The video isn't connected to this episode in particular.

But it does give an idea to what this episode is about.

And the fanart is just BEAUTIFUL.

Cough sorry cough.

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In the beginning, each character is given their moment to show their personalities.

Also, Helga recites her short soliloquy.

Why are these two facts important?

1. Later, the characters become their anti-thesis

2. Having a soliloquy in an episode usually means that Helga has some importance in it.

Foreshadowing.

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Dream Vs Reality

Arnie is a real person in Arnold's world.

The scene cuts in a way to try to trick the viewer into believing that it is real.

But it is actually a dream.

Placing the viewer in a sort of awkward position.

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Antithesis Characters

Abner (small, clean, cute) --
Abigail (nasty, large, disgusting)

Arnold (lively, challenged, decision maker) -- Arnie (content, whatever)

Lila (niceness personified) --
Lulu (vulgar, temptress, pushy)

Phoebe (smart and exact) --
Fifi (dumb and drawl)

Stinky (clueless) -- Stumpy (know-it-all)

Gerald (cool and collected) --
Gerard (high-strung)

Sid (high strung, paranoid) --
Kid (cool and collected)

Harold (slob, annoying) --
Harry (not a slob, bossy)

Rhonda (fashion queen, cares way too much) -- Rhoda (slob, doesn't care at all)

Helga (feisty, complicated, mean) --
Hilda (lovely, straight to the point, nice as all get out)

Reality (Big City) --
Dreamland (Small Country Town)

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Yippee For Love Squares

Reality =
Arnold likes Lila who likes Arnie
Arnie likes Helga who likes Arnold.

Dreamland =
Arnie is dating Lulu who likes Arnold
Arnold likes Hilda who likes Arnie.

Wow, look at that creepy guy leading the hayride. Wouldn't want to catch him in the rows of corn.

Seriously, love squares are one of the most confusing situations to sort out and deal with.

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Specific Details + Facts / Speculations

Arnold gives Hilda a daisy and a snack which possibly refers to memories of Beaned where he did the same for Helga.

This is likely since the writer who wrote this episode, wrote that episode as well.

The Dream Represents:

Arnold's onset to puberty.

Arnold must choose between
temptation/lustful flings or true love.

He may be innocent in his approach, but Arnold's still a boy.

Yeahhhh, let me just cozy on up next to ya by using the "hay in your hair trick." ;)

Nice going Arnold. You sly dog.

If Helga gave up on trying to hide her true nature, it's possible that Arnold would fall for her . . . HARD

Meeting Scene:

Hilda: Oh most luminous orb in indigo sky, looketh you upon my ideal guy. Oh all-knowing lunar sphere taunting from above, whilst thou never guide me to my one true love--

[is cut off by Arnold tripping over her]

Arnold: [smiles instantly] Hi.

Hilda: Hello.

Arnold: Do I know you?
(Yes Arnold, yes you do)

Hilda: I don't think so.

Love Isn't Easy.

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Confessions

Step Forward

Arnold is straightforward, sweet, and simple.

Arnold: I've never met anyone like you, Hilda, and I REALLY LIKE YOU A LOT.

Ok, maybe . . . a bit too straightforward.

Yikes.

Step Backward

Hilda admits that she likes Arnie because he is "likable, funny, attractive", which he really isn't, but Arnold is.

Honestly, does this bland boy of nightmares seem likable, attractive, or at all funny to you??

Reverse The Roles --

Technically, Helga is confessing to Arnold that she likes him.

However, it is more like Arnold's subconscious is attempting to tell him that she likes him.

So he's halfway there.

He knows that Helga likes him, but only subconsciously.

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Lulu Vs Lila

LULU IS NOT LILA.

Lila is a sweet, farm girl who looks at the world through rose-colored glasses.

(A similar coping mechanism to Olga's)

She chooses to see the good in the world and none of the bad.

Ugh, she's too pretty and ever so sweet.

I kid, I kid.

She's just a very one dimensional character used mostly as a plot device.
That's why many HA! Fans hate her.

Lulu is a temptress who is all for lust and bad intentions.

What They Do Have In Common:

Both are extremely clingy.

Arnold may have some hidden resentment towards Lila for "stringing him along".

So his subconscious chose her look for Lulu as a sort of revenge.

One thing's for certain:

Arnold + Lila = Not Compatible.

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Hilda Vs Helga

In a way, Hilda is Helga without her shield.

Except, Arnold doesn't really know that.

Hilda is a kind, sensitive, proper lady.

Everything Helga could be.

Helga hides behind her shield of meanness and irritability.

When the shield slips, who else is there to acknowledge it?

Arnold (doi).

Hilda, however, represents more.

She represents:

Chaste
Love
Romance

A Notable Fact:

Arnold literally falls for Hilda before she even begins speaking.

Side Note:

Though Helga has a soft side, her tough, bad exterior is as much a part of her as her true nature that she hides from the world.

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The Fight

Many people leave this alone because they believe it's just a bunch of mumbo jumbo at the end.

1. Hilda disappears, situation is left unresolved.
The situation with Helga and Arnold is also left unresolved.

2. Arnie, along with everyone else (no Hilda) is chanting "fight" as they surround Arnold.

Arnold's Subconscious Is Telling Him:

If you ever did choose Lulu, there would be some major consequences that could lead to a bad future for you.

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Aftermath

Step Forward

Instincts drive Arnold forward to hug Helga.

Maybe it has to do with a little bit of relief.

Helga didn't leave like Hilda did at the end of the dream.

She's still her.

Step Backward

Instincts drive Arnold away from another "Lulu" attack.

Arnold is happy to hear that Lila only likes him.

Meaning, this may be a step towards Timberly Loves Arnold, where Arnold loses his crush on Lila for good!

Here's a picture to close with.
Arnold gives the definition of unrequited love right in front of Helga.

Aaaaaahhhhhhh.................!!!

Lessons learned:
Dreams are always weird
And they like to solve out your problems.
Love isn't easy.