This isn't even the oddest thing that happens this episode.
Production Code: 120
When he has to write an essay on his personal hero as a punishment for misbehaving in school, Jake learns that his out-of-touch grandfather was once a hip, swinging dragon hero in his youth. Meanwhile, Chang leads Lao-Shi into a trap in another attempt by the Dark Dragon to get Jake to join his side.
Tropes
- Avengers Assemble: When Jake confronts Chang and the Dark Dragon in the sewers, he reveals that before arriving he recruited all his magical and non-magical allies to help aid him in his fight.
- Bookends: This episode begins and ends with Rotwood sending Jake to the principal's office.
- Beware the Nice Ones: The Tooth Fairy, who declares war on the Dark Dragon when he ruins her dress.
- Death by Looking Up: Happens to the Dark Dragon when the Tooth Fairy drops a bunch of bricks and lumber on top of him.
- "Eureka!" Moment: After hearing the story of Lao-Shi’s encounter with the Dark Dragon, it’s an offhand comment by Spud that makes Jake realize Chang’s less than good intentions.Spud: And to think, [Lao-Shi]’d be totally different if that Chang lady checked the cargo area instead of him.
- Explain, Explain... Oh, Crap!: Jake, Fu, Trixie and Spud all have this when they come to the realization that Chang’s been a traitor all along... and Lao-Shi is now alone with her.Jake: Okay, now it was Chang who told you guys to go into the cargo hold, right? What if it was her plan all along to lead you to the Dark Dragon?
Fu Dog: No way, kid. That’d mean she’s working for the Dark Dragon. And that’d also mean...
Jake: She’s trying the same thing 30 years later. Only in the sewer! Gramps!
Fu Dog: Gramps!
Trixie: Gramps!
Spud: Gramps infinity! - Freudian Excuse: Why is Lao Shi so uptight, serious, and strict about training Jake? Most of the episode is about exploring his back story, going from a fun-loving, irresponsible young man to the dragon he is today.
- Internal Reveal: Jake and Lao Shi learn that Chang is working with the Dark Dragon in this episode.
- "Not So Different" Remark: Fu Dog tells Jake that his cocky attitude is a lot like how his Grandfather was when Fu first met him 30 years ago.
- Porn Stash: For about as much as can be implied in a Disney Channel series, Jake opens one of Fu Dog's magical journals to reveal a fishnet stocking-clad woman's leg. Fu quickly covers by saying it's one of his "personal" journals.
- Rocky Roll Call: When Jake learns Lao-Shi is in danger, everybody in the room gasps "Gramps!" ...except for Spud, who gasps "Gramps infinity!"
- Sequel Episode: To "Dragon Summit", as this episode pays off things set up in that episode, such as Chang's status as a traitor and Lao-Shi backstory of having survived an encounter with the Dark Dragon.
- Shout-Out: One to The Matrix when Fu Dog tries giving a false account of how his first confrontation with Lao-Shi went.
- Terrible Pickup Lines: Lao-Shi and Chang both took part in making these when they first met. Made doubly funny since Chang speaks in a completely monotone deadpan the entire time.Lao-Shi: Somebody call Heaven because the gods are missing an angel!
Councilor Chang: Is there an airport nearby, or is that just my heart taking off?
Lao-Shi: If I could rearrange the alphabet, I would put "U" and "I" together.
Councilor Chang: If you were words on a page, they'd call you "fine print". - That Poor Cat: A cat can be heard screeching when Jake accidentally pushes Rotwood down a set of stairs.
- Unreliable Narrator: Fu briefly tries to paint himself as a Badass in a Long Coat when describing his fight with Lao Shi in the 70s. Jake and Spud are quick to call his bull, and Fu admits that he's embellishing and that Lao Shi beat him just by saying "Boo".
- The Un-Reveal: We don't see what exactly went down on the night Lao Shi fought the Dark Dragon. Justified, as this is all told by Fu Dog, who was knocked unconscious for the bulk of the fight.
- Vocal Dissonance: Young Chang is a rather attractive woman, but she still retains the scratchy old-lady voice she has in the present.
- Wham Episode: Dragon Councilor Chang has been revealed as an agent of the Dark Dragon, and has fortunately been arrested. And of course, the Dark Dragon has been defeated. Though Jake feels that he's only gone for now...
- Whole Episode Flashback: Perhaps a downplayed example, as it's more of a half-and-half split, but the meat of the episode takes place in Hong Kong in 1972.
- You Remind Me of X: When Lao Shi tells Jake to stay at the shop while he and Chang search for the Dark Dragon, Jake is frustrated by this. He then complains to Fu Dog, who lets him know that he and his grandfather aren't so different.Jake: That's it, Fu! I've had it with Gramps! I could take on the Dark Dragon all by myself if I wanted to!
Fu Dog: You know who you sound like, Kid? Gramps, back when I first met him.
