u/Equivalent-Idea-7550

Hi, I just wanna share my opinions on episode 9 after thinking about it for a while. First of all, I wanna say that I recently discovered TADC, like only 1-2 months ago. I watched every episode in like 3 days and it was a lot of fun (idk how you guys waited for everything for 3 years with those cliffhangers lol). When I discovered that the upcoming episode was the last one, I was like: how? Because there was so much to explore in just one episode. I already had the feeling that not everything would be explored.

• Opening scene

I liked the new opening scene with Pomni included in it and everyone looking shocked. I immediately recognized the fact that it was the original opening from the pilot with the long shot of the curtains without Caine and Bubble. It's not important to the story but I liked it, especially the ominous part: “day after day after day after day after...”

• Gang's reaction to Caine being deleted.

This part was interesting but a bit too short. In retrospect, I find it ironic that Jax said something like “Are we just gonna forgive him” when referring to Kinger deleting Caine. Knowing what Jax did since he's in the circus, it's kinda mind-blowing hearing him saying that lol. Especially if we take into account that Kinger did it by accident unlike Jax's bullying. Even if you say "It's a coping mechanism", it's intentional and ignores other people's feelings... But I guess Jax was freaking out with the whole situation which is kinda fair.

• Kinger reavealing everyone is actually brain scans

Kinger abruptly revealing that felt weird and is imo one of the details that showed there was too much content for one episode. But what I think was kinda disappointing is how they didn't explore this disturbing reveal more. And that is one of the many parts that confirms that I think this episode 9 should have been at least two episodes if not 3 (and that is while ignoring the fact that the characters imo should've been more developed which required imo more episodes before episode 7/8).

Jax (as a way to cope I guess?) says things that accentuate the pain of the reveal. What he said to Ragatha was crazy knowing that he also had an abusive mother. I can feel like they made Jax as “evil” as possible in his interactions throughout the series but damn it's like overly evil lol.

Something I liked about this scene is when Ragatha was breaking down, Pomni cheered her up and there is a shot where Pomni and Ragatha are on the left and Jax on the right while looking at the sky. And she says something like “we're in this together”. And I found it beautiful because she talked to Ragatha but it's like Jax listened to it and this kinda helped him as he starts to walk somewhere to digest everything.

It would have been very interesting to explore the psychological and philosophical implications of that reveal, especially since (I think) this story is supposed to be character-focused so that was a great opportunity to explore their interactions, or strengthen them or accentuate new ones (Pomni and Zooble? Jax and Kinger?...). Missed opportunity in my eyes.

• Kinger and Pomni

The scene after that with Pomni and Kinger was a "classic Kinger moment". It felt nice. Not sure why but I found Pomni extra cute in this scene too. Good scene honestly, felt classic (even tho I'm kinda new to TADC lol).

• Gang (except Jax) rebuilding slowly the circus

This scene is what definetly killed the exploration of the psychological impact of the reveal (which I guess is a choice from the author). Because it's implied (with the stars spinning) that a couple of times passes. And after that they all seemed kinda ok as they slowly come with Kinger and Pomni to help them. There is even a brief shot when we see Ragatha and Gangle laugh (which made me happy for Ragatha). This kind of healing should've been explored more. Gangle said she doesn't know when Ragatha is genuine and Ragatha felt left out at some point. So this kind of progress should've been explored more imo. I'll always respect the author's choices but I am expressing what I think could've been awesome or better.

The shots of Jax looking from afar were cool. They make you kinda sad for him in a way. When you think about it it's impressive how nobody abstracted a few hours (in TADC's time) after the reveal.

• Moments before Jax's abstraction

The biggest problem I have with the scene before Jax's abstraction, is Pomni's reaction to Jax coming to her before abstracting. I've seen people trying to defend this scene but it felt soooooo out of character.

