Pandemic 2: The Startling

Plot

The episode opens with Craig Tucker recapping events in his journal. Stranded in the Andes Mountains with the four main characters and pilots Captains Gabriel and Taylor at a false rendezvous point, they search the jungle and find a land of giant fruits. Gabriel and Taylor are killed by baby Guinea bee larvae, and the boys flee. They discover a temple with carvings depicting a prophecy that recounts the previous episode's events, revealing that Peruvian flute bands kept the murderous guinea pigs within the jungle.

Craig appears in the final carving but refuses to investigate further, walking back through the jungle as the others follow, complaining of boredom. Interspersed are scenes in Colorado with Randy, Sharon, and Shelley hiding from giant guinea pig monsters, portrayed by real live-action guinea pigs in costumes, parodying the film Cloverfield. Randy films constantly with shaky camera work and heavy breathing, annoying Sharon, who eventually attacks his camera.

The townsfolk encounter various permutations of the guinea pigs, including guinea rabbits, guinea bees, guinea bears, guinea mice, guinea rats, and guinea-saurus rexes, all supposedly from the giant world.

Production

The episode’s shaky camera and monster designs were inspired by the 2008 film Cloverfield. A giant guinea pig attack on a small town parodies Night of the Lepus. The costumes were bought online; creator commentary notes the guinea pigs would not move while wearing them, requiring hours of filming for a single usable shot. The monsters’ home, Guinny Valley, is a parody of Land of the Giants and Land of the Lost.

Did You Know?

• The A.V. Club graded the episode a C−, stating it was too long with little substance and few laughs, similar to Cloverfield.
• The home release included audio commentaries by Parker and Stone, deleted scenes, and the mini-features The Making of 'Major Boobage' and 6 Days to Air.