The Diet

"The Diet" is the twenty-fourth episode of Season 5 of The Amazing World of Gumball. It is the 180th episode overall.

Synopsis
Gumball and Darwin find out why Richard's diet wasn't working, and after they help him lose weight, he becomes more obnoxious.

Plot
The episode begins at the Wattersons' house. Richard is seen looking at a book, and looking in the fridge at the same time, while looking confused. Darwin points out to Gumball that he never sees Richard look confused at the fridge, with Gumball agreeing. Richard asks them where the salad is, with Richard mispronouncing the word "salad." Gumball corrects him, and says it's in the bottom of the fridge. Richard places a piece of lettuce on a plate in the kitchen, with Gumball being impressed about him taking it seriously. However, in the dining room, Gumball points out several other plates Richard has, with Richard giving somewhat true reasons how they help with his diet.

The next morning, Gumball and Darwin are eating their cereal. Richard goes into the kitchen, appearing more fat than he was last night. Darwin sees this as a roll neck sweater, but Richard says he's not wearing a roll neck sweater. Gumball takes notice and sees that it's Richard's actual neck. Gumball begins to doubt that Richard's diet is helping, though Richard denies it. Gumball also points out that the fridge has been consistently empty, prompting Richard to deflect their accusations by ordering groceries online. However, he becomes impatient waiting for them to arrive and decides to go with Gumball and Darwin to the grocery store instead. Unfortunately, Richard is too obese to properly get in his car, and attempts to fasten his seatbelt prompt the car to fall over on its side.

After that, Gumball and Darwin help Richard by dieting the right way. They begin by telling Richard to be open and honest and tells Richard if he has any hidden food. After Richard tries to throw them off, Gumball and Darwin just look in various places all over the house for hidden food. Eventually, they decide that they have seen enough and put him on "lock-down" in the shed.

Darwin stands guard near the shed while Gumball watches a surveillance feed to make sure Richard stays put. Gumball reports that he notices something, and upon further inspection, Darwin sees Richard eating a 'burger'. Darwin goes in the shed to confront Richard but notices that he is gone and that the 'burger' was a decoy. Darwin then looks up at the ceiling to find Richard drooling on him, causing Darwin to freak out. As he vigorously tries to wipe the saliva off, Richard escapes and gorges himself by the fridge.

Main Characters

 * Gumball
 * Darwin
 * Richard

Minor Characters

 * Larry (voice)
 * Daisy the Donkey
 * Mr. Robinson
 * Puppies
 * Susie
 * Susie's Mom
 * Cupcake Woman
 * Neck Beard
 * Siciliana
 * Hexagon Lady
 * Alan
 * Karen
 * Cowboy
 * Crocodile Woman
 * Hot Dog Guy
 * Jeff
 * Bandage Paramedic
 * George
 * Hank
 * Mike
 * Doughnut Sheriff
 * Pantsbully
 * Gary
 * Shooting Star
 * Orange Guard
 * Melted Cheese Guy

Trivia

 * TBA

Continuity

 * This is the second time Richard is seen buff. The first instance was seen in "The Car."

Cultural References

 * The orchestral piece that plays after Richard comes out from diving into the water fountain to retrieve Alan's coin is Léo Delibes' Flower Duet from the opera Lakmé.
 * The record labeled "Rage Against the Humans" that Richard hid pizza in is a reference to the rock band Rage Against the Machine.
 * The scene where Gumball and Darwin are using food to get Richard to excercise could be a reference to the film Kung Fu Panda.
 * This episode is somewhat similar to the Family Guy episode called He's Too Sexy for His Fat, in which Peter becomes muscular and attractive but also becomes obnoxious and narcissistic because of his new look.