When Muscle Man discovers that his investments are worthless and he has no money for his wedding to Starla, the duo sign up to be contestants on a game show called Married and Broke, where would-be couples compete in physical challenges to win an all-expenses-paid wedding.
This episode has the following tropes...
- A Day in the Limelight: This episode focused more on Starla and Muscle Man ("Mitch") instead of Mordecai, Rigby, and the others (though they did appear, they were more in a supporting role).
- Close Up On Head: Mitch's broker at first appears to be calling him from the Stock Exchange. It is then revealed that he's being arrested in front of a billboard for the Stock Exchange.
- Deconstruction: The episode briefly looks at the Running Gag of people being freaked out whenever Muscle Man and Starla do public displays of affection, and shows that this actually bothers Starla a lot due to people thinking they're gross.
- Disqualification-Induced Victory: Muscle Man and Starla end up losing the Game Show, but as soon as Muscle Man notices something off with Teddy and Tina's word choice, Teddy and Tina are forced to admit they are actually Canadians. For lying about being American, they are disqualified and escorted off the stage, making Muscle Man and Starla the winners by default.
- Dolled-Up Installment / Continuity Nod: In-universe example, "Married and Broke" is essentially an American (and a more friendly) version of the sadistic Japanese game show Mordecai, Rigby, and Benson were on from the episode "Fool Me Twice."
- Hero of Another Story / Noodle Incident: While Mitch and Starla were dealing with the game show, the rest of the park crew were fighting against Mitch's ants which turned out to be aliens that Mordecai and Rigby somehow defeated. But, thankfully Pops finishes off the last two ones with a bazooka before they could escape and return for vengeance.
- Moose and Maple Syrup: The patriotic American couple (Teddy and Tina) turns out to be from Canada and pretty much run through all the stereotypes and clichés associated with it.Teddy: We're just simple maple farmers. I ride my moose to work, just like anyone else, and I put my hockey mask on one strap at a time.
- Spotting the Thread: As noted by Muscle Man.Muscle Man: U.S.A only has three letters. Say that again.
- The Power of Love: Which Muscle Man and Starla use to try and gain an advantage in the game show. Subverted that they still lose but only barely as the final couple used an extended finger nail to hit the goal buzzer before they did.
- Wham Line:Teddy and Tina: USA, eh? USA, eh? USA, eh?
- This Loser Is You: A rare positive use of this trope. While the audience is initially disgusted by Mitch and Starla compared to the more attractive other couples, their turned around by the pairs overwhelming love for each other despite their looks and in turn begin to feel better about themselves if such a couple is able to be so strong despite their appearances.
