This was hands down a great episode, most likely the best one that’s aired so far. We see my favorite recurring character, Varian, and they actually managed to make Cassandra a likable character. I’m not going to break it up into separate storylines since everyone seemed to share the same one. So instead I’ll go scene by scene.

We start off with Cassandra complaining— no surprise there— about setting up for the Science Expo. And who appears to be entering the competition? None other than the best side character, Varian the young alchemist, who apparently has a crush on Cass or Cassie, which is a cute nickname he came up with but of course Cassandra rejects it. I don’t know if this whole crush situation was established during his first appearance with her, but its cute. Anyway a guard tells Cass that she might have a chance to impress her dad by being a temporary guard for the expo. Next thing you know, she literally just ditches him. But it is understandable because it is her goal to become more than just a handmaiden. We also see the return of her owl, who still lacks a name. I swear if we don’t get a bonding episode between the Owl and Cass that results in it getting a name, I will be really disappointed.

Next we see Maximus and the guards discussing guard stuff. This is a good opportunity to bring up the fact that Pascal and Maximus don’t really do much in this series. I mean I don’t really know what Pascal would do, but it would be nice to see Maximus being a badass tracker and royal guard again. IDK. It’s still pretty early on in the series and there’s no central villain yet. Maybe when we get more into the central plot of the season we will see everyone in battle mode again and wielding frying pans. But anyway, Cass is able to help with the guard duties as long as she finishes her handmaiden duties and finishes setting up for the Expo.

Next we see Eugene and Rapunzel checking out different inventions. We even get to see Shorty this episode being disgusting and unnerving as usual. But then we see another contestant named Fernanda Pizazzo. And I’ve gotta say that her character design is very riveting. She just looks so colorful and unique. I really wouldn’t mind seeing her return in the future. Rapunzel must have sense that wonderful aura Fernanda was giving off because she gets inspired to create an invention.

Cass is setting up for the Expo when Varian shows up. Varian gets to show off his amazing alchemy skills, which is pretty cool BTW. I mean I don’t know if what he is saying is true or just a bunch of science mumbo-jumbo. Cass notices his skills and tries to use him like the evil mastermind she is. They make a deal that if Varian helps Cass with her chores then Cass has to be Varian’s assistant for the Expo. After a visually stunning alchemic montage we see Cass actually open up to Varian and share with him her concerns about becoming a guard. They even have similar daddy issues. And because Varian is such a good person, he offers to finish up her chores so that she can do her guard duties. The whole scene is just so adorable. Cass even labels them as friends and I’m pretty sure it wasn’t sarcastic.

We see Rapunzel trying to invent things that have already been invented, such as a yo-yo and the guillotine. The guillotine was for chopping fruit but we see a funny gag of the fruit are victimized. Eugene tells Rapunzel to think of something more practical, which gets her gears turning.

Varian has just finished Cass’s chores when all the guards break their backs on a slippery, wet floor—maybe Rapunzel should invent a sign that warns people about this. The captain asks Cassandra if she could guard the judge of the Science Expo, Dr. Saint Croix, who is a stuck-up asshole. And of course we see Cassandra doing what she does best: being an asshole. She accepts the position even after all that Varian has done for her to even get a temporary spot on the guard. This honestly didn’t surprise me in the slightest. Cassandra has always been pretty selfish, untrusting, and disrespectful. Her and St. Croix are perfect for each other.

We see her break the news to Varian who is rightfully disappointed and has to find a new partner. We see Rapunzel’s invention, the Megatron. A giant horse-and-chameleon-powered fan that dries your hair in seconds. It also gives Eugene an afro. Of course Cass laughs. Poor thing. Next we see Varian with his new assistant Shorty present his new invention, the Element Remograpfier— honestly I don’t know how it is spelled, but oh well. He is able to transform 50 lbs of sand into a new element he called Cassandrium. But then Shorty trips and almost manages to accidently stab St. Croix in the face, which gets Varian disqualified. And Cass’s conscience starts kicking in and tries to get him back in the competition, but to no avail. Maybe if you just became his assistant this wouldn’t have happened. Fernanda is up next with her Phantisphere, which does absolutely nothing. But since it looks luxurious and shiny she wins the Expo.

Varian goes to sulk near a fountain and Cass goes up to cheer him up by telling him he should have won. But Varian tells her that his goal was to impress her and show her that he was special in some way. And Cass reveals that she was impressed and thinks that Varian is smart, unique, compassionate, and a friend she doesn’t deserve. She didn’t actually say that last part, but I thought it needed to be said.

Then St. Croix tampers with Varian’s invention which causes it to break. A broken piece is about to hit St. Croix and Varian, so Cass chooses to save Varian. Character development sure is fulfilling. The tampered invention causes a sky vortex, which makes Varian and Cass team up, to Varian’s delight. Even Rapunzel’s invention aids in saving the day— here’s a cookie Rapunzel for being so smart.

Cass gives Varian the prize ribbon and in return Varian gives Cassandra a Cassandrium necklace, which Cass happily accepts. Cass then apologizes for putting her own ambitions ahead of their friendship and even allows Varian to call her Cassie— here’s a cookie Cassie for taking Varian on an all-expense paid trip out to sea on the friendship. Captain Dad tries to give Cass another guard assignment, but Cass decides to put it on hold because she’s realized just how valuable friendship is.

Varian then reveals to Cass that he got the idea for his invention from the magical black rocks that have sprouted near his village. Of course this worries Cass and Rapunzel, so they decide to check it out. When Rapunzel is near it, her hair starts to glow along with the rocks. Rapunzel tells Varian to keep it a secret and the episode ends with him agreeing.

Conclusion

This was a great episode for Cassandra, because she’s been lacking in the likability department for me. It was also a great episode for Varian and seeing him show off more of his genius and skills was interesting. Seeing the dynamic between the 2 was very pleasing to watch. I’m happy that they are bringing Varian in on the secret of the black rocks. I do believe his knowledge will be a valuable asset in discovering the mystery of the black rocks and its connection to Rapunzel’s hair. It also gives us an opportunity to see him appear in more plot-related episodes rather than just slice of life.