Tbh I was kinda scared when Lou shut the door on Cole for a few seconds until he said to use the bell lol. I thought it was gonna be a cool trauma story about how Cole didn’t see Lou for so long and how Lou would feel betrayed for him not showing him continuing his legacy. I’m happy with what we got tho. That moment is one of the times S1 really made me think and feel. One of the best seasons fr
Love this video. A lot of people consider Cole's true potential episode to be underwhelming compared to the others, but I = love it! Of course, maybe it's because Cole is my favorite ninja (along with Zane), but there was something so grounding and real about The Royal Blacksmiths and it's one of my comfort episodes of Season 1. And it's so true that this episode sets up so much for Cole's character.
this video: a great analysis of one of the best ninjago episodes and how after many seasons it's still the base of Cole's character me: gay coded episode
I was 7 and had a yellow belt in martial arts when this episode aired. Looking back, as a 19-year-old, a second-degree black belt, and a person with a unique upbringing, Cole's backstory is both realistic and personally relatable. The two main sects of human psychology are freudian psychology and behaviorism. Freudian psychology would dictate that Cole was destined to be a singer/performer, like his father. In contrast, behaviorism indicates that since Cole spent much of his adulthood training alongside the other Ninja, he should stay with them. Even with only 20 minutes to tell such a complex subplot, they pulled it off flawlessly. I have my biological family, which includes my two younger brothers, 13 cousins, and a complex extended family tree, of which differing amounts of respect have to be applied. In my martial arts career, I have a chosen family of individuals from a wide range of ages and belt ranks, and even though I am a black belt, they are relatively equal to me in more casual settings. And, like Cole, I have some lingering trauma from my two significant diagnoses, one of which occurred when I was 9, and the other when I was 16.
YES I LOVE THIS EPISODE SO MUCH!!! It’s so fucking GOOFY and STUPID but also probably the best episode of that first season. You explain it so perfectly and covered things I hadn’t even considered. And you also triggered a deep urge within me to Ramble about Children’s Shows so I’ve decided to do a short analysis of something you didn’t touch upon (but definitely referenced lmao) in your video: The queercoding. Because Cole is just. So queercoded man. The entire plot of this episode is Cole trying hide a massive part of his identity, that means a *lot* to him, from his father. He goes to extreme measures just to avoid confronting him about it. He lies about where he is, his friends, and he creates a divide between him and his father because he can’t be honest with him. Lou expects things from Cole that he just can’t give. In real life, when LGBTQ+ kids feel their parents won’t accept their queer identity, they hide who they are. They do everything in their power to keep who they are hidden. They stay as far back in the closet as they can manage because they feel as if they won’t be safe or loved if they tell them, and at the same time create a divide in their relationship because they’re hiding things. Does this sound familiar? Because like. It should. Because on a deeper level they’re the same situation And I’m not saying that that’s actually what this episode is about, I’m saying that there’s a lot of parallels to be drawn here that are interesting to analyse under a queer lense. Like that coming out scene where Cole reveals that he’s a ninja to his dad. Because that was a coming out scene. Like just switch “a ninja” with “gay” and the scene holds the same fundamental energy. Obviously not everything lines up perfectly but like, confessing to your parents about an important part of your identity that you’ve been hiding out of fear they wouldn’t accept you? “Dad, I’m ___”? Like I’m sorry how could you NOT see that scene and think “huh, that was a little gay”. Because I can’t. I’ve tried it doesn’t Work in my brain. This isn’t even where it ENDS there’s SO many more things, not only in this episode but throughout the rest of the show, things that aren’t even RELATED to Cole too. Like how did this even happen this show is so painfully hetero too how the fuck In conclusion, the Royal Blacksmiths is gay. Thanks for coming to my TEDTalk. Yes I think about this show a normal amount why do you ask
A “short” analysis indeed… /lh But ABSOLUTELY YES, you worded this better than I ever could have. Seriously the undertones are pretty,,, like ?? How do you do this accidentally?? And the writing itself is also incredible, the scene where they make up is just 🥺💕 it tugs at my heartstrings man
