The Owl House - Really Small Problems (S1E14)
King confides in a carnival fortuneteller who makes his dream come true, but it comes at a cost.
| Runtime (min) | 24 |
|---|---|
| TMDB Rating | 6.0 (10 votes) |
| Air Date | 2020-08-01 |
| Genres | Animation, Action & Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Family |
| TV Rating | TV-Y7-FV |
| Network(s) | Disney Channel |
Storyline
King feels overlooked and frustrated when Luz invites Willow and Gus to join them on a trip to the carnival. Seeking validation and attention, King visits a fortuneteller's tent where he encounters Tibbles, a small carnival vendor who offers him a magical potion that will shrink anyone King chooses. Eager to feel important and be the center of attention, King accepts the deal and uses the potion to shrink Willow and Gus, trapping them in a bottle so he can have Luz all to himself.
As the episode progresses, King's selfish decision spirals into chaos when Tibbles reveals his true intentions: he plans to use the shrunken witches as attractions in his carnival show. King must confront the consequences of his jealousy-driven actions and work to rescue Willow and Gus before they're permanently trapped. The episode culminates in King learning that real friendship isn't about monopolizing someone's time, but about sharing experiences and valuing others, even when it means not being the center of attention.
What parents say
Parents have praised "The Owl House" for tackling emotional themes like jealousy and friendship in age-appropriate ways. Many parents appreciate that the series doesn't shy away from showing characters making genuine mistakes and facing real consequences, which they find creates valuable teaching moments. In discussions about episodes like this one, parents note that King's arc provides a relatable example of how jealousy can lead to poor decisions, making it easier to talk with children about similar feelings they might experience.
Some parents have mentioned that the carnival setting and the concept of shrinking characters might be slightly intense for very sensitive younger viewers, though most find the resolution reassuring. Parents commenting on parenting forums have highlighted that the show consistently balances its fantasy elements with genuine emotional growth, and this episode exemplifies that approach. The consequence-driven storytelling resonates with parents who want their children to see that actions have real impacts on friendships and that making amends requires genuine effort and understanding.
What kids learn
This episode teaches children about the destructive nature of jealousy and the importance of sharing friendships. King's journey demonstrates how feelings of being left out or overlooked can tempt us to make selfish choices that hurt the people we care about. Children learn that wanting attention is natural, but acting on jealousy by excluding or harming others only creates bigger problems and damages relationships.
The episode also explores the concept of consequences and accountability. King doesn't simply apologize and have everything return to normal—he must actively work to fix the situation he created and face the discomfort of admitting he was wrong. This teaches children that taking responsibility for mistakes involves more than words; it requires action and genuine effort to make things right.
Additionally, young viewers learn about the value of inclusive friendship. Luz's desire to share experiences with multiple friends shows that caring about someone doesn't mean spending every moment exclusively with them. Children see that healthy friendships can expand to include others without diminishing existing bonds, and that being part of a friend group can be more rewarding than demanding someone's undivided attention.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why does King shrink Willow and Gus instead of just talking about his feelings? | King acts impulsively out of jealousy and insecurity rather than expressing his feelings to Luz directly. The episode shows how difficult emotions can lead to poor decisions when we don't communicate openly. King feels replaced and unimportant, and the magical solution seems easier than having an honest conversation about feeling left out. This demonstrates to children why talking about hurt feelings, though uncomfortable, is always better than acting out. |
| Is the fortuneteller Tibbles actually trying to help King? | No, Tibbles is manipulating King for his own gain. He preys on King's jealousy and insecurity, offering a solution he knows will cause problems so he can profit from the chaos. This teaches children to be wary of people who offer easy solutions to complex emotional problems, especially when those people have something to gain. The episode shows how vulnerable we can be when we're feeling hurt or overlooked. |
| How does King make things right after what he did? | King takes active responsibility by working to rescue Willow and Gus from Tibbles and the dangerous situation he created. He doesn't just apologize with words but demonstrates through his actions that he understands he was wrong and is willing to face consequences to protect his friends. The episode shows that genuine apologies require both acknowledging the harm caused and taking concrete steps to repair the damage and prevent future harm. |
| Should I be concerned about the shrinking concept frightening my child? | The shrinking is presented in a fantastical, magical context rather than a realistic or graphic way. Most children handle it well within the show's established fantasy framework. However, if your child is particularly sensitive to characters being trapped or in danger, you might preview the episode or watch together to provide reassurance. The episode resolves with everyone safe, which typically provides closure for concerned young viewers. |