Some people say: "it's normal that she didn't react because of how stressed out she felt" but Pomni (and that's one of her key traits) is always eager to help even in hard times. Just after the reveal she says hopeful words to Ragatha and she immediately wanted to help Kinger rebuild the ground. She even smiled when she finally succeeded in making a functional shape when rebuilding with Kinger. And throughout the series we've seen time and time again Pomni caring about everyone even an NPC (Gummigoo). So why now out of all times and with Jax out of every character? She stares at him silently. It was so weird. It could've worked if she said something like "do you need something?" then Jax says "actually no" then walks off. Then it would've been an "understandable unfortunate event". But here she says NOTHING. In this context it's so out of character.

Others say: "it's because the huge reveal was recent!!" but we've seen with the montage of the gang rebuilding the ground, stars spinning so it's implied that some time passes and we've even seen Gangle and Ragatha laugh so the atmosphere is not extremely joyful but kinda better.

So yeah I think this scene did Pomni wrong. She's always eager to help others and showed high emotional intelligence. The hardest part is that this time Jax didn't even come with a mask, a smile, a joke, a trick. The real him came to her. Maybe Jax never showed up to Pomni with a more vulnerable face. Usually people go to Jax trying to help him but here he came by himself like he needed something (which is huge coming from him)! But Pomni didn't react at all, not a word, not a blink. So out of character, this scene is indefensible for me and is maybe the biggest issue I have with this episode.

Also it's kind of weird that the gang left Jax alone for so long. They said "we're in this together" and "we're not gonna leave you to abstract somewhere". But here no support. I would go as far as to say that after such a difficult reveal it's kinda irresponsible for them to not actively check on each other. We everyone needed to process that but still quickly people need to check on each others. Leaving Ragatha and Jax both alone was crazy. Everyone thankfully came back (except Jax) but they could've abstracted out of despair alone just like Jax.

But again, what can you do with only one episode...

• Jax abstraction

It felt anticlimactic. I've seen people online say that it's just like in real life with suicide. It happens abruptly. I can see that (I've experienced a sudden announcement of someone close trying to kill themselves so I know the feeling) but still I think the execution was lacking.

Since Jax is such an important character even if we don't see his abstraction, the reveal could have been more suspenseful. I imagined this: One of the characters says: "Hey, we haven't seen Jax in a while" then the characters slowly show concern, running around, the viewers would have their heartbeats very fast and then one of the characters sees abstracted Jax. It would have been more dramatic (and painful especially for Jax's fans) but cinematically speaking cooler imo. But it's a choice and I respect the author's decision but even the abrupt reveal could have been better I think.

• Characters' reaction to Jax's abstraction

Not much to say. It follows Jax's abstraction being kinda anticlimactic. Even tho Jax is a horrible bully, they said he is "one of us". Feels like they didn't feel as sad as they should've imo. Felt weird and again... too fast....

One thing that didn't feel fast however was Pomni and Ragatha's hug and long stare. While this scene pleased me since I really like Pomni and Ragatha it felt so long. This scene was awkward and comforting at the same time but it kinda felt out of place because Pomni and Ragatha's friendship solidified off screen after the gun episode. Then we see them kinda close in the beach scenes.

That's why such a scene feels weird. Feels like we as viewers missed the reconciliation between them or the clarification of their friendship. So we only see their first encounter, then the "misunderstandings" and then it ends when they are BFFs. Again NME (needed more episodes).

• Pomni going in Jax's mind

Pomni's attempt was risky and weird because how did she know that what she did was even possible? And did she conjure the gun?

Other than that I guess Pomni going in Jax's mind, as weird as it was, was maybe the best part of episode 9. It was pretty creative. Here's my attempt at interpreting what happened here.

• First door

Jax looks at Ragatha's door with an X on it. Then we see Pomni coming to Jax saying if you want help you can come to me. Then we see Jax trying to suffocate her. This scene was very weird to me. I thought of this scene for a while cause it felt like it was just made for shock value. But after thinking about it maybe this represents that if Ragatha abstracts Jax would've acted with Pomni just like he did with Ragatha.

