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So, last month, Disney Now released not only the season 3 premiere of The Lion Guard, but also a whopping 8 episodes to boot. Let's talk about them.

1. The Harmattan

Writer: Gus Constantellis

Director: Tom DeRosier

Dates:

August 3, 2019 (Watch Disney Now)

September 7, 2019 (tv)

Synopsis: "The Lion Guard must go to the Okono tree through a wind storm."

So, here we have an episode that will blow you away. Puns aside, let's talk about this. This episode has The Lion Guard continuing towards The Tree Of Life to heal Kion. One of the landmarks they have to find is the Okono tree, but it's through Makucha's territory. To make it worse, a strong wind called The Harmattan strikes. He agrees to get them through it so they can be out of his sight, but when he hears them talking about the rare animals at The Tree Of Life, he purposefully misleads them. The main hero of the episode is Ono, who ties well into the message on still being able to contribute even with a great disadvantage. The episode goes to great effect to show how much the events of "Battle For The Pridelands" affected him. He's not only unable to see properly , he has to heavily rely on Anga and even Makini to guide him, and his flying contributions are minimal. His intelligence, on the other hand, is greatly emphasised to be a great asset. When he's told about the Harmattan, he immediately remembers everything about it, including the wind patterns. Even when not seeing properly, he can still tell when they're going the wrong way. This episode is also the start to Makucha being the main villain for the series, and he fits well. While not helping them out of kindness or camaraderie , he does genuinely want to get them through, at the start anyway. While showing he can hold up his end of the deal, he's still ultimately a predator looking only for himself. The ending showcases the best and worst for Ono and him respectively. Ono manages to get to them and get everyone to safety after they fend him off. Makucha then decides to go to the tree himself, leaving behind his pack, though they at least mutually agree. This is great.

2. The Accidental Avalanche

Writers: Elise Allen & John Loy

Director: Tom DeRosier

Dates:

August 3, 2019 (Watch Disney Now)

September 8, 2019 (tv)

Synopsis: "Kion accidentally starts an avalanche."

Here's an episode that's two for one, or maybe three for one. Let me explain. This episode has The Lion Guard going over a snowy mountain to get to the second landmark, but the snowstorm is so heavy that it causes them to fall down. Kion thinks of using the roar to clear a path, but in doing so, he accidentally causes an avalanche that goes over the hot springs home of a snow monkey family. Now they have to find them a new home. This episode goes for one message shown from two different perspectives: "Do not be afraid to loosen up and admit you can't do everything. Know how to own up to them.". Kion and Anga both showcase this well. Because of the venom affecting Kion , and because they don't have anymore special calming plants (Tuliza), he's more vicious and temperamental. While he definitely has good intentions, he's more prone to growling and being defensive when his authority is questioned. While Fuli supports him, she's also not afraid to call him out for his behavior . It works for both characters since Kion doesn't want to show vulnerability and Fuli is very straight ahead and more open hearted. Now we talk about Anga. Since she doesn't know snow monkeys are afraid of eagles, and she initially just swoops in without warning, they're understandably afraid of her. It still fits her character since she's very goal oriented to the point of appearing cold. Now let's talk about the ending. Kion admits he's pushing himself too far, and lets Fuli take charge of this mission. When Bunga and the snow monkeys fall into a deep hole, Anga gets them without hesitation yet with a calm attitude. They're then happy with her, and Kion calms down after eating more Tuliza. Its just great.

3. Ghost Of The Mountain

Writer: Kendall Michele Haney

Director: Howy Parkins

Dates:

August 3, 2019 (Watch Disney Now)

September 14, 2019 (tv)

Synopsis: "Bunga helps a group of red pandas fight a ghost."