| What can I say to my child if they relate to King's jealousy? | Validate that feeling jealous or left out is normal and something everyone experiences. Emphasize that King's feelings were understandable, but his actions were wrong. Discuss healthier ways to handle those emotions, like talking to friends about feeling excluded or finding ways to join activities rather than sabotaging them. Help your child identify times they've felt similar and brainstorm better responses together, reinforcing that friendships grow stronger through honest communication. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Luz, a self-assured teenage girl, accidentally stumbles upon a portal to a magical world where she befriends a rebellious witch, Eda, and an adorably tiny warrior, King. In order to get home, Luz must help them with a mission. |
| 1 | 2 | When an ancient wizard gives Luz a map for a mystical quest, she wonders if she is actually a Chosen One. |
| 1 | 3 | Luz sneaks into the local magic school to help a friend and makes a new enemy in the process. |
| 1 | 4 | Luz and King have to defend the Owl House from a mysterious intruder. |
| 1 | 5 | Luz's lesson about witch covens goes awry when she finds herself thrust into a witch's duel. |
| 1 | 6 | When Luz, Willow and Gus accidentally animate the Owl House, the house runs amok around Bonesborough. |
| 1 | 7 | While checking out the library, Luz's pranks lead to unintended consequences. |
| 1 | 8 | A simple disagreement leads to a complex situation when Eda, King, and Luz triple-down on a wager. |
| 1 | 9 | When Gus sneaks Luz into Hexside School to present at the Human Appreciation Society, Luz sees a side of the school she didn't expect. |
| 1 | 10 | When an adventure with Eda's staff goes awry, Luz and her friends have to earn the staff back from a mysterious forest creature, or lose the staff forever. |
| 1 | 11 | When King becomes a bestselling author, he learns a valuable lesson in reading the fine print. |
| 1 | 12 | Luz needs to learn a new spell, so Eda takes her to the most magical place on the island to train. |
| 1 | 13 | During Luz’s first day of Magic School, curiosity gets the best of her, and she finds herself thrown into the Delinquent Track, where she’s not allowed to learn magic. |
| 1 | 14 | King confides in a carnival fortuneteller who makes his dream come true, but it comes at a cost. |
| 1 | 15 | Luz, Willow and Amity take a trip down memory lane. |
| 1 | 16 | Luz experiences Grom, Hexside’s version of Prom, and it’s not what she expects. |
| 1 | 17 | Not your average underdog story. |
| 1 | 18 | On a school field trip to the mysterious Emperor’s Castle, Luz strays from the group and into danger. |
| 1 | 19 | Luz’s skills as a witch are put to the test when she attempts the impossible. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Luz feels guilty about Eda losing her powers, so she sets sail in search of a lucrative bounty to help the Owl House. |
| 2 | 2 | When Amity's parents get Luz, Willow and Gus expelled from Hexside, Luz strikes a dangerous deal with them to get back into school. |
| 2 | 3 | King's delusions of grandeur lead Luz, Lilith, and Hooty to a dangerous new island. |
| 2 | 4 | Eda gets an unwelcome visit from a family member who puts a strain on everyone in the Owl House. |
| 2 | 5 | Gus tries to impress a group of cool kids from Glandus High, while Luz and Amity journey into the most dangerous section of the library. |
| 2 | 6 | It’s Palisman Pairing Day at Hexside, but Luz doesn’t match with a Palisman of her own and soon finds herself on an unexpected journey with a foe. |
| 2 | 7 | A special witch from Eda’s past enlists her in a rebellion against the Emperor. |
| 2 | 8 | Hooty tries to help King, Eda and Luz with their problems, but it doesn’t go as planned. |
| 2 | 9 | When Luz gets sick with the Common Mold, it's up to Amity to find an important ingredient for the portal door - but Amity's not the only one on its trail. |
| 2 | 10 | Luz thinks she's found a way back home. But is she ready for what she'll find on the other side? |
| 2 | 11 | In the aftermath of her trip home, Luz takes on daring rescue missions during the Coven Day parade. |
| 2 | 12 | Luz is desperate for more information about Philip Wittebane, the creator of the portal door. With Lilith's help, she sets off on a journey for the ages. |
| 2 | 13 | Hunter goes uncover at Hexside for his most important mission yet. Willow becomes determined to succeed at an exciting new sport. |
| 2 | 14 | Amity wants to prove herself to her father, and Luz thinks she's found the perfect way to do it: Underground Witch Duels. |
| 2 | 15 | Eda tells a story from her teen years: the day she met Raine Whispers. |
| 2 | 16 | A magical mishap transports Luz and Hunter into a new mindscape - and this one is a twisted nightmare. |
| 2 | 17 | King's quest to uncover his past leads to shocking revelations and horrifying truths. |
| 2 | 18 | When the Emperor's coven comes to Hexside, Gus teams up with an unlikely ally. |
| 2 | 19 | Eda and Luz scramble to face the day of unity. King faces his true identity. |
| 2 | 20 | Everyone on the Isles prepares to celebrate the Day of Unity. |
| 2 | 21 | The Day of Unity begins. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | After months of trying, Luz and her friends make a daring attempt to return to the Demon Realm. |
| 3 | 2 | Luz and her friends race against Belos to confront the Collector and save the Boiling Isles. |
| 3 | 3 | The fate of the Boiling Isles rests on the shoulders of a human, a cursed witch and a little King. |
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