Throughout the series Jax tortures Ragatha for fun (shoots her, throws her in the deep fryer etc.). Ragatha is also a bit like Pomni, they try to be there for everyone.

It's also weird because Jax caressed Ragatha's picture with the X mark at the start of the scene. So... can we conclude that he cared about her? Then why act like that with her then? Or maybe this behaviour of trying to help him reminded him of Ribbit which he disliked thinking about.

Because if he accepted Ragatha or Pomni's help, it would emphasize that what he did with Ribbit was extremely wrong. (Which is not a good reason to refuse help, you can always change and accept your previous errors).

We could say that even tho it's an extreme reality, this shows that (at least a part of) Jax doesn't want to be helped which is why he's very hard to "fix". And maybe that's why Pomni saying she can fix her triggered Jax in this scene.

• Second door

The Gangle and Jax scene.... Don't really wanna talk about it lol. But this shows that Jax was attracted to Gangle? Kinda makes the comment "Aren't you supposed to be submissive and agreeable" in ep2 very weird. Unexpected to say the least, I thought Jax wanted to be "friends" with Gangle and bully her for his fun (maybe while thinking Gangle didn't mind) but I didn't know it was like that.

It's an extreme reality but it's implied there is a hint of truth in all of this at least in Jax's mind...

• Third door

The locked door. I don't know. The reality of Pomni abstracting?

• Fourth door

Looney tunesque reality where Gangle abstracted. I guess this shows that Jax likes to tease/troll Zooble to an extreme degree and we can see that throghout the series. They are almost like siblings those two (minus the bullying). Not much to say the animation was pretty cool.

• Fifth door

Door with every Jax. In this scene the maid Jax is more clearly "problematic". I guess it's an extreme reality with a hint of truth. Maybe we can see that in the series, what comes to mind is ep1 with "ladies first! Oh no why would I say that" while pushing Gangle.

Maid Jax: Chaotic part

Jax with the big eyes: hostile Jax that tries too hard to not show vulnerability

Goofy Jax: I guess this is the only part of him accurate to Jax's description saying he is "the funny guy". Always making jokes etc.

Jax playing the piano: The real Jax. It is shown with how he gives the key to Pomni to the "real door". It is also interesting that he is chained and bullied by the maid Jax. Maybe it means that the real Jax struggles with his other counterparts in his mind.

The knock on the door: Another Jax? The door is locked from the multiple Jaxes' side, which means (added with their reaction) that it is a part they are ashamed of. Maybe generally speaking Jax is embarrassed of that hidden part and mabye it is linked to the secret he told to his mother.

And maybe that part would've been also shown in the 3rd door which was also locked? But why? I guess it's open to interpretation.

• Jax's flashback

I found Jax's flashback very painful to see. Especially Ribbit. What Ribbit went through makes it almost impossible for me to forgive Jax. I would have been fine with him not abstracting and fully having a redemption arc even if it was fast and cheesy.

But even then Ribbit's slow depression caused by Jax was brutal. And I still feel sad about it. Didn't expect it to be this psychologically brutal. Nothing too mind-blowing but very well executed. It was so hard to watch.

• After the flashback

I guess everything after the flashback is kinda ok, nothing extraordinary. Like I said Ribbit's story crushed me so it was hard to feel bad about Jax. If anything up to this point I was pretty neutral even hopeful for Jax in episode 7/8.

But this backstory made it hard for me to have empathy for him.

Zooble's long arm picking up Pomni was cool but maybe it would have been cooler for everyone to contribute to Pomni's rescue. Also wow Kinger still exists (kinda sad we barely see him when he is finally sane, also he wasnt' in Jax's mind they have zero connections lol)

• The tent

First of all why was everything in color again? What happened?

Other than that like I said when watching this I felt sick for Ribbit and watching Jax having this sort of special treatment where he gets to rest in a tent felt kinda unfair in a way.

