"Craig of the Creek" is a show than most people in animation discussion circles have heard of, if they're not familiar with it themselves, but you don't see discussed all too often. This could partly be because it's a slice-of-life show compared to the likes of "Steven Universe" or "Infinity Train", but I believe there is plenty of room for the more lighthearted side of Cartoon Network's programming to be acknowledged and discussed as well. And what's interesting is that, even though this show does actually have multiple overarching plots, especially in the later seasons, they're ultimately not what the show lives on.
When the show is at its best, it is practically breathing with imagination. It takes some of the most relatable and mundane of settings, but the direction and visuals elevate it to a degree where the stakes seem much higher than they actually are. A simple game of tag can become a tragedy, and a simple tree stump can become a fortress of friends and adventure. There's more than enough characters to go around that anyone watching is bound to connect to at least one of them, and thus, become personally engaged in what ensues. And it boasts a tone innocent enough for the young ones, but deep and nuanced enough for those above the target demographic. All the episodes I'm going to talk about in here have all these strengths in some capacity, each one emphasizing a different aspect of the show that I believe is worth appreciating.
These aren't necessarily my favorite episodes, but rather what I believe would make for the most thorough starting point. Also, this is entirely contained to the first two seasons.
Itch To Explore (S1, E1)
Obviously, the first episode is as good a place to start as any, and sure enough it gives a good taste of what the series at large offers. You get a good chunk of the main characters being themselves (Craig being the overconfident but resourceful one, Kelsey being the dramatic but kind-hearted one, and JP being the simple-minded but observant one), and even a small taste of the title character's family members and what the Creek at large represents. The story, as simplistic as it is, is able to connect with a large variety of people in terms of both wanting to explore dangerous territories and the lengths some have to go for space of their own. It's also full of that calming atmosphere that makes it clear that a lot of the artists were carried over "Steven Universe", bringing a comforting sense of familiarity.
Under the Overpass (S1, E16)
This is the episode where the overarching story really starts to form. It starts innocently enough where Craig and friends finds a valuable honeysuckle and aims to find the source, only to come across the freeway overpass bordering the two neighborhoods and the mysterious hooded archer guarding it known only as the Green Poncho. What exactly they find under the overpass raises so many questions that leaves you curious as to what it could all mean, and even more so once they actually meet Green Poncho close-up. Kit, the girl at the trading tree, also plays an active role and as such you learn more about her capitalistic but still well-meaning tendencies. But if the little hints at lore and symbolism are what catches your eye above all else, then you should most definitely watch forward to see where it goes.
The Invitation (S1, E17)
While an entertaining episode on its own, where the Stump Kids get invited into a fancy dinner party with the Tea Timers, this episode is on this list for its showcase of the Creek on a social level. Much like Disney's "Recess", the various kids who inhabit the Creek are divided into their own, very identifiable social groups that draw parallels to real life. Within this episode alone, you obviously have the snobby rich type in the Tea Timers, but there's also the rule-abiding, sometimes obsessed Junior Forest Scouts, the free-spirited horse girls, and the cocky jocks in the Ten Speeders. And those are just a few you see across the show. What works better about this particular story is that, despite how conflicting their interests and ways of life are, some of them - such as Craig himself and a scout named Jason - are still able to get along despite the attempts at discourse, showing a refreshing level of nuance in their ability to co-exist in this shared space.
Doorway to Helen (S1, E22)
"Doorway to Helen" is the kind of episode where the show's visual direction shines the most, taking one of the most mundane of scenarios but transform it into something truly otherworldly. Case in point, what happens when Craig learns about an elusive yet helpful girl who he bonds a distant relationship with over their shared passion for the Creek. Even though they make it clear it's because she's home-schooled, the show treats this as her being from an alternate dimension, and suddenly everything described becomes much more fascinating and eye-opening despite us knowing better. This all culminates in them briefly meeting each other through a 'dimensional link', with a rainstorm selling the tone beyond belief. Even Helen's shyness proves endearing with how she's able to open up to Craig in her own way. It reminds me of just how magical these distant, message-driven relationships felt at that age, despite it really being nothing special.
Jextra Perrestrial (S1, E30)
This show isn't at all afraid to shy away from non-traditional living situations either. Kelsey's father, for example, is widowed and on his own, but still more than happy to support his daughter. But one that doesn't get as much focus is JP. As stated before, he's generally seen as the oddball of the Stump Kids, but he is very self-aware of this fact, this episode especially. While him thinking he's an alien based on his resistance to pain and inability to blend in isn't as visually creative, it still comes across like imaginative play that doubles as a great character study where he learns to embrace what makes him stand out. But then you have the fact that, due to his mother rarely being around for him, he's mostly cared for by older sister Laura, a hardworking nurse herself. But when everything's said and done, the love and sympathy she has for him shines through, and you know she's trying her hardest. It makes you appreciate who JP is all the more.