So, here's a particularly interesting episode. Let's talk about it. One of the land marks leading to The Tree Of Life is in a thick bamboo forest. The Lion Guard meets a group of red pandas who see Bunga as their chosen one. They're haunted by a ghost who scared them from their homes, and so they go to investigate. It turns out that this "ghost" is a snow leopard named Chuluun, who gets sick kicks out of exerting her power. This episode is about the concept of legend, and how you live up to it in your own way. Bunga best follows this message. One thing that's notable about him is praise. He likes giving praise to himself for anything good that happens to him, whether major or not. He's also known for being extremely loyal. While he does relish in the praise he's getting, he also wants to make sure he lives up to their perception of him. Plus, he never takes advantage of them. I should also talk about Chuluun. She definitely likes to take advantage of the power she has due to her own status of supposedly being a ghost , feeling she has a type of power over others . She's definitely a love to hate kind of character. The ending is interesting for both of them. She gets covered in the same red paint Bunga is, and can now be seen in the snow. So that she can be seen, Bunga actually farts a cloud of green gas at first. Its immature, but it fits his character. Everyone then praises Bunga, and unbeknownst to our characters, she teams up with Makucha. The hype is definitely there. Let's keep it up.

4. The Marsh Of Mystery

Writer: Kendall Michele Haney

Director: Howy Parkins

Dates:

August 3, 2019 (Watch Disney Now)

September 15, 2019 (tv)

Synopsis: "Makini and Ono get lost."

You ever wanted a buddy duo comedy? Well, here we go. This episode involves The Lion Guard going through a muddy marsh in order to get to the next landmark. They come across some unknown animals (revealed to be mongooses at the end) that start attacking them. When Makini runs off with Ono to keep him safe, she gets distracted by a mysterious bright light and they end up inside a hole. Now they have to navigate their way around to get out. This episode goes for a solid message on being able to work with others less cooperative. Makini and Ono really help sell this. Makini is rather impulsive, given how she's very excitable to the point of not thinking straight. While Ono is more straight laced, he's also much more limited by what he can't do, hence why he's more snappish. They do balance each other out what with Ono's intelligence playing well off of Makini's strong senses. The climax best shows this as his knowledge of caves and bats mixes well with her energy as she shouts in order to find the way out. It just has a nice, personal feel to it. I call this another winner.

5. Dragon Island

Writer: Alison Taylor

Director: Tom DeRosier

Dates:

August 3, 2019 (Watch Disney Now)

September 21, 2019 (tv)

Synopsis: "The Lion Guard deals with komodo dragons."

Here are 2 key words to describe this episode : "survivalist instincts". Let's talk about it. This episode involves The Lion Guard on the way to the next landmark when they meet a pink dolphin named Lumba Lumba near the island . However, they also meet a group of komodo dragons who want to get at her. Kion uses his roar to get them to go away , but in the process, he accidentally causes a typhoon, causing Lumba Lumba to get beached. Now they have to get her back in the ocean without dragging her on the sand, while also having to deal with the komodo dragons. The message of the episode is simple yet effective, said message being about using your natural instincts correctly. The most notable characters for this message are Kion, Beshte, Bunga, and Lumba Lumba. While Kion does cause quite a bit of damage, its still made clear that he's trying to keep his destructive qualities under control. Lumba Lumba has a tail she uses to flick others, albeit because of reflex. Her energetic and easy going personality makes her a great foil to Bunga and Beshte. She uses her tail to flick the former at the dragons while the latter is big enough to shield her from the sun, especially with seaweed. This helps Kion in the end. Instead of using his roar on the dragons, he directs it towards the ocean and creates a path for the others to go through, while also allowing the current to put Lumba Lumba back in place. They then head off.

6. Journey Of Memories

Writer: Jennifer Skelly

Director: Tom DeRosier

Dates:

August 3, 2019 (Watch Disney Now)

September 22, 2019 (tv)

Synopsis: "The Lion Guard must go through the desert at night."

It's time for some past time . Okay, that's a lame joke. Let's begin. This episode has The Lion Guard going through a desert in order to get to the next landmark. Makini tries leading everyone there, but because many of the places she remembered are different, they keep getting lost. This episode shows a pretty interesting moral: "Trust yourself by looking forward. You can look back on your mistakes, but grow from them.". Makini really fits this well. She's quite resourceful when it comes to her environment, and is capable of showing great memory. However, she's also impulsive and unfocused. She keeps mentioning places they should go to, and they go in circles. You can't help but feel bad for her given that she is putting in 100% effort despite her more quirky personality. We see that, in flashbacks, her parents helped to ground her more active tendencies, particularly in the desert environment and the landmarks. There's a minor subplot with everyone trying to survive the heat, and they learn from a small creature to mainly be active at night. This tied into the end, where, after calming down, she sees a star constellation that she's confident is the marking, which Anga confirms since she can see a cliff with the next mark in front of them. It's quite good.

