Ep 25. Pig-malion / Why No Rhino
- November 25, 1996
Timon & Pumbaa season 3 episode 25 is titled "Pig-malion / Why No Rhino." In the first half of the episode, "Pig-malion," Timon and Pumbaa come across a struggling pig named Wilbur who dreams of being a performer. Feeling sympathetic, Timon and Pumbaa offer to help Wilbur achieve his dream by becoming his managers. They begin teaching him how to sing and dance, but soon realize that Wilbur's talent is lacking. Knowing that they can't let Wilbur's dreams be crushed, Timon has the idea to use a phonographic record to make it seem like Wilbur is performing perfectly. The plan works, and Wilbur becomes a huge hit. However, things take a dark turn when Wilbur becomes arrogant and demanding, leading Timon and Pumbaa to question the ethics of their actions.
In the second half of the episode, "Why No Rhino," Timon and Pumbaa are on a mission to find a rhino for their friend Fred the Warthog, who wants to ride one. They search all over the jungle but can't seem to find a rhino anywhere. Frustrated, they decide to ask the jungle's residents why they never see rhinos around anymore. Along the way, they encounter a variety of animals who have interesting theories about why rhinos are extinct. However, none of them are quite right, and Timon and Pumbaa start to worry that they'll never find a rhino for Fred. Just when they're about to give up, they stumble upon a rhino who is more than happy to give Fred a ride.
Overall, "Pig-malion / Why No Rhino" offers a fun and lighthearted look at the adventures of Timon and Pumbaa. The first half of the episode grapples with some interesting themes about the price of fame and the line between helping someone achieve their dreams and exploiting them. Meanwhile, the second half provides plenty of humor and animal hijinks as Timon and Pumbaa try to solve the mystery of the missing rhinos. Fans of the show will enjoy seeing these lovable characters on yet another adventure, while newcomers will find plenty to love in the series' energetic animation and entertaining storytelling.