Ep 3. Bring It in / Branch Out of Water

In Trolls: TrollsTopia Season 1 Episode 3, titled "Bring It in / Branch Out of Water", the spotlight is on Branch and Guy Diamond as they steer the story towards their personal growth. In the first segment, "Bring It in", we see a friendly basketball match between the trolls' factions as an opportunity for Branch to prove his mettle. He's been practicing hard and wants nothing more than to showcase his skills to his friends. However, things take a turn when he realizes that he's not as good as he thought he was. This realization breaks his confidence, and now he's not sure if he even wants to participate in the game anymore. But with his friends rallying around him and supporting him, can Branch regain his confidence, overcome his fears, and bring his best to the game?

In the second segment, "Branch Out of Water", the story takes us on an underwater adventure with Guy Diamond. He's of the opinion that the most exciting things in life are above the water surface, and that the underwater world is dull and unremarkable. However, he soon realizes that he's wrong when the trolls' kelp farm is under threat. The kelp is the primary source of food for the trolls, and they need to harvest it before the predators get to it. The only way to do that is to dive deep into the ocean, something that Guy Diamond is not comfortable with. As the stakes increase, Guy Diamond has to leave his comfort zone and explore the underwater world to save the kelp farm. Can he overcome his fears and find the courage to protect the trolls' precious resource?

The story arc in this episode revolves around the idea of getting out of one's comfort zone and taking on challenging situations. Each of the segments presents unique challenges for the characters, and they have to rise up to the occasion to face them. The character arcs for Branch and Guy Diamond are particularly well-written, with their personalities and fears fleshed out in a believable and relatable manner. The episode maintains the show's signature whimsy and humour, with hilarious moments sprinkled throughout.

The animation and sound design continue to be top-notch, with the underwater sequences in "Branch Out of Water" being especially well-crafted. The attention to detail is impressive, and the colours and textures used evoke a sense of wonder and amazement. The voice acting is excellent, with the cast members imbuing their characters with distinct personalities that shine through in their performances.

Overall, Trolls: TrollsTopia Season 1 Episode 3 is a fun and engaging watch that will delight fans of the franchise. The mix of humour, adventure, and heartwarming moments keep the story engaging, while the characters are relatable and charming. The episode's themes of personal growth and facing fears are handled with sensitivity and nuance, making it a truly uplifting and inspiring watch.