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Some background: Hey Arnold! Is a cartoon series created by Craig Bartlett that officially premiered from 1996-2004.

It is seen by many as a cult classic, inspiring numerous fanfictions, fanart, and theories (oh, the theories!)
SPOILERS . . . DOI!

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First and foremost, this episode has seen some controversy.

Mostly about voice acting and the chronological order of the series.

1. The voices change because they are kids.

And Nickelodeon at the time was demanding episodes by the ton.

2. There's a theory that suggests that the episode is set when they are in 5th grade, after both movies.

So far, the theory is only partially true since Craig Bartlett confirmed that the episode took place after Hey Arnold!: The Movie (or Hey Arnold! Saves The Neighborhood).

(Which is set in the summer)

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So we open with Arnold just performing his normal, everyday breakfast routine when . . . BAM!

Grandpa runs in with his bloody hatchet, over exaggerating every movement he's making.

Somehow, this seems a bit off.
It went by too quick.

Grandpa pranks Arnold, Arnold barely reacts, then move on with life.

Almost as if it was forced. Not forced by Grandpa, but by Arnold's reaction.

Especially when comparing it to the moment in Field Trip when Arnold freaked out, thinking that Grandma had lost her hand.

One things for sure though, if Arnold didn't know that it was April Fools Day, he sure would then.

In comes Grandma with her usual mixup of the holidays, and the way Grandpa and Arnold react is like "Here she goes again, brace yourselves." Lol.

So while Arnold seems to be depressed that it's April Fools, Grandpa's going all out on the pranks.

Now just think of Grandpa doing this all day to any of the boarders (who normally become irritated if there's a slight leak in the roof or if a small patch of wallpaper ominously looks as if it's about to peel off).

Just imagine the chaos that would ensue.

Who agrees that he'd cause more trouble than Helga?

Quick Thought: Imagine Grandma on the day that she thinks it's April Fools Day.

Now imagine that that day is the Fourth of July, when so many explosive fireworks are practically being thrown out of windows.

Foreshadowing: Grandpa could not be more obvious when telling Arnold that the Granddaddy Of All Pranks blinded someone by saying "a blinding light goes off!"

Honestly Arnold. Are you even a human being?

No one could be that oblivious right?

Arnold -- "No thanks, Grandpa. I just don't think anybody at school is really into April Fools' Day."

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Turns out that everyone at school is into April Fools. Surprise, Surprise!

Yes, because everyone takes this "holiday" seriously these days.

Besides the fact that real world schools would not allow chaotic pranks to disturb the "learning environment" . . .

These kids are freakin' geniuses when it comes to pranks. I mean my gosh.

Pea Pod Kid chews on fake bubble gum.

Rhonda slaps Curly after falsely going in for a kiss.

And of course Eugene trips (but it's a prank this time).

There's even a goat (for whatever reason).

So Gerald describes how Arnold would be the perfect Boy Scout before he gets hit by a punching glove on a spring.

Wait, Wait, WAIT, . . . WHAT?

1. With how hard he was hit, he should've been sent to the nurses' office.

2. How did Helga even get Arnold's locker combination?

3. Why was this not the breaking point for Arnold?

4. Why am I even ranting about a cartoon?

5. I felt like having a fifth point.

Helga makes a decision.

What a brilliant opportunity to show my love affection by tormenting him all day.

Arnold makes a decision.

So you're going to play that game huh? Watch out, cause I'm a ball of fury.

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Ah teachers, how they try to be cool in this universe.
Heavy sigh and slow shake of the head.

Principal Wartz unconvincingly tries to convince the students that Mr. Simmons is dead.

Fart jokes, remember when they were funny in elementary school?

Yeah, me neither. They were rather embarrassing, but not funny.

Helga decides to plant some elaborate fart device that everyone actually laughs at Arnold for later, as if they've never seen a better joke.

YMAA = Discount YMCA.

King of Fools = All I can think of is the Hunchback Of Notre Dame.
Aaaahhh, it's a trap!

Eugene's so cute.

"I'd be honored! I really hope you all will come and vote for me. I think I'd make a wonderful King of Fools."

Stinky and Sid say--
We've not been given enough screen time, give us a side plot!!!

Curly dismantles one of the ringing school bells = Bwahahahhahahhahhahhaahahhahaaa

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"I hope Helga's finished playing April Fools jokes on me." -- (the famous last words of Arnold Phillip "Shortman").

Breaking Point -- Pudding pants. Seriously? You've got to be kidding......

Phone Convo Summary:

"Grandpa?"

"Nope, wrong number."

"Sorry"

"April Fools! You're too easy"

"Not anymore . . . I'm serious."

"You want to pull a prank on someone?!!
GLORY BE TO GOD!!! ARNOLD STAY WHERE YOU ARE. DON'T LET YOUR GOOD SIDE TALK YOU OUT OF IT"

Grandpa rips off his pants, runs out the door, drives over (almost running over Arnold), laughs at Arnold for a minute, drives off.

