Even Hank’s plot in this episode explores the obsessive obligations of being in a relationship and what he expects from Sirena. “The Forecast Manufacturer” effectively connects these obligations, all through a massive blizzard, which makes for an entertaining environment for this busy episode.

Since this unseasonal blizzard is such a focal point of this episode, let’s just take a minute to single out how beautiful the animation is in this installment. All of the portals in the sky off on the Creep’s base are just pure eye candy, especially when played in tandem with all of the snow effects. They add so much to the overall quality of whatever is going on and it’s always a little startling to take in how much the quality and ambition of the animation has improved through the years.

“The Forecast Manufacturer” begins with this raging blizzard already in full effect and Rusty is the one that inevitably gets a call to action on the matter (although the emergency call is a fairly foreign process for him—he initially perceives it to be a bomb). It’s exciting to see how much Rusty’s attitude has changed this season. He’s more confident, independent, and actually a capable individual. It’s a refreshing fit for the character and it wouldn’t be surprising if his recent encounter with his father allowed him some closure to move on in a lot of respects.

Rusty’s blizzard-squashing storyline feels a little more light-hearted and non-essential than the material that the bulk of this season has turned out. It’s a nice look for the episode and it’s fun to get more of a breezy story from him in this installment. There is a more sinister side to this storm, but it completely evades Rusty’s mission. Rusty is willing to be the hero here, but he still needs a partner to help pull this off. When Hank and Brock are less than enthusiastic about this, Rusty isn’t left with many options.

Even though Billy is beyond eager to contribute his skills and be Rusty’s number two, Dr. Venture would rather have anyone else on his side. This combative character dynamic is a steady well to draw from through the first part of the episode. Even though Rusty rebukes Billy’s offers, he does end up as his de facto partner throughout the episode, which makes for an interesting Team Venture. There’s a great energy between the two of them, but what’s even better is that the episode juxtaposes their adventures with the Monarch and Gary’s caper. In doing so it really becomes clear how much of a mirror they are to each other. I would have never thought of Billy and Gary as comparable characters, but they’re both really perfect counterpoints and fulfill the same purposes here.