02x02 - The Case of the Vibrancy Void/The Case of the Cautionary Tale/The Case of the Reusable Rescue

[bunniefuu]

Did a word that's important to you go missing?

And now all you can feel, do, or think,

is the opposite of that word?

Then call us!

-I'm Sly. -And I'm Gabby.

We're Words Detectives.

And we solve...

[both] Word Mysteries!

Together, we run the Wordsville Online Detective Agency.

We'll find your missing word, fast.

-Not to mention, briskly. -And swiftly.

Yeah, we're really good with words.

[both] Wordsville!

So, I ran outside to see what the sound was.

And I saw a leaf pile was moving.

You'll never guess what was under the leaves.

A robot! A duck! A leaf monster!

It was...

Just somebody's pet. Huh.

The ending of my story was supposed to be exciting.

But it got really dull.

What happened to my screen?

And my office.

Wait.

Why do all the colors look different?

I bet this is a Word Mystery.

Yippee. I love those.

Oh, look, Artist Clay is calling.

I bet he has feelings about this.

The world is gray and so am I.

Someone took my vibrant paint palette.

This one.

"Vibrant" means a bright and strong color.

That's one way to define "vibrant".

[Sly] But the dictionary says it can also mean "lively".

As you might describe a person or a thing.

[Gabby] Normally, we could see that

these orange and red fall leaves are vibrant.

Or that someone could have a vibrant personality.

Can we focus on what's important here?

With the word "vibrant" missing, all my other paint colors

are just dull, drab, dreary, and just bleh.

And so is the whole world.

This is definitely a Word Mystery.

Tell us what happened, Artist Clay, and I'll show us.

Recap time.

[Clay] Reporter Read asked me to paint

the cover of her new book.

We were passionately discussing our different artistic ideas

when firefighter Ember came in.

She asked to borrow some bright paint colors,

but I said I need them for Reporter Read's book cover.

I left the room to get some brushes.

When I came back, my vibrant palette was gone.

And so were Reporter Read and Firefighter Ember.

Fascinating.

Can you show us the scene of the mystery?

I left my palette on this table.

[Sly] I'm taking a screenshot for our case notes.

We'll solve this case, Artist Clay.

Case notes time.

We know what happened.

Someone stole Artist Clay's vibrant paint palette.

And now our usually bright and exciting world is dull.

It happened when Artist Clay left the room to get brushes.

And the art studio is where it happened.

[Gabby] Reporter Read

and Firefighter Ember are our suspects.

To find out who did it, how, and why,

let's look at the clues.

[Gabby] There are boot prints in paint.

[Sly] And a piece of paper with a lot of printed words on it.

We can start with the person who needed bright paint.

[ringing]

Hi, Word Detectives.

Is this about Wordsville being...

Blah, dull, boring?

Basically.

Why did you go to the art studio?

I needed bright paint to repaint the town's fire hydrants,

because the paint on them is old and dull.

But Artist Clay wouldn't lend me his vibrant paint palette.

-Did that annoy you? -It did.

Especially since he kept spilling vibrant paint

while he and Reporter Read were arguing.

When he went to get some brushes,

I accidentally stepped in paint.

So I came here to clean my boots,

which I've yet to finish.

Firefighter Ember wanted bright colors

for the town fire hydrants.

Right. Which means she might have taken the palette.

You know, usually I find this part exciting.

But with the word vibrant missing, nothing is.

We better talk to Reporter Read

if we want to get back to normal.

[ringing]

I don't have much time to talk, Word Detectives.

I've got my own worries.

Every report I've written this afternoon is boring.

I'm sure that's related to our case.

Can you tell us what happened at the art studio?

I had asked Artist Clay to paint the cover of my new book.

He wanted to use vibrant colors,

like bright pink or neon green.

I wanted my book cover to be

a striking combination of black and white,

to make it clear that my book covers important topics

-in a lively way. -Huh.

"Lively" is a synonym for one of the definitions of "vibrant".

They mean the same thing.

Wait, you're right.

Lots of things can be vibrant, not just colors.

-But now everything is blah. -Right.

