S1E3 - Catch Em' Fast!

Catch Em' Fast! is the third episode of the first season of Video Game All-Stars. The remaining contestants are given their next challenge, but rising tensions on Team Squidbeak Splatoon threaten to send them to their first defeat.

Plot
The contestants gather for their next challenge, with Lilac having recovered from her injuries sustained in the prior episode. Banjo introduces Sonic the Hedgehog, and tells them that the third challenge is to catch him and bring him to Banjo. Eggman expresses an intense hatred for Sonic, due to their history, and Mario notes that he also isn't the biggest fan of the hedgehog. Before they start, Banjo notifies them of an extra part of the challenge; whoever collects the most rings would be immune if their team lost. Spyro disregards the rings, saying that they would win anyway if they had a coordinated plan, to which Lilac suggests slowing him down with ink, and Rise offers to give the team buffs with her Persona. In retaliation, Eggman pulls out just about every weapon he has on him, alarming the other team to just how much firepower the other team has.

Eggman, Mario and Mugman devise a plan to lure Sonic out with a false promise of cookies. The idea somehow works, and while Team Squidbeak Splatoon notices him appear, Team Eggman are first to attack him. Eventually just about everyone is attacking him, with Hiroko and Marisa doing damage. Spyro has trouble controlling the speed boost he got earlier, and runs into a cliff, allowing Sonic to make an escape, though everyone keeps pursuing him further. Gundham and Lilac discuss how they progress from here, trying to slow Sonic with ink again. He slips, but Eggman and Marisa also get to him, shooting at him with everything they have, with Eggman turning on Hiroko when she tries to get a hit in. Falco and Spyro watch the battle unfold, deciding not to get involved in the crossfire.

The fight continues, but after a while, Lilac calls out for them to stop attacking as Sonic had taken a lot of hits. Spyro knocks a gun out of Eggman's hands and tells Sonic to come with him, but in response Sonic transforms into Super Sonic, blasting everyone away and escaping again. Lilac and Spyro continue to try and convince him to calm down, but Eggman shoots another giant laser at him, disrupting their plans. Falco and Spyro distract Mario and Mugman while the other contestants fight over Sonic, with Eggman finally able to grab him, returning to Banjo and securing Team Eggman's first win. Gundham and Hiroko both have the highest ring count, so they are given immunity.

Team Squidbeak Splatoon doesn't take the loss well, Rise immediately turns to her alliance, proposing that they vote for either Falco or Spyro. Lilac especially is troubled by the decision, liking both of them, but not wanting to go against her other friends. She goes to meet the two, who agree to vote for Rise. Lilac still doesn't want to do this, then Gundham and Hiroko enter, noting the tense mood of the room. Falco asks them to consider voting Rise, but he doesn't get much of a response straight away.

At elimination, Banjo shows Team Squidbeak Splatoon a plate with five rings, giving them to Gundham and Hiroko due to their immunity before revealing that everyone else present had at least one vote. Lilac reveals that she voted herself, being unable to decide. Banjo reveals that the last two votes are for Rise, eliminating her. She leaves with dignity, saying goodbye to her friends before leaving. The team is deeply affected by the loss, Lilac especially, to which Spyro tries to cheer her up. He doesn't get very far, but opens up to her that the challenges are starting to weigh on him. He asks to keep it secret, then heads outside to relax.