Glitch Techs - Adventures in Pet Training (S1E8)
To figure out a fix for an ailing Ally, Miko enters a pet training simulator. High Five tags along and makes an unlikely friend.
| Runtime (min) | 24 |
|---|---|
| TMDB Rating | 10.0 (1 votes) |
| Air Date | 2020-02-21 |
| Genres | Animation, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Kids |
| TV Rating | TV-Y7-FV |
| Network(s) | Netflix |
Storyline
When Miko's pet glitch Ally falls ill, she decides to enter a pet training simulator to better understand how to care for her companion and find a solution to the problem. The simulator is designed to teach players how to bond with and train virtual pets, and Miko hopes the experience will give her insight into what Ally needs. High Five decides to join her in the simulation, eager to help his partner and curious about the virtual pet world.
Inside the simulator, High Five unexpectedly forms a strong bond with a virtual pet of his own, discovering a nurturing side of himself he didn't know existed. As Miko works through the training exercises to learn what might be ailing Ally, High Five becomes increasingly attached to his new digital friend. The episode explores themes of responsibility and empathy as both Glitch Techs navigate the challenges of caring for creatures that depend on them, ultimately leading Miko to understand what Ally needs to recover.
What kids learn
This episode teaches children about the responsibilities that come with caring for pets or any dependent creature. Miko demonstrates problem-solving skills by seeking out knowledge when she doesn't understand what's wrong with Ally, showing kids that it's okay to admit when you need help and to actively look for solutions. Her willingness to enter the simulator specifically to learn how to better care for her pet models how we should prioritize the wellbeing of animals in our care.
High Five's unexpected connection with a virtual pet illustrates that empathy and nurturing abilities aren't limited by personality type or initial expectations. His journey shows children that being caring and gentle is a strength, not a weakness, and that forming bonds with others—even those very different from us—can be rewarding. The episode also touches on the emotional investment we make in relationships and how that investment requires us to be attentive and responsive to others' needs.
Children also learn about patience and the learning process itself. Training and caring for pets requires time, attention, and a willingness to understand another creature's perspective, lessons that extend beyond pet ownership to all relationships and responsibilities in life.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is this episode appropriate for children who have been asking for a pet? | Yes, this episode actually provides a thoughtful introduction to pet ownership responsibilities. Miko's dedication to understanding and helping Ally when she's unwell demonstrates the commitment required to care for an animal. The episode doesn't shy away from showing that pets need attention, understanding, and sometimes problem-solving when things go wrong, making it a useful conversation starter about whether your child is ready for that level of responsibility. |
| What is the pet training simulator, and does it involve any concerning virtual reality themes? | The pet training simulator is presented as an educational tool within the show's video game world, similar to training programs or simulation games. It's used positively here as a learning environment where Miko can gain knowledge to help Ally. The episode doesn't raise concerns about virtual versus real relationships; instead, it shows the simulator as a stepping stone to better real-world care, and High Five's attachment serves the story's emotional arc about empathy and connection. |
| Does Ally recover, or will my child be upset by a sick pet storyline? | The episode frames Ally's illness as a problem to be solved rather than a tragic situation. Miko's proactive approach to finding a solution and her success in understanding what Ally needs provides a positive resolution. The storyline emphasizes care and problem-solving over distress, making it more educational than upsetting. The focus remains on Miko's growth as a caretaker rather than on prolonged suffering. |
| What does High Five learn from his experience with the virtual pet? | High Five discovers his capacity for nurturing and forming emotional bonds, which surprises him and adds depth to his character. His attachment to the virtual pet teaches him about empathy, patience, and the joy of caring for another being. This subplot shows children that everyone has the capacity for gentleness and that forming connections—even unexpected ones—can teach us about ourselves. It's a positive character development moment that reinforces emotional intelligence. |
| Are there any scary or intense moments with Ally being sick? | The episode treats Ally's illness as a challenge to overcome rather than a frightening medical emergency. The tone remains consistent with the show's generally upbeat adventure style, focusing on Miko's determination and resourcefulness. There are no graphic or distressing depictions of illness; instead, the narrative emphasizes the detective work of figuring out what's wrong and the satisfaction of finding a solution. Young viewers should find it engaging rather than scary. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | A tournament for the city's best gamers brings together High Five and Miko, two competitors who figure out something suspect is going on. |
| 1 | 2 | Glitch Tech training turns out to be a bore. But Miko and High Five's attempt to inject some fun into their session ends with gross consequences. |
| 1 | 3 | It's Miko and High Five's first official day on the job! But crisis soon strikes when Miko's high-tech gear gets stolen by a peculiar bird. |
| 1 | 4 | When an ultra-rare, ultra-dangerous glitch turns Casino into a character from his favorite video game, it's up to High Five to save him. |
| 1 | 5 | Miko and High Five arrive at a house where other Glitch Techs have gone missing — and walk right into a familiar game full of surprises. |
| 1 | 6 | What makes a good leader? High Five finds out the hard way when he steps up to head a team against four glitches that are on the loose. |
| 1 | 7 | High Five and Bergy romp through the city on a quest for glitches and experience points. Meanwhile, it's sister bonding day for Miko and Nica. |
| 1 | 8 | To figure out a fix for an ailing Ally, Miko enters a pet training simulator. High Five tags along and makes an unlikely friend. |
| 1 | 9 | Eager to level up her skills before a karate tournament, Lexi convinces Miko to fire up a video game simulator to help hone her moves. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Miko realizes that being a little weird can be awesome when she meets Ridley, a glitch modder with a mind-blowing lair filled with creative wonders. |
| 2 | 2 | High Five seems unusually glum on a job at a game store to take care of a mysterious cube-shaped glitch from the first video game ever. |
| 2 | 3 | High Five's childhood dreams come true when the pizza arcade brings back a retired birthday party robot. But it's the miserable opposite for Miko. |
| 2 | 4 | Miko suspects that something is very, very wrong when Mitch suddenly starts acting nice. At a bizarre party, High Five sees that she might be right. |
| 2 | 5 | Ridley resurfaces with a newfound desire to become a Glitch Tech. Miko and High Five are delighted ... but they have no idea she's hiding something. |
| 2 | 6 | While gathered together to play a deduction game, the Glitch Techs begin to wonder if there's a glitch pretending to be human among them. |
| 2 | 7 | High Five figures it's no big deal to break a rule while glitch hunting — until he inadvertently triggers a feud with Techs in the neighboring town. |
| 2 | 8 | Miko declares war when a new gamer in town beats her high scores at the arcade. But their showdown soon spirals out of control. |
| 2 | 9 | An alert at a house infamous for glitch-heavy activity sets Mitch on edge. When Miko and High Five get there, they learn why it's so personal to him. |
| 2 | 10 | Phil threatens to replace the laggy BITT with a newer model. To save the bot, Miko and High Five poke around inside to fix him themselves. |
This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.