this episode is such an interesting one. not only does it have some transgender undertones with princess cookie, it also paints an interesting picture of princess bubblegum as a ruler/authority figure. back in the goliad episode i noticed the possible implication that bubblegums dna was a big factor into what sent goliad down the path of forcefully exerting power over the kingdom (since finn’s dna allowed stormo to be more heroic), and this episode furthers the moral dubiousness of bubblegum a bit more. she refuses to listen to princess cookie and blows up in a fit of vindictive anger at someone not doing what she wants, even though that person has valid issues that should be addressed. not to mention the implications of a rundown, neglected orphanage which she doesnt seem to do much about besides offer her brief presence as a gift, despite having the highest level of authority in the kingdom and presumably the ability to make changes. and in the end nothing really changes, and princess cookie is institutionalized and unfairly treated as crazy and dangerous. but the emotional resonance of his and jakes relationship shines through that bleakness, a moment of genuine understanding and connection in a world thats painted as largely unfair. yeah i know im probably reading too much into an episode of a kids show, but to me it just feels like a surprisingly nuanced and bittersweet story for that kind of show, and it’s stories like this that makes rewatching while getting older even more rewarding.
Review by D GBlockedParentSpoilers2023-02-10T05:59:17Z
this episode is such an interesting one. not only does it have some transgender undertones with princess cookie, it also paints an interesting picture of princess bubblegum as a ruler/authority figure. back in the goliad episode i noticed the possible implication that bubblegums dna was a big factor into what sent goliad down the path of forcefully exerting power over the kingdom (since finn’s dna allowed stormo to be more heroic), and this episode furthers the moral dubiousness of bubblegum a bit more. she refuses to listen to princess cookie and blows up in a fit of vindictive anger at someone not doing what she wants, even though that person has valid issues that should be addressed. not to mention the implications of a rundown, neglected orphanage which she doesnt seem to do much about besides offer her brief presence as a gift, despite having the highest level of authority in the kingdom and presumably the ability to make changes. and in the end nothing really changes, and princess cookie is institutionalized and unfairly treated as crazy and dangerous. but the emotional resonance of his and jakes relationship shines through that bleakness, a moment of genuine understanding and connection in a world thats painted as largely unfair. yeah i know im probably reading too much into an episode of a kids show, but to me it just feels like a surprisingly nuanced and bittersweet story for that kind of show, and it’s stories like this that makes rewatching while getting older even more rewarding.