Plus: Grandpa totally ships Shortaki.

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Of course, Eugene is a target again.

Here's Dark Arnold!!!!!!!

The hidden meanings behind certain messages: "I mean, your birthday was last week, right?"

He cares enough to remember Helga's birthday, while Big Bob and Miriam probably didn't.

Y'know it's meant to be when your crush finally snaps from under the pressure and blinds you for a mere twenty minutes.

Hey look, Ms. Perfect is laughing at Helga (what happened to being ever so nice?)

I swear if there was an episode where Lila was shown to have a dark side. I'd burn all of my books in a gas fire then dance around it while chanting "I need waffles." Over and over.

Also, look at Arnold's smirk. VIDEO

It's so terrifying how he anticipates the fall of Helga. She's brought him to the dark side.

Welcome Arnold, we have cookies and girls that are pretty + nice and nothing else (wink wink).

Hey Arnold, why were you more worried about Helga than your Grandpa??!

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Scheming Time: Make Arnold slave by pretending to be blind. What could go wrong?

Oh, idk, telling us the plan right out in detail.

Cartoon Cliche: Character tells plan to the viewer, plan backfires. Just watch a typical episode of Scooby Doo.

When Arnold says "Way to state the obvious, Sid," I say "Arnold, if you weren't told the obvious, you wouldn't have gotten through the day."

"I'm still blind" should be the actual title of the episode.

Quick "Blindness" Montage:

1. Hits the wall.
2. Hits Arnold with her cane.
3. Hits a stranger with her cane (haha)
4. Tries to kill herself
(walks in front of a car).
5. Fakes a dizzy spell
6. Forces Arnold to carry her twice.

7. Almost gets hit by a cab (again).
8. Give "me" ice cream Arnold. Now pay for it.
9. Repeatedly stresses that she's blind.
10. Arnold invites Helga on a "blind" date

(hmph, that's kinda funny)

What's up with the sound effects in this episode?

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Grandma has never had a dull moment.

Who has ever went to an April Fools Dance?

(The sound of crickets resounds).

Dancing to backwards music. Well, this has taken a dark turn quickly.

Snapping turtles in toilets and a very depressed Arnold dragging Helga across the dance floor.

Cue one of Eugene's best moments in the episode. "I'm not o-kay"

"April Fools. I'm okay!"

"Take me to the can, Jeeves. I'm about to explode." -- Helga

"Now there's a lovely image." -- Gerald

Gerald, Why?!?!

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I think Phoebe teleported into the bathroom.

Helga couldn't be more right when saying -- "He's the one who's blind."

The only problem, is that she shouted her scheme so loudly for the whole world to hear. Now Gerald knows.

So Arnold knows.

Time to recheck the tally.

Now it's time for the funeral of Snappy the turtle. I'll be the pastor!

We are gathered here today to mourn the loss of a small reptile who was--

Stinky: "Flushed down the terlet. Oh this really bites!"

Yes, Stinky, this really bites.

The whole congregation is crammed into a small stall over the busted pipe of the toilet.

Water floods my shoes.
You have no idea.

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Scheming time: Gerald and Arnold plan something (they don't say it out loud), guess what? The plan doesn't fail!

Arnold's made a decision:

I've had enough! Time to hit her with the only ammunition I've got left.

Sexy Tango Dancing.

Sheesh, Arnold.
Down boy
Chill . . .

Inner thought process of
Helga G. Pataki:

"Dang Arnold's being kind of rough.
Gotta keep this charade up for a little longer.
Keep it together, Helga ole girl.
I'm so confuzzled.
Hmph, so that's what he's playing at.
MY TURN!

Just as the King of Fools is about to be announced.

Helga reveals that she's not blind.

Arnold spins her "right around like a record baby" into the plumbing system-connected pool.

All right. Hold it!

Who here has ever been to a gym where the floor moves to reveal a pool?

Think of the basketball games there.

Someone "accidentally" pulls the lever/button while someone's going for a lay up.

"Wth man, it's happening again."
Falls in water.
Whistle resounds --- "Foul!!!"

Winner: Eugene!
(Great job! You were born for it my little jinxy pop)

Sorry. (Nope)

Arnold: I know you're not blind
Helga: Yeah, yeah, pull me up, would ya?!!

Pulls Arnold into the pool with her.

Thats one of the oldest tricks in the book.

Yes Lorenzo.
Push Lila In!

Karma finally believes that it's time to bite back at Helga (literally).

And that ties up the side plot for Sid and Stinky.

Snappy's alive by some miracle.
They're most likely swimming in sewage. Eugene's the king.

All's right with the world.

Helga --- 5 (It's unfair, she's a pro)
Arnold --- 2 (Still more than he'd do in a normal day)

Lessons learned:
Never tell your schemes to the world.
Sexy Tango Dancing is always the answer. Karma's a biotch.