Jungle Trap is shockingly ordinary considering it is the only episode of G.I. Joe to be written by Paul Dini (script editor for LucasFilm’s Ewoks, and later for Batman The Animated Series and Lost). The premise is really simple. Cobra has a super weapon and G.I. Joe has to find the Cobra base and destroy it. This is fine, but the surrounding story lacks any special spark. Joe, at its best was satirical, fast paced and fun. Jungle Trap feels like it is missing some of these ingredients, though it does at least respect the audience and avoid the silly realms of later efforts this season.

The story involves an innocent scientist whose invention can create spontaneous volcanic eruptions.

I mean, why?!

Why make something like that in a world with Cobra?

In their effort to rescue the innocent but foolish scientist, Scarlett, Duke, Snake-Eyes, Rock n’ Roll and Recondo have a run in with Zartan and the Dreadnoks in the local third world town. They then crash their copters during an air battle with Cobra and have to fight their way through a jungle to reach the Cobra temple. However, Cobra Commander has a bunch of straight forward traps laid for the Joes, which of course fail. These consist of a spike pit, hidden automatic lasers, hyenas, etc… Cobra Commander obviously is not taking the Joes seriously enough at this stage in the series.

This episode is memorable for its emphasis on Recondo, the image of Zartan disguised as the market snake charmer (not that subtle, really), and the fact that, at the end of the story, Copperhead dies. Whoa! What’s that you say? Yes, watch closely. While in the process of stealing the last Cobra boat so the Joes can make their escape, Duke callously throws Copperhead into the water just seconds before the Cobra temple is destroyed by a volcanic eruption!

You don’t see Copperhead die, but you don’t see him escape either and it is only seconds after he took the plunge that the lava follows him!

I love it how Scarlett doesn’t give a shit. Look at that smile.

Technically, Copperhead shows up in at least one other story, the classic “World’s Without End” 2-parter. But as this series was made for syndication, the order the episodes would air in was always changing. It could well be that Copperhead was boiled alive.

This story also gives Snake-Eyes something to do, which is a rarity after his Boy George impersonation and break dancing in the Pyramid of Bullshit *cough* Darkness. Snake-Eyes drops down from a rooftop to aid the Joes who are trapped in an alley by Cobra and the Dreadnoks. I’m starting to think that the writers were thinking of a mute Spider-Man when making use of this character because he also swings across a river to save Duke from the hyenas I mentioned earlier. He does appears to lack Spider-Man’s cocky one-liners, but maybe he can sign them.

One other thing I found interesting about this story is the Cobra Officer that Cobra Commander seems to be chatting to. Obviously Destro, the Baroness and Major Bludd were all on a Caribbean Cruise or something. It is nice to see the core of Cobra getting a moment of attention so we’re reminded it’s not just a bunch of mindless soldiers being led by the guys with the more elaborate costumes.

This one gets 2 stars, not because of any plot or animation issues, but simply because it’s a bit dull.

Jungle Trap **
Starring: Duke, Scarlett, Recondo, Snake-Eyes, Rock N’ Roll, Cobra Commander, Zartan
Also featuring: Cutter, Ripcord, Wild Bill, The Dreadnoks, Cobra Officer, Cobra Troopers
Vehicles: Dragonfly, FANG Helicopter, Moccasin, WHALE
Joe Officer on Duty: Duke