History Heartwarming / CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteers

** Ma-Ti spends the trip to Skumm's latest operation brooding over how useless he thinks he is. As the rest of the team scrambles out of the Geo-Cruiser, Wheeler notices Ma-Ti still sitting in his chair and urges him to come on, even calling him "[[AffectionateNickname little buddy]]." When Ma-Ti declares that he's a burden and he's not going, Wheeler tries to convince him otherwise, only leaving when [[CheerfulChild Ma-Ti]], [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness uncharacteristically irritated]], snaps at him to leave him alone.

** Then, as he's climbing the aforementioned gas chamber's wall and starts doubting himself again, Gaia shows up to give him much-needed comfort and encouragement. Not only that, but also she starts the pep talk by saying that she saw he needed help, implying that, while she only turns up in person in extreme emergencies, Gaia is always watching over her team while they're on a mission.

** Wheeler takes advantage of being paired with Linka for clue-hunting to flirt with her, and she actually reciprocates. The two almost kiss before the dragon shows up and spoils the moment.
** When Linka catches her foot in a root system and they can't extricate it, she begs Wheeler to run away and save himself. Predictably, he refuses. He attacks the dragon head-on with his fire ring, and when that fails, [[DrawAggro draws it after himself]] to give Linka a chance to escape.

* "[[Recap/CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteersS1E6TheConqueror The Conqueror]]": Four of the Planeteers are fooled by [[BigBad Zarm]] and unwittingly switch their allegiance to him. [[Tearjerker/CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteers Tearjerker]] ensues - until Gaia comes to the kids as a mortal and shows them what Zarm is really like. The scene where they apologize definitely makes up for that, though. Especially that part where Gaia hugs Gi and [[PlatonicKissing kisses her forehead]]. [[Awesome/CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteers And it gets even better when they confront Zarm...]]
* "Volcano's Wrath": Watching the Planeteers rush off to their mission prompts [[MotherNature Gaia]] to say: "[[TeamMom Children.]] [[SoProudOfYou They make a mother proud]]".

* "[[Recap/CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteersS1E19OzoneHole Ozone Hole]]": As the episode begins, Gi, Kwame, and Linka note with dismay that the day will clearly be hot. Cue Wheeler and Ma-Ti, carrying a newly-purchased air-conditioner, which Wheeler notes with satisfaction will cool down one of their huts, implying that he bought it for the team as a whole. All of them are clearly relieved by the break from the heat, and Gi and Ma-Ti even compliment Wheeler for coming up with the idea. [[TheComplainerIsAlwaysWrong Even if it's dinged by the episode focusing on the environmental dangers of air conditioners]], it's still a sweet moment while it lasts.

** One that takes a bit of thought: given that Wheeler just prevented himself from joining the team rather than wishing himself out of existence à la ''Film/ItsAWonderfulLife'', presumably he had a life in the alternate timeline, but he never sees it. It isn't needed for him to decide. Seeing what his absence did to the others is enough to convince him to return things to normal, despite the risk and trouble to himself. In the same style as George Bailey, he's gleeful about being back, even though he's still in the same mess that prompted everything, because it means the world and the people he loves are safe.
** Also, [[FriendshipMoment the scene when the other Planeteers break through and reveal what they did to save Wheeler from the cave-in]]; they spent ''hours'' digging. The pollution in the area sapped Captain Planet's strength, meaning that the only way to reach Wheeler before the oxygen ran out was to break the ice themselves. Just before the exhausted superhero returns their powers, he expresses his faith that they can and will succeed where he failed, and they do, because as Linka says, there's no way they're abandoning Wheeler to die.

*** When they about the situation in Washington, Kwame worries that Linka's unusual absence could be because she's hooked on the drug herself. Wheeler dismisses the possibility out of hand, saying that Linka is too smart to do drugs. While he's unfortunately wrong about Linka's situation ([[SlippingAMickey though his reasoning is correct]]), it demonstrates that his feelings for her aren't just physical; he respects her a great deal.

** Then, after Zarm traps the Planeteers in a toxic tornado, only Wheeler is shown holding someone protectively – [[ShipTease and that someone is Linka]].

