Amphibia Recap, Episode 5

While these episodes seem like world-building and to show Anne’s weaknesses, they also set up plot points that will play out later in the season. Anne wants to be appreciated and respected, while the Mayor wants to hold a position he hasn’t earned. Hop Pop wants enough money to support his family and have the time to relax.

“Earning” becomes the theme of these two episodes. We learn what characters earn through their merit, or what they receive falsely. Ultimately, Amphibia pushes the idea that while you have these broken, biased systems, what you can earn with your two froggy hands and actions is better than what you receive on a platter.

Anne Theft Auto

Anne wants to drive Bessie, the family snail. She’s bummed when Hop Pop insists that she reads the manual first and tries to go for a joyride with Sprig. When they get stranded in the woods and Sprig hops away for help, Anne starts reading the book. She learns how Bessie is more than a vehicle; the snail is family, who has saved Hop Pop’s life many times over. Anne learns to restart Bessie just as giant hedgehogs come for them. Meanwhile, Sprig hitches a ride with Mrs. Croaker and sees her driving slow on purpose in revenge for him raging at her. Anne spends the night finishing the manual, and wakes up Hop Pop with exhausted cheer. He praises her for rising up to the task and says she…