The Other Side (S2, E7+8)
This episode is the direct follow-up to "Under the Overpass", but I had to include it here because of the themes and characters it introduces. Craig and his friends finally venture to Herkleton Mills after a pair of vigilantes called the Honeysuckle Rangers still Craig's prized map of the Creek, with the pressure being on to get it back. This proves easier said than done, as it's run by a King who - although upbeat and providing, especially when going against authority - runs his side of the Creek with a controlling fist. And once he gets a hold on the map, he wants to expand his reach and take control of the border for himself. He carries a surprisingly threatening aura, and his spoiled rotten nature makes him the perfect antagonist for a show about childhood innocence and maturing. Not to mention this story stacks up so many building blocks for so much of seasons 2 and 3, you will want to keep watching after this point just to see where it all leads to.
Sparkle Cadet (S2, E12)
From time to time, the show can get quite referential, and odds are you've seen at least one instance make the rounds on social media. From having a legally-distinct Sonic in Slide the Ferret, to having KO appear as part of an in-universe fighting game, and - as is the case here - a character who likes to cosplay as a take on Sailor Moon. But rarely do these nods come across as cheap or solely existing for nostalgia's sake. Generally, they're used for the creators and writers to provide what they grew up with as a point of connection for the stories they're weaving, as well as having plain fun with it.
In this case, Sparkle Cadet is on a mission to spread positivity everywhere, but finds herself unable to reignite Kelsey's sparkle. It's a solid story about opening up about your troubles and knowing how to help others in despair. It helps that the character herself is extremely charming, with a cute backstory that I genuinely wish we got to see more of. And if you like her too, you'll be happy to know she gets a number of further appearances come season 3.
The Evolution of Craig (S2, E17)
Much like the other episode, this episode takes pride in using Pokemon as a reference point. Except unlike "Sparkle Cadet", which was more of an excuse for gags and role-playing cuteness, "The Evolution of Craig" has more poignance to it. It's about Craig finding a tadpole with the assistance of his grandfather, and raises it through its evolution into a frog. The bits where they treat him as a Pokemon evolving from a primitive to evolved type are fun enough, but things get more interesting when Craig connects this to his own personal maturing, fearing he'll lose touch with his friends and end up in a monotonous, boring place. And when he learns otherwise, he connects this to the frog as they let go in what can only be described as a Pokemon-esque battle in nature, cleverly connecting to all the little evolutions we saw him in before. Sure, this could've taken place without the spoofing, but it makes the already deep story more enjoyable to watch.
Craig and the Kid's Table (S2, E19+20)
I'd be remissed if I didn't also bring up arguably the most heartwarming aspect of the show: the Williams' extended family. Watching a family of black people do happy family things that people of any race or ethnicity can see themselves taking part in is the kind of positive representation we simply don't get enough of in animation. And while this is certainly not the first episode of the series to do this at length, "Craig and the Kid's Table" has to be the best in this specific regard.
Being COTC's Thanksgiving episode, this is all about the dynamics and relationships between each of the members, which also becomes the episode's big ace in the hole. The story centers around older brother Bernard wanting to prove himself mature enough to be promoted to the adults' table, and after accidentally ruining the Sweet Potato Pie, him and the younger members come up with an elaborate plan to make things right. But this frankly serves as little more than an excuse to show as many carefree back-and-forths as possible among the Williams, as well as just how sweet Craig and Bernard's relationship can actually get. Dare I say, a must-watch for any Thanksgiving season, and a really enjoyable time even outside of that.
Ancients of the Creek (S2, E26)
I already talked about the overarching plot involving the Green Poncho and the King plotting to take over Craig's side of the Creek, but now we get the other, more mystery-based one that interconnects with it. While on an exploration, the Stump Kids accidentally drop into an abandoned keep belonging to the very first kids of the Creek. From the moment this setting is introduced, all sorts of curious observations are made and questions raised, particularly what this trio was like and what exactly happened to them. Craig's drive to deduce as much as he can is something I personally connect with, and it proves incredibly satisfying (if bittersweet) once things finally start to become clear. And it only ends up opening the door for more equally adventurous stories, as well as a foreboding sense of danger of what may be to come.
But of course, those are just my personal recommendations as a starting point. You may end up gravitating toward very different portions of the show than I do, but like I said before, there's something to offer for practically anyone of any age or background. If you are to give the show a serious look, even if some episodes seem slow or dull to you, there's bound to be something around the corner that you will connect with on a personal level. Even if you don't like the show as a whole, you can't deny that there is a lot worth discussing about it.