* "The Great Tree Heist": Captain Planet is so badly injured by Greedly that he is unable to be summoned, leading to the Planeteers thinking he's dead. Later, Captain Planet is summoned in time to save the Planeteers from being killed by Greedly. After he gets them to safety, Gi and Linka jump out of the Geo-Cruiser and run into his arms. Captain Planet hugs them back, looking like the happiest person alive.

** Ma-Ti tearfully admits that the day he received his Heart ring and became a Planeteer was the best day of his life, knowing that he could use his power to help other people and the Earth. His voice audibly wavers when he says this; it's honestly very touching to see how seriously he takes his job despite the MemeticLoser status he has among the fandom. HeartIsAnAwesomePower, indeed.

* "[[Recap/CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteersS2E23HateCanal Hate Canal]]": When Ma-Ti collapses from illness after [[ItMakesSenseInContext being bitten by a mutated rat]], Wheeler immediately scoops him up and says they need to get to a hospital. When Skumm sics a horde of rats on them, Wheeler [[CrisisCatchAndCarry spends the entire escape sequence]] cradling Ma-Ti against his chest as the younger boy moans in pain and ultimately falls unconscious. Later, he hands his [[AffectionateNickname "little buddy"]] over to Kwame... only because he needs to use his ring. Otherwise, he probably would've carried Ma-Ti all the way to the hospital.

* "Hate Canal": When Ma-Ti gets very sick after [[ItMakesSenseInContext being bitten by a mutated rat]], Wheeler [[CrisisCatchAndCarry picks him up and escapes]] along with the rest of the team. Later, he hands his [[AffectionateNickname "little buddy"]] over to Kwame... only because he needs to use his ring. Otherwise, he probably would've carried Ma-Ti all the way to the hospital.

* "[[Recap/CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteersS1E26HeatWave Heat Wave]]": Upon returning to Hope Island, the Planeteers find Gaia too sick and weak to stand on her own. The interesting thing is that the team member who cradles her caringly as she begs them to stop Dr. Blight is ''not'' either of the {{Nice Guy}}s: Ma-Ti or Kwame, nor either of the girls. It's Wheeler. Later, after the team is forced to scramble to the Crystal Chamber's roof to call Captain Planet, he pulls a platonic version of LapPillow because Gaia is now too sick even to sit up. [[EvenBadMenLoveTheirMamas Even smart-alecky tough guys love their (unofficially adopted) mamas.]]

*** When Gi hears about the situation in Washington, she worries that Linka's unusual absence could be because she's hooked on the drug herself. Wheeler dismisses the possibility out of hand, saying that Linka is too smart to do drugs. While he's unfortunately wrong about Linka's situation ([[SlippingAMickey though his reasoning is correct]]), it demonstrates that his feelings for her aren't just physical; he respects her a great deal.

* "[[Recap/CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteersS2E1MindPollution Mind Pollution]]": Despite Wheeler's anger at Boris for drugging Linka, he tells Linka to "do it for Boris" when she's having trouble focusing enough to use her ring. Linka's face takes on a determined look, and she succeeds.

* "Heat Wave": Upon returning to Hope Island, the Planeteers find Gaia too sick and weak to stand on her own. The interesting thing is that the team member who cradles her caringly as she begs them to stop Dr. Blight is ''not'' either of the {{Nice Guy}}s: Ma-Ti or Kwame, nor either of the girls. It's Wheeler.

** In general, Captain Planet and Gaia don't have much screen time together, but in this episode, while getting rid of Zarm, Cap manages to give Gaia [[ShipTease a quick, yet very affectionate hug]]. It becomes more heartwarming (and a little funny) when one notices [[ShipperOnDeck Kwame and Wheeler's]] reactions to it [[FunnyBackgroundEvent in the background]].

** Ma-Ti spends the trip to Skumm's latest operation brooding over how useless he thinks he is. As the rest of the team scrambles out of the Geo-Cruiser, Wheeler notices Ma-Ti still sitting in his chair and urges him to come on, even calling him "[[AffectionateNickname little buddy]]." When Ma-Ti declares that he's a burden and he's not going, Wheeler tries to convince him otherwise, only leaving when Ma-Ti, uncharacteristically irritated, snaps at him to leave him alone.