7. The Race To Tuliza

Writer: Kent Redeker

Director: Howy Parkins

Dates:

August 3, 2019 (Watch Disney Now)

September 28, 2019 (tv)

Synopsis: "Fuli must get more Tuliza."

Here we have an episode that's simple yet effective. This episode has The Lion Guard coming across a salty body of water, which helps Kion calm down when he floats in it. However, since they're out of the Tuliza plant that can keep him calm, Fuli goes to get some since she's very fast. However, she has to deal with a cheetah named Azaad by accepting his challenge for a race. To make it worse, a group of flamingos come to the lake for their migration. The message of the episode is about being there for others. What sells the episode is Fuli herself, and the dynamic she has with Azaad. Fuli is shown to have a great sense of loyalty even with how feisty and stubborn she is. This stands in contrast to Azaad who, while not a bad guy, is very self absorbed and full of ego. However, he's shown to have a sense of decency , such as accepting Fuli's rematch and being touched when she leaves him from falling during the rematch, and gives her the Tuliza. Fuli's loyalty comes full circle in the end where she puts aside her dislike of water to get the Tuliza to Kion. Talk about a good wrap up.

8. Mama Binturong

Writer: Gus Constantellis

Director: Howy Parkins

Dates:

August 3, 2019 (Watch Disney Now)

September 29, 2019 (tv)

Synopsis: "The Lion Guard meet a group of animals lead by Mama Binturong."

And so we come down to the last of the Lion Guard episodes released August 3 on Disney Now. How does it go? Let's find out. This episode has our main characters going through a forest where they meet a bunch of animals who are scared of Tuliza . It turns out that someone named Mama Binturong rules the forest with an iron fist due to her obsession with Tuliza, making everyone scared of her. She then has her porcupines steal Makini's staff, and Bunga has to get it back from the canyon. This episode goes for an interesting take on the theme of authority, with a message on how you sometimes need to rebel to stand your ground. We see this best with the leaders and comedic sidekicks. Kion, even under the venom influence , still makes sure to lead with compassion and morality, and at least does everything he can to make up for what he did. Mama Binturong knows what she does is wrong, and yet still goes through with it since it feels good. As for comedic sidekicks, while Bunga is foolhardy and dense, he's also loyal and brave. Contrast that with Tompok, who helps them, but in secret, because he's scared of her and very timid. The end best shows this as Bunga uses his stink to distract everyone while he gets the staff. It's just solid.

Here is the cast for the episodes.

Max Charles as Kion

Joshua Rush as Bunga

Diamond White as Fuli

Atticus Schaffer as Ono

Dusan Brown as Beshte

Landry Bender as Makini

Bryana Salaz as Anga

Steve Blum as Makucha

Nolan North as Fahari, Krud'Dha

Ace Gibson as Jiona

Evan Kishiyama as Nabasu

Ai-Chan Carrier as Kimyo

J. Elaine Marcos as Yuki

Chris Willis as Tafu

Andrew Kishino as Hitashi, Ora

Kimiko Glenn as Chuluun

Clyde Kusatsu as Domog

Fiona Riley as Bogino

Matthew Yang King as Dughi, Old Civet, Bambun

Eric Bauza as Pagala

Tania Gunadi as Lumba Lumba

Ford Riley as Komodo Dragon

Christopher Jackson as Tikendo

Heather Headley as Fikiri

Amir Talai as Tupp

Anndi McAfee as Flamingo Girl 1

Sarah Grace Wright as Flamingo Girl 2

Behzad Dabu as Azaad

Rachel House as Mama Binturong

Greg Chun as Seisou

James Sie as Smun

Johnny Young Bosch as Tompok

Yuki Matsuzaki as Tenuk

Description
So, last month, Disney Now released not only the season 3 premiere of The Lion Guard, but also a whopping 8 episodes to boot. Let's talk about them.