Absolutely fantastic video! Cole is just a fantastic character. I hear a lot of people saying Cole didn't have a character until S8 but they are heavily wrong. S1 and S4 are criminally underlooked for him. And thanks to S13, it has tied up all his previous arcs into one big coherent story, which is seriously incredible! While I don't like S15, I love that it works as an aftermath to this, where Cole brings to team back together and even recruits regular people to join the fight towards the end. The stuff he's learned prior. But yeah this episode is standout, honestly in my top 10 favs (safe haven being in there somewhere shhh). One last thing before I ramble on toooo much, but what I love a lot about Cole's true potential is that it's super down to earth and well, casual? Zane focuses on him realizing he's a robot, Jay's focuses on him accepting himself while trying to turn back from a snake, and kai's focuses on him trying to prove he's the chosen one but then letting it go. Yes all of these have an underlying message that everyone can relate to, but the fact that Cole's true potential episode focuses on, him trying to repair his relationship with his father in a way and making him proud and himself proud is so sweet and heartfelt. There's no massive out of this world situation here, what Cole goes through in this ep is something that can happen to any regular person in the real world, trying to make amends with a family member, in a dance competition of all things SKDNDKDJD. OK RAMBLING OVER SRRY
Tysm!! That’s a really good point ! Cole is a character I’ve found a lot of relatability in, and it’s really nice seeing more casual plot lines like that. And crystallized!! It had a ton of problems don’t get me wrong, but Cole was actually really well done - like you said with bringing the team together, and then when he reaches out to Shintaro And safe haven was a masterpiece ✋
never clicked so fast in my life, love this episode i blame this episode for making cole my favorite character and my eventual crippling cole minifigure collecting addiction
Why in the freaking world does this explain me so well? 😭 You just explained why Cole is so relatable to me (and to other people, I’m pretty sure). I can never say it better myself ✨
3:20 i only now just realized the some of the stuff in the background in lou’s house is the same stuff in borg tower when the SOG infiltrated it in episode 1 (or am i remembering it wrong)
Cole is my favorite ninja and I tend to forget why because of all the people pretending like he has no personality. So it’s good to see people appreciate Cole‘s time before „Master of the Mountain“.
I don’t know if you’ll see this, but I literally JUST found this video and it is now my *favorite* Ninjago video essay! You convey your points so clearly and concisely that all these details seem so obvious in retrospect. Bonus, the analysis doesn’t feel like it’s a stretch at all like how some video essays for “kids shows” feel like. But I might be biased cause Cole’s my favorite character along with Lloyd😅 Well done👏👏
Dude you deliver your lines in this videos with so much passion and energy it's amazing XD Like it feels less scripted and more natural, and it really helps getting me invested in whatever you are tackling, so good job dude 👍
Glad to see someone talk about this episode! It's definitely one of the best written episode in the entire series. It genuinely made me and a lot of others like Cole! Kinda wish we got more episodes focused on him and his dad tho! Great video as always! Would love to see more videos like this where you go over a certain episode!
@@DexilejJ Most definitely! A bit glad we got something from the new book but it would have been way much better to see him on screen too. Hopefully United will have stories with him in it!
Oh my gosh I watched this episode the other night, coincidence I find a video going in depth on it? Maybe. Regarding the video itself, you brought up parallels to episodes in later seasons that I haven't thought about until now, and they make a lot of sense and I'm glad you brought them up! Cole is one of my favorite ninja and this episode is a big reason why. To add, this episode has a lot of memorable moments and quotes, from both Cole and Lou. "What? Are you gonna crack a joke that my old man wears a tutu?"
Fr, the dialogue in this one is amazing - My personal favorite is “I don’t feel like making up excuses for why I’m carrying a giant scythe around with me” the delivery was just so perfect lmao
Cole used to be my favorite, but probably from stupid kid mind reasons, like: _He's the bl**ck one, he looks like a real ninja_ or _he's the first ninja of my collection_ (my first Ninjago set was Cole's bike from season 5). After it was Lloyd, but honestly, eYe am not sure if eYe really have a favorite ninja anymore. Eye mean, every ninja has characteristics _tHaT eYe_ like. 9:58 Their poison, so far away _😭_
Haha yeah I’ve had a similar struggle. As of seabound and crystallized my fav is split between Cole and Nya ……but my severe nostalgia bias says Kai because he was my original favorite sooo y’know
So as this is a review of an episode that released during the times when Wu used to have a 3D mouth I am curious to know ....................................................DO YOU LIKE HIM BETTER WITH OR WITHOUT BEARD XD
Can you please make ice epororr or just zane and his death and disappearance?❤ (Edit:OKAY OKAY YOU DONT HAVE TO DO THIS BUT YK HOW NYA BASICALY WAS PROTECTING THE SEA AMULET WHAT IF THATS SYMBOLISING LIKE JAY BEING THE STORM AMULAT ❤❤❤ (SORRY FOR UNRELATED) LOVEEE YOURRRR VIIDDSSSSS❤❤❤❤
“Use the bell, son.”