Also as others pointed out, is this really ok for Jax even if he is "calm" in the darkness? Is this a good ending? Because abstraction is most likely an allegory for suicide.

• Caine coming back

I'm not really surprised by him coming back (there was a poster with a bee with Caine's hat, I thought this was a spoiler so I was like ok he is coming back. But turns out there was no bee lol so guess that poster was fake? It was a good idea tho lol).

But the fact that there is no explanation is not a good move.

Some people say "it's obvious the recycle bin was not emptied" or "he just came back just like when he got replaced with the blue AI"...

The problem is that it's not clear at all and not clarified. I think having something like that open to interpretation is not good. I would've been ok even with a cheesy explanation.

Also where is Bubble?

And Caine randomly has access to the Internet? Is this new? Did he hide it from us? We don't know...

• Caine vs Jax

This is something I don't get while reading people's opinions on the movie.

I think the comparison is not good to make.

I don't really wanna detail everything but Caine is an AI and always tried to please the players from the start.

Yes he was overly controlling and maybe kinda had a God complex but he constantly tried to make the players' stay good.

The players throughout the series only complain and contradict themselves and also Zooble pushed Caine slowly into his madness.

Not saying he is not at fault but people paint Caine as a villain when in fact he never intended harm, the players (accidentally? stupidly?) pushed him to this state by almost only complaining, being contradictory and never seeing Caine as an equal (m aybe because at the time they only wanted to escape until episode 8 when it was too late)

So is it correct to make this weird opposition Jax vs Caine? I don't think so but I'm not going to detail everything.

• Post Caine's arrival scenes

The scene with everyone watching their real selves is interesting. I think it's good.

But there is a problem.

At one point their real selves will die. And they, the copies, will stay forever.

Will everyone react the same way knowing their real selves are dead?

It's weird to think about and again it would have been an interesting topic to tackle.

This is why TADC's ending is disappointing to some, it's supposed to be inspired by IHNMAIMS but the book tackles very interesting and deep subjects from what I've read.

But here in TADC, it feels like more could have been explored to make this story very good.

Then we see happy times with everyone.

It is kinda heartwarming but everything happened so fast...

There is a scene when Ragatha looks at the painting with everyone and she looks at Ribbit and looks sad until Pomni puts her hand on her shoulder.

This scene made me realize how much of a saint Ragatha is.

When you think about it, everything was kinda ok: she was with Kinger, Ribbit and Kaufmo.

Then Jax was the cause of Ribbit's abstraction and Kaufmo and constantly bullies everyone.

How was she so patient?

I've seen people calling her annoying in a few parts of the show.

Boy if I were in her shoes I would've made Jax's life in the circus hell.

It's a miracle she had this positive attitude all this time.

• TADC's message

Also as other pointed out you're kinda confused at the end of what kind of message is the story trying to tell?

Because it feels very discouraging to people who see themselves in Jax. I would go as far as to say that even as a “helper” when you see the way Ribbit, Ragatha and Pomni were treated maybe some people will be like “is it worth it to help people?”. You even wished Ribbit never cared about Jax but is that a good message?

This poses a very interesting topic : Does an author when writing a story has a responsibility of what could create their story? And if it can be negative for the viewers are they morally obligated to change it when writing it?

• TLDR/Conclusion

The show needed more episodes and episode 9's content could've been two or three episodes.

Some parts needed to be explained, others were too fast.

Some themes could've been more explored...

It feels like TADC could've been way better which is a bit frustrating.

Pomni not responding to Jax before his abstraction was the biggest flaw of the episode because of how OOC it was.

And Ribbit's flashback broke me.

I think episode 9 is the weakest episode in terms of writing quality and I would rate it around 5/10 but this doesn't change that overall TADC is fun, but it will always be sad how much it could've been with the universe it presented.

Also unlike some people I didn't have a problem with Jax taking most of the screentime but it would've been better with more episodes with other characters and episode 9 divided in more episodes.