05x08 - A Little Kelp from My Friends/Mission to Mars

[bunniefuu]

[Fred]: That's me, Fred the house cat.

When my family leaves for the day,

I don't just sit inside watching the world go by.

I become...

Nature Cat! Backyard explorer extraordinaire!

♪ Oh, go, go, go

♪ Tally-ho

♪ Go, go, go

♪ Tally-ho

♪ We're climbing up the trees now ♪

♪ We're swinging through the breeze now ♪

♪ We're getting muddy knees now ♪

♪ Nature Cat, Nature Cat, Nature Cat ♪

♪ Nature Cat, Nature Cat, Nature Cat ♪

♪ So what are we waiting for

♪ We're so excited to explore

♪ All that nature has in store

♪ With Nature Cat Go, go, go ♪

♪ Tally-ho

♪ Go, go, go Tally-ho ♪

♪ He's our favourite nature guy ♪

♪ We just can't wait to get...

Outside!

♪ Swinging through the trees now ♪

♪ We're jumping in the leaves now ♪

♪ We're getting muddy knees now ♪

♪ With Nature Cat

♪ Nature Cat, Nature Cat Tally-ho ♪

♪ Nature Cat, Nature Cat Tally-ho ♪

[Hal]: A Little Kelp From My Friends.

Okay, hmm...

[mumbling]

Yes, let me see here, I believe this tree is possibly...

A Sugar Maple!

[sniffing]

Wait, this tree is...

[sniffing] Ooh,

it's on the tip of my nose, baby. Ooh... What is it?

Ha ha! A Northern Red Oak!

My "Find a Tree App" says that this tree is a...

[exclaiming] A Quaking Aspen!

That's right!

Woah! Someone knows a lot about trees.

Are you a tree?

I have to know a lot about trees,

for someday I would like to become an official...

Fab Forest Friend!

I too would like to be a...

[all]: Fab Forest Friend!

Did someone say they want to become a...

Fab Forest Friend!?

We've all been saying it, didn't you watch

the beginning of the episode?

Or were you in your cartoon trailer?

Well, today is your lucky day!

I'm MC Ferret and if you want to become a...

Fab Forest Friend, you just need to compete

in the Fab Forest Friend Challenge!

Oh? Oh yeah? What's the challenge?

I'll do it.

First, you spin the giant Wheel of Forests!

Then, explore whatever forest you land on.

Ooh! So many amazing forests to explore!

Bamboo! Redwood! Rainforest!

Oh! Which forest will we land on?!

The only way to find out is to spin... that...

wheel!

[suspenseful music]

Oh, what foresty forest will we get?

[chuckling]

You have landed on the kelp forest!

Hooray! The kelp forest!

We're exploring the kelp forest!

But just one question about these kelp forests,

what kind of tree is kelp again? I'm confused.

Kelp isn't a tree, it's a kind of seaweed.

Seaweed? How are we supposed to explore a forest of seaweed?!

Do I look like a mer-mouse to you?

Uh, pardon me... [chuckles awkwardly]

...but seaweed makes it seem

like this forest is in the ocean.

Uh, the kelp forest is in the ocean!

Sorry, but water's a little too wet for me to explore.

I know! We'll just spin the wheel again.

Sorry, you only get one spin.

Wait!

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!

[birds chirping]

If you want to be a...

Fab Forest Friend, you must explore the kelp forest

and find out why it's so important!

All right! All right!

I'll explore the kelp forest!

Onward and seaweed-ward!

[seagulls crying]

[Nature Cat]: Water.

Why does it once again have to be water?

Because that's where MC Ferret said

that we could find a kelp forest.

Right in the watery, wet water of the Pacific Ocean.

Okay, potential Fab Forest Friends,

it's time to explore the kelp forest

and find out why it's important!

Tally-ho!

[splashing]

Uh, this doesn't look much like a forest.

I don't see any seaweed...

Huh! But according to MC Ferret,

the kelp forest should be right here.

