Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts - Benson and the Beast (S2E7)
The Mega Jaguar rages out of control, but Benson has a knack for handling rowdy Mutes. Can the gang rely on Dr. Emilia — and Kipo herself?
| Runtime (min) | 23 |
|---|---|
| TMDB Rating | 9.0 (3 votes) |
| Air Date | 2020-06-12 |
| Genres | Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Kids |
| TV Rating | TV-Y7 |
| Network(s) | Netflix |
Storyline
Kipo's transformation into the Mega Jaguar spirals out of control, leaving her friends struggling to contain the enormous, rampaging creature. Unlike her previous transformations, Kipo cannot regain human form on her own, and the Mega Jaguar's destructive power threatens everyone around her. The group must find a way to reach Kipo inside the beast before she causes irreparable harm to herself and others.
Benson steps forward with a unique approach, drawing on his experience and natural empathy with Mutes to calm the Mega Jaguar. His gentle persistence and understanding create a connection that brute force cannot achieve. Meanwhile, the team faces a difficult decision about whether to trust Dr. Emilia, whose scientific knowledge might be the key to helping Kipo but whose motives remain deeply suspect. The episode explores the tension between needing help and trusting those who have proven themselves untrustworthy, while Benson's compassion becomes the bridge between Kipo's human consciousness and her wild jaguar instincts.
What parents say
Parents have praised Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts for its inclusive representation, particularly highlighting Benson's character as a positive portrayal of a gay teen whose identity is treated naturally and respectfully. Many parents appreciate that the show integrates diverse characters without making their identities the sole focus of their storylines, allowing kids to see representation as simply part of the world.
Parents note that the series handles themes of losing control and inner struggle with age-appropriate sensitivity. The Mega Jaguar transformation serves as a metaphor that resonates with discussions about managing overwhelming emotions, and parents have found these moments useful for conversations with children about self-regulation and asking for help when feelings become too big to handle alone.
Some parents have mentioned appreciating the show's emphasis on friendship and teamwork, particularly how different characters contribute unique strengths to solve problems. The trust issues surrounding Dr. Emilia have sparked discussions in families about forgiveness, second chances, and recognizing when someone may not have your best interests at heart.
What kids learn
Children learn that asking for help when you feel out of control is a sign of strength, not weakness. Kipo's inability to manage her Mega Jaguar form alone demonstrates that even capable, strong people sometimes need their friends to step in. The episode shows that recognizing your own limits and trusting others to support you is an essential part of growing up and maintaining healthy relationships.
The episode teaches kids about the power of empathy and patience when someone is struggling. Benson's approach to calming the Mega Jaguar illustrates that understanding and compassion can succeed where force and panic fail. Children see that taking time to connect with someone who is hurting or overwhelmed, rather than reacting with fear or aggression, can make all the difference in helping them find their way back to themselves.
Kids also learn about the complexity of trust and the importance of evaluating people's actions rather than just their words. The dilemma surrounding Dr. Emilia teaches children that needing someone's help doesn't mean you have to trust them completely, and that it's wise to remain cautious around people who have hurt you before, even when circumstances make you dependent on them.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Mega Jaguar transformation scary for younger children? | The Mega Jaguar is large and destructive, creating tense moments as Kipo's friends try to avoid being hurt. However, the show frames the situation as Kipo struggling internally rather than as a monster attack, emphasizing her fear and loss of control. The animation style remains colorful and stylized rather than realistic, and Benson's calm, compassionate approach helps de-escalate the tension. Sensitive younger viewers might find the loss-of-control theme unsettling, but the resolution focuses on friendship and support. |
| How does the episode handle Benson's role in calming Kipo? | Benson uses patience, empathy, and his natural connection with Mutes to reach Kipo when others cannot. The episode highlights his unique perspective and emotional intelligence, showing that his gentle approach succeeds where panic and force fail. His actions demonstrate that understanding someone's struggle and meeting them with compassion can create breakthroughs that aggression cannot. It's a powerful moment that validates Benson's strengths and reinforces the value of different problem-solving approaches within a team. |
| Should I be concerned about the trust issues with Dr. Emilia? | The episode presents Dr. Emilia's involvement as morally complex, acknowledging that the group needs her expertise while remaining wary of her past betrayals. This creates an opportunity to discuss with children how needing someone's help doesn't mean you must trust them fully, and that it's important to protect yourself even when accepting assistance. The show doesn't resolve this tension neatly, which reflects real-world situations where people must make difficult choices about conditional cooperation with those who have proven unreliable. |
