Wanda has been receiving a series of cryptic letters, causing her to fear that someone is out to get her. Wishbone imagines himself as Henry Tilney in Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen.
This is the second of two episodes based on a Jane Austen novel. It's preceded by "Furst Impressions," which adapts Pride and Prejudice.
This episode features Amy Acker in an early role as Catherine Morland.
Tropes
- Adaptational Context Change: In the episode, the Oh Wait, This Is My Grocery List bit occurs during Catherine's "Rear Window" Investigation. These are two separate incidents in the original novel. Notably, this change necessitates the explanation that the laundry list belonged to the late Mrs. Tilney whereas part of the novel's resolution involves the laundry list belonging to a viscount who is subsequently paired with Eleanor.
- Adapted Out: The Northanger Abbey adaptation leaves out James Morland, Frederick Tilney, and Mr. Allen.
- Demoted to Extra: Mrs. Allen only appears briefly when Catherine is being introduced. With her love interests cut from the story, Isabella Thorpe is pretty much reduced to being John's sidekick.
- Ill-Timed Sneeze: This is how Wishbone as Henry exposes himself when he's spying on Catherine.
- Lies to Children: Explaining what gothic novels are, Wishbone's narration says that "gothic" means "mysterious." That's not exactly true, but it's a succinct explanation that comes close enough for the show's target demographic. And it's enough to make the plot of Northanger Abbey understandable to kids.
- No Animals Allowed: It turns out the post office is yet another Oakdale locale where dogs aren't allowed.
- Regency England: Being a Jane Austen adaptation, the fantasy story takes place in this era.
- Snooping Little Kid: Subverted. A subplot features Melina, Marcus, and Emily trying to solve the mystery of Wanda's letters, but it amounts to nothing. It appears they were Wrong Genre Savvy, just like Catherine Morland.
- Surprise Party: In the end, it turns out the cryptic messages were just to distract Wanda from the surprise birthday party everyone was preparing for her.
- Wildlife Commentary Spoof: Wishbone does one about Wanda's plastic flamingos and toucan mailbox:Wishbone: Today on Wanda's Wilderness, we study the migrating habits of yard flamingoes. The yard flamingo doesn't need a lot of space, and it's rarely been seen to fly, but it will suddenly reappear somewhere else when you least expect it. This gives the yard flamingo a reputation as the most feared bird in the yard. Ah, and then there's the peg-leg toucan, which has been known to eat the entire arm of a — [mailman opens the toucan mailbox to insert mail] — careful, Dan, that's one hungry bird!
