The Struggles of Masking: Digital Circus Episode 4 Review

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Artist: Causmic
Title: Much Higher

[SarcasticChorus]

Thoughts on the episode? And should I make a Pomni x Gummigoo vid
Reaction Video is now UP!

[phantomgamer]

The creator confirmed that the characters only forgot their names when entering the circus, so yeah, even if they might have forgotten something else, they still have most of their memories

[njivwathomassilavwe]

"This is a manic episode and we've got three more seasons!" Never before has something so funny scared me. The implications of that truck scare me

[alliliciousanimations]

I actually believe jax in the beginning of the episode when he hits the ball into gangles mask. His voice sounded genuine to me, and in other episodes when denying doing the same thing, his tone is sarcastic.

[bdletoast]

I just love how "getting hit by a truck" is now commonly referred as "isekai'd". Like, try to explain that to someone without any context, as to how the transcription of the japanese word for "New world" became linked to the very specific concept of being ran over by a heavy weight vehicle.

[austinobambino]

I don't work in fast food, I work in an office, but this episode captured the mental anguish of watching the clock count down until I can walk out to my car just to go home and do it all again the next day incredibly well. I'm probably going to rewatch the episode just for how well it depicts the crushing dread of work you hate.

[vickypedia]

There's the obvious metaphor for masking going on with Gangle, but I interpret the particular thing of her getting a new, less destructable mask as also a metaphor for being medicated. It's the process of trying out a new medication that's supposed to fix the mood swings, thinking it's working, only for it to push her straight into a manic episode. Going so far as to make her jump into traffic without even realizing it when she finally abandons the mask.

[remonssi]

I appreciated how there was a cracking sound when Gangle heard Ragatha call her happy face annoying because later, Gangle tells Pomni that her happy mask is usually broken before they reach near endgame of the adventure. I feel like it shows that (ignoring how Jaz already broke it in the very beginning before the adventure even starts) Ragatha's comment would've been the point where the happy mask broke, but because the new mask is plastic, it didn't and Gangle is just forced to continue masking.

[SoulHero]

I think an overlooked line from Caine this episode was him saying: "I don't know what's normal to you people!"

Of course he wouldn't, he's not human.

[UnmeiNoFukushu]

I feel bad for Pomni in this episode Gummigoo, was very clearly uncomfortable with everything she was doing. He didn't remember her, she was just a random woman who happened to know his name. It was nice to see her finally process that grief for him though.

[neonstarch]

I really like how Pomni takes more of a backseat role this episode. She's still there but it's nice that not every episode has to revolve around her. Seeing her take a more supporting role and trying to help Gangle like Kinger did for her was nice to see. Also, loved Zooble this episode. Seeing them in the adventure was fun to see and their interactions with Gangle were sweet.

Also, I definitely don't see this episode as filler. I feel like that word gets thrown around too much. I consider a filler episode something that doesn't affect the story and/or the characters (i.e. Great Divide from Avatar for example). Here, however, it's clear this is focused on the rest of the cast. Pomni already had three episodes for her and Kinger had his time to shine (pun intended), so it's cool to see the mental state of everyone else. (Gangle's mental state/backstory, Ragatha's unfiltered thoughts, etc.)

[kenzieham]

As a girlie with a dual diagnosis of autism and bipolar, Gangle is a really awesome and relatable character. I completely understanding masking especially at work and it’s very hurtful when you think you are doing “good” (manic) and people say they missed how you were before even though “before” usually means when you were depressed and exhausted.

[rachelmariecaberapacheco]

..."Is good to have dreams, just remember they are completely unrealistic!"

...dear gosh, I felt the blade of that sentence bro...

[teddieprox]

putting gummigoo in there and not giving his presence any mind in the plot of the episode makes so much sense but also pisses me off

[cashmerewatkins]

Tbh Gangle is my new favorite character, I geeked out when she pulled out her cute pink flip phone!
But I related to that feeling of others preferring a side of you that makes you feel even worse on the inside. I'm happy Gangle got this time to shine!

Edit: Also I'm under the impression that Ragatha came from an affluent family where she had high expectations and tried her best to be the "good girl".

[strawbby_.shortcake]

ALSO zooble being the one to come in clutch at the end feels so so perfect because—as speaking from experience as a neurodivergent person myself—if i find a person who’s both willing to be friends with me AND willing to be blunt about how they feel I WILL hold onto that person so tight there will be nail marks in their arms. zooble and ragatha are foils because zooble is apathetic but they never hide how they truly feel. they don’t always talk about it but they don’t activity try to mask it either. ragatha is the complete opposite—she literally had to get HIGH to reveal her true feelings. it makes sense that gangle would gravitate towards zooble because when zooble tries to lift her up she has more confidence that zooble is actually being sincere and not just saying out of pity. i love them so much AUGH <3

[GeForce_Productions]

I think this episode was actually my favorite, I like the high tension, but generally laid back feel of the episode because it actually manages to slow down sometimes and not feel like a pace issue. The Episode having actually relatable comedy and characters having openly emotional moments . It just creates the perfect vibe in my opinion.

[luckyfunky]

"I don't deserve a friend as good as you"

And the reponse being "It is how it is" is literally- I'm stealing that if I ever have a moment like that with someone

Its such a fire line, and this episode might be my favorite of all past and future episodes

[shaylenwayne]

As someone who works in retail/ food service and doesn't really have any dreams, this episode hit pretty hard. Figured the idea was trauma won't always come from something big like the other quests; it can come from working retail for so long you lose yourself, numb your feelings, and aren't sure what you want anymore.

[Silvertardis]

9:55 Actually I'd say it's more Gangle putting her foot down in response to Jax immediately causing chaos when they first open the restaurant. For once, she actually has the power to stop him from making an adventure even more unbearable.