| What is the episode teaching about losing control of your emotions? | Kipo's transformation into the Mega Jaguar serves as a metaphor for overwhelming emotions that feel too big to manage alone. The episode shows that losing control is frightening but not shameful, and that reaching out to trusted friends is the right response. Children see that even heroes need help sometimes, and that accepting support from people who care about you is how you find your way back to yourself when feelings become overpowering. |
| Does the episode resolve Kipo's transformation problem? | The episode focuses on the immediate crisis of calming the Mega Jaguar and helping Kipo regain her human form, with Benson's empathy playing a crucial role in that process. However, the larger question of controlling her transformations remains an ongoing challenge rather than being completely solved. This reflects the show's realistic approach to personal growth, where progress happens incrementally and setbacks are part of the journey. The resolution emphasizes the importance of having supportive friends during difficult struggles. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Swept from her safe burrow, Kipo emerges in a wild surface world full of weird mutant animals. Will her new friends Wolf and Mandu help her get home? |
| 1 | 2 | Benson gets a jump on the Mod Frogs to save Kipo, Wolf and his little buddy Dave. But it'll take a hopping mad Mega Bunny to get them out of another jam. |
| 1 | 3 | Held captive by the brawling Timbercats, Kipo and pals must find the tough kitties’ leader, Yumyan Hammerpaw, if they want to avoid becoming cat food. |
| 1 | 4 | Leading an army of new allies, Kipo argues with Wolf about the best way to avoid a hissy fit on Umlaut Snäke turf. Can she talk it out with a Mega Mute? |
| 1 | 5 | Kipo and the gang act like a pack to cozy up to the nerdy Newton Wolves and use their telescope to find the burrow people. The hunt is on. |
| 1 | 6 | The wolves break the news to Scarlemagne as Kipo tries to crack her father’s code. Then Benson gives the burrow girl a 13th birthday surprise -- or two. |
| 1 | 7 | The friends stumble upon tardigrade dream-maker Tad Mulholland, who allows the gang to realize their bliss. But let's get real: It comes at a price. |
| 1 | 8 | Scarlemagne rallies his troops as Kipo searches for her next clue, which sends her into a trash canyon -- and into a hideaway for Fitness Raccoons. |
| 1 | 9 | A big secret’s out, and Wolf can’t deal. Meanwhile, Kipo must resist the urge to pet Mega Bunny babies before escaping from sticky Mod Frog Jamack. |
| 1 | 10 | It’s a high-jumping, thirsty Mega Flea vs. the Mega Dogs as Kipo closes in on the burrow. But has she also brought home disaster? |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Kipo flies off to find Scarlemagne and save her father. But first, she’ll have to go through an old friend. Time to learn Timbercat survival skills. |
| 2 | 2 | Hoping to tap her inner strength, Kipo hitches a ride in search of the wise Chevre Sisters. Scarlemagne turns to Lio for help. The cheese sees all. |
| 2 | 3 | Kipo and the gang embark on a risky mission to Cappuccino’s Mute brunch spot and reconnect with an old frenemy. But will they all end up on the menu? |
| 2 | 4 | The chase continues for the old burrow, but first, Kipo and Wolf must keep their cool among the Deathstalkers. Scarlemagne makes a whopping discovery. |
| 2 | 5 | Kipo and company look for answers — and an anchor — in her parents’ old quarters. But are they alone? Above, mysterious forces gather against a ruler. |
| 2 | 6 | Fun Gus is among us. The chums frolic with the pushy player till a slippery helper arrives. Time to throw Kipo an anchor as the Mega Monkey moves on. |
| 2 | 7 | The Mega Jaguar rages out of control, but Benson has a knack for handling rowdy Mutes. Can the gang rely on Dr. Emilia — and Kipo herself? |
| 2 | 8 | From Hugo to Scarlemagne, from victim to villain, a tyrant tells his tale. Wolf, Benson and Dave hatch a plan that could blow up in their faces. |
| 2 | 9 | Game on. Kipo just won't give up hope when it comes to finding the good beneath the savagery. Can the Brunch Bunch flip the odds with flapjacks? |
| 2 | 10 | With a little help from friends, Kipo breaks the chains of mind control as chaos comes to the coronation. Will she sacrifice it all to save everyone? |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | The hunt is on for Dr. Emilia, and friends start to vanish. It'll take teamwork to make Kipo's dream of a Human Mute Ultimate Friendship Alliance work. |
| 3 | 2 | Emilia's kidnapping her way to a cure. Kipo and her pals must keep their cool as they stake out the doc's unexpected hideout. Does K-pop hold the key? |
| 3 | 3 | Old frenemies are on the comeback. Kipo reaches out to alliance stopper Scarlemagne, and Margot asks Wolf for a favor. Are second chances possible? |
| 3 | 4 | With Wolf, Benson and Dave in danger, Kipo must use her brain — not her brawn — to outsmart Dr. Emilia. A Mega gets a helping hand from Scarlemagne. |
| 3 | 5 | A "cured" chum returns. Later, a dream family reunion becomes a reality. The race for a vaccine begins after a feverish frolic with the Dubstep Bees. |
| 3 | 6 | Dr. Emilia and her army work through the death ivy while the alliance creates cunning traps. But can Kipo fight an unstoppable force like destiny? |
| 3 | 7 | As everyone regroups, Kipo blames herself for the damage done and springs into action. Enter Dave with a tale about fanatics — and one awesome fan. |
| 3 | 8 | Kipo hopes that Prahm will end the war with killer banjo and dance ... but first she must convince the Mutes to forgive. Dr. Emilia smiles and schemes. |
| 3 | 9 | Dr. Emilia's determination runs deep — and gets dark. Scarlemagne and Wolf set out to end her, and Song reveals a secret. Let's get the party started! |
| 3 | 10 | Sabotaged! Everyone must work together to stop Dr. Emilia as an epic Mega Mute battle shuts down a successful bash. Now's the time for real heroes. |
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