* "Kwame's Crisis": When Kwame temporarily leaves the Planeteers under the impression that he can't make a difference, a little girl named Katie shows him that not everyone is as apathetic and careless as he thinks, restoring his faith and inspiring him to rescue the others from Sly Sludge.

** One that takes a bit of thought: given that Wheeler just prevented himself from joining the team rather than wishing himself out of existence à la ''Film/ItsAWonderfulLife'', presumably he had a life in the alternate timeline, but he never sees it. It isn't needed for him to decide. Seeing what his absence did to the others is enough to convince him to return things to normal, despite the risk and trouble to himself. In the same style as George Bailey, he's gleeful about being back, even though he's still in the same mess that prompted everything.

*** Wheeler is ecstatic to see Ma-Ti back to his young, idealistic self, because the last time he saw him he was a middle-aged beggar with barely any spirit left after a hard life. Ma-Ti, not understanding Wheeler's reference to giving up on everything, says that he would never give up on Wheeler; he's his ''amigo''[[note]]"friend" in Spanish[[/note]].
*** Gi brings up that the plan to extricate Wheeler was Linka's, and she didn't care how impractical it was. [[{{Tsundere}} Of course, Linka tries to play aloof, but promptly undercuts herself.]]

** Right before attacking the Planeteers, Zarm mocks Gaia by calling them "[her] precious Planeteers", then presents her with a SadisticChoice: to save herself or the kids. [[ActOfTrueLove She chooses the latter]], thus cementing her position as their [[ParentalSubstitute surrogate]] [[TeamMom mother]] and giving them all the more reason not to give up until they rescue her from Zarm.

* "Dirty Politcs": In the possible future, we see MAL gaining a MoralityPet in Dr. Blight's daughter Betsi, who is by far sweeter and more heroic than her mother to the point that she actively tries to help the present and future Planeteers stop her mom from becoming president. MAL tries to pull a HeroicSacrifice at one point to save Betsi and ends up doing a full HeelFaceTurn.

* "Heat Wave": Upon returning to Hope Island, the Planeteers find Gaia very sick and weak. The interesting thing is that the one to cradle her caringly is ''not'' either of the {{Nice Guy}}s: Ma-Ti or Kwame, nor either of the girls. It's Wheeler.

* "Summit to Save Earth, Part 1":

* "[[Recap/CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteersS2E1MindPollution Mind Pollution]]": Despite Wheeler's anger at Boris for drugging Linka, he tells Linka to "do it for Boris" when she's having trouble focusing enough to use her ring. Linka's face takes on a determined look, and she succeeds.

** Also, [[FriendshipMoment the scene when the other Planeteers break through and reveal what they did to save Wheeler from the cave-in]]; they spent ''hours'' digging, because the pollution in the area sapped Captain Planet's strength.

*** Wheeler is ecstatic to see Ma-Ti back to his young, idealistic self, because the last time he saw him he was an aged beggar with barely any spirit left after a hard life. Ma-Ti, not understanding Wheeler's reference to giving up on everything, says that he would never give up on Wheeler; he's his ''amigo''[[note]]"friend" in Spanish[[/note]].

** In general, Captain Planet and Gaia don't have much screen time together, but in this episode, while getting rid of Zarm, Cap manages to give Gaia [[ShipTease a quick, yet very affectionate hug]]... [[FunnyBackgroundEvent which doesn't]] [[Funny/CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteers go unnoticed]] [[ShipperOnDeck by Kwame and Wheeler]].

* "101 Mutations" ends on a rather happy note by having Wheeler's cousin Joey able to take in Lady and her puppy as pets and the undercover agent adopting Dr. Blight's mistreated guard dogs Crasher and Lasher.

** When Linka catches her foot in a root system and they can't extricate it, she begs Wheeler to run away and save himself. Predictably, he refuses. He attacks the dragon head-on with his fire ring, and, when that fails, [[DrawAggro draws it after himself]] to give Linka a chance to escape.

** In general, Captain Planet and Gaia don't have much screen time together, but in this episode, while getting rid of Zarm, Cap manages to give Gaia [[ShipTease a quick, yet very affectionate hug,]] [[ShipperOnDeck which doesn't go unnoticed by Kwame and Wheeler]].

