The Cuphead Show! - The Devil's Pitchfork (S2E13)
Cuphead and Mugman are giddy with power when they get their hands on the Devil's pitchfork and make fiery mischief all over town.
| Runtime (min) | 16 |
|---|---|
| TMDB Rating | 8.0 (3 votes) |
| Air Date | 2022-08-19 |
| Genres | Animation, Comedy, Family |
| TV Rating | TV-Y7 |
| Network(s) | Netflix |
Storyline
In this episode, Cuphead and Mugman stumble upon the Devil's pitchfork, a powerful magical weapon that grants them the ability to conjure flames and cause chaos. Thrilled by their newfound power, the brothers quickly become intoxicated by what the pitchfork can do, wielding it recklessly as they run through town creating fiery mayhem. Their mischief escalates as they use the pitchfork for pranks and stunts, leaving a trail of scorched destruction in their wake.
The Devil, realizing his prized weapon is missing, becomes determined to retrieve it. As Cuphead and Mugman's antics grow more dangerous and out of control, they begin to understand that possessing such power comes with serious consequences. The episode builds toward a confrontation where the brothers must face the Devil himself and deal with the aftermath of their irresponsible behavior, learning that some things are simply too dangerous to play with, no matter how exciting they seem.
What parents say
Parents have noted that The Cuphead Show! captures the vintage cartoon aesthetic beautifully while delivering slapstick humor that appeals to multiple age groups. Many appreciate that the series maintains the spirit of the video game without replicating its notoriously difficult gameplay, making it accessible for younger viewers who may not be familiar with the source material.
Some parents have expressed mild concern about the show's devil character and hell-themed imagery, though most acknowledge that the portrayal is cartoonish and comedic rather than genuinely dark or frightening. Parents note that the Devil in the series is more of a bumbling antagonist than a scary figure, presented in the style of classic 1930s animation where such characters were common comic foils.
Parents generally appreciate the show's lessons about consequences and responsibility, particularly in episodes where Cuphead's impulsive decisions lead to trouble. Several have mentioned that the dynamic between Cuphead and Mugman provides good opportunities to discuss sibling relationships, peer pressure, and making better choices even when something seems fun in the moment.
What kids learn
This episode teaches children about the dangers of misusing power and the importance of respecting things that don't belong to them. When Cuphead and Mugman take the Devil's pitchfork without permission, they demonstrate poor judgment that quickly spirals into dangerous situations. Children can learn that just because something seems exciting or fun doesn't mean it's safe or right to use, especially when it belongs to someone else and they don't understand its full capabilities.
The episode also illustrates how power can corrupt judgment and lead to increasingly reckless behavior. As the brothers become more confident with the pitchfork, their pranks escalate from harmless fun to genuinely destructive acts. This progression shows young viewers how small bad decisions can snowball into bigger problems, and how the thrill of power can cloud one's ability to recognize when they've gone too far.
Additionally, children learn about accountability and facing consequences for their actions. The brothers must ultimately confront the Devil and deal with the chaos they've created throughout town. This reinforces the message that taking responsibility for mistakes is necessary, even when admitting wrongdoing is uncomfortable or scary.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Devil character in this episode too scary for young children? | The Devil in <em>The Cuphead Show!</em> is portrayed as a comedic antagonist in the style of 1930s cartoons rather than a frightening figure. He's more bumbling and frustrated than menacing, especially when his pitchfork goes missing. The show uses vintage animation aesthetics that soften any potentially dark themes. Most children who handle typical cartoon villains should be fine, though parents know their own child's sensitivities best. |
| How much fire and destruction is shown when the boys use the pitchfork? | The episode features cartoon-style fire effects and slapstick destruction as Cuphead and Mugman cause mischief around town. The flames and chaos are presented in the exaggerated, non-realistic style of classic animation rather than depicting actual danger. The destruction serves the story's lesson about consequences rather than glorifying violence. The tone remains comedic throughout, consistent with the show's overall vintage cartoon aesthetic. |
| What should I tell my child about taking things that don't belong to them? | This episode provides a natural conversation starter about respecting other people's property and the consequences of taking things without permission. You can discuss how Cuphead and Mugman's decision to use the pitchfork led to problems they couldn't control. Emphasize that even if something seems exciting or harmless at first, using things that aren't ours—especially without understanding them—can lead to dangerous or hurtful situations for ourselves and others. |
| Does the episode show the brothers learning from their mistakes? | The episode demonstrates consequences for the brothers' reckless behavior as their pranks escalate beyond their control and they must face the Devil. While <em>The Cuphead Show!</em> often features Cuphead making impulsive decisions, this episode clearly shows how misusing power leads to trouble. The narrative arc moves from excitement to chaos to confrontation, illustrating that actions have consequences even if the brothers don't always articulate deep remorse in typical sitcom fashion. |
