Ep 9. Operation: G.R.A.D.U.A.T.E.S

Operation: G.R.A.D.U.A.T.E.S. is the ninth episode of the third season of the animated show Codename: Kids Next Door. The episode follows the story of Numbuhs 1, 2, and 5 as they graduate from the Kids Next Door organization and move on to their respective futures.

The episode opens with the three friends going through a series of emotional farewells with their fellow operatives. Numbuh 1, the team leader, is given a special cake by Numbuh 362, the global KND supervisor, which reads “Congratulations on graduating, dad’s old number one.” Numbuh 2 is hugged tightly by his little brother, Tommy, and Numbuh 5 says goodbye to her best friend, Numbuh 3.

Just as they are about to leave for their last mission together, the three graduates are approached by a group of operatives known as the G.R.A.D.U.A.T.E.S. (Grown-Ups Really Aren't Detectives and Usually Terminate Evil Spyin'). These agents, who are all former Kids Next Door operatives themselves, are portrayed as bitter and resentful towards the graduates, feeling that they were “left behind” by the organization once they became too old.

The G.R.A.D.U.A.T.E.S. try to sabotage the graduates’ final mission, which involves stopping an evil scientist from stealing the world’s supply of milk. Numbuh 1, Numbuh 2, and Numbuh 5 initially struggle with the realization that their time at the Kids Next Door is truly ending, but they eventually come together to overcome the G.R.A.D.U.A.T.E.S. and save the day.

As the episode concludes, Numbuh 1, Numbuh 2, and Numbuh 5 say their final goodbyes to their fellow operatives and leave the organization behind for good. However, they each find a sense of closure and peace, having completed their final mission together and knowing that they will always hold a special place in each other’s hearts.

Overall, Operation: G.R.A.D.U.A.T.E.S. is a touching and nostalgic episode that explores themes of transition and moving on from childhood. Fans of Codename: Kids Next Door will appreciate the nods to past episodes and characters, while newcomers will be able to easily follow and enjoy the emotional journey of the main characters.