Amphibia, Mao Mao, and Clichès

So I've been watching the first season of Amphibia and its ok. I'm getting Steven Universe vibes from the episodes though. And I don't mean that "Amphibia is the new Steven Universe". I mean, the first episodes feel kind of weak. Much like season 1 of SU, Amphibia seems to have a bunch of filler episodes with a bit of plot sprinkled in the background. And much like the new show Mao Mao, its doing a lot of the more cliched episode plots.

In the episode "Cracking Mrs.Croaker" we get the classic "Likeable protagonist finds a person who doesn't like them and they obsess over it" episode. Mao Mao did something very similar in the episode "Not Impressed". An early episode of Tangled: The Series, also did an episode like this.

I feel conflicted on shows that do this. More often than not, the plot of episodes like this are predictable and sometimes frustrating. But I'd argue that these cliched episodes are meant to show the audience how these specific characters react to the situation.

For example, in Mao Mao the average viewer would expect Adorabat to be center of the episode. She is the classic childish character that everyone likes. But instead, its Mao Mao. It isn't surprising because this kind of behavior is also expected from him. But the episode takes the opportunity to explore Mao Mao's past. It's only in bits and pieces but it offers something unique. Something that makes it connect to the overall story instead of being predictable filler.

Amphibia does something a little similar. However, we focus much more on Sprig. The episode gives us a bit of insight on Anne's friend Jamie but its nothing the audience wouldn't already assume.

And that's all I have to say.