And my news stories are supposed to be exciting,

not boring.

I was so frustrated by my argument with Artist Clay,

I forgot the word "vibrant" has more than one meaning.

Would you have done anything differently

-if you had remembered? -Um...

no, of course not.

A page of my manuscript is missing.

I must find it. Bye.

Very interesting.

Let's go over what we've got so far.

The paint footprints are from Firefighter Ember's boots.

[Sly] And the printed page must be from Reporter Read's book.

Firefighter Ember could have taken the palette because

she needed bright pink for her hydrants.

While Reporter Read could have taken it to keep Artist Clay

from using vibrant colors on her book cover.

[Gabby] They're both equally suspicious.

Except Reporter Read forgot

things other than colors can be vibrant.

And acted suspicious when we reminded her.

Gabby, did we just solve this Word Mystery?

I think we did.

That's good.

I'm starting to feel like a bored robot with this voice.

Let's show them how it happened.

[ringing]

Now presenting the Word Mystery animated reenactment of,

"The Case of the Vibrancy Void."

[Sly's voice] It should be bright pink or neon green,

vibrant and strong.

[Gabby's voice] I want it to be black and white,

so people know it's an important story.

[Sly's voice] What if I borrow the bright colors?

I could really use them for the town fire hydrants.

Sorry, I need them.

Excuse me, I need to get some brushes.

[Gabby's voice] It's frustrating that you're not listening to me.

[Sly's voice] My boot, oh no.

[Gabby's voice] If the vibrant palette's not here,

he can't paint my book with it.

Reporter Read is who did it.

She picked up the palette when

she was alone in the art studio and left.

-That's how she did it. -Why?

Because she didn't want vibrant colors on her book cover.

And she felt that Artist Clay wasn't listening to her ideas.

Okay, you got me.

I took it so Artist Clay couldn't use it

to paint my book cover,

but I forgot taking the word "vibrant"

meant that everything would become lifeless and unexciting,

including my new stories.

I'll return the vibrant palette right away.

[ringing]

All the colors are back and the world is vibrant again.

I'm sorry for taking your palette.

And I'm sorry for not listening better.

I just wanted to represent the lively stories in your book

-with a splash of color. -That's sweet.

Let's talk it through and listen

-to each other's ideas. -Deal.

Black and white are very striking.

I think we could incorporate them.

Maybe it could be okay to try

some bright pink and neon green.

-Our ideas are just so vibrant. -We'll figure it out.

Can I borrow the vibrant paint palette while you work it out?

-Of course you can. -Yes!

[all] Thanks, Word Detectives.

It feels good to be back to my

vibrant, lively, and exciting self.

Woohoo! No more robot voice.

And I remember what made my story exciting before.

Under the leaves was...

The cutest puppy ever!

Mystery puppy?

Who did the puppy belong to?

That's the best part.

Buckle up, Sly. It's an exciting ride.

[Sly imitating guitar]

Sly. Sly!

Oh. Hey, Gabby.

I didn't know you just called me.

Actually, you called me.

I did? Huh.

I must have mashed the keys playing air guitar!

And I accidentally hi-ya'd my desk while practicing karate.

I guess neither of us are being very careful.

Hey, is this a Word Mystery?

I think it just might be.

Firefighter Ember's calling.

Word Detectives, we've got a situation here.

This caution sign is missing.

And now I'm getting tons of calls

from people having little accidents

because they're not being cautious.

[Sly] Caution means care to avoid danger or risk.

[Gabby] Like when you're careful or cautious.

That's what I'm all about.

But I wasn't cautious while looking for the sign.

And, well, I got wrapped in my fire hose.

[sighs] It's like I can't be careful,

no matter how hard I try.

This is a Word Mystery, all right.

One we better solve before anyone gets hurt.

Or more hurt.

Tell us what happened, Firefighter Ember,

and I'll animate it.

Recap time!

[Ember] I was holding an open house

at the fire station

so people could learn more about safety.

I accidentally knocked over a bucket of water,

which made a puddle.

But before I could clean up the puddle,

I saw Athlete Glory and Vet Wilder coming.