* "OK At the Gunfight Corral":
** Ma-Ti tearfully admits that the day he received his Heart ring and became a Planeteer was the best day of his life, knowing that he could use his power to help other people and the Earth. His voice audibly wavers when he says this; it's honestly very touching to see how seriously he takes his job despite the MemeticLoser status he has among the fandom. HeartIsAnAwesomePower, indeed.
** On top of that, upon seeing Ma-Ti crying, Gi comes over and hugs him, which he responds by burying his face in her shoulder.
* When Kwame temporarily leaves the Planeteers under the impression that he can't make a difference in "Kwame's Crisis", a little girl named Katie shows him that not everyone is as apathetic and careless as he thinks, restoring his faith and inspiring him to rescue the others from Sly Sludge.
-->'''Kwame''': You make me ashamed of myself for doubting that there are people who care. I just wish everyone would follow your example.\\
'''Katie''': Maybe they will. If a kid like me can do it, anyone can!

** Ma-Ti spends the trip to Skumm's latest operation brooding over how useless he thinks he is. As the rest of the team scrambles out of the Geocruiser, Wheeler notices Ma-Ti still sitting in his chair and urges him to come on, even calling him "[[AffectionateNickname little buddy]]." When Ma-Ti declares that he's a burden and he's not going, Wheeler tries to convince him otherwise, only leaving when Ma-Ti, uncharacteristically irritated, snaps at him to leave him alone.

** One that takes a bit of thought: given that Wheeler just prevented himself from joining the team rather than wishing himself out of existence ala ''Film/ItsAWonderfulLife'', presumably he had a life in the alternate timeline, but he never sees it. It isn't needed for him to decide. Seeing what his absence did to the others is enough to convince him to return things to normal, despite the risk and trouble to himself. In the same style as George Bailey, he's gleeful about being back even though he's still in the same mess that prompted everything.
** Also, [[FriendshipMoment the scene when the other Planeteers break through and reveal what they did to save Wheeler from the cave-in]]; they spent hours digging, because the pollution in the area sapped Captain Planet's strength.

*** Wheeler is ecstatic to see Ma-Ti back to his young, idealistic self, because the last time he saw him he was an aged beggar with barely any spirit left after a hard life. Ma-Ti, not understanding Wheeler's reference to giving up on everything, says that he would never give up on Wheeler; he's his ''amigo.''[[note]]"friend" in Spanish[[/note]]

* "Heat Wave": Upon returning to Hope Island, the Planeteers find Gaia very sick and weak. The interesting thing is that the one to cradle her caringly is neither either of the {{Nice Guy}}s: Ma-Ti or Kwame, nor either of the girls. It's Wheeler.

** In general, Captain Planet and Gaia don't have much screen time together, but in this episode, while getting rid of Zarm, the Captain manages to give Gaia a quick, yet very affectionate hug, which doesn't go unnoticed by Kwame and Wheeler.

* "The Great Tree Heist": Captain Planet is so badly injured by Greedly that he is unable to be summoned, leading to the Planeteers thinking he's dead. Later, Captain Planet is summoned in time to save the Planeteers from being killed by Greedly. After getting them to safety, Gi and Linka jump out of the Geo-Cruiser and run into his arms. Captain Planet hugs them back, looking like the happiest person alive.

** Linka tells a similar story. As a young kid, she and her grandmother raised canaries which served in the mine as gas-detectors. She didn't find it fair, however, that they were dying in mine-related gas leaks; the sorrow she felt about one of them prompted her to dedicate her life to protecting birds.

** After the events in "Missing Linka", Wheeler and Linka's frustrated [[BelligerentSexualTension arguing]] and [[UnresolvedSexualTension sniping]] evolves into friendly flirtation and banter, showing that they've finally relaxed into a mutually-affectionate relationship, if not a [[RelationshipUpgrade fully romantic coupling]] (which would interfere with their work). It is also implied by their conversations in later episodes that they want to [[MaybeEverAfter eventually marry]] and [[BabiesEverAfter raise children]].

** Then, as he's climbing the aforementioned gas chamber's wall and starts doubting himself again, Gaia shows up to give him a much-needed comfort and encouragement.

