Smiling Friends Season 3, Episode 5 review: Surreal horror and dark comedy collide in Pim and Charlie Save Mother Nature

Fans of Adult Swim’s Smiling Friends are in for another wild ride with Season 3, Episode 5, titled “Pim and Charlie Save Mother Nature.” The episode aired on Sunday, November 9, at 11:30 p.m. ET, continuing the series’ signature blend of absurd humor and unsettling, surreal storytelling.

For viewers without cable, the episode is accessible through a 5-day free trial of DIRECTV, which streams Adult Swim live and on demand. Sling TV also carries Adult Swim, offering flexible options to watch via daily or weekly passes, though it does not provide a free trial. Additionally, episodes become available for next-day streaming on HBO Max, which can be bundled with Disney+ and Hulu for broader access.

Where to Stream ‘Smiling Friends’

• DIRECTV: Offers live TV from major networks and cable channels, with unlimited cloud DVR storage. Plans start at $34.99/month after the free trial.

• Sling TV: Offers customizable packages starting at $29.99/month, plus one-time daily, weekend, or weekly passes for just a few dollars.

• HBO Max: Provides next-day streaming of Smiling Friends, often bundled with Disney+ and Hulu.

Episode Highlights

Season 3 continues to expand the strange, vibrant universe of Smiling Friends. In Episode 5, Pim and Charlie find themselves entangled in a darkly comedic and surreal adventure after a routine office lunch discussion spirals into chaos. What begins as a simple dispute over what to eat quickly escalates into a hallucinatory sequence involving curses, demonic encouragement, and a chilling vision of Pim’s suppressed frustrations unleashed.

A green-skinned witch enters the office to ask for change. When the group refuses, she casts a magical warning: a vision revealing the terrifying consequences of continued selfishness and disregard. The Friends experience intense, nightmarish transformations, testing their fears, anxieties, and interpersonal tensions. Pim, pushed to the brink by the earlier dismissals, nearly commits an unthinkable act under the vision’s influence.

The narrative’s horror is revealed to be a premonition, providing a darkly humorous cautionary lesson rather than actual carnage. Moments of absurd comedy punctuate the tension, such as Spider Allan delivering pizza amidst the chaos, only to be humorously run over alongside Mr. Boss, blending physical comedy with surreal horror.

The episode closes with a post-credits scene showing the witch in a tender yet awkward domestic moment, highlighting Smiling Friends’ signature mix of dark satire and uncomfortable humor.

Cast and Creators

• Michael Cusack voices Pim.

• Zach Hadel voices Charlie and Mr. Frog.

• Additional voices include Chris O’Neill and Marc M.

  
  
  

The series focuses on a small company dedicated to spreading happiness in an eccentric, unpredictable world. Season 3 continues to push boundaries, balancing bizarre adventures with glimpses into the deeper psychological states of its characters.

Why This Episode Stands Out

Episode 5 showcases the show’s ability to pivot between light-hearted absurdity and unsettling horror, proving that Smiling Friends can surprise even long-time viewers. The technical work, from animation to voice direction, contributes to an experience that is both humorous and unnerving, appealing to both casual audiences and hardcore fans of Adult Swim’s unique brand of comedy.

FAQ

Q1: When does Smiling Friends Season 3, Episode 5 air?
A1: Sunday, November 9, at 11:30 p.m. ET on Adult Swim.

Q2: How can I watch the episode without cable?
A2: Sign up for DIRECTV’s 5-day free trial, use Sling TV passes, or stream next day on HBO Max.

Q3: Who voices the main characters?
A3: Michael Cusack voices Pim; Zach Hadel voices Charlie and Mr. Frog.

Q4: What is the episode about?
A4: Pim and Charlie navigate a bizarre, cautionary adventure after an office dispute escalates into a darkly comedic vision involving a witch.

Q5: Is this episode suitable for casual viewers?
A5: Yes, but it contains surreal horror and dark humor that might not be for everyone.