1x19 The Electric Princess

[7.8/10] One of the show’s most intriguing episodes thus far. I’ve pitched Disenchantment to friends as more of a jokey drama or humorous action adventure show than an out and out comedy, and this episode bears that out. Sure, there’s jokes, and some of them are great. But the most compelling part of this episode is the glimpse of a different world through Bean’s eyes and the mortal wounding of a loved one. That’s more than you can expect from a light comedy.

But there’s still some light comedy! The B-story with Elfo and Luci as roommates is a little silly, but it gets some good laughs. The dynamic between the two is solid, and Elfo’s goose-based attempt at revenge for being snubbed from Luci’s party is a nicely ridiculous way to resolve things.

Still, it’s the A-plot that really brings the juice here. I like the three themes of this episode. First, that old traditions are observed (including and especially the exclusion of women) not only without good reason, but often to the detriment of everyone involved. Second, that superstition and magic are the fools gold that is the coin of the realm, while there’s a world of science and logic that Bean aspires to. Third, that whatever her aspirations and hope, Bean has loyalty to her kingdom and especially to her dad. That’s a cool three legs of the stool to build your episode around.

I also like Gunderson as a character. Him trying to persuade Bean that he thinks she’s special to escape is perfectly pitched. There’s the right blend of surface level niceless with clear manipulation under the surface. And his partner (Lauren Tom’s) clear disdain for him bringing home another “freckle-faced intern” tells the audience all it needs to know.

At the same time, I got nearly as lost in Steamland, the steampunk-infused mecca that Gunderson is from, as Bean did. There’s some real creative design work from the artists and animators, that really makes it feel like a wondrous world apart.

I’m also intrigued by the possibilities it opens up. My theory is that Gunderson is in league with the elves. But this is yet another rival kingdom that wants to overthrow Zog and take over Dreamland -- which begs the question why? What’s so worthwhile about this place that multiple people and rivals are jockeying for it.

I also like the lesson of technology proceeding faster than reason. Bean is enraptured by all of this stuff, but doesn't know how to use it. The fact that she’s wrestling with the guard for the “dragon hammer”, only to accidentally shoot her dad, is a tragedy, one that speaks both to the relationship Bean’s developed with her father, and the sense of the struggle between smart folks like Bean and supercilious folks like Orvid, and the deadly results that can follow.

Overall, a really cool entre into the season finale!