1. The Harmattan

Writer: Gus Constantellis

Director: Tom DeRosier

Dates:

August 3, 2019 (Watch Disney Now)

September 7, 2019 (tv)

Synopsis: "The Lion Guard must go to the Okono tree through a wind storm."

So, here we have an episode that will blow you away. Puns aside, let's talk about this. This episode has The Lion Guard continuing towards The Tree Of Life to heal Kion. One of the landmarks they have to find is the Okono tree, but it's through Makucha's territory. To make it worse, a strong wind called The Harmattan strikes. He agrees to get them through it so they can be out of his sight, but when he hears them talking about the rare animals at The Tree Of Life, he purposefully misleads them. The main hero of the episode is Ono, who ties well into the message on still being able to contribute even with a great disadvantage. The episode goes to great effect to show how much the events of "Battle For The Pridelands" affected him. He's not only unable to see properly , he has to heavily rely on Anga and even Makini to guide him, and his flying contributions are minimal. His intelligence, on the other hand, is greatly emphasised to be a great asset. When he's told about the Harmattan, he immediately remembers everything about it, including the wind patterns. Even when not seeing properly, he can still tell when they're going the wrong way. This episode is also the start to Makucha being the main villain for the series, and he fits well. While not helping them out of kindness or camaraderie , he does genuinely want to get them through, at the start anyway. While showing he can hold up his end of the deal, he's still ultimately a predator looking only for himself. The ending showcases the best and worst for Ono and him respectively. Ono manages to get to them and get everyone to safety after they fend him off. Makucha then decides to go to the tree himself, leaving behind his pack, though they at least mutually agree. This is great.

2. The Accidental Avalanche

Writers: Elise Allen & John Loy

Director: Tom DeRosier

Dates:

August 3, 2019 (Watch Disney Now)

September 8, 2019 (tv)

Synopsis: "Kion accidentally starts an avalanche."

Here's an episode that's two for one, or maybe three for one. Let me explain. This episode has The Lion Guard going over a snowy mountain to get to the second landmark, but the snowstorm is so heavy that it causes them to fall down. Kion thinks of using the roar to clear a path, but in doing so, he accidentally causes an avalanche that goes over the hot springs home of a snow monkey family. Now they have to find them a new home. This episode goes for one message shown from two different perspectives: "Do not be afraid to loosen up and admit you can't do everything. Know how to own up to them.". Kion and Anga both showcase this well. Because of the venom affecting Kion , and because they don't have anymore special calming plants (Tuliza), he's more vicious and temperamental. While he definitely has good intentions, he's more prone to growling and being defensive when his authority is questioned. While Fuli supports him, she's also not afraid to call him out for his behavior . It works for both characters since Kion doesn't want to show vulnerability and Fuli is very straight ahead and more open hearted. Now we talk about Anga. Since she doesn't know snow monkeys are afraid of eagles, and she initially just swoops in without warning, they're understandably afraid of her. It still fits her character since she's very goal oriented to the point of appearing cold. Now let's talk about the ending. Kion admits he's pushing himself too far, and lets Fuli take charge of this mission. When Bunga and the snow monkeys fall into a deep hole, Anga gets them without hesitation yet with a calm attitude. They're then happy with her, and Kion calms down after eating more Tuliza. Its just great.

3. Ghost Of The Mountain

Writer: Kendall Michele Haney

Director: Howy Parkins

Dates:

August 3, 2019 (Watch Disney Now)

September 14, 2019 (tv)

Synopsis: "Bunga helps a group of red pandas fight a ghost."

