"Hitch in the Works" is the tenth episode of The Legend of Zelda TV series, but the twelfth in production order. It was first aired in the United States and Canada on November 10, 1989.

Plot[]

See also: Episode transcript

Link attempts to sneak out of North Castle in order to go Fishing, but Zelda runs into him and informs him that he needs to do chores around the castle if he wants to earn his keep since Ganon hasn't attacked in weeks.^[1] While filling the castle's lamps with oil, Link spies a strange mechanical robot that takes a few steps toward him and promptly shatters; much to the dismay of its Doof the handyman. Doof tells Link that the robot was supposed to be his assistant.^[2] Link encourages him to try again so that the young hero will do less work,^[3] but Doof's magic only causes the robot to go haywire, using a mop as a pogo stick and making a mess.

While Link and Doof are chasing the robot, some of Ganon's Moblins infiltrate the castle by using a secret trapdoor under the floor tiles. The Moblins break Doof's robot again,^[4] and during their battle with Link, ensnare him in a net. Doof attempts to help by casting a spell on the robot again, allowing Link enough time to defeat the Moblins while they are distracted by it.^[5] Unfortunately, a hit from a Moblin's Boomerang causes the robot to collapse once more, knocking Link unconscious. When he wakes up, he is being scolded by Zelda for making such a mess and sleeping on the job.^[6] He tries to tell her about the Moblins he defeated,^[7] but she doesn't believe him.^[8] Link then asks Doof if he can conjure up some fake Moblins so he can "rescue" Zelda and get out of doing the chores.^[9] However, Zelda overhears their discussion as she was cleaning a nearby door.^[10]

Meanwhile, in the Underworld, Ganon reveals his plans to put a Jewel of Control on Zelda, forcing her to marry him and make him ruler of Kingdom of Hyrule.^[11] Back at the castle, the Moblins catch Zelda and Link off-guard, because Link assumes Doof has made his move while Zelda nonchalantly remarks that Moblins are attacking.^[12][13] When they carry her off, Link realizes that was not part of the plan. Despite Link's attempts to stop the genuine Moblins, Zelda is taken to Ganon's lair where he places the Jewel around Zelda's neck, forcing her to say yes to his marriage proposal.^[14]

After defeating several Stalfos, Link makes his way into Ganon's lair and interrupts the ceremony, only to discover that Zelda does not want to be rescued.^[15] Ganon tells him that she is under his control, and then summons a Gleeok from the Evil Jar to attack Link.^[16] Link fires three Sword Beams at the monster's necks, but the heads separate and come after him. He skillfully dodges their attacks, causing them to fly straight into Ganon. Back above ground, Link tries to get Zelda to kiss him for rescuing her, but the princess blames the debacle on Link, who was trying to scare her with fake Moblins.^[17] She then promptly screams and jumps into Link's arms when she sees one, which turns out to be Doof's fake Moblin after all.

Characters[]

• Link
• Princess Zelda
• Ganon
• Doof

Enemies[]

• Moblins
• Stalfos
• Gleeok

Items[]

• Crissword
• Bomb
• Magical Shield
• Boomerang (used by a Moblin)
• Jewel of Control

Trivia[]

• This episode marks one of the few times Ganon has shown any romantic interest in Princess Zelda.
• The monster presiding over the wedding ceremony looks similar to the Magician from The Adventure of Link. He also appears to be based on the Grim Reaper, but may be a Wizzrobe holding a scythe.

References

Episodes from The Legend of Zelda TV series

Episode 1: "The Ringer" · Episode 2: "Cold Spells" · Episode 3: "The White Knight" · Episode 4: "Kiss 'N Tell" Episode 5: "Sing for the Unicorn" · Episode 6: "That Sinking Feeling" · Episode 7: "Doppelganger" · Episode 8: "Underworld Connections" · Episode 9: "Stinging a Stinger" Episode 10: "A Hitch in the Works" · Episode 11: "Fairies in the Spring" · Episode 12: "The Missing Link" · Episode 13: "The Moblins are Revolting"