Ep 11. Beefcake Tom

Tom & Jerry Tales season 3 episode 11 - Beefcake Tom takes the audience on a hilarious ride of the never-ending feud between Tom, the cat, and Jerry, the mouse. In this episode, the storyline centers around the devious schemes and tactics that Tom deploys to become a muscular and beefed-up cat, capable of nabbing Jerry.

The episode starts with a classic chase sequence whereby Jerry manages to evade Tom's every move using his wits and cunning. As the chase culminates, a poster advertising gym equipment catches Tom's eye, and an idea is born. The poster showcases bodybuilders with bulging biceps and chiseled six-pack abs, which motivates Tom to hit the gym and increase his strength.

Tom enrolls in the gym, and the gym instructor, a bulldog named Meathead, takes him under his wing. Meathead is shown to be a strict yet supportive coach who pushes Tom to his limits to achieve his dream of buffing up. Tom undergoes a training regimen consisting of weightlifting, squats, push-ups, and a rigorous diet filled with protein shakes.

Meanwhile, Jerry continues to outsmart Tom even though he is aware of the cat's newfound strength. In one scene, he adds oil to Tom's workout, causing him to slip and fall. In another scene, Jerry tricks Tom into breaking his teeth by using Tom's barbell as a bridge.

As time goes on, Tom becomes increasingly muscular and more confident, but he still cannot catch Jerry. Even with Meathead's guidance, he cannot seem to get rid of his old habits, which hinder his progress. In a comedic twist, the gym instructor reveals that he had a change of heart and agrees to exercise with Tom to help him bond with the other animals at the gym. Tom is not happy with his new arrangement, but he has no choice but to comply.

In the climax, Tom, now massively buffed up, thinks he has finally caught Jerry, but Jerry has a secret weapon up his sleeve. He produces a spray can containing "instant buff," which he sprays over himself to also become muscular and tough. The tables turn, and Jerry torments Tom after quickly realizing that he can match Tom strength for strength.

Beefcake Tom is a creative and entertaining episode that captures the essence of the iconic Tom and Jerry series. It portrays the unending feud between the two characters while throwing in a hilarious twist where fans get to see Tom's comical attempts to increase his strength and catch Jerry. The well-crafted script, combined with top-notch voice actors and animation, results in a show that's both humorous and entertaining. The third season delivers on its promise to bring back the magic of the classic cartoon, appealing to fans of all ages.