Yeah, all I see are purple, spikey bally thingys.

Ooh! Purple, spikey bally thingies are my favorite!

Let's play purple, spikey, bally thingy fetch!

Oh, wait! Don't touch, Hal! Those aren't balls at all.

They look like purple sea urchins.

And those spines can be painful to touch.

There sure are a lot of them. What are they doing here?

Let's have a closer look, shall we?

Onward and urchin-ward!

Hold the fishing line,

I think I see some kelp here on the ocean floor.

[Hal]: Whoa. That is one tiny forest.

That's not a forest, Hal.

It's just a few remaining pieces of kelp.

Well, what happened to the rest of the forest?

Look! The urchin is eating the kelp.

[Daisy]: Oh no! They must have eaten the whole forest.

Aww, you're going to get a tummy ache,

little purpley urchin!

How can these little purple sea urchins

eat an entire forest of kelp? That can't be good.

It's just seaweed.

Why does it matter if it's here or not?

Let's keep looking for a kelp forest so we can find out.

Anyone see anything?

You guys looking for fish?

I'm looking for fish! Who wants fish?!

Actually, gull friend,

we are searching for a kelp forest!

Oh yeah! Kelp forests are magnificent!

So many delicious fish there!

Used to be a kelp forest right in this spot and now it's gone!

Gone, I tell you, gone!

Along with all the delicious fish!

Oh no! Now we'll never see a kelp forest!

[crying]

Oh yes you will! I know another spot in the ocean.

And it's got a kelp forest! It's beautiful!

Follow me!

[bright music]

Hey! Look at all the plants growing under the water!

Nope! No siree doggy!

Those aren't plants, those are kelp.

And kelp are one kind of algae.

Like the green stuff you sometimes see floating on ponds?

Yes siree, bunny! One and the same green stuff!

Hmmm... very intriguing!

Kelp looks like a plant but it's algae!

This calls for a closer investigation!

Come on, Nature Lovers, let's explore this kelp forest!

[splashing]

Man oh man! Look how tall this kelp is!

There's so much of it! Oh! Gorgeous!

And it's so olive green and kelpmongous!

Oh!

Oh dear, I seem to be caught in the kelp.

What are these thingies?

Those are gas bladders!

They act like little floats to keep kelp blades

near the surface so they can get sunlight.

Sunlight, eh?

Does that mean kelp uses photosynthesis

to get the food it needs?

It sure does!

You're a bit of a kelp expert.

I'm a sea otter!

Kelp and sea otters

go together like peanut butter and jelly!

[dramatic music]

[sea otter]: Uh-oh! Shark!

Everybody into the kelp!

A little kelp help!

[grunts]

[all]: Phew!

This kelp sure makes a great hiding spot.

Yep! Kelp's great for hiding from predators like sharks!

It's great for a lot of things!

[gasps] Like what? Tell us everything!

Can't explain now, I'm off to find lunch!

Wait! How will we learn more?

Ask some of the many, many, many other creatures

that live in the Kelp Forest!

Wow! We can make many, many, many, many new friends!

[♪]

Hi, creatures of the kelp forest, it's me, Hal!

Hello! Hi there!

Oh, nice to meet you!

Hello, any sea creatures in there?

- Right here! - Ahh!

The kelp is speaking to me!

Relax! I'm not kelp!

I'm a giant kelp fish,

and I change color to blend in with the kelp.

Oh! Ha ha! Nice to meet you,

you camouflaged kelp fish! Ha ha!

Tell me, what's it like living in a kelp forest?

It's the best! There's always plenty of food,

and the kelp provides lots of fresh oxygen in the water.

Animals in the sea need oxygen, too, you know!

Ahh! Kelp...

[Squeeks gasps] [Squeeks]: Ooh! You guys,

check this out! There's more sea life down there by the roots.

[crab]: They're called holdfasts

'cause they hold the kelp in place.