I didn't want them to slip,

so I leaned my caution sign near the puddle

to alert them to use caution or be careful as they walk past.

Then I went to get a towel.

When I came back, they were gone!

And so was my caution sign!

Interesting.

Can you show us the scene of the mystery?

Sure.

I leaned my caution sign near the puddle.

[Sly] Thanks.

I'm taking a screenshot for our case notes.

Firefighter Ember, we're on the case.

Be careful.

I can't!

-That's the whole point! -[loud thud]

[Sly] Are you okay?

-[Ember] Yes. -[call ends]

Case notes time.

What happened?

Someone took Firefighter Ember's caution sign

and now everyone is acting carelessly.

And we know where it happened, the fire station,

when she went to go get a towel.

[Sly] Our suspects are Athlete Glory and Vet Wilder.

Now to investigate who did it, how, and why.

Let's go over the scene of the mystery.

[Sly] Hmm, there's the puddle Firefighter Ember

wanted to warn people about.

[Gabby] And some muddy paw prints.

[Sly] And is that a soccer ball?

[Gabby] Good eye, Sly!

I bet it's Athlete Glory's.

I've got mine right here.

-Oops. -Oh!

Let's call our first suspect before

I carelessly break something.

[line ringing]

Hey, Word Detectives. What's up?

A Word Mystery.

Can you tell us what happened to the caution sign

at the fire station?

A caution sign? I didn't see one of those.

I was too busy practicing dribbling

and kicking for my big soccer game.

So you were kicking your soccer ball

in the fire station?

Yep. Until my ball got stuck.

I didn't want to be late for my game, so I left.

I see.

Do you remember anything else that might be helpful?

Well, I did hear a clanging sound

just before my ball got stuck.

Interesting.

Thanks for your time.

Hey, how'd your game go?

I accidentally stubbed my toe on a post

before the game started, so I didn't get to play.

I'm usually more cautious and aware of any danger around.

[call ends]

So it sounds like Athlete Glory

didn't see the caution sign.

She was distracted practicing her soccer moves,

so she wasn't being...

-Whoa! -Careful!

Phew! We better interview our next suspect.

Hi, Word Detectives.

You'll have to be quick.

I've got a big mess to clean up here.

What do you know about the missing caution sign

from the fire station?

Caution sign? Never saw it.

Wish there was one.

My dogs ran through a big puddle.

Their dirty paws turned muddy and left paw prints all over.

So now I'm cleaning.

A bit carelessly, I might add.

Vet Wilder, did you say you brought

your dogs to the fire station?

Yes.

When we came in, we heard a clang,

and my dogs raced off and found a new yellow frisbee.

A frisbee? Where'd they find it?

I have no idea.

[quiet clattering]

Oh...

Whoops.

Now I have muddy paw prints

and a bunch of kibble to clean up.

-Gotta go. -[call ends]

-Okay, it's-- -Time to accuse Vet Wilder

of taking the caution sign?

No.

Time to accuse Athlete Glory of taking the caution sign?

No.

It would be careless to accuse someone

without considering the facts.

Right. We don't want to blame the wrong person.

It's case notes time.

So, we know Athlete Glory said she didn't see the caution sign.

She was busy kicking her soccer ball.

Vet Wilder said he didn't see it either.

His dogs ran off when they heard a clang.

But they found a round, yellow frisbee somewhere.

Wait.

Firefighter Ember's caution sign was round and yellow too.

I get it!

Now it's time to reveal who did it, how, and why.

-Right? -Right!

Ow...

Now presenting

the Word Mystery Animated Re-enactment of...

The Case of the Cautionary Tale.

[Gabby's voice] I'm so excited for the fire station open house.

Wait, is that a puddle?

Oh, no. Someone might slip.

This caution sign will alert people to the danger.

I better get a towel to clean this up.

Ooh, an open house at the fire station.

I want to go in, but I also need to practice for my game.

I'm sure I can do both.

[Sly's voice] Ooh, an open house at the fire station.

I want to go in, but I also need to walk my dogs.

I'm sure I can do both.

[Gabby's voice] Oh, no. My ball!

