Rupert and his family are on holiday in Rocky Bay at the same time the Professor visits to test out his latest invention — a diving suit that converts oxygen from the water into breathable form. Rupert leaps at the opportunity to test it. Good thing the suit works perfectly, or he wouldn’t be able to breathe when he’s dragged before the Undersea Court and accused of stealing King Neptune’s “most precious jewel” and then his entire treasure! How can Rupert and his new mermaid friend clear his name?
First episode set in Rocky Bay.
This episode provides examples of:
- Apparently Human Merfolk: Neptune can live and breathe underwater but looks fully human, unlike your run-of-the-mill-mermaid Marina.
- Chekhov's Gunman: The frightened fish seen swimming in the opening scene turns out to be pretty important.
- Clear My Name: Rupert and Marina try to figure out how to prove he didn’t kidnap the Whistle Fish or steal the treasure.
- Diegetic Soundtrack Usage: While strolling on the beach, Rupert whistles his own theme song.
- Fantastic Racism: It’s clear that King Neptune’s people so easily believe Rupert is the kidnapper just because he’s a Topworlder.
- Frame-Up: The real kidnappers frame Rupert for abducting the Whistle Fish and stealing the king’s treasure.
- Hostage for MacGuffin: The villains claim they’ve abducted King Neptune’s beloved Whistle Fish and demand his entire treasure as ransom (of course, they don’t bother to mention that she escaped and they don’t even have her to return anymore).
- Kangaroo Court: Sure, nobody knew the prosecutor was the real perp, but even Rupert knows you shouldn’t be able to call the judge as a witness!
- Literal-Minded: Since Rupert introduces himself to Marina as “Rupert Bear,” she uses his full name every time she speaks to him.
- Seahorse Steed: Marina summons one to break Rupert out of jail and get him to the surface.
- The Speechless: The Whistle Fish can’t speak words, but King Neptune can understand her whistling.
- Threatening Shark: Two of the villains are sharks, naturally.
