Disenchantment Part 3, Episode 4 recap: Steamland Confidential

Episode 304 of Netflix series Disenchantment begins with a big surprise: The wedding between Prince Derek (Tress MacNeille) and the fairy Sagatha (MacNeille) is called off! It’s not made entirely clear why, but it has something to do with the Arch Druidess (also MacNeille) screwing everything up in the Kingdom of Dreamland.

In fact, her meddling has messed with the mind of corrupt but lovable King Zøg (John DiMaggio), who is still honking life a weirdo after being buried alive by her scheme. Zøg is going around holding the severed head of Pendergast (Eric André), suggesting he is mentally unwell.

Princess Bean (Abbi Jacobson) and Elfo (Nat Faxon) diligently track the Arch Druidess, but they get sidelined when their motorcycle crashes on some icy terrain. Fortunately, the duo encounters Malfus (Rich Fulcher) in a cave and continue their journey on his annoying laughing horse.

It’s an unexpected pit stop but provides a few solid laughs (Malfus refers to Bean as a “large ape” and Elfo as an “unfinished man”). The two ultimately end up in Steamland where Elfo steals fancy clothing, a stovepipe hat (and some wallets) to disguise his Elf nature and look more refined. As she heads off to find that pesky Arch Druidess, Elfo finds himself on a surprise adventure of his own.

Disenchantment makes Elfo great again

Elfo’s delightful little side-adventure begins with him watching speaking too loudly in a movie theater, criticizing minor details (swords don’t make a metallic “shling” every time they’re unsheathed or waved around!).

Though he annoys most fellow moviegoers, he does garner the attention of a representative of “The League of Gallivanting Scrutinators,” who invites Elfo to one of their meetings where they boast of their adventures and know-it-all ways. After an attendee tells her story of being a matchmaker for Yeti and Bigfoot, Elfo one-ups her, regaling the League with his stories, including the time he went to Hell!

In disbelief, League member P.T. (Maurice LaMarche) demands Elfo produce evidence of his exploits. However, P.T. sheepishly relents in his challenge after Elfo disses his mom.

Still, Elfo is challenged to a rousing contest of tales. In his attempt to wow everyone, he relates that he has been to the mythical Elfwood (apparently, Hell was more believable). To explain how he knows its location, Elfo reveals that he is an Elf, which inspired P.T. to kidnap him for his “Freak Show & Gawkatorium”!

Bean’s return to Steamland

Disenchantment rarely lets Princess Bean relax, and now she’s seeking to stop the dreaded Arch Druidess. First, though, she must conquer some basic, technologically advanced challenges, such as a revolving door that she calls a “portal of many rotations” (a joke bit, but also a handy reminder that Bean’s out of her element in the strange land of Steamland).

Interestingly, the Druidess is tracked down to a factory that manufactures lunchtime whistles, called “Gunderson Steamworks.” She promptly acquires employment there and meets a fellow employee named Gordy Stewson (Richard Ayoade). She introduces herself as “Tia” (which, oddly enough, isn’t a false identity as her full first name is Tiabeanie).

At the Steamworks, we have a few funny and cute moments. We meet some other strange characters including angry sandwich makers, angry because they’re only paid in sandwiches. Also, Bean calls the factory’s lightswitch a “buzzbrighter,” which is almost unspeakably cute. However, there is a little drama when Gordy asks Bean out. Although she says yes, she thinks it’s part of a strategy to find the Arch Druidess,  though he actually likes her beyond that.

Pinpointing the Arch Druidess and other developments

When Bean hears the Arch Druidess over the factory sound system, she is reminded of her mission. Still, it doesn’t prevent her from joining Gordy at a carnival. On one of the rides, Bean learns that Steamland used to be called “Deads Monksburg,” after a Monk killed by a steam blast. However, the fun gets interrupted when the Arch Druidess is spotted and she stops Gordy and Bean’s Ferris wheel, prompting the two to pursue her.

As they head back to the factory offices, Gordy reveals his real identity as Alva Gunderson, owner of Gunderson Steamworks. If that’s not enough, Skybert (Phil LaMarr) is his brother. Recall that Skybert plotted to assassinate Bean’s dad, King Zøg in Disenchantment‘s Part 2 episode “The Electric Princess.” It’s also revealed that the Arch Druidess lured Bean to Steamland.

Alva insists he had no idea the Arch Druidess was so much trouble, deciding to fire her. After the Arch Druidess leaves and curses them, Alva offers an alliance between magic and science. Bean says, “I’ll need time to drink about this,” but it seems she’ll be on board.

Finally, regarding King Zøg, he is spending some recuperative time with Luci (André). Long story short, Luci, who is tied to Zøg, ends up diving through Zøg’s now-infamous trapdoor, plunging them both into the watery depths below, where they perchance meeting Queen Oona (Tress MacNeille) once again!

What are your thoughts on this episode of Disenchantment? Let us know in the comments!