Ah! The rock is speaking to me!

I'm not a rock, I'm a crab

and I'm hiding from that sea otter you were just talking to.

Oh, ha ha, well, thanks for the info, Crab!

Oh, come on!

Now the whole ocean knows I'm here.

Oh look!

[Daisy]: A sea cucumber in the kelp forest!

Hi, sea cucumber, it's me, Hal!

Wow! Sure seems like a lot of animals

depend on the kelp forest as a place to live,

to hide from predators and to find food.

Just like forests on land.

It's not just that!

Kelp forests help protect the shoreline during big storms!

And don't forget about all the oxygen kelp

pumps into the ocean through photosynthesis.

Uh-oh! Don't look now, I think the kelp forest is in trouble!

Oh no! Purple sea urchins!

[Daisy]: They'll eat this kelp forest too!

The urchins of the kelp... They're coming.

We have to stop them.

I'll take care of this!

Stop! Road's closed! You shall not pass!

[Nature Cat]: Oh no! They aren't stopping!

Leave it to me! I got it!

Excuse me.

This is K-E-L-P News with an Urgent Urchin bulletin!

All urchin should turn around and go the other way!

I repeat. It is not safe for urchin.

[Nature Cat]: Oh dear!

The urchins are still coming!

Well, looks like it's the end of this amazing

wonderful kelp forest!

Oh no, it's not!

[bright music]

[Daisy gasps]

[Daisy]: The otters are protecting the kelp forest!

Actually, we're just eating lunch!

We love to eat purple sea urchins.

As long as we're around to eat the urchins,

there won't be enough of them to destroy the forest.

So you'll stay and protect the kelp forest?

As long as the kelp forest stays healthy, we'll be here!

Now besides the matter of urchins,

what else threatens kelp forests?

Pollution, warming ocean temperatures, very big storms...

So what can we do to keep the kelp forests healthy?!

I know one way to help that you otter know!

[chuckles] A thank you!

We can fight ocean pollution

to give the kelp help by picking up trash along the beach.

And make sure everyone knows how important sea otters are!

[Squeeks]: And protect the kelp forests!

[rhythmic music]

Congrats! You did it!

You figured out why the Kelp Forest is important.

And what you can do to do help!

[gasps]

Does that mean...?

Yes! You are all...

[all]: Fab Forest Friends!

[cheering]

[chittering]

[Hal]: Mission to Mars.

[insects chirping]

[twinkling]

[Squeeks]: Oh, so cool.

[Daisy]: Ya know,

looking into space sure makes you

feel tiny, doesn't it?

I always feel tiny, except around little tiny bugs.

But yeah, it's true.

[Squeeks]: The sky is...

Uh, what's the Latin... ginormous.

It makes one wonder-ith:

is anyone else out there?

[Nature Cat]: Aliens? Flying saucers?

Space dinosaurs, baby?!

Entire alien-mouse civilizations powered by cheddar?

Yeah, I've thought about it.

But where would one even begin looking for life?

Granny Bunny says the universe is bigger

than anything we could imagine.

Even bigger than a giant giraffe

on the top of a huge Ferris Wheel

on top of the biggest castle in the world?

Yeah, Hal. Much bigger than that.

So, let's start with planets we can see in the sky tonight.

Hey, what's that red dot?

[Daisy]: That red dot... is Mars.

[all exclaiming]

[Hal]: No way!

Way. It says that Earth and Mars

are similar in some ways.

And it isn't as hot as Venus or as cold as Jupiter.

Mars is a good place to start looking for life

outside of Earth.

Oooh! Alien Monthly Magazine

says the green aliens who live there are quite friendly.

[Daisy]: Hold the phone:

these pictures were just taken on Mars's surface!

Wait, is that a--

A Martian Mouse?!

[Squeeks]: Oh, it is! And where there are mice,

there must be cheese!

Oh, what would it be like to go to Mars?

What would it be like to go to Mars?

Uh, daydream should begin here...