** While the other Planeteers are searching for Wheeler later, Linka's eyes are visibly brimming as she says that she'll never forgive herself if something happened to him. When Gi brings him back safely, Linka immediately hugs him, causing Wheeler to declare that this would be worth getting caught all the time.
* "[[Recap/CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteersS1E6TheConqueror The Conqueror]]": Four of the Planeteers are fooled by [[BigBad/WesternAnimation Zarm]] and choose him over Gaia. [[Tearjerker/CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteers Tearjerker]] ensues - until Gaia comes to the kids as a mortal and shows them what Zarm is really like. The scene where they apologize definitely makes up for that, though. Especially that part where Gaia hugs Gi and [[PlatonicKissing kisses her forehead]]. [[Awesome/CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteers And it gets even better when they confront Zarm...]]

* "The Conqueror": Four of the Planeteers are fooled by [[BigBad/WesternAnimation Zarm]] and choose him over Gaia. [[Tearjerker/CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteers Tearjerker]] ensues - until Gaia comes to the kids as a mortal and shows them what Zarm is really like. The scene where they apologize definitely makes up for that, though. Especially that part where Gaia hugs Gi and [[PlatonicKissing kisses her forehead]]. [[Awesome/CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteers And it gets even better when they confront Zarm...]]

--> '''Kwame''': You make me ashamed of myself for doubting that there are people who care. I just wish everyone would follow your example.
--> '''Katie''': Maybe they will. If a kid like me can do it, anyone can!

** Then, after Zarm traps the Planeteers toxic tornado, only Wheeler is shown holding someone protectively – [[ShipTease and that someone is Linka]].

--->'''Rebelling!Wheeler:''' I never thought of it that way.\\
'''Reformed!Wheeler:''' I know. (''quieter'') I just hope it's not too late to save Gaia.

* "A Mine is a Terrible Thing to Waste, Part 2":

** When Linka catches her foot in a root system and they can't extricate it, she begs Wheeler to run away and save himself. Predictably, he refuses. He attacks the dragon head-on with his fire ring, and, when that fails, draws it after himself to give Linka a chance to escape.

* "The Conqueror": Four of the Planeteers are fooled by [[BigBad/WesternAnimation Zarm]] and choose him over Gaia. [[Tearjerker/CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteers Tearjerker]] ensues - until Gaia comes to the kids as a mortal and shows them what Zarm is really like. The scene where they apologize definitely makes up for that, though. Especially that part where Gaia hugs Gi and kisses her forehead. [[Awesome/CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteers And it gets even better when they confront Zarm...]]

*** Wheeler is ecstatic to see Ma-Ti back to his young, idealistic self, because the last time he saw him he was an aged beggar who had almost completely given up. Ma-Ti, not understanding Wheeler's reference to giving up on everything, says that he would never give up on Wheeler; he's his ''amigo.''[[note]]"friend" in Spanish[[/note]]

* "'Teers in the Hood": Wheeler not only talks Gi out of outright killing the guy who shot her friend, but even hugs her as she is crying into his chest.

** Ma-Ti tearfully admits that the day he received his Heart ring and became a Planeteer was the best day of his life, knowing that he could use his power to help other people and the Earth. His voice audibly wavers when he says this, it's honestly very touching to see how seriously he takes his job despite the MemeticLoser status he has among the fandom. HeartIsAnAwesomePower, indeed.

--> '''Kwame''': "You make me ashamed of myself for doubting that there are people who care. I just wish everyone would follow your example."
--> '''Katie''': "Maybe they will. If a kid like me can do it, anyone can!"

** Also, the scene when the other Planeteers break through and reveal what they did to save Wheeler from the cave-in; they spent hours digging, because the pollution in the area sapped Captain Planet's strength.

*** Gi brings up that Linka didn't care how impractical the scheme to extricate Wheeler was. [[{{Tsundere}} Of course, she tries to play aloof, but promptly undercuts herself.]]

* "Heat Wave": Upon returning to Hope Island, the Planeteers find Gaia very sick and weak. The interesting thing is that the one to cradle her caringly is neither any of the {{Nice Guy}}s: Ma-Ti or Kwame, nor any of the girls. It's Wheeler.

