Ep 19. Holly Jolly Secrets (1)

Holly Jolly Secrets (1) is the 19th episode of the third season of the popular animated series Adventure Time with Finn and Jake. The episode is split into two parts, with part two airing in the following episode.

Part one of Holly Jolly Secrets begins with the discovery of an encrypted VHS tape labeled "Holly Jolly Secrets." Curious as to its contents, Finn, Jake, and their friends BMO and Princess Bubblegum gather around the television to watch. From there, the episode unfolds as a series of flashbacks, in which viewers are transported back to the Ice King's former life as a human researcher named Simon Petrikov.

As the flashbacks begin, viewers see that Simon is studying an ancient artifact known as the Enchiridion when he accidentally unleashes a curse that transforms him into the Ice King. From there, we see Simon slowly losing his sanity as a result of his transformation, turning to the Enchiridion as a way to try and undo what has been done to him. Along the way, he is aided by his fiance, Betty, whose presence in his life is a grounding force amidst the chaos.

However, it becomes clear that Simon's transformation is not only physical, but mental. He begins to forget who he is and what his life was like before. As viewers follow Simon's descent into madness, we learn that the Ice King's obsession with capturing princesses is not just for his own amusement, but rather a misguided attempt to remember Betty, whom he has now forgotten.

The episode is unique in that it doesn't have the typical lightheartedness of most Adventure Time episodes, and instead focuses heavily on the mental illness and tragedy of Simon's transformation. However, it also provides a deeper understanding of the Ice King's character and motivations.

Overall, Holly Jolly Secrets (1) is a must-watch episode for any Adventure Time fan, as it provides significant insight into the series' lore and helps humanize one of its most enigmatic characters.