Adventure Time is, on the surface level, all about the wacky, weird and then weird, topped with some weird-flavored sprinkles.

But there are certain episodes that hint at more, almost as if the creators are apprehensive about being in-depth with the world of Ooo, out of fear of a ratings drop or pushing the censors, who knows?

But when it does show its depth, it goes from Adventure Time to A Special Time. Episodes that involve Susan Strong, the very intense 'Burning Low', and of course, 'Holly Jolly Secrets', all give Adventure Time so much more depth than the casual viewer may perceive.

The basic summary is that bad 'ol Ice King (Tom Kenny) wants Marceline's (Olivia Olson) help to write songs to woo the princesses, as usual. Turns out, Marceline knew Ice King from a long time ago.

In short, 'I Remember You' is Adventure Time's most emotional and complex episode yet, and one of its best.

Nothing Ooo-shattering happens, no big action is about; this is a quiet episode of Marceline and a friend she's lost.

Without giving too much away, we learn a little more about the mysterious Ice King and his loopy mind, and Marceline's surprisingly complicated reactions to him is actually very heart-wrenching.

Besides Ice King's singing of Marceline's famous 'Fry Song' and a couple other sweet chuckles, it's not a very comic episode, precisely because it's not trying to be funny.

In fact, I'd argue that this episode is conducive of repeated viewing because you could've missed subtle hints from Marceline's expression or a cryptic line that Ice King says that piles the emotions on and on. It's an episode driven by emotion and subtext that climaxes with an ending that will break your heart.

Usually AT will just be kooky for the sake of being kooky, but this time it's all about catching the emotional beats, surprisingly like watching a really good play.

And the songs are part of why you might actually cry, and cry hard. It's some of the most well-written in the series.

I would like to mention something that I believe a few others have pontificated as well: Ice King's inability to remember is a metaphor for Alzheimer's. Keep that in mind while watching and hug someone thereafter.

Are there any gripes I have with this episode? I'm actually having difficulty looking for them; by taking a non-comedic route, it took away some of its flaws as well, such as some jokes not working, pacing being off, etc. In fact, I wanted it to be even more emotional!

I also did find it surprising at how gentle Marceline was. Typically she'll be much more hot-tempered, but through Ice King we see a new, unexpected side of her. Not a bad point, mind, just one I hope they don't overdo in the future, as angry Marceline is fun Marceline.

But sad Marceline is so very sad Marceline. Olivia Olson really got to stretch her acting chops in this one.

An artistic and tasteful episode that will only bring respect to the creators of the show; a must watch for hardcore fans, and the perfect hook for casuals wanting more Adventure Time.

4.5/5