Little Mermaid 1.01: Whale of a tale

"**Save the Whale**" is the first episode of the first season of the Little Mermaid that; was released on September 11, 1992.

## Synopsis

Ariel decides to adopt a baby killer whale, named Spot; despite her father, Triton's disapproval.

## Plot

A young baby killer whale, named Spot, swims alongside a pod of killer whales, their peaceful existence is suddenly interrupted by the appearance of a ship on the surface, a man onboard alerts the rest of the crew about the killer whales, causing panic and chaos, harpoons are fired from the ship, forcing the frightened killer whales to scatter and swim away in desperation. Tragically, Spot becomes separated from the group, feeling helpless and emitting sorrowful cries for assistance.

While swimming, Ariel and Flounder suddenly hear the distressed cries of a frightened creature called Spot, concerned, they immediately rush to investigate the situation, Spot, recognizing the danger of a nearby great white shark, cleverly hides in the seaweed for safety, confused; by the sudden silence, Ariel and Flounder ponder the source of the sound; but Flounder, apprehensive attempts to convince Ariel to disregard it; but despite this, the two friends decide to split up and search for the distressed creature, as fate would have it, Flounder (unintentionally) stumbles upon Spot; who is equally terrified upon seeing Flounder's frightened expression and large eye. Startled; by Flounder's screams, Spot swims away quickly, inadvertently passing; by Ariel.

Understanding the need for reassurance, Ariel gently co-axes Spot out from his hiding spot, demonstrating compassion and care, in a heartfelt moment, Ariel bestows the name "Spot" upon the young killer whale, as she admires the distinctive bush-like marking on his tail, utilizing her soothing voice, Ariel sings to Spot as a means to comfort and calm him, empathy and understanding continue to strengthen their bond as Ariel; makes the decision to bring Spot back home. Their shared experience deepens their trust and friendship, further enhancing their connection through the power of song.

While Horatio Sebastian is admires himself in a mirror, he fails to notice Ariel sneaking Spot; into the palace. Ariel and Flounder bring Spot; into her room; but Spot causes a mess and gives them trouble. But a frightened Flounder unintentionally scares Spot, causing him to swim away from the room and accidentally squash Horatio against the door twice.

Ariel and Flounder conceal Spot beneath the bed covers; before; allowing Horatio to enter the room for investigation; but Horatio quickly realizes that; Ariel and Flounder (apparently) are not actually hiding anything in the room. In addition, he reminds them about the upcoming spring celebration.

After accidentally uncovering the bed, Horatio is startled to see Spot, causing him to panic; but Ariel persuades him to keep Spot's presence a secret as an act of compassion, sympathy, kindness and understanding, although Horatio is reluctant; but he also fears the consequences of Triton discovering Spot and uncovering his own knowledge of Ariel hidden a killer whale in the palace. Therefore; he realizes that; both he and Ariel could find themselves in significant trouble if the truth were to came to light.

After three months, Spot has become significantly much bigger than; before. Ariel and Flounder had also decided to leave him to join in the spring celebration.

Horatio participated in the celebration, sharing his singing talents, upon hearing the music, Spot was intrigued and; made his way to the performance, in an attempt to add some excitement, Horatio decided to improvise; with Spot joining in unexpectedly; but unfortunately, Spot's enthusiastic "singing"; resulted in the stage collapsing, this incident caused Triton to become extremely furious, as he directed his anger towards Ariel, Flounder and Horatio for concealing Spot in the palace, Triton emphasized the potential danger this presented to the citizens of atlantica and expressed his disappointment at the complete destruction of the stage section; but Triton also understood that; Spot is a wild animal; who was not truly accountable for his actions. As Ariel, Flounder and Horatio are truly responsibility for that; incident.

Triton grants Ariel, Flounder and Horatio a two-week deadline to train Spot; in order to ensure his survival in the open ocean; but if Spot is not ready; by then, Triton will hold Horatio personally responsible. Despite their utmost dedication, Spot remains un-prepared for the challenges of the untamed waters.

Horatio insists on; making Spot sleep outside; when they return home; despite Ariel's objections, Ariel, Flounder, Horatio and Spot all end up sleeping outside of the palace; during the night, three great white sharks are swimming nearby, as morning arrives, Spot is still oblivious to the danger, suddenly, a school of fish swiftly swims past the group, capturing Ariel's attention and causing her to turn around, to their horror, they discover that; three great white sharks have appeared, ready to attack. In distress, Ariel desperately urges everyone to swim away from the impending danger.

Ariel, Flounder and Horatio are being chased; by the three great white sharks, Spot, feeling left out, swims away on his own; but; when he hears Flounder's cries for help, Spot rushes to the scene, Flounder narrowly escapes from the snapping jaws of one of the great white sharks; but becomes entangled in seaweed; but fortunately, Ariel comes to his rescue just in time to prevent the great white shark from devouring him. Meanwhile, Ariel herself is being pursued; by another great white shark and Spot, witnessing this, becomes furious and rushes to their aid.

Together, Spot and Ariel swim towards a large shell; with the relentless great white sharks close behind; instead of entering the shell, Spot chooses to position himself at the top, knowing that; Ariel, Flounder and Horatio will eventually end up there, eventually, the group finds themselves trapped; with the great white sharks preparing to attack; but just as the great white sharks are about to pounce, Spot bursts through the shell and defeats them, sending all three of them flying away. Ariel celebrates their victory and declares that, "my father will have to let you stay", grateful for Spot's heroic actions in saving their lives.

Spot's ears catch the cries of killer whales; which later turns out to be his old group, Spot decides to swim off and find them, leaving Ariel saddened; but she also understands that; it is best for them to separate; but; before Spot leaves; with the killer whales, he returns for one final goodbye, as a farewell gesture, Spot utilizes his tail to flip Sebastian out of the water; much to the Jamaican crab's complete annoyance and panic. Spot then swims away; with his family.

## Cast

* Edan Gross as Flounder
* Frank Welker as Spot
* Jodi Benson as Ariel
* Kenneth Mars as Triton
* Samuel Wright as Horatio Sebastian

## Trivia

* The title episode "Whale of a tale"; refers to the song, A Whale of a Tale from the 1954 film, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
* Whale of a tale takes place 1 year; before the events of the first film.

## External links

* File:Disney Wiki.jpg Whale of a tale on Disney Wiki
* File:Internet Movie Database.jpg Whale of a tale on IMDb