[singing]

[soft music]

[Nature Cat]: That's it, Squeeks!

Today we will make history and become...

the first earthlings ever

to visit and find life on Mars!

Mars... Mars... Mars... Mars...

Okay, okay, this all sounds great,

but how are we going to get to Mars?

I know Houston can help us!

Ma'ams? Sirs?

What? It's my daydream!

I can pretty much dream anything.

Heard you needed to get to Mars.

So may I present to you the spiffiest spacecraft

ever flown:

the Space H Mars Rocket Ship.

Btw, the H stands for Houston.

[tense music]

[Houston]: How do you like me now?

I like you great, Houston;

you've outdone yourself yet again!

I do what I can, sirs and ma'ams.

I will be at Mission Control and standing by to assist.

[cheering]

Alright, let's make history!

Mouse Martians here we come!

Onward and Mars-ward!

[all]: Three, two, one...

Blastoff!

Whoa! That was fast!

Huh, that's weird.

Mars looks exactly like Sunset Park.

Uh, Hal, we didn't go anywhere.

Oh right. That would explain it, thanks for clarifying.

[Houston over radio]: Nature Cat.

You need to release the safety brake. Over.

Oh, ha ha ha, right.

[all screaming]

[all]: Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!

[Houston over radio]: Now exiting the earth's atmosphere.

[all cheering]

Only empty space ahead of us, g*ng.

Kick back your feet and relax.

Nothing can stop us now.

Nature Cat! Look out! Asteroids!

I've got to stop saying that!

[all screaming]

[dramatic music]

[all screaming]

Phew! Ha ha! Those came out of nowhere!

[Houston over radio]: There she is. The Red Planet.

The red color you see is Mars's crust.

- [Daisy]: Man oh man! - [Nature Cat]: Amazing!

- [Hal]: Unbelievable! - [Squeeks]: Red crust...

I like crust, don't get me wrong.

But where's the frosting and the sweet yummy filling?

Not pie crust, Hal.

Crust also means a planet's outer layer.

I wonder why Mars's crust is red.

Okay, okay,

maybe the Martian mice painted it red

with their little Martian paint brushes

so we could see them better from space.

Nope. Now that I said it, I don't agree.

[Houston]: Interesting theory, Squeeks.

But Mars is red because the soil on the surface is rusty.

Rust happens when iron, a mineral in the soil,

comes in contact with oxygen and water.

Yes, of course. It's the rust. I knew that.

I was joking about the paint...

[chuckles]

A say what?!

That means there was oxygen and water on Mars at one time,

just like there is on Earth?!

True, there are many similarities

between Mars and Earth. You just have to look for them.

[Nature Cat]: Whoa! What are those two giant rocks

doing out here?

[Houston over radio]: Those are Phobos and Deimos,

the two moons of Mars.

[Hal]: Two moons?!

That means I'll have twice as much howling to do!

[howling]

Moon cheese!

[chomping loudly]

[Houston over radio]: Now entering Mars's atmosphere.

What are these space helmets for?

Just to look cool on TV?

[laughing] Fun!

Negative, Nature Cat, you actually need

these oxygen helmets to survive;

you can't breathe on Mars like you can on Earth.

The air on Mars doesn't have enough oxygen.

And it's very cold there, too.

Like Winnipeg in winter, cold?

Usually much colder than that, sir.

Try about negative degrees Fahrenheit on average.

Behold, the South Pole of Mars.

Mars has a South Pole? Sweet, so does Earth!

Correct. Mars has a North Pole too.

And just like Earth, Mars has frozen water at its poles.

- [clunking] - [Squeeks]: Houston,

what's happening?! Why is there turbulence in my daydream?

[Houston over radio]: You are in a dust storm, ma'am.

Very common on Mars.

Hold on tight.

[all exclaiming]

[Houston over radio]: Captain Nature Cat:

Watch out for Olympus Mons. Over.

I don't see anything.

