9x02 Elements: Skyhooks (1)

[8.2/10] Great way to kick off the “Elements” miniseries. There’s a lot of great qualities here. For one thing, I like the candified versions of everyone. “Fun the Human”, “Nectar”, “Shelby the (Gummi) Worm”, “Lemon Pink” and “Marshmeline” are all inventive sugary versions of our usual cast of characters.

But I also enjoyed everyone’s reactions to what’s happening. Jake being really jaded after all their adventures is a fun take, as is BMO chastising Finn for being a “worry baby.” Finn having his usual concern but being slightly persuaded by Jake that maybe this isn’t that big a deal is an interesting tack.

There’s also some well-done unsettlingness behind the candy-coated world. Everyone seems very happy (including Lemongrab, who admits he used to be filled with fear) and as weird as it is to see everyone go Candy Stepford, there’s an interesting argument offered by Jake that maybe all these people don’t need Finn to fix them. Still, Sweetpea’s concerns and the “one of us” qualities create a compelling counterargument for the creepiness of it all.

I liked the reveal that PB has become a full on elemental, and is turning everyone into candy so that they’ll be connected to her. It adds a hive mind unnerving quality to the proceedings and explains why everyone’s at risk in a satisfying fashion. Ice King and his beloved sky hooks makes for a fun save from her threats.

Plus, the comedy was really on point in this one. Jake chanting along with the “sours to the towers” chant was amusing, as was BMO declaring that now he’ll treat NEPTR like an equal, and the gang trying and failing to say Marceline’s marshmallow-based name. Lots of great bits to laugh at which always makes for a fun episode.

Overall, a nice kickoff to the new mini-series!