If you grew up watching “H2O: Just Add Water”, then you might have imagined transforming into a mermaid every time you got into the water. But looking back at the hit teen series, it’s hard to not notice how the rules surrounding water don’t make much sense.
The rule appears simple. One drop of water, then ten seconds later, Cleo, Rikki, and Emma would transform into mermaids. However, the water could range from sea water to the condensation on a cold water bottle. There is no limitation to what water can and cannot transform the girls.
Many fans of the series have raised questions regarding how the girls go about day to day life when they could transform at any moment. Many question how the girls bathe or wash their hands. Even the series brings this point up when Cleo is worried about using her moisturizer because it has water in it.
The writers give an answer to what the girls do when it rains in season one, episode 17. The episode “Under the Weather” is where the Gold Coast is hit with a heavy rainstorm just before the girls go to school. Due to the rain, the girls have to pretend to have a serious illness to avoid getting wet.
Throughout the episode, the teens use their abilities to manipulate their body temperatures and skin to appear sick. This ends up working so well that Emma’s mother calls Dr. Holt. However, the fake symptoms work too well, because both Dr. Holt and an infectious disease specialist believe the girls have a rare tropical disease. Thus leading them to be quarantined inside Emma’s house. In the end, the girls avoid revealing their secret to the world.
Even though Cleo, Rikki, and Emma survive the rainstorm, the episode implies that every time it rains the girls either have to hide out or pretend to be sick. Additionally, the season takes place during the autumn and winter months in Australia. During those months, the Gold Coast is less rainy than the summer months, according to Australia. Although, that doesn’t mean that it will not rain. The girls have a less likely chance of being caught by the rain, but how many times can they continue to fake an illness before their parents figure out something else is going on. Or how many days of school can they miss before they are completely behind in course work?
Sometimes the rule applies and, other times, it seems like the writers forget to apply it to the scene.
For example, when they go to the JuiceNet Cafe, how do the girls not transform into mermaids when they touch the condensation on their drinks?
Rikki could use her heating abilities to get rid of the condensation or Cleo could discreetly move the water off the cup with her ability. Even though these solutions could be viable, it’s never shown on screen. It could have happened off-screen, but, usually, the girls get their drinks and immediately take a sip.
While Cleo, Rikki, and Emma could reveal their secret at any point because any type of water can cause them to transform, the series is still fun to watch. Even as an adult, it is a great escape from the real world and a good bit of nostalgia.
You can watch the entire series of “H2O: Just Add Water” on YouTube, Tubi, or Pluto for free.
