Saving Me - Man's Best Friend's Enemy (S1E3)
Bennett invents a device that gives his new pet dog super intelligence. Things go haywire when the dog becomes a talking criminal mastermind!
| Runtime (min) | 22 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2021-10-01 |
| Genres | Animation, Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi & Fantasy |
| TV Rating | TV-G |
| Network(s) | BYU Television |
Storyline
In this episode, Bennett's latest invention takes center stage when he creates a device designed to enhance his new pet dog's intelligence. What begins as an experiment to make his canine companion smarter quickly spirals out of control when the device works far better than anticipated. The dog doesn't just become intelligent—it gains the ability to speak and develops a cunning, criminal mindset that Bennett never intended.
As the newly super-intelligent dog begins scheming and causing chaos, Bennett must figure out how to reverse the effects of his invention before things get completely out of hand. The episode explores the consequences of tampering with nature and the unpredictable results that can come from scientific experimentation, even when the intentions are good. Bennett faces the challenge of outsmarting his own creation while dealing with the mayhem his talking, scheming pet unleashes on those around him.
What kids learn
This episode teaches children about the importance of thinking through the consequences of their actions before diving into projects or experiments. Bennett's well-meaning invention demonstrates how even good intentions can lead to unintended problems when we don't fully consider what might go wrong. Young viewers learn that being smart or creative isn't just about making things work—it's also about anticipating potential outcomes and being prepared to take responsibility when things don't go as planned.
The episode also reinforces lessons about problem-solving and adaptability. When Bennett's invention backfires, he doesn't give up or blame others. Instead, he works to find a solution to the chaos he's created. Children see that mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow, and that fixing our errors is just as important as the original idea. The story encourages kids to be thoughtful innovators who consider both the benefits and risks of their creative endeavors.
Additionally, the talking dog's transformation into a criminal mastermind offers a humorous but clear lesson about how intelligence without ethics or good judgment can lead to harmful behavior. Children learn that being smart is valuable, but using that intelligence responsibly and kindly is what truly matters.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the talking criminal dog scary for younger children? | The dog's criminal behavior is played for comedy rather than genuine menace. The episode uses humor and exaggeration to keep the tone light, with the dog's schemes presented as silly rather than threatening. Younger children who are comfortable with the show's general style of adventure and mild peril should handle this episode well, though parents know their own child's sensitivity to mischievous or rule-breaking characters best. |
| What does this episode teach about taking responsibility for mistakes? | Bennett's journey in this episode centers on owning the consequences of his invention gone wrong. Rather than avoiding the problem or blaming the technology, he actively works to fix the chaos he created. The episode models accountability and problem-solving, showing children that when our actions cause trouble—even accidentally—we need to step up and make things right rather than walking away from the mess. |
| Does the episode encourage kids to experiment with pets or animals? | The episode's exaggerated, fantastical premise makes it clear this is science fiction rather than realistic experimentation. The chaotic outcome serves as a cautionary tale about tampering without thinking things through. Parents can use this as a conversation starter about treating pets with care and respect, and why real animals should never be subjects of unsupervised experiments or modifications by children. |
| How is the criminal behavior portrayed in the episode? | The dog's criminal mastermind persona is presented in an over-the-top, cartoonish manner that emphasizes absurdity over genuine wrongdoing. The schemes are clearly framed as problems to be solved rather than behaviors to emulate. The episode's resolution reinforces that such behavior causes harm and needs to be stopped, making it clear that the criminal antics are the conflict to overcome, not something to admire or copy. |
| What age group is this episode most appropriate for? | Given the show's 22-minute runtime and comedic science-fiction premise, this episode works well for elementary-aged children who enjoy adventure cartoons with mild conflict. The talking-dog concept and humorous criminal schemes appeal to kids who appreciate silly, imaginative scenarios. Very young viewers might need reassurance that the dog's behavior is make-believe, while older elementary kids will easily grasp the exaggerated comedy and responsibility themes woven throughout the story. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Old Bennett goes back in time to persuade his younger self to be kinder to his sister, Sophie. But Young and Old Bennett's attempt to make things right turns Sophie into a fearless crime fighter...and puts her in danger! |
| 1 | 2 | After consulting the Unicorn Commandos, Old and Young Bennett build a life-size animatronic moose ninja for Liam's gaming videos. But chaos ensues when the robot moose ninja goes on a terror spree through Star City! |
| 1 | 3 | Bennett invents a device that gives his new pet dog super intelligence. Things go haywire when the dog becomes a talking criminal mastermind! |
| 1 | 4 | Young Bennett risks losing his friends when he upstages them during a TV quiz show. Young and Old Bennett construct a snow cone-making robot to help win his friends back, but the robot malfunctions and causes the blizzard of the century! |
| 1 | 5 | Young Bennett accidentally unleashes an army of sasquatches when he visits his father's shampoo factory. |
| 1 | 6 | Robber Boss uses Young Bennett's Engineer Club to devise a break Momma Robber out of jail. Old Bennett builds a headband that turns people's criticisms into compliments. |
| 1 | 7 | Old Bennett convinces his younger self to take up Boot Ball, his mom's favorite sport. Things quickly get out of hand when Young Bennett tricks out his Boot Ball boots with artificial intelligence. |
| 1 | 8 | Sophie and Liam try to top each other's Mother Day gifts. Old and Young Bennett take a trip down Memory Lane. |
| 1 | 9 | Snodgrass eyes Young Bennett's robot Edee for military purposes, while Young Bennett and Penelope must work together to fend off an alien crystal. |
| 1 | 10 | Snodgrass creates a giant vampire-dentist-robot to capture the Guardian. Young Bennett, Sophie and Liam try to find the Guardian, but get wrangled into a showdown with Robber Boss. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | To bypass being grounded, Young Bennett builds a body-swapping device and trades places with Nira. Meanwhile, the DGS stages a fake commercial to convince Star City that the Mystery Soldier was just a publicity stunt. |
| 2 | 2 | With Old Bennett's help, Young Bennett makes a unique music instrument for Sophie that catches the attention of an evil pop star named Trill. |
| 2 | 3 | When a mayoral candidate proposes to make the school day longer, Bennett uses AI to create an opponent named Abraham Trutherman to run against her. |
| 2 | 4 | The annual Bramble fishing trip goes haywire when Bennett's newest invention turns aquatic animals into giants. |
| 2 | 5 | Bennett's ego gets the better of him when he takes over his sister Sophie's Unicorn Commandos fan film. Meanwhile, Inspector Gorgana of the Galactic Alliance meets with the DGS. |
| 2 | 6 | Young and Old Bennett build a device called the Emplifier to get Jessica, Liam's latest crush, to notice him. But the Emplifier works too well and turns everyone it encounters into obsessed Liam fans. |
| 2 | 7 | The Bramble kids spend too much time on their digital devices. Robber Mama returns and kidnaps Young Bennett. |
| 2 | 8 | Bennett devises a get-rich-quick scheme to earn money for a Unicorn Commandos remote controlled monster truck toy. But Young Bennett's actions affects Old Bennett's timeline. |
| 2 | 9 | Bennett creates a "sleeping cap" to curtail his grumpiness. But when Bennett's dad Mark uses the cap, the fragile agreement between Earth and the Intergalactic Alliance is jeopardized. |
| 2 | 10 | Old Bennett must intervene when both Young Bennett and Snodgrass discover the entrance to the secret elevator. |
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