[dogs barking]

[Sly's voice] Oh, no. My dogs!

Firefighter Ember, Athlete Glory,

and Vet Wilder are all who did it.

Firefighter Ember

leaned the caution sign near the puddle...

Where it was accidentally knocked over

by Athlete Glory's ball...

Causing Vet Wilder's dogs to think it was a frisbee,

so they took it to play with.

You're all a little careless.

That's how it happened.

What?

No way.

I would have noticed if my dogs' new yellow frisbee was...

a caution sign.

Whoops.

I didn't see the writing on it. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, too.

The dogs wouldn't have thought it was a frisbee

if my ball hadn't knocked it over.

Which wouldn't have happened if I had put it up more carefully.

I'll bring the sign back

before anyone can make another careless--

Whoa!

I'm okay.

Landed on a soft doggy bed.

Caution has returned to Wordsville.

And I'm going to carefully practice soccer

now that my toe is better.

And my dogs and I are gonna play at the park

with a real frisbee.

[Ember, Glory & Wilder] Thanks, Word Detectives.

Looks like everything is back to normal.

Except my hand is still sore from doing karate in here.

I think I know the perfect way

to stretch all those hand muscles.

Air guitar!

Let's rock!

[imitating guitar]

[cheering]

[both imitating guitar]

Do you like my new hat?

Love it. It looks just like mine.

Do you like my trench coat?

[fabric tears]

Aw, it ripped!

-Should I throw it out? -Definitely.

I'll throw out my hat too, since I already used it once.

Whoa, this is weird.

We don't usually throw out this much stuff.

Is it a Word Mystery?

Maybe Scientist Cosmo knows.

Word Detectives, my water bottle has gone missing!

This one.

[Sly] Whoa. A reusable water bottle

with the word "reusable" on it?

It makes it very clear what it is.

[reading words on screen]

Like my reusable water bottle. It never has to be thrown out.

Hold up. I need a redo. Let's do this again.

Since the word "reusable" is missing,

nothing in Wordsville can be reused. At all!

That explains why we're throwing everything away.

It's not just you.

Oh, no. Look at all this waste!

"Waste" is unwanted items

that people throw away after they use them.

Waste is what happens when we don't reuse things.

When we just throw things away, we make so much waste

that there's no room for anything else.

This is definitely a Word Mystery.

Scientist Cosmo, tell us what happened so I can animate it.

Recap time!

[Scientist Cosmo]Athlete Glory came by to ask me

to design her a new pair of running shoes.

Then Singer Melody arrived to ask

why I missed her dinner party last night.

I mixed up the dates, and missed the party.

I apologized, and wanted to show them my new invention,

so I left to go grab it.

But when I came back, they were both gone!

And so was my reusable water bottle!

Hmm. Scientist Cosmo,

could you show us the scene of the mystery?

All right, let me show you.

My reusable water bottle used to be in

the exact same place this plastic bottle is now.

Except there's a big difference.

Plastic bottles like that one aren't reusable.

They get thrown out after one use.

I'll take a screenshot for our Case Notes.

-[camera shutter clicks] -Thanks, Scientist Cosmo.

-We're on it. -Bye.

Let's revisit the facts and go through what happened again.

I'm loving all these "re" words, by the way.

Same.

We know what happened.

Scientist Cosmo's reusable bottle went missing.

And now we're all being wasteful.

Scientist Cosmo's Lab is where it happened,

when he left to get his invention.

[Sly] Our suspects are Singer Melody and Athlete Glory.

So, to find out who did it, how, and why,

let's look at the clues.

[Sly] A plastic water bottle,

and Singer Melody's party invite.

[Gabby] Look, Sly! It says, "Dinner party.

Lots of mashed potatoes."

Let's call her before Wordsville becomes Wasteville.

Word Detectives, I have way too many...

♪ Mashed potatoes

Is that why you were at the Science Lab today?

Yes. I made mashed potatoes to enjoy at my dinner party,

but Scientist Cosmo didn't even show up.

So I had to ask him what had happened,

and what I'm supposed to do with all this food now.

He told me to reuse the leftovers,

but I have no idea what to do with them.