“welcommmeeee~”
Lou is an Asian parent and cole just isn’t having it
“You’re 7, right son? That sounds old enough to complete the most difficult and impossible dance choreography known to man.”
Lou
Yup, sounds about right! xD
parenting 100
Cole is the ground that the Ninja team is built upon.
cole is such a beautiful character, easliy overshadowed by lloyd and kai. he deserves so much more credit.
Absolutely. I’m loving the direction DR is taking him in, I hope he and the Finders get more spotlight.
@@DexilejJi think he will be a big part of dr 2 part 2 i hope so cause he is my 3rd favorte charecter
@@DexilejJ..
Tbh I was kinda scared when Lou shut the door on Cole for a few seconds until he said to use the bell lol. I thought it was gonna be a cool trauma story about how Cole didn’t see Lou for so long and how Lou would feel betrayed for him not showing him continuing his legacy. I’m happy with what we got tho. That moment is one of the times S1 really made me think and feel. One of the best seasons fr
Love this video. A lot of people consider Cole's true potential episode to be underwhelming compared to the others, but I = love it! Of course, maybe it's because Cole is my favorite ninja (along with Zane), but there was something so grounding and real about The Royal Blacksmiths and it's one of my comfort episodes of Season 1. And it's so true that this episode sets up so much for Cole's character.
Tysm!! I completely agree! I’ve watched this episode SO many times, there’s something special about it for sure. Def one of my favorites
D
I
T
T
O
this video: a great analysis of one of the best ninjago episodes and how after many seasons it's still the base of Cole's character
me: gay coded episode
Ah yes
“I’m proud of who I am, and I want you to be proud of me too” - literally Cole
Yes yes I concur
I was 7 and had a yellow belt in martial arts when this episode aired. Looking back, as a 19-year-old, a second-degree black belt, and a person with a unique upbringing, Cole's backstory is both realistic and personally relatable.
The two main sects of human psychology are freudian psychology and behaviorism. Freudian psychology would dictate that Cole was destined to be a singer/performer, like his father. In contrast, behaviorism indicates that since Cole spent much of his adulthood training alongside the other Ninja, he should stay with them. Even with only 20 minutes to tell such a complex subplot, they pulled it off flawlessly.
I have my biological family, which includes my two younger brothers, 13 cousins, and a complex extended family tree, of which differing amounts of respect have to be applied. In my martial arts career, I have a chosen family of individuals from a wide range of ages and belt ranks, and even though I am a black belt, they are relatively equal to me in more casual settings.
And, like Cole, I have some lingering trauma from my two significant diagnoses, one of which occurred when I was 9, and the other when I was 16.
i love this episode so much, great job!
"we know the royal blacksmith doesnt shy away from double meanings" nice
YES I LOVE THIS EPISODE SO MUCH!!! It’s so fucking GOOFY and STUPID but also probably the best episode of that first season. You explain it so perfectly and covered things I hadn’t even considered. And you also triggered a deep urge within me to Ramble about Children’s Shows so I’ve decided to do a short analysis of something you didn’t touch upon (but definitely referenced lmao) in your video: The queercoding. Because Cole is just. So queercoded man.
The entire plot of this episode is Cole trying hide a massive part of his identity, that means a *lot* to him, from his father. He goes to extreme measures just to avoid confronting him about it. He lies about where he is, his friends, and he creates a divide between him and his father because he can’t be honest with him. Lou expects things from Cole that he just can’t give.
In real life, when LGBTQ+ kids feel their parents won’t accept their queer identity, they hide who they are. They do everything in their power to keep who they are hidden. They stay as far back in the closet as they can manage because they feel as if they won’t be safe or loved if they tell them, and at the same time create a divide in their relationship because they’re hiding things.
Does this sound familiar? Because like. It should. Because on a deeper level they’re the same situation
And I’m not saying that that’s actually what this episode is about, I’m saying that there’s a lot of parallels to be drawn here that are interesting to analyse under a queer lense.
Like that coming out scene where Cole reveals that he’s a ninja to his dad.
Because that was a coming out scene.
