Chapter 23

Carl and Donut appear on the talk show Danger Zone with Ripper Wonton, where they meet fellow panelists including the host, Princess D'nadia, the pop star Manasa, comedian Tucker, and fellow crawler Hekla. During the live broadcast, Carl makes inflammatory statements advocating for rebellion against the Skull Empire, which triggers a fatal missile attack—meant for Carl and Donut but hitting Manasa's trailer instead. The Valtay Corporation retaliates by destroying Prince Stalwart's yacht, killing Queen Consort Ugloo and the disgraced Maestro.

Carl and Donut are brought to a luxury production trailer where they are cleaned by an advanced automated system run by a robot named Donna. They meet their fellow panelists before going live: Ripper Wonton (a Setonix/Quokka who hosts the show), Princess D'nadia of the Prism Kingdom (a Saccathian/Sac with tentacles), Manasa (a Naga pop star controlled by a Valtay parasite), Tucker (a human comedian), and Hekla (an Icelandic crawler and leader of Brynhild's Daughters team). Hekla requests Carl and Donut help level one of her scattered teammates and mentions they're in the vicinity. During the show, Carl and Donut clash with Tucker over his dismissive comments. When discussion turns to unrest in the Skull Empire, Carl delivers a passionate speech using a boiling frog metaphor to advocate for rebellion against King Rust's rule, saying people should overthrow governments that neglect their citizens. He also criticizes the Maestro for his cruelty. Moments after Carl finishes speaking, the broadcast is interrupted by a pulse attack. Manasa's signal is lost; she had switched trailers with Carl and Donut to use their cleaning facilities, making her the unintended target. Prince Stalwart of the Skull Empire releases a statement claiming he ordered the execution of Carl and Donut for sedition. The Valtay Corporation immediately retaliates by destroying Stalwart's yacht from orbit, killing Queen Consort Ugloo and the Maestro. The show resumes with audience questions in the "Danger Zone" segment; Donut reveals her secret affair with a cat named Gravy Boat (not Ferdinand as she claimed), and is asked a uncomfortable question about whether she would leave Carl if Bea (alive) reappears. The episode ends with Carl and Hekla acknowledging the chaos that follows them.