The second episode of Chowder in their new Thursday slot was another "grown-ups are funny" edition in the war between the sexes. "Mung on the Rocks" was originally slated for a date closer to Valentine's Day, and it doesn't do much to alleviate my ambivalence about the show's treatment of female characters. However, it's a much tighter plot and a more straightforward scenario when Mung forgets his 450th anniversary with his wife Truffles.

For one thing, Mung walks past the giant banner that says "Happy 450th Anniversary."

The cycle of fighting and making up is presented Chowder-style. The husband's accused of loving work more than the wife ("You can marry a kitchen?" cries Chowder.) There's the cajoling in the form of a thankfully brief mating dance. Mung's soon bunking with Chowder and explaining earnestly that "women have these things in their bodies called Expectations." Even Truffles' silent treatment comes with an actual chirping cricket.

Despite not understanding any of this, Chowder vows to help his miserable mentor. After a mishap with a river of fizzy juice, Mung proves that fish-sticks and stones may break bones, but words can make an old flame relent.

Once again the word-play and timing save this episode from a rote plot. The jump-cut from lying on cake and ham to eating cake and ham, the pickle joke, and that darn fish on Chowder's head were all too clever. (Young Truffles is a mind-bender, and in a good way.)

When it comes to Mung, I have to echo Truffles on this one -- "What am I going to do with you?" I was relieved the story didn't hinge on the man saving the helpless woman. The double entendres on the way to "home base" also seemed appropriate. Still, a quick review for younger kids wouldn't hurt.

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