Centaurworld - Holes: Part 3 (S2E4)
On a trip to the Underground Kingdom, Horse learns that Rider has a magnificent new horse named Becky Apples. Would Rider really replace her?
| Runtime (min) | 28 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2021-12-07 |
| Genres | Animation, Kids, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure |
| TV Rating | TV-Y7 |
| Network(s) | Netflix |
Storyline
Horse and her Centaurworld friends journey to the Underground Kingdom, a subterranean realm beneath the surface world. During their visit, Horse makes a painful discovery: Rider, her beloved human companion from whom she was separated, now has a new horse named Becky Apples. This revelation strikes at Horse's deepest insecurities and forces her to confront the fear that she has been replaced in Rider's life and heart.
The episode explores Horse's emotional turmoil as she grapples with feelings of abandonment and jealousy. She must decide whether to trust in the bond she shared with Rider or allow her insecurities to consume her. Meanwhile, the group navigates the unique challenges and inhabitants of the Underground Kingdom. Horse's journey becomes as much about her internal struggle with self-worth and belonging as it is about the physical quest they're undertaking, testing the strength of her friendships with the Centaurworld herd who support her through this difficult revelation.
What parents say
Parents have praised Centaurworld for tackling complex emotional themes that resonate with children and adults alike. Many appreciate how the show addresses feelings of abandonment, jealousy, and insecurity through Horse's character arc, noting that these are emotions children genuinely experience but rarely see portrayed so directly in animated series. Parents on Reddit and Common Sense Media have commented that the show provides valuable opportunities to discuss difficult feelings with their kids.
Some parents have mentioned that the show's tonal shifts between silly musical numbers and genuinely heavy emotional moments can be jarring, but many see this as a strength rather than a weakness. Parents note that the series doesn't shy away from depicting anxiety, trauma, and fear of replacement in age-appropriate ways. Several have shared that their children related strongly to Horse's struggles with change and separation.
A few parents have cautioned that sensitive children might find Horse's emotional pain in episodes dealing with Rider particularly intense, recommending that parents watch alongside younger viewers to help process the themes of loss and loyalty that run throughout the second season.
What kids learn
This episode teaches children about the complex emotions that arise when they fear being replaced or forgotten by someone they love. Kids learn that feelings of jealousy and insecurity are natural responses to change and perceived loss, and that it's okay to feel hurt when circumstances shift in unexpected ways. The episode demonstrates that these difficult emotions don't make someone bad or weak—they make them human, or in Horse's case, relatable.
Children also learn about the importance of trusting in established relationships even when external circumstances seem threatening. Horse's struggle illustrates that bonds built on genuine connection and shared experiences aren't easily broken, even when new people or situations enter the picture. The episode encourages kids to communicate their fears rather than letting assumptions and insecurities control their actions.
