Can I just scattershot post some random observations?
I love this show and have been rewatching it again post E6, trying to predict the incoming “Diamond moment” plot twist Gooseworks has eluded to that will recontextualize the show. This isn’t centered so much about what Jax did to Kaufmo/Ribbit or Kinger being the game dev theories, but rather little breezed over elements that haven’t (in my opinion) been discussed enough. I’m hoping this will generate some discussion and maybe help connect the dots as to what’s coming.
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Here’s what I got:
Episode 1
The first episode establishes that Caine is able to lie. He admits to the group that he was lying about the exit door. We also later observe that Caine lies about not being able to control the humans’ minds, tampering with Jax being vegan and uploading a tutorial into is mind. Interestingly, we’ve only seen Caine do this to Jax, and none of the other characters.
Caine also states swearing in the Cirus is not possible, but Caine is later able to say “ass” in Episode 6, where as Pomni is not.
Jax has a key to everyone’s rooms, but it is never explained why or how he acquired this key.
Kaufmo’s room is wrecked and has reoccurring writings on the walls pertaining to the exit.
A mannequin has its own room, implying it’s a human.
We later see that this mannequin also lives in the circus, as we see it in a bathtub and chase Pomni away with a screaming mask, as she looks for Caine.
Caine states into the Void will lead to the humans “being spoiled.”
Kinger’s affinity for insects is first highlighted as he mentions interest insect collections.
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Episode 2
Pomni has a nightmare at the beginning of the episode, despite the first episode stating the humans cannot actually sleep in the Circus.
Princess Loo believes Caine to be God.
Jax brings up an embarrassing incident involving Gangle and an anime figure, which also gets brought up in episode 5.
Kinger having his head in a bucket makes him temporarily lucid and able to remember Ragatha first entering the Circus, foreshadowing events from episodes 3 and 6.
Jax’s head is stabilized when the truck starts bouncing.
The Fudge’s “sickening” private activities are never revealed. While this could be a throwaway joke on a throwaway character, as this episode shows NPCs can reoccur.
Jax mentions Augustus Gloop, a reference to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Caine immediately deletes Gumigoo from the Circus on arrival, again reinforcing that the mannequin from episode 1 may either be a human or a rogue NPC.
Why are tea kettles of all things under the map?
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Episode 3
Jax’s suffocation gimmick is never revealed. He has a habit of deflecting.
Kinger’s backstory with his abstracted wife, his background in computer science is revealed, and the origin of his mental clarity in the dark. His prior distaste for bugs may have a double meaning.
Possessed Pomni taunts Kinger in a very personal manner, “How’s your wife, Kinger?” Given that Caine created this adventure, this could actually suggest it is actually Caine insulting Kaine so personally.
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Episode 4
The context of the prior appearance of Orbsman is not revealed, or why Jax hates him.
Kinger gets the highest grade at the end of the episode, earning an A+ for riding a bull. Everyone else earns a B+ score.
We see in this episode (and 3) Caine seems to like bees. Could this be related to Kinger and his wife’s interest in insects?
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Episode 5
Jax is curious to see what Pomni would do in a position of power.
Jax brings up Gangle’s figure incident again.
While they cannot remember their names, the humans have memories of their pre-circus lives. Pomni is 25, worked as an accountant in a grocery store and explored abandoned buildings for thrills.
Zooble was a bartender and tattoo artist, something Jax finds amusing, but is never elaborated on as to why. Does this suggest he knows something about Zooble we don’t?
Gangle failed to complete a graphic design degree in community college, besides also being a shift manager at a fast food restaurant as well learned in the previous episode.
Ragatha had a wealthy upbringing with an emotionally abusive mother.
Jax deflects about his past again, instead opting to reference Breaking Bad.
Jax realizes his tail is missing.
Jax is frightened by corn, which Pomni brings up in the next episode as possibly being a form of trypophobia.
Zooble is the one who puts Gangle up to putting Jax in a maid outfit to a vote. Jax is heavily embarrassed and upset by this, which Zooble notices.
Suspicious mannequin in the Circus, which may be the mannequin from the first episode.
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Episode 6
Jax’s tail has returned, but no mention is made of it.
Zooble and Gangle ponder why their avatars have gimmicks and the others do not. However, this calls into question Jax’s skeleton key and reoccurring tail, Ragatha’s use of toon force on Jax’s gun, Pomni and Kinger’s trick shot, and Kinger’s ability to summon the butterfly.