| Is this episode appropriate for children who are sensitive to conflict or scary situations? | The episode contains cartoon conflict and a confrontation with the Devil character, but maintains the show's lighthearted, slapstick tone throughout. There's no graphic content or genuinely frightening imagery—everything is filtered through the vintage cartoon aesthetic. Children who enjoy typical animated comedies with mild peril should handle it well. If your child is particularly sensitive to devil imagery or characters chasing protagonists, you might preview it first or watch together to provide reassurance. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Cuphead convinces Mugman they should ditch their chores and head to the carnival, unaware it's a front to collect souls. |
| 1 | 2 | The brothers take care of a baby left at their front door. But with Elder Kettle gone and a strict warning to be good, it's harder than they imagined. |
| 1 | 3 | A squabbling Mugman and Cuphead sneak into a club to grab some ice cream after the boxing champs who own it steal their money. |
| 1 | 4 | After Mugman's handle breaks off, the brothers visit a greedy shopkeeper and get creative while on the hunt for glue. |
| 1 | 5 | All bets are off when Cuphead takes over Inkwell Isle's No. 1 game show, much to the annoyance of its devious host King Dice and his devilish boss. |
| 1 | 6 | A spooky bunch of ghosts treat Cuphead and Mugman to a night of chills and thrills after trapping them inside a creepy graveyard. |
| 1 | 7 | Cuphead and Mugman have to defend Elder Kettle's precious vegetable garden after a rotten gang turns their yard into a party. |
| 1 | 8 | Mugman knits a special sweater to keep Cuphead's soul safe. Meanwhile, in the underworld, the Devil is throwing a party. |
| 1 | 9 | The Devil follows the brothers day after day, waiting for Cuphead to take off his sweater so he can collect his soul before Stickler finds out. |
| 1 | 10 | Cuphead and a cowardly Mugman test their courage after Porkrind sends them on a dangerous errand that quickly gets out of hand. |
| 1 | 11 | Elder Kettle overhears strange conversations between Cuphead and Mugman, then worries that the boys have menacing plans for him. |
| 1 | 12 | Trouble follows the brothers when Cuphead and Mugman get in over their heads upon meeting a free-spirited, street-smart new friend. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Cuphead and Mugman are in the slammer after breaking into the cookie factory. Prison's scary — but now they can't decide whether to bust out or stay in! |
| 2 | 2 | Trouble comes a-knockin' when Ms. Chalice turns up on Elder Kettle's doorstep and turns on the charm. The question is: Can she be trusted? |
| 2 | 3 | The boys think they're just "playing" pirate until they actually drift out to sea and get roped into a mission to reunite a captain and his sweetheart. |
| 2 | 4 | After an argument with Mugman, Cuphead goes looking for another brother. But his reckless new sibling isn't all he's cracked up to be. |
| 2 | 5 | Cuphead's self-control is put to the test when he discovers a sugary dreamland where he can eat all the sweets he wants... with a catch. |
| 2 | 6 | All Mugman wants is a little peace and quiet while Cuphead and Elder Kettle are away. Enter the ice cream man — and his jaunty truck's maddening jingle. |
| 2 | 7 | Mugman gets dangerously jealous when his snooty piano teacher taps Cuphead to compete for a $10,000 musical prize instead of him. |
| 2 | 8 | Steaming mad and ready for revenge, the Devil summons his finest demons and sends them above ground on a mission to recapture Cuphead's soul. |
| 2 | 9 | Ms. Chalice and the boys craft a perfect spooky scam: making money as ghost removers! But things get real when they pick a house that's already haunted. |
| 2 | 10 | A crafty rat claims ownership of Elder Kettle's cottage and all of its contents after a careless Cuphead and Mugman leave the door open. |
| 2 | 11 | Elder Kettle wants to snap a family portrait of him and his boys — and, boy, does he get it! Just not in the picture-perfect setting he was expecting. |
| 2 | 12 | Winter's coming and there's lots of work to do, but Cuphead doesn't want to do any of it. Forget chopping wood — he'd rather launch rockets into the sky! |
| 2 | 13 | Cuphead and Mugman are giddy with power when they get their hands on the Devil's pitchfork and make fiery mischief all over town. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | Without Mugman, Cuphead doesn't know what to do with himself. Can he strike a deal with the Devil to save his beloved brother and bring him home? |
| 3 | 2 | Knock, knock! Danger's at the door when Elder Kettle goes out to get his mustache waxed, leaving a bumbling Cuphead and Mugman home alone. |
| 3 | 3 | Sally Stageplay's holding auditions for an exciting new space opera. But Cuphead, Mugman and the Devil all want the same role: the lead. |
| 3 | 4 | After hitting the Devil with his car, Elder Kettle takes him in, mistaking him for a humble house cat he affectionately calls "Mrs. Meow Meow." |
| 3 | 5 | With Christmas fast approaching, Elder Kettle sends the boys on an important errand: to pick out the perfect tree. |
| 3 | 6 | Christmas brings out the worst in the Devil, who's notoriously naughty... until he schemes to get himself onto Santa's nice list. |
| 3 | 7 | After breaking Porkrind's window, Cuphead, Mugman and Ms. Chalice must work off the debt by delivering a mysterious package to Ribby and Croaks. |
| 3 | 8 | King Dice — the Devil's onetime No. 1 — is out of the spotlight. But Cuphead of all people wants to be his manager and help him make a comeback. |
| 3 | 9 | It's time for a day of fun with Elder Kettle... or is it? With an assist from Ms. Chalice, Cuphead and Mugman are scaring up shenanigans all over town! |
| 3 | 10 | A fateful flashback reveals what Ms. Chalice's life was like before she met Cuphead and Mugman. |
| 3 | 11 | An epic dance contest morphs into a high-stakes game of winners and losers, with more than one soul on the line. How will it all end? Hilariously. |
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