Like just switch “a ninja” with “gay” and the scene holds the same fundamental energy. Obviously not everything lines up perfectly but like, confessing to your parents about an important part of your identity that you’ve been hiding out of fear they wouldn’t accept you? “Dad, I’m ___”? Like I’m sorry how could you NOT see that scene and think “huh, that was a little gay”. Because I can’t. I’ve tried it doesn’t Work in my brain.
This isn’t even where it ENDS there’s SO many more things, not only in this episode but throughout the rest of the show, things that aren’t even RELATED to Cole too. Like how did this even happen this show is so painfully hetero too how the fuck
In conclusion, the Royal Blacksmiths is gay. Thanks for coming to my TEDTalk. Yes I think about this show a normal amount why do you ask
A “short” analysis indeed… /lh
But ABSOLUTELY YES, you worded this better than I ever could have. Seriously the undertones are pretty,,, like ?? How do you do this accidentally??
And the writing itself is also incredible, the scene where they make up is just 🥺💕 it tugs at my heartstrings man
Exactly!
Absolutely fantastic video! Cole is just a fantastic character. I hear a lot of people saying Cole didn't have a character until S8 but they are heavily wrong. S1 and S4 are criminally underlooked for him. And thanks to S13, it has tied up all his previous arcs into one big coherent story, which is seriously incredible! While I don't like S15, I love that it works as an aftermath to this, where Cole brings to team back together and even recruits regular people to join the fight towards the end. The stuff he's learned prior. But yeah this episode is standout, honestly in my top 10 favs (safe haven being in there somewhere shhh). One last thing before I ramble on toooo much, but what I love a lot about Cole's true potential is that it's super down to earth and well, casual? Zane focuses on him realizing he's a robot, Jay's focuses on him accepting himself while trying to turn back from a snake, and kai's focuses on him trying to prove he's the chosen one but then letting it go. Yes all of these have an underlying message that everyone can relate to, but the fact that Cole's true potential episode focuses on, him trying to repair his relationship with his father in a way and making him proud and himself proud is so sweet and heartfelt. There's no massive out of this world situation here, what Cole goes through in this ep is something that can happen to any regular person in the real world, trying to make amends with a family member, in a dance competition of all things SKDNDKDJD. OK RAMBLING OVER SRRY
Tysm!!
That’s a really good point ! Cole is a character I’ve found a lot of relatability in, and it’s really nice seeing more casual plot lines like that.
And crystallized!! It had a ton of problems don’t get me wrong, but Cole was actually really well done - like you said with bringing the team together, and then when he reaches out to Shintaro
And safe haven was a masterpiece ✋
Don't apologize for your ramblings. I watch some of your videos and your ramblings are always good and they work
I love this episode epically when they danced to the weekend whip
never clicked so fast in my life, love this episode i blame this episode for making cole my favorite character and my eventual crippling cole minifigure collecting addiction
Why in the freaking world does this explain me so well? 😭 You just explained why Cole is so relatable to me (and to other people, I’m pretty sure). I can never say it better myself ✨
I also relate to Cole a lot, so I love talking about him lol
And thank you !
cole is also one of my favorite characters i can also kind of relate to him alot
Same here!
3:20 i only now just realized the some of the stuff in the background in lou’s house is the same stuff in borg tower when the SOG infiltrated it in episode 1 (or am i remembering it wrong)
Cole is my favorite ninja and I tend to forget why because of all the people pretending like he has no personality. So it’s good to see people appreciate Cole‘s time before „Master of the Mountain“.
When I was a kid,my two favorite ninjas were Cole and Kai,because I could see myself in them.
I see SO much of myself in Cole, from some of his plot lines and stuff he has to learn, and also just his general personality :p
That group is amazing.
Honestly, Cole's backstory makes me think of *SPOILER*
Vinsmoke Sanji's backstory.
If you don’t say it’s a ONE PIECE spoiler, that spoiler warning won’t help anyone.
@@felipevasconcelos6736 Oh
I don’t know if you’ll see this, but I literally JUST found this video and it is now my *favorite* Ninjago video essay! You convey your points so clearly and concisely that all these details seem so obvious in retrospect.
Bonus, the analysis doesn’t feel like it’s a stretch at all like how some video essays for “kids shows” feel like. But I might be biased cause Cole’s my favorite character along with Lloyd😅 Well done👏👏
Aw tysm!! I really appreciate it!
I mean yes that is the best part side from showing more about cole the snakes singing 10/10
Dude you deliver your lines in this videos with so much passion and energy it's amazing XD
Like it feels less scripted and more natural, and it really helps getting me invested in whatever you are tackling, so good job dude 👍
Aw thank you !
