SCENE BY SCENE BREAKDOWN OF THE OPENING TO âWHATâS UP WITH SATURN'S RINGS?â
This is one of my favorite moments in the show because it perfectly encapsulates the kidsâ personalities and relationships.
SCENE 1: The kids are hula hooping. Jet is learning how to do so. However, Sean isnât hooping and is sitting on the doorstep, reading his book.
This is a hint to how Sean wants to grow up too fast, which is shown in other episodes like âMission to Marsâ, âAstronaut Ellen Ochoaâ, and âConstellation Prizeâ
By rejecting âchildish thingsâ like hula hooping, Sean has convinced himself that he is already grown up and is ready to lead a professional mission to Mars.
This scene also demonstrates his fact-minded nature. Watching the kids hula hoop reminds him of Saturn, since it has a big ring like a hoop. Emphasis on the singular ring, since we later find out that Saturn has seven rings. This subtly shows that even Sean gets things wrong.
SCENE 2: Seanâs lesson is ignored as the kids continue to hula hoop. Sean is the butt-monkey of the team, meaning that his follies are often used as comic relief and The Complainer Is Always Wrongâ˘ď¸
Meanwhile, Sydney compliments Mindy and Jet on their hula hooping skills. Sydney is like their big sister and mother figure of sorts, warm-hearted and supportive. Jet thanks her, saying that itâs fun to âhula the hoopâ, showing that heâs still getting the hang of the English language.
Sean once again attempts to compare it to Saturn.
Mindy tells Jet that Saturn is the best hooper in the universe because of its big âringâ. Jet also knows about the âringâ and compliments her for her knowledge. Sydney also compliments her, calling it brilliant and funny.
Mindy clearly stole Seanâs idea. Notice how she didnât talk in the previous scenes, unlike Sydney and Jet. She clearly was listening to Seanâs lesson, and then uses what she learned to her own advantage. Highlighting Mindyâs mischievous and self-centered tendencies and her relationship with Sean, which is a topic for a while other post.
SCENE 4: Sean finally stands up; physically and metaphorically; pointing out that he said that Saturn is like a hula hooper. He knows that heâs ignored and he doesnât want anymore of this nonsense
SCENE 5: Jet turns around and tells Sean that he heard wrong. He thought he said âice cream sundaeâ or âCincinnatiâ or âsautĂŠed sausagesâ. 2/3 of these are food-related, and Jet mishearing Seanâs lesson shows his quirkiness, love of food, and easily distracted personality.
Sean gives up. He sighs and mutters a quiet âfineâ under his breath.
He wanted the others to listen. He wanted to be heard and respected for his knowledge. But it was all for naught. This ties into Seanâs fear of rejection that is explored in later episodes like âSeanâs Neptune Tuneâ.
