Ep 1. The Colossus

In the opening episode of the third season of The Amazing World of Gumball, the Watterson family must brave their way through a treacherous arcade to locate their lost family member. The episode, titled "The Colossus," finds the family's pet goldfish Darwin swallowed up by the titular arcade game.

From the start, the episode sets the stakes high; the first scene finds Darwin being drawn into the machine's inner workings with a sinister mechanical whine as the game's shocking reveal is slowly unveiled. The tension is palpable as the family races to retrieve him before he becomes irreversibly trapped in the digital world.

The episode immediately sets itself apart from typical fare by leaning hard into meta-humor and wild visual gags. The characters openly reference previous episodes and crack jokes about video game tropes, while the arcade itself is packed with inventive set pieces and bizarre Easter eggs. It's a feast for the eyes and an endless cavalcade of clever nods to various types of video games from throughout the decades.

As the Wattersons navigate the arcade and climb through the interconnected levels, they encounter a range of bizarre and unexpected obstacles. From dizzying, pixelated roller coasters to oversized game spiders lurking around every corner, the family is continually pushed to their limits as they race to save Darwin. Their ingenuity and resourcefulness are on full display, and it's thrilling to watch them work together in these high-stakes scenarios.

One particularly memorable sequence sees the family forced to navigate a perilous series of laser grids. Gumball, the show's protagonist, must use his wits to figure out the pattern and guide his siblings through safely. It's a tense and nerve-wracking scene that showcases the show's ability to balance humor and genuine danger perfectly.

Of course, it wouldn't be The Amazing World of Gumball without a healthy dose of absurdity. "The Colossus" doesn't disappoint in that regard, delivering some of the most bizarre and hilarious moments in the series so far. There's a whole subplot involving Gumball's father Richard being hypnotized and turned into a gyrating dance machine, and the family must reluctantly incorporate his new moves into their quest to save Darwin.

The episode's visuals are a standout as well, combining the show's signature 2D animation with 3D graphics to create a stunning and immersive environment. The arcade is a fully-realized world, filled with vibrant colors and rich details. From the crumbling ruins of an old fantasy game to the sprawling neon lights of a futuristic shooter, each section of the arcade has its own distinct flavor and personality.

"The Colossus" is a fantastic opening to the third season of The Amazing World of Gumball. It's an action-packed thrill ride filled with humor, heart, and memorable characters. The episode is a great reminder of what makes the show so special; its ability to combine disparate elements and create something truly unique and captivating. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Gumball and his family or just looking for a fun and entertaining show to watch, "The Colossus" is an episode you won't want to miss.