So, here's a particularly interesting episode. Let's talk about it. One of the land marks leading to The Tree Of Life is in a thick bamboo forest. The Lion Guard meets a group of red pandas who see Bunga as their chosen one. They're haunted by a ghost who scared them from their homes, and so they go to investigate. It turns out that this "ghost" is a snow leopard named Chuluun, who gets sick kicks out of exerting her power. This episode is about the concept of legend, and how you live up to it in your own way. Bunga best follows this message. One thing that's notable about him is praise. He likes giving praise to himself for anything good that happens to him, whether major or not. He's also known for being extremely loyal. While he does relish in the praise he's getting, he also wants to make sure he lives up to their perception of him. Plus, he never takes advantage of them. I should also talk about Chuluun. She definitely likes to take advantage of the power she has due to her own status of supposedly being a ghost , feeling she has a type of power over others . She's definitely a love to hate kind of character. The ending is interesting for both of them. She gets covered in the same red paint Bunga is, and can now be seen in the snow. So that she can be seen, Bunga actually farts a cloud of green gas at first. Its immature, but it fits his character. Everyone then praises Bunga, and unbeknownst to our characters, she teams up with Makucha. The hype is definitely there. Let's keep it up.

4. The Marsh Of Mystery

Writer: Kendall Michele Haney

Director: Howy Parkins

Dates:

August 3, 2019 (Watch Disney Now)

September 15, 2019 (tv)

Synopsis: "Makini and Ono get lost."

You ever wanted a buddy duo comedy? Well, here we go. This episode involves The Lion Guard going through a muddy marsh in order to get to the next landmark. They come across some unknown animals (revealed to be mongooses at the end) that start attacking them. When Makini runs off with Ono to keep him safe, she gets distracted by a mysterious bright light and they end up inside a hole. Now they have to navigate their way around to get out. This episode goes for a solid message on being able to work with others less cooperative. Makini and Ono really help sell this. Makini is rather impulsive, given how she's very excitable to the point of not thinking straight. While Ono is more straight laced, he's also much more limited by what he can't do, hence why he's more snappish. They do balance each other out what with Ono's intelligence playing well off of Makini's strong senses. The climax best shows this as his knowledge of caves and bats mixes well with her energy as she shouts in order to find the way out. It just has a nice, personal feel to it. I call this another winner.

5. Dragon Island

Writer: Alison Taylor

Director: Tom DeRosier

Dates:

August 3, 2019 (Watch Disney Now)

September 21, 2019 (tv)

Synopsis: "The Lion Guard deals with komodo dragons."

Here are 2 key words to describe this episode : "survivalist instincts". Let's talk about it. This episode involves The Lion Guard on the way to the next landmark when they meet a pink dolphin named Lumba Lumba near the island . However, they also meet a group of komodo dragons who want to get at her. Kion uses his roar to get them to go away , but in the process, he accidentally causes a typhoon, causing Lumba Lumba to get beached. Now they have to get her back in the ocean without dragging her on the sand, while also having to deal with the komodo dragons. The message of the episode is simple yet effective, said message being about using your natural instincts correctly. The most notable characters for this message are Kion, Beshte, Bunga, and Lumba Lumba. While Kion does cause quite a bit of damage, its still made clear that he's trying to keep his destructive qualities under control. Lumba Lumba has a tail she uses to flick others, albeit because of reflex. Her energetic and easy going personality makes her a great foil to Bunga and Beshte. She uses her tail to flick the former at the dragons while the latter is big enough to shield her from the sun, especially with seaweed. This helps Kion in the end. Instead of using his roar on the dragons, he directs it towards the ocean and creates a path for the others to go through, while also allowing the current to put Lumba Lumba back in place. They then head off.

6. Journey Of Memories

Writer: Jennifer Skelly

Director: Tom DeRosier

Dates:

August 3, 2019 (Watch Disney Now)

September 22, 2019 (tv)

Synopsis: "The Lion Guard must go through the desert at night."

It's time for some past time . Okay, that's a lame joke. Let's begin. This episode has The Lion Guard going through a desert in order to get to the next landmark. Makini tries leading everyone there, but because many of the places she remembered are different, they keep getting lost. This episode shows a pretty interesting moral: "Trust yourself by looking forward. You can look back on your mistakes, but grow from them.". Makini really fits this well. She's quite resourceful when it comes to her environment, and is capable of showing great memory. However, she's also impulsive and unfocused. She keeps mentioning places they should go to, and they go in circles. You can't help but feel bad for her given that she is putting in 100% effort despite her more quirky personality. We see that, in flashbacks, her parents helped to ground her more active tendencies, particularly in the desert environment and the landmarks. There's a minor subplot with everyone trying to survive the heat, and they learn from a small creature to mainly be active at night. This tied into the end, where, after calming down, she sees a star constellation that she's confident is the marking, which Anga confirms since she can see a cliff with the next mark in front of them. It's quite good.

