Ep 18. Dad's Buggin' Out

In the season 3 episode 18 of Wizards of Waverly Place, titled "Dad's Buggin' Out," the Russos are surprised to learn that their father, Jerry, has been keeping a secret from them. After discovering a bug planted in their lair, Alex takes matters into her own hands and casts a truth spell on her father to find out what he's been hiding.

Despite initial resistance, Jerry eventually admits that he has been keeping a pet bug named Frank in his office at work. The Russos are shocked, especially when they learn that Jerry has been entering Frank in bug races with his coworkers. Alex and Justin are hesitant to let their father continue with this strange hobby, but Max sees an opportunity to profit and convinces the family to let him enter the next race under Jerry's name.

As the Russos prepare for the race, they face several challenges, including a rival team of bug racers who will stop at nothing to win. Meanwhile, Harper goes on a real date with Zeke for the first time, but things quickly take a turn when she accidentally turns her fingers into sausages.

The bug race itself proves to be a chaotic and hilarious affair, with Max's bug, now named "Frank Jr.," almost losing the race due to a lack of motivation. With some encouragement from Alex and Justin, however, Frank Jr. manages to pull through and win, much to everyone's surprise.

In the end, Jerry decides to retire from bug racing and focus on spending more time with his family. Harper manages to reverse the sausage spell and salvage her date with Zeke. And the Russos learn that even the weirdest hobbies can bring families together.