Reed, ever-curious, sends a probe into the newly-discovered Negative Zone. Unfortunately, the energy from the probe makes the Four begin to shrink. At first, this is more amusing or inconvenient than anything else, but as it continues, the team faces the very real possibility of shrinking out of existence. Can even the help of a friend save them?
This episode contains examples of the following trope a:
- Always Wanted to Say That: Ben snarks that Hank Pym has probably been holding the "I thought you'd be taller" line in reserve for a long time.Ben: You've been waiting your whole life to say that, haven't you?
- Brick Joke: Midway through the episode, Reed lets slip that he's having a "shrinking contest" with another superhero. At the end of the episode, he comments, "And Hank? I totally won our bet."
- The Cameo: the team receives help from a friend of Reed's: Hank Pym aka Ant-Man.
- Chekhov's Gunman: Reed mentions "Pym particles" soon after he wakes up. Later the man himself turns up.
- Could Say It, But...: Reed, after he gets a bit too excited about the accidental "breakthrough".Susan: What? Tell me you're not involved in a shrinking contest with some other scientist.Reed: All right. (cheerfully) But I think I'm gonna win.
- Cuteness Proximity: Susan's potential wrath is completely defused by a dog Johnny is taking care of.
- Expecting Someone Taller: Hank jokes that he pictured the Four as being taller.
- Freak Out: Poor HERBIE panics, thinking the Four are first rats, then mice.
- Hope Spot: HERBIE thinks the Four are vermin due to their shrinking and engages the pest control systems. During the ensuing fight, the Four shrink again, causing HERBIE to announce that the rats are eliminated. Johnny barely has time for an insult before HERBIE squeals that he's detected mice.
- Missed Her By That Much: When Reed realizes that Alicia is in the house, he tries to get her attention. Alicia even thinks she hears his voice for a moment, but she walks out.
- Mundane Utility: How does Ben approach being shrunk? He makes a sandwich, defending his choice by saying that he may never have the chance to make one this big again.
- Precious Puppies: Susan coos over the dog Johnny is watching.
- Say My Name: Susan, twice, when Johnny's startled scream wakes her up.Susan [gasps]: Johnny! [Tumbles out of bed and notices she's shrunk] REED!
- Screams Like a Little Girl: Johnny lets out a high-pitched squeal when he wakes up to find the dog he's watching on his bed, bigger than him.
- Ship Tease: Alicia comes over for a moment and says she and Ben are going out to breakfast.
- Suspiciously Specific Denial: When Alicia is talking to HERBIE (who thinks the Four are vermin), she asks, "Did you just hear Reed?" HERBIE answers, "No, and I didn't hear any rats either."