Additionally, the episode models how true friends support each other through emotional difficulties. The Centaurworld herd's response to Horse's distress shows children what compassionate friendship looks like—listening without judgment, offering comfort, and standing by someone even when they're struggling with painful feelings. Kids learn that vulnerability and asking for support are signs of strength, not weakness.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How should I help my child understand Horse's fear of being replaced? | Use Horse's situation to open a conversation about how everyone sometimes worries that new people or changes might threaten their important relationships. Reassure your child that feeling jealous or insecure doesn't mean they're selfish, and that real bonds aren't easily broken by new circumstances. Help them identify times they've felt similar fears and discuss how those situations resolved, emphasizing that love and friendship can expand rather than being finite resources that get used up. |
| Is the emotional content in this episode too intense for younger children? | The episode deals with genuine feelings of abandonment and jealousy that might resonate strongly with sensitive children, particularly those who've experienced separation from caregivers or friends. While the themes are age-appropriate, younger viewers may need help processing Horse's pain. Watch together and pause to check in about feelings if your child seems affected. The episode ultimately offers reassurance, but the emotional journey can feel heavy for children under seven without parental support and context. |
| What is Becky Apples' role in the episode, and is she portrayed as a villain? | Becky Apples represents Horse's fear of replacement rather than being an antagonist. The episode focuses on Horse's internal struggle with insecurity rather than creating conflict between the two horses. This approach teaches children that the problem often lies in our fears and assumptions rather than in other people who enter our loved ones' lives. It's a valuable lesson about not projecting negative intentions onto others when we feel threatened by change or new relationships in our social circles. |
| How does this episode connect to the larger story arc of the season? | This episode deepens the central tension of Horse's quest to reunite with Rider by introducing the painful possibility that Rider has moved on. It raises the stakes of Horse's journey emotionally, making it about more than physical reunion—it becomes about whether their bond still exists. The Underground Kingdom setting also advances the group's larger mission while forcing Horse to confront her deepest fear. This emotional development is crucial for Horse's character growth throughout the season's remaining episodes. |
| What can I say if my child asks whether Horse and Rider will reunite? | Without spoiling future episodes, acknowledge that the show is exploring whether relationships can survive separation and change, which is an important question. Emphasize that the episode is showing Horse's fears, which may not reflect reality. You might discuss how sometimes our worries about losing someone make us imagine worst-case scenarios that aren't actually true. Use this as an opportunity to talk about trust, patience, and how real connections endure even through difficult circumstances and long separations. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Separated from her Rider during battle, Horse wakes up in a colorful world filled with strange beasts. But where is her trusty friend? |
| 1 | 2 | The herd sets out to find the way home. Wammawink encourages them to be careful and take it slow, but fearless Horse charges ahead. |
| 1 | 3 | Horse meets Waterbaby — one of Centaurworld's shamans — and learns about the key: a mysterious object that could reunite her with Rider. |
| 1 | 4 | Searching for the next piece of the key, Horse leads the herd into a mysterious forest to see the tree shamans. They grant wishes — but there's a catch. |
| 1 | 5 | The friends seek shelter in a cave during a storm... but they're not alone. While looking for an exit, they discover strange paintings on the walls. |
| 1 | 6 | The group follows the Rainbow Road into a deep, dark hole, where a Moletaur locks them in jail and informs them that they'll face the judge. |
| 1 | 7 | Zulius brings the herd to Cataur Valley, where the shaman is fuzzy but fierce. To earn a piece of the key, Horse goes glam for a silly competition. |
| 1 | 8 | Horse hopes to find the final shaman in Merfolk Town. But she's growing discouraged — and looking more and more like a centaur every day. |
| 1 | 9 | The herd makes it to the Rift and reminisces about their time together while waiting for Waterbaby to arrive with the final piece of the key. |
| 1 | 10 | Horse and Rider face a frightening enemy. Back in Centaurworld, the herd summons up the courage to enter the void and fight for their friend. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Horse tries to recruit an army to defend Centaurworld, but no one wants to join. The herd visits the Horsetaurs' castle to see if they'll help. |
| 2 | 2 | Up in their cloud condo complex, the Birdtaurs have been obsessively watching the herd: Horse and friends are their favorite reality stars! |
| 2 | 3 | Horse tries to enlist the fierce Coldtaurs in her battle — but they capture Glendale! Back in the human world, Waterbaby sends a message to Rider. |
| 2 | 4 | On a trip to the Underground Kingdom, Horse learns that Rider has a magnificent new horse named Becky Apples. Would Rider really replace her? |
| 2 | 5 | Horse discovers a powerful ability: She can jump into backstories! And seeing the tough times her herd friends faced helps her feel less alone. |
| 2 | 6 | Rider defies the general's orders and goes to the Nowhere King's castle to get the artifact. But her new horse, Becky Apples, isn't exactly cooperative. |
| 2 | 7 | All of Centaurworld's residents gather for the hootenanny. But can Horse turn this colorful collection of creatures into a fearless army? |
| 2 | 8 | Horse leaps into the Nowhere King's mind and learns his haunting backstory. Meanwhile, Rider and the herd come up with a plan. |
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