Ep 1. No Pain, No Gain / Who Gives a Buck?

Rocko's Modern Life is an animated television show that aired during the 1990s. The show follows the daily life of a wallaby named Rocko, who lives in a fictional city called O-Town. In season 1, episode 1, titled "No Pain, No Gain / Who Gives a Buck?", Rocko faces two unique challenges.

In "No Pain, No Gain," Rocko decides to join a gym and adopt a healthier lifestyle. He is motivated by a desire to impress his old friend Heffer, who has returned to O-Town after spending time on a farm. Rocko quickly discovers that the gym is not what he expected. The equipment is outdated, the other patrons are strange, and the personal trainer is a sadistic torturer. Despite the difficulties, Rocko persists in his workout routine, hoping to gain the respect of Heffer and the other gym-goers.

Rocko's dedication is tested when he injures himself during a workout. He is approached by an employee of the gym who offers him painkillers to numb the pain and allow him to continue exercising. Rocko is torn between his desire to impress others and his own well-being, but ultimately decides to listen to his body and take a break. He reconciles with Heffer, who assures him that real friends value each other for who they are, not for their physical appearances.

In "Who Gives a Buck?", Rocko is inspired to start a lucrative business after seeing a series of infomercials. He decides to collect and sell bottle caps, believing that they are a valuable commodity. He enlists the help of his neighbor, Filburt, and together they begin collecting as many bottle caps as they can find.

Their business venture runs into trouble when they realize that the bottle caps are not in high demand. They try to market them to various stores, but are unable to find a buyer. Rocko becomes discouraged and considers giving up, until he receives some wise advice from his mentor, Mr. Bighead. Mr. Bighead tells him that success comes from perseverance, and that he should never give up on his dreams.

Rocko takes the advice to heart and decides to keep searching for a buyer. He eventually stumbles upon a group of collectors who are willing to pay a high price for rare bottle caps. He and Filburt strike a deal with the collectors and make a substantial profit. However, they soon realize that their success has come at a cost - their obsession with bottle caps has caused them to neglect their friendships and their true passions.

"No Pain, No Gain / Who Gives a Buck?" is a humorous and relatable episode that explores the themes of friendship, perseverance, and the dangers of obsession. Rocko's struggles with self-doubt and his desire to fit in will resonate with viewers of all ages. The show's colorful animation and quirky characters add to the fun, making it an enjoyable watch for anyone looking for a lighthearted escape.