Does Cloudward Ho get serious?

I'll start by saying I have watched and absolutely loved Crown of Candy, Ravening War, and what I've seen of Neverafter. Recently started Cloudward Ho and it seems like a setting and genre I'd enjoy, but so far in 3 episodes it mostly seems like memes and bits every other second and almost no real stakes. I'm not sure if I can handle this tone for a full length season unless something changes. I'm genuinely bummed because it would seem things are about to get interesting from a world standpoint (also I'm interested in learning about the mech) but the characters haven't really hooked me yet and they mostly seem to be full of whimsy and goofiness.

I appreciate the cast's comedy usually but often it's a bit much for me to actually focus on the story and care about what's happening. Then when someone reacts emotionally it kinda seems abrupt or out of place amongst all the levity and absurdity happening. Could be a me issue, idk. I do understand that CoC is basically the darkest season they've done and I'm not expecting that level of stakes necessarily, just hoping it progresses beyond jokes and everyone thirsting over Wealwell (even though it's hilarious a lot of times).