~ Against the Tide ~

The Bad Luck creature suffers for its ill name. Ariel knows better than anyone not to listen to gossip. She names her new friend "Lucky". No one holds a grudge better than Ursula. Sebastian, with his soft spot for making people laugh. [ One of Ariel's daily routines is riding Sea Biscuit over Atlantica to wish everyone a good morning. ]

Ariel's matter-of-fact hero complex rears its head in this episode, when she stumbles upon a Bad Luck Creature. Legend states that the Bad Luck Creature brings bad luck wherever it goes and will cause a lifetime of bad luck to whoever dares touch it. It's that so-called legend that causes all the other creatures of the sea to treat the poor Bad Luck Creature with nothing by cruelty. In fact, the infamous sea witch Ursula has targeted the creature a few moments before Ariel discovers it and takes it to safety, blaming it for her inability to cast a decent spell. But Ariel, of course, doesn't care about silly stories. (Sometimes this carefree attitude blows up in her face, but not this time.) She chooses to help the Bad Luck Creature, hugging it gladly and protecting it from Ursula. She also decides to name it Lucky, and takes it back to her room to treat it for its injury. (And I found Lucky's response to the simple pleasure of a hug to be sweetly heartbreaking.) Back at the palace, Ariel enlists, who else, Flounder and Sebastian to help her. Flounder caves first, because he trusts Ariel. Sebastian caves eventually, because for all his complaints, he really is just a big softie and hates to see others feel down and depressed. As the gang are seeing to Lucky, Flotsam and Jetsam wander by her room, showing Ursula the creature's whereabouts. Just then, King Triton returns. Ariel immediately tells him about Lucky, which causes alarm among the Atlanticans... Alarm that is vocalised by Arista, who demands that Lucky be thrown out of Atlantica. But before a decision can be made, Ursula makes her appearance, demanding Lucky to be turned over to her. As Ursula does her snazzy showtime number, Sebastian concocts a fake Lucky out of foodstuff which, once Ursula spots it, is blown up into smithereens. Believing her job done, Ursula leaves. At first Ariel is distressed, but then the real Lucky comes out. King Triton, because he is a most awesome king who knows the silliness of the old legend, invites Lucky to stay in Atlantica. On the whole I found this episode to be very cool for a few reasons. (1) The snappy dialogue, (2) the appearance by super-snarky Arista, (3) Ursula, (4) Ursula singing, (5) Triton does not get upset with Ariel for her choice to protect Lucky, and (6) the "surprise" ending, which honestly did take me by surprise the first time I watched it. Although, I do find it quite strange that Ariel and Arista seem to be back to their usual level of animosity towards each other, despite this episode taking place way after Beached. Quotable quotes: Ariel: We'll just have to make our own luck. Sebastian: It's just that, well... Aww, man, I don't want no bad luck. [ Lucky bursts into tears. ] Sebastian: Aww, Flounder, you made him cry. Flounder: Me?! Ariel: Don't worry, Lucky. Sebastian isn't as mean as he seems. Sebastian: Well, of course I'm not mean! Don't be ridiculous, man. I'm the friendliest fellow in the sea. Flounder: Yeah, Sebastian just looks like a mean 'ol crab. Sebastian: Lucky for us your father won't be coming back until tomorrow. [ looks out window ] Look at that, the king's home a day early. [ screams ] Sebastian: Hide the Bad Luck Creature, Ariel! And if you won't hide him, hide me! Hide me! Ariel: Hello daddy! Welcome home. I'll just get right to the point. [ King Triton groans. ] Ariel: I have a Bad Luck Creature in my bedroom. Arista: Ariel, why can't you take up some nice normal hobby, like collecting seashells or something? Triton: I don't believe the creature really is bad luck, Ariel, but the merpeople's fear of it... Well, that causes a problem. Sebastian: Oh, it's bad luck, all right! I got rolled in a big bowl of plankton pate! Splattered against the wall! I fell into a giant vat of seaweed cream! Triton: Yes, well, that sort of thing happens to you all the time anyway, doesn't it, Sebastian? Ursula: Oh drats, out of trident juice. Well, you've been a great audience but I have things to do... to someone else.

They watch as the Atlanticans rally against Lucky. Arista proves that Ariel isn't the only outspoken one in the family. Triton, King of the merpeople. Ursula, with her impeccable flair for style. Skinny Ursula! Eeee! (looks nothing like Morgana, btw) [ Features the song You Wouldn't Want to Mess with Me. ]

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This page was last modified on March 25th, 2007.