work), so it’s hurting the Boonchuys. So, Sprig steals the truck and almost gets Anne and himself killed.

I understand where Sprig’s coming from. He doesn’t remember his birth parents, and he’s always wanted a bigger family. So, like Anne’s become his adopted older sister, he wants her parents to fill the void. However, he tries too hard to help them! Lucky for him, Mrs. Boonchuy does realize her error.

In addition, Ned realizes that what he’s doing out of misguided loved is cultural appropriation, AKA stealing. Not the first time Wayne Knight’s played someone whose stolen, though. Anne’s Mom does let him deliver food for them, though, so everyone’s happy.

Adventures in Catsitting

After realizing they’ve been sitting around the house doing nothing for too long, Hop Pop worries that his family’s becoming freeloaders. Thus, he’s desperate to pull their weight around the house. With Anne busy with a dentist appointment, the Plantar’s offer to take Domino to the vet.

Those poor, poor frogs.

As a cat owner myself, I know for a fact that a lot of cats hate going to the vet. It also doesn’t help that the Plantar’s are still adjusting to Earth. Or that Domino managed to escape when they’re not looking. Yet Hop Pop refuses to budge out of pride and insecurity. Thankfully, Sprig calls Mr. Boonchuy for them, after which he reassures Hop Pop that he’s got nothing to prove to them. He’s already done more than enough by taking their daughter in. So, the episode ends on a happy note for all.

The Importance of the Little Episodes

When it comes to serialized shows like Amphibia, Gravity Falls, and The Owl House, episodes like this can drive some fans up the walls. They want to see the show focus more on the overarching story. However, I’ve come to realize that these smaller stories are more important than meets the eye. They help flesh out the world of the show and show the growth of the characters. Without them, sudden changes in character would be too jarring. And considering how this is the show’s final season, I think it’s earned the right to do stuff like this.

What I’m trying to say is, I like these smaller episodes of the show. And once it’s available to stream, it’s likely they’ll be what I rewatch the most.

Also, Wayne Knight was great as Ned. I loved him in Toy Story 2.

I Give “Thai Feud” a 4/5 and “Adventures in Catsitting” a 4.5/5

Stray Observations

• As of “Adventures in Catsitting”, one week has passed since the Plantar’s moved into the Boonchuy’s house.
• The Plantar’s had several close calls this week. They are going to attract attention before long!
• Anne developed five cavities in her time in Amphibia due to lack of proper dental hygiene.
• Sprig is the Frog God now!

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• Ned was wearing a shirt saying “Romance Academy 7”, that creepy game that Soos played in “Soos and the Real Girl” in Gravity Falls.

• The song Ned’s listening to was the original intro to Amphibia. Despite being good, Matt scrapped it due to not fitting the show’s tone.
• The gaming references continue, this time to Sonic and Legend of Zelda. Along with some sci-fi references.

• Polly and Hop Pop have assimilated to Earth’s culture quite well.

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