3. "Transformations" Episode Review (GOOD)
"Am I in trouble already?" - Rosemary, wondering why Carroway would like to talk to her
"I botched my mother's legacy!" - Rosemary, upset that she broke her mother's sword
"Why am I even here?" -Amaryllis, wondering why she is chasing after Neppy Cat with Sage
"I'm transgender." - Raye Rodriguez
A hectic plot is not a bad plot, and I actually like this episode for that reason. It is a compilation of chaos, or trouble that happens at the same time. Each of the girls have their own conflict to face, and it is exactly why it starts with a cool intro that showcases each of them exercising their skills.
The main plot is Sage chasing after Neppy Cat when Amaryllis interferes with her assignment. The secondary plot is Parsley finding her way through the caves that are beneath the school. And the tertiary plot is Rosemary learning more about her mother through Professor Carroway.
Due to the nature of the episode, I can't really discuss it all that much. It is a series of events that unfold in the most anarchic way possible, to the point where it seems plot-less. Not only that, but most of what happens can't really be described all that easily. But even then, I have way too much fun watching everything.
So, for the A plot, Sage continues her animosity with Amaryllis while Neppy Cat makes his debut. It's not explained where he comes from or why he is suddenly introduced, but when he becomes a monster cat, he attempts to warn the girls about the rotting tree. Ironically, despite his new form, he is not the monster that Sage, Amaryllis, and Snapdragon were after.
As for the B plot with Parsley, it's technically negligible, but at least cute. I say technically because there is a trabber infestation in the next episode; and it's heavily implied that it's her fault. Surprisingly, she isn't too frightened over her predicament, even though she could have been killed. In spite of this, she goes on her own mini adventure before succeeding and completing Moss Phlox's assignment.
The C plot however is the weakest of the three. It does not necessarily reveal anything about Rosemary's mother, except that Lavender and Carroway fought a manticore. It also reveals that Professor Carroway, or Raye Rodriguez, is transgender. I mention the show's creator because I am under the impression that Carroway is Raye's self-insert; after all, Raye uses his own voice and he himself is transgender. And fun fact, when I saw the trailer to High Guardian Spice, I thought Raye was female. Ironically, I was half -correct.
Despite Rosemary's plot being the least interesting, at least Carroway consoles her by being a soft-spoken teacher, if not counsel. And it shows her transformation into a High Guardian Academy student when she finally decides what her focus should be, which, in all honesty, should not have been difficult to do.
As for Thyme, she has a very minor role in the episode; and the outro shows that she is facing a dilemma worse than what the others are facing.
Believe me, this has been the most difficult episode to review (so far), and there are some problems I have with it, such as Neppy Cat surviving Thyme's arrows, Moss Phlox becoming a background teacher, and the issues of gender in the world of High Guardian Spice.
That being said, chaos cannot be easily described. Instead, it must be experienced to appreciate.
Complete anarchy at High Guardian Academy
previous episode review: Disorientation Day
next episode review: Past Present