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Big Blue - BB on Board (S1E7)

Big Blue – Season 1 - Episode 7 – BB on Board

An unexpected power outage on the Calypso leads the crew to investigate a mysterious glowing orb on the sea floor.

Air Date2021-12-25
GenresAnimation, Family
TV RatingTV-Y7
Network(s)CBC Television

Storyline

When the research vessel Calypso experiences an unexpected power outage, the crew finds themselves plunged into darkness and unable to operate their essential systems. The timing proves particularly challenging as they are in the middle of an important research mission. As the team works to diagnose the problem, their instruments detect an unusual energy signature emanating from the ocean floor directly beneath them.

The crew decides to investigate the source of the mysterious readings and discovers a glowing orb resting on the seabed. The strange object appears to be emitting some form of energy that may be connected to their power failure. The team must work together to understand what the orb is, where it came from, and whether it poses any danger to the Calypso or the surrounding marine environment. Their investigation requires careful scientific observation and teamwork as they balance curiosity with caution in approaching this unknown phenomenon.

What kids learn

This episode introduces children to the scientific method through the crew's systematic approach to solving the power outage mystery. Young viewers see how scientists gather data, form hypotheses, and test their theories when confronted with unexpected phenomena. The episode demonstrates that problems can be opportunities for discovery rather than just obstacles to overcome.

Children also learn about the importance of teamwork and clear communication during emergencies. When systems fail and circumstances become uncertain, the crew members must rely on each other's expertise and maintain calm, rational thinking. The episode shows that asking questions and admitting when you don't know something are strengths, not weaknesses, in scientific exploration.

The mysterious glowing orb serves as a gateway for discussions about the ocean's unexplored depths and the reality that much of our planet remains unknown. Children learn that curiosity paired with caution is the right approach when encountering something unfamiliar, and that respecting the unknown is part of responsible exploration and environmental stewardship.

Parents' top 5 questions

QuestionAnswer
Is the power outage scenario realistic for a research vessel?Yes, power failures can occur on research vessels due to various technical issues, equipment malfunctions, or external factors. The episode uses this realistic scenario to show how scientific crews have backup protocols and troubleshooting procedures. It's an age-appropriate way to introduce children to problem-solving under pressure and the importance of having contingency plans when working in remote or challenging environments like the open ocean.
What is the glowing orb supposed to represent?The glowing orb serves as a narrative device to spark curiosity about unknown ocean phenomena. While the episode presents it as mysterious, it creates opportunities to discuss real bioluminescent organisms, underwater volcanic activity, or even human-made objects that might be found on the ocean floor. The orb's ambiguous nature encourages children to ask questions and think critically about natural explanations for unusual observations.
Does the crew put themselves in danger investigating the orb?The crew approaches the investigation with appropriate scientific caution, balancing curiosity with safety protocols. This episode emphasizes careful observation and measured responses rather than reckless behavior. It's a good opportunity to discuss with children why scientists take precautions when studying unknown phenomena and why rushing into situations without proper assessment can be dangerous, reinforcing the value of thinking before acting.
Will my child understand the scientific concepts presented?The episode is designed for young audiences and presents scientific investigation in accessible terms. Concepts like energy signatures, power systems, and underwater exploration are introduced through the crew's actions and dialogue rather than complex explanations. Parents can enhance understanding by pausing to discuss what the crew is doing and why, turning the viewing experience into an interactive learning opportunity about observation, hypothesis, and discovery.
Does the episode resolve the mystery of the orb?The episode focuses on the investigation process and how the crew works together to understand the phenomenon. Whether or not the orb's origins are fully explained, the emphasis remains on scientific curiosity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The journey of discovery is presented as valuable regardless of having all the answers, teaching children that exploration itself has merit and that some mysteries take time to solve.