7. The Race To Tuliza

Writer: Kent Redeker

Director: Howy Parkins

Dates:

August 3, 2019 (Watch Disney Now)

September 28, 2019 (tv)

Synopsis: "Fuli must get more Tuliza."

Here we have an episode that's simple yet effective. This episode has The Lion Guard coming across a salty body of water, which helps Kion calm down when he floats in it. However, since they're out of the Tuliza plant that can keep him calm, Fuli goes to get some since she's very fast. However, she has to deal with a cheetah named Azaad by accepting his challenge for a race. To make it worse, a group of flamingos come to the lake for their migration. The message of the episode is about being there for others. What sells the episode is Fuli herself, and the dynamic she has with Azaad. Fuli is shown to have a great sense of loyalty even with how feisty and stubborn she is. This stands in contrast to Azaad who, while not a bad guy, is very self absorbed and full of ego. However, he's shown to have a sense of decency , such as accepting Fuli's rematch and being touched when she leaves him from falling during the rematch, and gives her the Tuliza. Fuli's loyalty comes full circle in the end where she puts aside her dislike of water to get the Tuliza to Kion. Talk about a good wrap up.

8. Mama Binturong

Writer: Gus Constantellis

Director: Howy Parkins

Dates:

August 3, 2019 (Watch Disney Now)

September 29, 2019 (tv)

Synopsis: "The Lion Guard meet a group of animals lead by Mama Binturong."

And so we come down to the last of the Lion Guard episodes released August 3 on Disney Now. How does it go? Let's find out. This episode has our main characters going through a forest where they meet a bunch of animals who are scared of Tuliza . It turns out that someone named Mama Binturong rules the forest with an iron fist due to her obsession with Tuliza, making everyone scared of her. She then has her porcupines steal Makini's staff, and Bunga has to get it back from the canyon. This episode goes for an interesting take on the theme of authority, with a message on how you sometimes need to rebel to stand your ground. We see this best with the leaders and comedic sidekicks. Kion, even under the venom influence , still makes sure to lead with compassion and morality, and at least does everything he can to make up for what he did. Mama Binturong knows what she does is wrong, and yet still goes through with it since it feels good. As for comedic sidekicks, while Bunga is foolhardy and dense, he's also loyal and brave. Contrast that with Tompok, who helps them, but in secret, because he's scared of her and very timid. The end best shows this as Bunga uses his stink to distract everyone while he gets the staff. It's just solid.

Here is the cast for the episodes.

Max Charles as Kion

Joshua Rush as Bunga

Diamond White as Fuli

Atticus Schaffer as Ono

Dusan Brown as Beshte

Landry Bender as Makini

Bryana Salaz as Anga

Steve Blum as Makucha

Nolan North as Fahari, Krud'Dha

Ace Gibson as Jiona

Evan Kishiyama as Nabasu

Ai-Chan Carrier as Kimyo

J. Elaine Marcos as Yuki

Chris Willis as Tafu

Andrew Kishino as Hitashi, Ora

Kimiko Glenn as Chuluun

Clyde Kusatsu as Domog

Fiona Riley as Bogino

Matthew Yang King as Dughi, Old Civet, Bambun

Eric Bauza as Pagala

Tania Gunadi as Lumba Lumba

Ford Riley as Komodo Dragon

Christopher Jackson as Tikendo

Heather Headley as Fikiri

Amir Talai as Tupp

Anndi McAfee as Flamingo Girl 1

Sarah Grace Wright as Flamingo Girl 2

Behzad Dabu as Azaad

Rachel House as Mama Binturong

Greg Chun as Seisou

James Sie as Smun

Johnny Young Bosch as Tompok

Yuki Matsuzaki as Tenuk