Coles dad was a fun Character
“If my ears weren’t attached to my head they’d be running away!”
Ah yes ! The coming out (according to the fandom) episode
*shhhh..* /j
? Cole isn’t gay
@@jakeplayzyt5220 it just gave the vibe of coming out, that's why I said according to the fandom, because queer fans could relate
@@Damnaxe oh. K.
Rip the va😭🫡
Glad to see someone talk about this episode! It's definitely one of the best written episode in the entire series. It genuinely made me and a lot of others like Cole! Kinda wish we got more episodes focused on him and his dad tho!
Great video as always! Would love to see more videos like this where you go over a certain episode!
I would have loved seeing more of Lou. Especially given what we now know about Lilly, it feels like there’s some stuff worth exploring
@@DexilejJ Most definitely! A bit glad we got something from the new book but it would have been way much better to see him on screen too. Hopefully United will have stories with him in it!
Oh my gosh I watched this episode the other night, coincidence I find a video going in depth on it? Maybe.
Regarding the video itself, you brought up parallels to episodes in later seasons that I haven't thought about until now, and they make a lot of sense and I'm glad you brought them up!
Cole is one of my favorite ninja and this episode is a big reason why.
To add, this episode has a lot of memorable moments and quotes, from both Cole and Lou.
"What? Are you gonna crack a joke that my old man wears a tutu?"
Fr, the dialogue in this one is amazing -
My personal favorite is “I don’t feel like making up excuses for why I’m carrying a giant scythe around with me” the delivery was just so perfect lmao
This is so so spot on. All of it
dang this blew my mind !! im seeing Cole in a whole new perspective now ! great video 💚💚
Absolutely amazing video! Super glad this popped up in my recommended. Can't wait to see more from you!
Ayy Corbyin ! Tysm, I’ve been loving your videos, it’s awesome to see you here !
@@DexilejJ Thank you!! 💜
Cole used to be my favorite, but probably from stupid kid mind reasons, like:
_He's the bl**ck one, he looks like a real ninja_ or _he's the first ninja of my collection_ (my first Ninjago set was Cole's bike from season 5).
After it was Lloyd, but honestly, eYe am not sure if eYe really have a favorite ninja anymore.
Eye mean, every ninja has characteristics _tHaT eYe_ like.
9:58 Their poison, so far away _😭_
Haha yeah I’ve had a similar struggle.
As of seabound and crystallized my fav is split between Cole and Nya
……but my severe nostalgia bias says Kai because he was my original favorite sooo y’know
a cole appreciation post? baaaased
Nice job. I really liked The Royal Blacksmiths.
+1 subscriber
Yes thank you❤
I’ve been waiting for a video like this on this episode
Also yeah I love the song at the end
GREAT VIDEO LEGO NINJAGO COLE ROYAL BLACKSMITH 🖤🖤🖤
This is a well made video. Good job lad! You just earned a subscriber!
Cole one my favorite ninja in team and a roll motel that should expire everyone
Your voice is butiful ❤
finally i missed youu
I literally love your vids
thanks !
Brooooooo Dexile jJ actually responded to my comment, this is so insane
so fine
So as this is a review of an episode that released during the times when Wu used to have a 3D mouth
I am curious to know ....................................................DO YOU LIKE HIM BETTER WITH OR WITHOUT BEARD XD
welll (correct me if I’m wrong lol) the only time he’s without a beard is when he’s younger…
And Younger = Baby Wu…
So……
Nah but the beard is iconic
@@DexilejJ I am so dumb, I completely let my mind go while typing this, I meant mouth not beard 💀
@@Turbo_Marto_Lol lmaoo dw it happens ✋💀
I didn’t notice the 3D mouth until recently and now it’s all I see.
*it’s terrifying*
COLE HOORAY
I found a new channel to bing!
Can you please make ice epororr or just zane and his death and disappearance?❤
(Edit:OKAY OKAY YOU DONT HAVE TO DO THIS BUT YK HOW NYA BASICALY WAS PROTECTING THE SEA AMULET WHAT IF THATS SYMBOLISING LIKE JAY BEING THE STORM AMULAT ❤❤❤ (SORRY FOR UNRELATED)
LOVEEE YOURRRR VIIDDSSSSS❤❤❤❤
Someday perhaps !
Sooooooo much
W A T
You should upload more often
Hello