In this episode of “Jimmy Neutron”, Jimmy invents the greatest candy ever! However, this homemade confectionery is so delectable, that that the people of Retroville become addicted to it, and Jimmy decides to take advantage of their dependence.

Whenever I look back on this show, it’s this particular episode that sticks out the most, but why is that? Well, my theory is that it simply appealed to my childhood love of sweets, because what kid doesn’t love candy? Okay, maybe a few, but it’s still a common passion when you’re 12 or under.

The candy itself doesn’t exactly look yummy, it appears a little off-putting even. So yeah, I don’t think I can even imagine what it would taste like based on it’s design, but it’s people’s reactions to eating it that says everything. Their highly satisfied taste buds make this weird yellow spotted ball seem so appetizing! To the point where I’d actually love to try one myself haha.

Even though this episode has a goofy tone, there is a dark side to it that I never noticed before, because this candy brings out the worst in EVERYONE. Not only does it turn loved ones against each other, to the extent where they fight one another for one measly bite, but their addiction also inspires Jimmy to exploit them; bringing out a rather sleazy side of Jimmy that we don’t often see.

Although, Jimmy is still Jimmy, he knows when he’s ended up going too far with an invention. He still has his morals despite giving in to easy temptations sometimes, and he does end up wanting to do the right thing by the end.

What changes his mind? Well, in a sinister change, the entire town becomes a sugar hungry mob! Even his own loving parents are out for his blood. Not just that, Jimmy’s confections have also put Sam the candy bartender out business – sparking him to want to rile up the mob.

Most “Jimmy Neutron” episodes are about an invention going terribly wrong, but this one ends up being a parable on something deeper than usual, whether it was intentional or not. I can’t confirm if an underlying metaphor for the candy was on purpose, but it is easy to come up with interpretations – especially for adults going on nostalgia trips to revisit this show.

You could see Jimmy’s candy as an analogy for drugs, how their addictive element can bring out the worst in their users and what lengths they’ll go to show their loyalty to their dealers. On the other hand, the episode is sort of a commentary on the candy industry in general, because most candy is produced with addictive chemicals that’ll send kids loopy. With the drug metaphor not being blatant as all hell, it makes for a much less preachy story.

Heck, not many drug related kids’ cartoons are about actually MAKING drugs, they’re usually warnings about not saying yes to them, so it’s quite refreshing to see one showing the dangers of drug production.

To Conclude, this is a great Jimmy Neutron episode! It’s exciting seeing what this candy does to these usually harmless friendly characters, there’s some hilarious black comedy from Jimmy’s parents turning on their own son, and the episode acts as a good lesson on the dangers of producing addictive products for the public.

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