Writing

Directing

Season
Season #Episode #Episode Name
11
The Calypso Crew is called in to clean up some mysterious ooze, but the job may be more dangerous than they bargained for.
12
Krill and Plink find themselves in an urgent situation and need The Calypso Crew to save them.
13
Mira and Lettie get themselves into a sticky situation while constantly competing with one another as to who is better than the other.
14
When the crew finds out their ship is about to be inspected, Lemo wants to help but unknowingly creates a bigger problem than expected.
15
Bacon Berry feels left out when the crew must take care of a rescue creature that has no parents.
16
Glacial city residents are being terrorized by a giant sea spider and Phil must face his deepest fears to save the Calypso Crew.
17
An unexpected power outage on the Calypso leads the crew to investigate a mysterious glowing orb on the sea floor.
18
When Bacon Berry takes something that doesn't belong to her, Lettie and Lemo secretly attempt to return it to its rightful owner.
19
When too much weight on the Calypso slows them down on a mission, Lettie insists that Lemo gets rid of what is weighing them down.
110
Lemo's pet sea pig causes chaos on the Calypso and Lettie wants him to take it back to where it belongs in the Midnight Zone.
111
The Calypso Crew have entered the Coral Circuit Race for the first time and they are determined to play fair to the finish.
112
The Calypso Crew are in strife when their mission reward cake mysteriously disappears and they each blame one another for keeping it for themselves.
113
Freddie has a difficult time when the crew decides to replace Engie with a new and improved engine for the Calypso.
114
Lemo is thrilled when he is called to join United Current Head Quarters and asked to apply his fun brand of science to headquarters staff.
115
After the Seahorse King's scepter is almost stolen, the Calypso crew is tasked with keeping watch for the thief at the Seahorse Celebration.
116
Calypso Crew set out on a mission to find out what is causing all the ruptures in the sea bed.
117
In a rush to catch the mail ship, Lemo accidentally sends Lettie's diary to headquarters instead of her Captain's Log.
118
When Lettie becomes frustrated with the crew's work ethic, she decides she would be better off doing everything on her own.
119
Lemo believes that the Crying Dutchman exists and has taken Bacon Berry's favorite toy.
120
The Calypso Crew is uneasy when Phil makes a new best friend and brings him onboard to stay.
121
The Calypso Crew must protect the Golden Anchor of Atlantis from thieves until they can safely deliver it to the United Current Museum of History.
122
The Black Ooze escapes and makes plans to restore chaos in the Big Blue and destroy The Guardian.
123
When Phil discovers how safe and secure he feels after Freddie lets him borrow his shell, he suddenly thinks he is indestructible.
124
It's Bacon Berry's birthday and the crew is excited to celebrate but their spirits are dampened when they realize that Phil bought the wrong gift for the occasion.
125
Lettie has so much work to do as the Captain of the Calypso that she can't join in the fun with the rest of the crew, so Lemo comes up with an invention to help.
126
Lemo and Lettie are fighting over everything, irritating the entire crew.
127
When the crew declares Captain Lettie is no fun, she finds a way to make the ordinary, extra-ordinary.
128
When Lettie lets Mira Clearwater get under her skin, she makes a decision she comes to regret and must do damage control to make things right again.
129
After The Calypso Crew win a dance competition, they receive a special delivery and must share a captain's chair that does everything.
130
Lemo tries to work on a science experiment when he should be watching Bacon Berry and discovers a very unexpected outcome.
131
Lemo meets a fellow scientist and they decide to work together on an entry to the United Current Science fair.
132
Lettie obsesses about how to take a perfect Crew of The Year photo, creating a series of disasters in the process.
133
Lettie tries to cover up a mistake she made by withholding the truth about what really happened.
134
Lemo makes a discovery about Freddie's past and insists that he revisit that part of his life, even though Freddie isn't interested.
135
Lettie becomes jealous when Bacon Berry develops a bond with her archenemy, Mira Clearwater.
136
Lettie must train famous celebrity Lea to become a captain for an upcoming role.
137
Lettie arrives nine hours early to accept her punctuality award but Lemo's antics might make them miss the ceremony altogether.
138
The Calypso Crew think that Freddie's mission-based ideas are weird and not suitable to use for missions.
139
Lemo decides to create the ultimate gaming system wired to the ship when the crew cancels game night.
140
Lettie must take her Level 10 piloting test and leaves Lemo in charge while she is away.
141
When the Calypso Crew gets an invitation to a formal dinner party, Lettie must teach them manners and how to be fancy.
142
Lettie loses sight of what is important when she tries to find a replacement for her broken collectible doll.
143
ira and Lettie are invited to a girls night out with Commander Plink.
144
MLemo secretly uses Bacon Berry's super powers to do rescues and ends up becoming a famous hero because of it.
145
Lemo and Phil are not getting along so Lettie sends them to run an errand together so they can work on their differences.
146
When Phil gets injured on a mission, he is sent to bed rest while the crew takes care of him.
147
Determined to win the latest Lea production with a unique performance, Lemo takes things to extremes to get noticed by the audience.
148
Lemo celebrates his 10th birthday but when everyone is still treating him like a baby, Lemo tries his best to prove that he is all grown up.
149
The Calypso Crew is on a mission to find Dr. McGuirk, a renowned archeologist who went missing in an abandoned shopping mall. Lemo and Phil get separated from the rest of the team and face some spooky encounters.
150
Lettie surprises Phil with a visit from his parents. But there's just one problem, Phil…
151
The future of the Big Blue is in jeopardy and Bacon Berry is determined to protect her family at all costs. It's all hands on deck for this dangerous mission.
152
The United Current Junior Cadets pay a visit to the calypso, but all they care about is their devices. Lettie does her best to impress them.

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