“Smiling Friends” season 3 episode 7, titled “Shmaloogles,” plunges viewers into a whimsical fairy-tale scenario that takes a sharp turn in its final moments. The episode follows the duo of Pim and Charlie into a quaint woodland kingdom, where they encounter a self-absorbed wizard who kidnaps the locals to concoct potions intended to restore his hair. Created by Zach Hadel and Michael Cusack, this episode stays true to the show’s brisk 11-minute format, maintaining its humor and charm.
Airing on November 23, 2025, on Adult Swim, with next-day streaming available on Max, this episode is part of the ongoing weekly release for season 3. As a pivotal episode in the season, “Shmaloogles” utilizes its closing moments to pivot the adventure into an unexpected direction. After rescuing the enchanted inhabitants, the king of the Shmaloogles accuses Charlie of taking an inappropriate photo of Princess Shmaloogle. Charlie vehemently denies the accusation, claiming he did not have his phone, leaving viewers with an ambiguous conclusion.
The episode’s conclusion presents two significant beats: the wizard admits to murdering Shmaloogles to combat his hair loss, and the king’s assertion about Charlie capturing a compromising photo. The absence of on-screen evidence regarding Charlie’s innocence or the wizard’s reformation raises questions. The narrative cleverly invites audiences to consider whether they should believe Charlie’s assertion or the wizard’s sudden change of heart, effectively emphasizing the theme of duality in perceived truths.
The plot begins with Charlie attempting to delegate his responsibilities to Pim when the Shmaloogles seek assistance. Before long, the story escalates as the bald wizard captures Pim and a Shmaloogle. When the village remains apathetic, Charlie takes charge, leading a rally to confront the wizard. This encounter turns dark as the wizard reveals that he has been using the Shmaloogles’ blood in his attempts to address his baldness.
As the group ties the wizard up, these moments lead to a comedic yet poignant discussion about self-acceptance versus quick fixes, teasing the moral of the narrative. The rescue culminates in a celebration, and the gang heads to Wawa for snacks, where the tension resurfaces when the king confronts Charlie with his baseless accusation.
Ultimately, season 3 episode 7 of “Smiling Friends” explores themes of vanity and moral credibility through a comedic lens, reflecting contemporary concerns about appearances and quick solutions. This enchanting sequence of events, filled with absurdity and commentary, engages the audience while leaving lingering questions about truth and accountability as they navigate Charlie’s denial against the king’s assertion. Stay tuned for further updates and episodes from this unique animated series.