Johnny takes his girlfriend Frankie into Reed's lab, claiming it's his own. When she gets pulled into the Negative Zone, however, the Human Torch may have bitten off more than he cares to chew. Things get worse when Negative Zone creatures — energy-eating bugs — escape into our world...and begin to multiply.
This episode contains examples of the following tropes:
- Attention Deficit... Ooh, Shiny!: Reed is talking to Susan when he sees a bug's molted shell and abruptly becomes distracted: "No, I do not think I am easily distracted — hmmm...interesting."
- Blatant Lies: Johnny was not afraid while he and Frankie were trapped in the Negative Zone. He just didn't want to make her feel bad by being too heroic.
- Cool Gate: the Negative Zone portal.
- Cool Old Lady: Ms. Monet, a tenant in the Baxter building who tries to fight the invasion with bug spray.
- Didn't Think This Through: As Cory threatens to have the Four evicted for bringing giant bugs into the building, Sue points out that the bugs will still be there even if they leave.
- Don't Touch It, You Idiot!: "Frankie, will you quit touching stuff?"
- Explosive Breeder: the Negative Zone bugs, unfortunately. By the time Reed notices the signs, there are hundreds.
- From Bad to Worse: not only are Johnny and Frankie trapped in the Zone with the bugs, but also they eat fire.
- Invention Pretension: To impress Frankie, Johnny tells her that he invented the internet and the color blue.
- I Resemble That Remark!: Reed gets distracted by a Negative Zone bug's molted shell right in the middle of telling Susan he is not "easily distracted."
- Jaw Drop: Reed's jaw drops when he sees the vast number of bugs after Ben and his energy pack.
- Man Hug: A humorous example. Reed opens the portal so that they can get rid of the bugs, allowing Frankie and Johnny to escape. Johnny hugs the very confused Reed, saying that he knew he would rescue them.
- Not So Above It All: Reed acts like a kid whose room has been invaded by little kids when the Negative Zone bugs attack his equipment.Reed: My room! My inventions! Get off, those are delicate. (A bug bites him) Ow! Give my electron microscope back!
