Written by John Semper Jr.
Directed by Hugh Martin
Song: "Together Is a Better Way to Be"
Jay Jay and Tracy are allowed to go on their first flight alone, but are told to use the buddy system and stay by each other's side. When they arrive at Sunshine Desert, Tracy wants to see the canyon first and Jay Jay wants to see the cave first. They decide to split up and after they both get lost, they learn how important it is to always use the buddy system when they go on trips.
"The Buddy System" provides examples of:
- An Aesop: It’s important to stick with your buddy at all times so you don’t get in trouble or get lost.
- Big "YES!": Jay Jay himself, after being invited to go to Sunshine Desert with Tracy.
- Does This Remind You of Anything?/Never Say "Die": Jay Jay worries that he'll "turn into an icicle" if he doesn't get inside; this might be a kid-friendly version of hypothermia, in which people freeze to death.
- Ironic Echo:
- Shortly after Jay Jay suggests splitting up, they have this conversation:
Tracy: We're supposed to be using the Buddy System, we're not supposed to leave each other's side.Jay Jay: Oh, that's right.Tracy: But you know what?Jay Jay: What?Tracy: We could just stop being buddies for a little while, after all, we can be buddies again later.- Then when they resume the Buddy System later on, this exchange follows:
Jay Jay: We shoulda stayed with that Buddy System and stuck together.Tracy: You can say that again. Hey, but you know what?Jay Jay: What?Tracy: We can start the Buddy System right up again and not leave each other's side!Jay Jay: Hey, yeah! It would be like we never stopped! - Here We Go Again!: The ending scene has Snuffy and Herky about to face the same problem that Jay Jay and Tracy had, but Jay Jay helps them remember to do the right thing.
- Friendship Song: "Together Is a Better Way to Be", sung by Jay Jay and Tracy.
- Nice Job Breaking It, Hero: Jay Jay and Tracy split up rather than follow the Buddy System, resulting in them running out of gas and getting lost.
- "Setting Off" Song: Jay Jay and Tracy head out for Sunshine Desert while singing about their friendship.
- The Voice: Big Jake's brother Big John is never seen, only heard over Jay Jay's radio.
