Ep 1. The Visitor / The Mountain

Adventure Time is a famous American animated television series produced by Frederator Studios. It is well received for its unique characters, quirky humor, and sometimes darker storylines. The show is set in the post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo, where Finn the Human and his best friend and adoptive brother Jake the Dog go on wacky and surreal adventures. Adventure Time has a fanatical following, especially among younger viewers, and it has won multiple accolades for its creativity, animation style, and emotional depth.

The Visitor / The Mountain is the first episode of the eighth season of Adventure Time. It aired on March 26, 2016, on Cartoon Network. The episode follows Finn and Jake as they try to help a mysterious alien creature that has landed on Earth. The Visitor is the first half of the episode and revolves around the appearance of a shapeshifting alien that takes on the form of Finn's father. Meanwhile, The Mountain is the second half of the episode and shows Finn and Jake trying to stop a group of elements from destroying a village.

In The Visitor, Finn and Jake are camping in the woods when they spot a shooting star. They decide to investigate and find a glowing meteorite with a strange creature inside. The alien is initially hostile and attacks the duo, but Finn manages to subdue it. However, as they bring the creature back to their treehouse, it shapeshifts into the form of Finn's father, Martin. Finn is initially thrilled to see his long-lost father, who abandoned him as a baby, but Jake is suspicious of the alien's true intentions.

As Finn spends time with the Martin look-alike, he learns more about his father's past and the reasons why he left him. However, strange things begin to happen around the treehouse, and Jake becomes increasingly worried about the safety of himself and Finn. He tries to investigate the creature's motivations and identity, but Finn remains too enamored with the idea of reconnecting with his father.

The Visitor deals with themes of abandonment, acceptance, and forgiveness. Finn has always longed for the affection of his father, and he is torn between his desire for love and the reality that Martin is not who he thought he was. The episode raises questions about identity, family dynamics, and the nature of alien life. It is a poignant and introspective entry in the Adventure Time canon and showcases the show's ability to tackle mature and nuanced topics in a palatable and creative way.

In The Mountain, Finn and Jake are called upon to help a tribe that is being terrorized by a group of rogue elements. The duo must climb a treacherous mountain and stop the villains from destroying the village. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and enemies, including a powerful elemental guardian that challenges Finn's strength and resolve.

The Mountain is a classic quest adventure, with Finn and Jake showcasing their skills and teamwork to overcome impossible odds. It is a thrilling and action-packed segment that highlights the show's signature animation style and humor. The episode explores themes of heroism, friendship, and environmentalism, as Finn and Jake fight to protect the natural order of the Land of Ooo.

Overall, The Visitor / The Mountain is a strong premiere for the eighth season of Adventure Time. It showcases the show's versatility and depth, as it tackles two very different storylines with grace and aplomb. The episode sets the stage for the season's exploration of new characters, worlds, and challenges, while still maintaining the core elements that have made Adventure Time a fan-favorite for years. It is a must-watch for fans of the show and a great introduction for newcomers.