'''Reformed!Wheeler:''' I know. (''quieter:'') I just hope it's not too late to save Gaia.

** Also, the scene when the other Planeteers appear and reveal what they did to save Wheeler from the cave-in; they spent hours digging, because the pollution in the area sapped Captain Planet's strength.

*** The others bring up that Linka didn't care how impractical the scheme to extricate Wheeler was. Of course, she tries to play aloof, but promptly undercuts herself.

** Linka tells a similar story. As a young kid, she and her grandmother raised [[CanaryInTheCoalMine canaries which served in the mine as gas-detectors]]. She didn't find it fair, however, that they were dying in mine-related gas leaks; the sorrow she felt about one of them prompted her to dedicate her life to protecting birds.

-->'''Wheeler:''' [[MakesSenseInContext Gaia, please be ALIVE!]]

-->'''Rebelling!Wheeler:''' I never thought of it that way.\\

-->'''Captain Planet:''' They're in for a real future shock.\\

** Also, the scene when the other Planeteers appear and reveal what they did to save Wheeler from the cave-in; especially in Linka's case.
-->'''Linka:''' I would do the same for anyone... (''suddenly clings to Wheeler'') Oh! You had me so worried!

* "A Mine is a Terrible Thing to Waste, Part 2": Gi is helping an injured Wheeler as the group leaves a cave. She reveals that her love for sea creatures (especially dolphins) has been part of her since she was a little girl and tells him of a time she was friends with a dolphin named Tisa, that she was forced to leave behind. A year later, she came back to find Tisa dying due to the ocean being polluted, which devastated her. In present day, she ''vehemently'' states that she made a vow that she'd ''never'' let a friend down like that again.
** Linka tells a similar story. As a young kid, she and her grandmother raised canaries which served in the mine as gas-detectors. She didn't find it fair, however, that they were dying in mine-related gas leaks; the sorrow she felt about one of them prompted her to dedicate her life to protecting birds.
* "Missing Linka": Linka spends most of the episode running around by herself. While she's inside a mine, she falls and gets knocked unconscious, and is then saved by a mysterious bundled stranger (not for the first time that day either), who runs away after she comes to. It's later discovered that the mystery man is none other than Wheeler. At the end of the episode, when Linka decides to [[TenMinuteRetirement leave the team]], she finally shares a [[TheBigDamnKiss passionate]] [[FirstKiss kiss]] with Wheeler to both say goodbye, and to thank him for saving her life.

* "No Place Like Home": The Planeteers happily swarming over Gaia when they finally find her... and then again, on Hope Island, once they're all safe. The first time they do this, Captain Planet even calls it a "family reunion. Sort of".

* In "OK At the Gunfight Corral", Ma-Ti tearfully admits that the day he received his Heart ring and became a Planeteer was the best day of his life, knowing that he could use his power to help other people and the Earth. His voice audibly wavers when he says this, it's honestly very touching to see how seriously he takes his job despite the MemeticLoser status he has among the fandom. HeartIsAnAwesomePower, indeed.

* "Two Futures, Part 2" has [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Wheeler]] showing fondness for Gaia, and the other Planeteers caring about their friend. To be more precise:

* "Dirty Politcs": In the possible future, we see MAL gaining a MoralityPet in Dr. Blight's daughter Betsi, who is by far sweeter and more heroic than her mother to the point that she actively tries to help the present and future Planeteers stop her mom from becoming president. MAL tries to pull a HeroicSacrifice at one point to save Betsi [[spoiler:and ends up doing a full HeelFaceTurn]].

* When Kwame temporarily leaves the Planeteers under the impression that he can't make a difference in "Kwame's Crisis", a little girl named Katie shows him that not everyone is as apathetic and careless and he thinks, restoring his faith and inspiring him to rescue the others from Sly Sludge.

* "Missing Linka": Linka spends most of the episode running around by herself. While she's inside a mine, she falls and gets knocked unconscious. She's saved by a mysterious bundled stranger (not for the first time that day either), who runs away after she comes to. It's later discovered that the mystery man is none other than Wheeler. She even kisses him for the first time to thank him for saving her life.