You could try reheating them.

Heating them again? Nah.

They were for the party, not for me to eat alone.

Hmm. I don't need these potatoes or this bowl.

Bye!

It's clear Singer Melody doesn't like

-reusing leftovers. -Or bowls.

Could she have taken the word "reusable"?

Maybe. I wonder how Athlete Glory feels

about reusing stuff.

Hey, Word Detectives!

Eight, nine, ten!

I'm replacing all my old workout stuff with new stuff.

You're replacing everything?

That's right, everything's going.

Athlete Glory, can you tell us what happened at the Lab today?

I'm training for a race, so I ran to the Lab

to ask Scientist Cosmo to design new running shoes for me.

But he told me to keep reusing my current ones.

To be fair, my shoes still feel great to run in.

But when I cross that finish line,

I want them to look great, too.

Let me show you what I mean.

See the scuffs on the sides? The frayed shoelaces?

These don't look like the shoes of a champion.

Anyways, I should hydrate.

Sounds like Athlete Glory didn't want to keep reusing her shoes.

Let's reopen our Case Notes and go through what we know again.

[Gabby] We know Athlete Glory

didn't want to reuse her running shoes.

[Sly] And Singer Melody didn't want to reuse

her leftover mashed potatoes.

What did the clues tell us?

[Sly] The party invitation was Singer Melody's.

[Gabby] But where did the plastic water bottle come from?

Scientist Cosmo said it was in the exact same place

his reusable bottle used to be.

Maybe whoever took the reusable bottle

thought they could replace it with the plastic one!

And we've seen that kind of bottle before.

It's time for our reenactment.

Hey, even the word "reenactment" has a "re" in it.

It means we're acting out something that already happened,

or doing it again.

Let's show them!

Now presenting the Word Mystery Animated Reenactment of...

"The Case of the Reusable Rescue."

[Gabby]"Hey, Scientist Cosmo.

Can you design new running shoes for me?"

[Sly]"Do your current shoes still fit?"

[Gabby]"They feel great, but they don't look great.

See? They look old."

[Sly]"I suggest you keep reusing your shoes."

[Gabby]"Scientist Cosmo, you missed my party last night.

I even made mashed potatoes."

[Sly] "I thought it was next week.

I'm sorry, Singer Melody.

Maybe you can reuse the mashed potatoes as leftovers.

You both seem upset. Wanna see my latest invention?"

[Gabby]"But I don't want to reuse leftover mashed potatoes.

They were supposed to be for the party."

"And I don't want to reuse my shoes.

But if 'reusable' is gone,

I won't have to."

-[Cosmo gasps] -Athlete Glory is who did it.

Athlete Glory!

When no one was around,

she replaced the reusable bottle with her plastic bottle.

-That's how. -And why?

She didn't want to reuse her current shoes for a race.

It's true. I'm sorry, Scientist Cosmo.

I didn't want to reuse my scuffed-up shoes.

I thought if "reusable" was gone,

you would have to design new running shoes for me.

But instead, I turned Wordsville into--

-Wasteville. -Trashtown.

-Garbageland. -A big mess.

Exactly. I'm really sorry.

I'll return the bottle right away.

Athlete Glory, Singer Melody, I'm sorry for upsetting you.

[gasps] Wait a minute. I think I know how to fix this.

Mystery solved! I'm so glad to have

my reusable water bottle back.

And check out my new shoes!

Well, my old shoes.

Scientist Cosmo inspired me to redecorate them.

And Scientist Cosmo helped me reuse

the mashed potatoes to make...

♪ Potato pancakes

Which we're eating tonight, right?

Right! And this is my new invention.

It's a bird feeder made out of recycled plastic bottles.

-Wow! -Way to reuse things.

[all] Thanks, Word Detectives!

Gabby! Don't throw away your trench coat.

What should I do with it?

You can rescue it by sewing up the rip.

And reuse it, just like your hat!

Oh, yeah. I love this hat.

Boom.

♪

♪

♪ It's Wordsville!

♪ Yeah!

♪ Woo!

♪ With Gabby

♪ Sly

♪ It's Wordsville!