[all screaming]

- [Hal]: Oh! Go right! - [Squeeks]: Reverse!

[Daisy]: Go up! Up, up, up!

[all screaming]

[all]: Phew!

[Houston over radio]: That was a close one.

Olympus Mons is actually the tallest volcano

in the solar system.

It's more than three times higher than Mount Everest,

Earth's highest mountain.

Say what... no way.

Way. Just like Earth,

Mars has volcanos and even canyons.

[whirring]

[Houston over radio]: Touchdown. You have landed on Mars.

[cheering]

Hal on Mars!

We're here! This is the moment we've been waiting for

since I started this daydream!

Agreed, Squeeks! And once we step off this spaceship,

the kindly green aliens will surely be here to greet us!

And don't forget space dinosaurs!

But mostly the Mouse Martians, yes!

Let's do this!

[triumphant music]

Greetings! We come in...

[Nature Cat]: Peace.

Where is everyone?

Maybe they all went to Pluto on vacation?

Let's look around.

There have to be aliens on Mars.

You guys! I see...

[Squeeks]: I see a Mouse Martian!

I knew it! I knew I wasn't alone in this big cold universe.

Please, my rodent brother, be not afraid.

For I come in cheese!

Aww, it's just a rock.

Oh, rats, I forgot about my helmet.

How can I be making so many mistakes

in my own daydream? Ugh.

C'mon, there has to be a Mars-a-saurus bone

in here somewhere!

An alien! Look!

[Hal]: Oh, I never knew Nature Cat had

an identical Martian twin!

Hal, it's me, Nature Cat.

A-ha! The alien civilization must be over that yonder ridge!

[Daisy]: Man oh man.

I was excited seeing that volcano and ice cap earlier

but I'm disappointed over the lack of life here.

[Squeeks]: Oh, who was I kidding:

there's no Martian mice or extraterrestrial cheddar.

Let's go home and end my daydream.

[soft music]

Hmm. Besides the red color,

this landscape looks a lot like deserts we've seen on Earth.

And this sand is sort of like at the beach back home.

It's not a Martian Mouse

but this is a pretty cool rock, you know.

Oh, if only Mars had lakes and oceans.

[Houston over radio]: Actually, scientists think it did,

long ago.

So there must have been fishies here? And whales?

And octopuses!? Or octopi..?

Or octop-p-p... Whatever it is!

So far scientists haven't found any proof

that there was ever life here, but they think it's possible.

But why are there animals, plants,

and people on Earth and not Mars?

Over time, Mars changed a lot, in ways Earth didn't.

And the kind of life found on Earth couldn't survive here.

Well, why do we even care about Mars if there is no life here?

Studying Mars can help scientists understand

what Earth was like long, long ago,

like more than four billion years ago.

Which is how old many rocks on Mars are.

So, this rock could be more than four billion years old?

Wait... Mars rocks would be so awesome for my rock collection!

Look, you guys, I have a crazy idea, even for a daydream:

let's stay on Mars... and live here!

[Squeeks]: Nature Cat: we'd be the first earthlings

to ever live in outer space. We'd be on a magazine.

And Hal: you'd have the entire planet to yourself

for digging and fetching. And Daisy:

you could do science experiments every day

to look for proof of ancient life.

What do you say?!

Ha ha! Yeah!

[rhythmic music]

[shutter clicks]

[Nature Cat]: Mars is pretty amazing.

So, what's it gonna be, Squeeks?

Well, I really, really love Mars.

But, sometimes, things aren't perfect.

[Squeeks]: But you know what? That's life.

And that's okay.

Earth's not perfect but it's my home.

It's where I belong.

Okay, I am ready for my daydream to end...

[♪]

Mars is pretty cool, isn't it?

It sure is!

So sweet!

What he and she said!

Agreed! Maybe one day I'll even build a spaceship

advanced enough to take you there.

Now wouldn't that be something?

[soft music]

[♪]

[♪]