First, let me say that this is first time I've reviewed an episode from any TV series in a long time; I got side-tracked. I have been watching episodes of "Captain Planet and the Planeteers" out of curiosity and have picked a few favorite episodes along with favoring the series itself. In spite of the fact that this episode has been called "one of the worst" online, I really enjoy it and I like Piebald and his family. I know I shouldn't respond too strongly to other people's comments, but I do. Additionally, and I'm this has been said before, it somewhat reminded me of "Gulliver's Travels," one of my favorite books. The episode's title is most likely a reference to Paul Ehrlich's nonfiction book "The Population Bomb," which was published in 1968. It addresses the contentious issue of overpopulation, as the title suggests.
It starts after the Planeteers visit a congested city; they and Gaia are discussing the population problem, and Wheeler becomes irritated for no reason. He then went windsurfing to "cool off." Wheeler is informed about the impending storm by Gi, who was with him. But because Wheeler is obstinate, he did not pay attention and was ultimately carried away.
Wheeler eventually finds himself on a contaminated island, where the water has melted his windsurfer. A little desolate city is also present. But is it? He was surprised when four mouse troops discovered him and mistakenly thought he was food. So they stunned him. Then Wheeler awakens while on a food processor's conveyor belt! Because of the pollution both inside and outside, his fire ring failed to free him from the ropes that bound him. Thankfully, the machine was stopped after someone heard Wheeler's calls for help. It was Piebald the mouse, a scientist who is currently a sixth-grade food technician. Then, Captain Grosstail, Piebald's superior, demanded to know why Piebald had stopped the food processor. Piebald makes the observation that Wheeler is a living, speaking being. Grosstail pinched Wheeler, and Wheeler's "OUCH!" was sufficient evidence. Grosstail then departs to inform General Claw, the island's despotic dictator. He is simultaneously despised and feared.
When Wheeler and Piebald are alone, Piebald reveals that a nuclear bomb test had occurred near the island, and the fallout from the explosion had transformed the Micelanders from ordinary wild mice into human-like beings. Also, the island was once a beautiful paradise with sunshine, clear air, water, and enough food because their families were small. But the number of children increased with time. Cities had been constructed to the extent that no trees remained. The sky turned brown, was dirty, and smelled of smoke as the island quickly grew into one large city. All of the local wildlife and birds are now extinct. They "squeezed" some out while eating others. These animals are now remembered in their museums. As a result, the Micelanders turn to fishing in their ocean because they lack vegetation and wild game. However, they dumped their trash and filth there. There are now fewer fish and more mouths to feed. The population grew steadily. I bet there isn't enough drinkable water either.
"Can't you stop it somehow?" Wheeler said. The answer was "no." Because you can't go against cultural tradition, according to Piebald, the urge for a large family is ingrained in their culture. Piebald is then questioned by Wheeler as to his purpose for being in the processing factory. Piebald tells the Micelanders to "slow down" and says that as a scientist, he strove to ring out the truth. Only a small number of people agree, and they are "powers" who do not want the truth to be known. And I believe I understand who those "powers" are. Therefore, as a gesture of General Claw's "mercy," Piebald was arrested and forced to work as a slave in that "black" fish factory, far from his wife and daughter. I did hear "her," so I knew the child was a girl. I was also referring to the Japanese term "black company." And where are the rest of the staff, huh? The "Mitler" (mouse + Hitler), General Claw, then appears and demands that Wheeler tell him where he comes from. Wheeler refuses, and Claw somehow figures out that Wheeler is from the north, where he would have sent his troops to subjugate and populate. Now they've departed in the direction of Hope Island.
I guess I went as far as I could here. Spoilers, you know. If you want to see this episode with an open mind, try Dailymotion or Apple TV, if you have an account there. I've already mentioned how much I like this episode. Even though the topic of overpopulation may be, or may not be, a little "in-your-face," you understand what I mean. And I shouldn't add a spoiler, but I couldn't help going "Aww!" when Piebald was reunited with his wife and daughter. I just wanted to say that. After seeing Miceland, the metropolis above ground (and possibly war, who knows), I'm left wondering if the overpopulation that plagued Earth in James Cameron's Avatar actually occurred. Anyway, this is another favorite episode from Season 1 of "Captain Planet and the Planeteers."
