Rupert and his friend Edward are complete opposites — while Rupert shares his dad's philosophy of "Nothing ventured, nothing gained," Edward lives by his own father's philosophy of "Better safe than sorry." Yet Rupert is somehow always able to talk Edward into trying anything, from swinging a rope swing over a creek to riding in the Professor's new balloon. Due to a mechanical failure, they lose control of the balloon and wind up crashing on a tropical island with giant plants, mischievous monkeys, and an abandoned temple. Every step of the way, Rupert's running headfirst into the next new surprise, while Edward worries about what's waiting behind every corner. By the time they're on their way home, Rupert's finally had more than enough excitement for likely the first time in his life and deeply regrets dragging his friend into danger, while Edward can't wait until their next balloon adventure!
First appearance of Edward.
This episode provides examples of:
- Arc Words: Rupert and Edward repeat their fathers' respective mottoes throughout the episode.
- Berserk Button: Rupert's the nicest of Nice Guys who never gets angry except in the most extreme of circumstances... like a monkey stealing his scarf.
- Climbing Climax: The climactic escape from the temple ends with Rupert and Edward climbing out a window to the top of the temple, where the Professor's balloon picks them up.
- Death Traps: Rupert and Edward are forced to run through several in a matter of seconds, including a Descending Ceiling, complete with Spikes of Doom, two types of Smashing Hallway Traps of Doom, and fire-spewing statues.
- DIY Disastrous Plumbing Project: The plot begins when Edward's father is called to the Bears' house to deal with the flood caused by Mr. Bear's attempt to fix a leak in the kitchen.
- Don't Be Ridiculous: When the valve controlling the balloon's gas gets jammed open then ripped off, Edward thinks they're about to crash. The Professor assures him that won't happen — they're now stuck in the air with no way to get down.
- Durable Death Trap: Discussed but averted in this case. Given the presence of the Chief and his subjects, there's clearly someone around to maintain the traps. After several traps almost kill them in a matter of seconds, Rupert concludes there must be someone keeping them in good condition and searches for some sort of service tunnel (which they find) that would allow them to make repairs... and the boys to bypass the traps.
- God Guise: Edward scares the monkeys by covering himself in dust that makes him look like a mini version of the elephant statue. "I am... Edward. Fire god. Lord of this temple!"
- Honorable Elephant: The temple was apparently dedicated to some elephant figure given an impressive statue.
- I Can See My House from Here: Edward says this while in the balloon.
- Indy Ploy: When Edward asks him how he plans to save the Professor, Rupert simply says, "I'll think of something... I hope." Just yelling for him from his hiding place turns out to be a pretty ineffective plan.
- Kill It with Fire: Rupert and the Professor are about to be burned alive before Edward saves them.
- Nobody Calls Me "Chicken"!: Edward insists you're always "better safe than sorry," but Rupert knows he can get his friend to do anything just by calling him chicken.
- Noodle Incident: We can only imagine how the Bears' kitchen ended up under several inches of water...
- Not So Above It All: When Rupert gets worked up over a bunch of monkeys stealing his scarf, Edward tells him he should just let them have it. Then one of them steals his hat...
- Odd Friendship: The only thing odder than a fearless adventurer like Rupert enjoying hanging out with a "worrier" like Edward is someone as careful as Edward willingly associating with someone who drags him into dangerous messes like Rupert does. By the end of their ordeal, each of the boys have absorbed some of their friend's best qualities.
- Oh, Crap!:Rupert: Nothing ventured, nothing...Professor: Uh-oh...Edward: Nothing uh-oh?!
- Shaped Like Itself: As Rupert says, "Edward's as strong as an elephant."
- Shockingly Expensive Bill: Rupert's father receives one from Mr. Trunk after the plumbing emergency is taken care of.
- Super-Strength: Edward's the perfect sidekick for exploring an abandoned temple. He can force open any door or smash through any wall in their way.
- Temple of Doom:Edward: Maybe the next time you across some ancient ruins in the jungle, you'll look for a welcome mat.
- Trap Door: Rupert and Edward fall through one in the temple.
- Wasn't That Fun?: Once the adventure (which they VERY narrowly survive) is over, Rupert feels terrible about getting them into so much trouble and for dragging Edward into it. What does Edward have to say? "Will you be going ballooning again tomorrow, Professor?"
- Who's Laughing Now?:Mr. Trunk: Better safe than sorry, I always say.Mr. Bear: Yes, well, nothing ventured, nothing gained, I always say.Mr. Trunk: (laughing while writing up a bill) And you certainly have gained something from this little venture. And it's due in thirty days.
