On a semi-related note, regarding the question of why Angelica's parents let her take over the city, one might say that it isn't terribly far fetched by virtue of the fact that her parents are very lax with her and barely watch her at all, which is all the more reason why it was so satisfying for Drew to catch Angelica at stealing the CD.
Drew was always the one to discipline her when she was really bad. Like the time she used a voice changer to buy herself presents and dessert or the time she threw her dinner against the wall.
@@TheKorfish I believe I recall this as well; Charlotte not only rarely lifted a finger to stop Angelica's behavior but she tended to make excuses for her.
The Chaz scenario is probably the most realistic. Think about it; his wife died only one year prior to the beginning of the series. Despite how much his premature widowhood grieved him, he had to make sure Chucky still had a good life, taking on the role of both father and mother. If Chucky was never born, Chaz would simply see no reason to clean, cook, or even get dressed. He would've allowed his life to decay because he had no reason to live it. As for C-Span, I think he just likes it because he's a nerd. I mean, the guy has an inhaler collection.
It’s so funny to hear Chaz talk about the “house ways and means committee”, like he’s definitely the same nerdy guy, but the idea of watching cspan for fun just makes his life sound so much worse 😂
I feel very much the same; looking at the others' situations, these may be projections of Chuckie's personal concerns, such as his notion that Phil and Lil might become unruly without him to warn them that their actions "Aren't such a good idea," and without him there, Angelica would push Tommy around and take control of all of his possessions.
It’s interesting. What my interpretation was that, with both his wife gone, and his kid never born he pretty much went insane and that’s why he talks to a hand puppet for company. I mean it’s a common trope in shows that when someone loses their mind they talk to inanimate objects, so I thought that’s what the show was going for. Not to mention Phil and Lill’s mom saying “he’s getting worse” that would imply his mental state is getting worse. But that’s just me
The episode that terrified me the most as a kid was the one where Angelica tells the story about a kid who got sucked up the bath drain and was never seen again, that scared me so much, we took the rugrats vhs out of the tape player didn't watch it again, i just watched the other ones.
WAIT A MINUTE! Now I wonder if THIS is why I developed a phobia of the bath drain! My mom would have to take me and all my toys out of the bath before unstopping it or Id freak out!
Chuckie was on a bridge because this is a parody of It’s A Wonderful Life. I imagine they were just trying to hit the plot beats rather than implying something in any specific direction. I know this episode plot is done to death in every show that’s ever existed, but I still love them. I’ve always wished it were possible that everybody could have the option to see what the world would be like at various times in our lives without us.
It really has been done to death, but I always thought this one was kinda funny, mostly because I'd seen the movie at Christmas time so I knew where they were going. I always thought Chucky would have probably seen Chas watching that movie (he likes sappy things like that), and when Angelica said that to him it made him dream about it.
So your dark instincts about Chuckie approaching the bridge are spot on. The source material for this episode, It's A Wonderful Life, deals with a guy who was about to 'unalive' himself via bridge and his guardian angel shows him what the world would be like without him. Oh and this is a Christmas movie by the way.
I was just about to say this. The episode is an homage to "It's a wonderful life" and even the episode title confirms it. There have been a lot of shows that have an episode similar to this. Just like the obligatory "Twelve Angry Men" episode of TV shows. Famous old movies and plays still creep into modern TV to this day.
See, I had a similar idea about the symbolism of the bridge, but I was thinking that he was just crossing the bridge. But at the same time, depending on how you look at it, "crossing the bridge" could be a euphemism for death...
As someone who is going through brain cancer, I want to express how much I understand the emotions and feelings of helplessness it can cause. I'm sorry you have to be going through this, and I wish you the most possible time to spend with your dad. Really, I'm not sure what else I can say. I've seen my family's emotional reaction to my condition and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I wish you and your family the best.
I'm deeply touched by your comment. Your empathy and understanding shine through, and it's clear that your words come from a place of genuine care. Thank you for sharing your perspective and extending your support during such a challenging time. Wishing you strength and comfort as you navigate through this journey.
This episode hits super different now as a parent. I can't imagine my poor kiddos thinking they make life worse... I'm sorry about your father. Sometimes screaming into the void is cathartic, never worry about venting on youtube.
16:11 no need to be sorry my dude. It's good to allow yourself to be vulnerable sometimes. My stepdad turned 70 last year and I worry often about how much longer he'll be here. You're definitely not alone in that regard. I appreciate you. Also congrats on hitting the next milestone of 70k subscribers! That means you've literally gained another 2 thousand subs in the 6 days since you recorded this video and that's damn impressive. At that rate you'll easily hit 100k subs by years end and I'm stoked for your success and I bet your dad will be too. Cheers, friend.
Hey man, I really appreciate you being so open and vulnerable to your viewers. I had lost my father to a battle with cancer a little over a decade ago, along with a few other close family members more recently. I get where you're coming from man and I'm sure I'm not alone. Always look forward to your videos!
The “gardening” angel did say he didn’t see a reason to clean up without Chucky, so it’s implied the dad is doing as well as he is because Chucky is his reason for moving forward.
Honestly, a lot of the time when you see someone living like a slob, they need help, they need care and a new reason to take care of themselves. It is too big of a job to just expect anyone to come and help out since we all have troubles we're coping with, and unfortunately depression and grief can make people very standoffish and unpleasant to be around. But if you have the capacity to do it without too much cost to yourself, help someone out. Chaz's situation is extremely difficult, and his kid really is that motivator to be able to keep it together, along with the support of his friends even in that world without Chuckie
I just realized the reason Chaz would be nothing without chuckie in this episode is bc even if chuckie wasn’t born his mom still would have died. That man is broken & depressed.
And the fact he's there because he's a good and trusting little kid too who considers Angelica's judgement fair 🥺 Trying to comply and survive around someone's greed or abuse is exhausting and leaves you with nothing. And Tommy is literally a tiny baby who's whole thing is being kind and courageous, but even he needs direction to bring out his best traits.
What Angelica said to Chucky reflects how she feels about her life. [Edit: We have to remember that she is 5 and is often left to be babysat by her aunt, away from her parents who get really mad at her when she makes a mistake instead of instruct her how to be a human]. I wish the writers explored Angelica's development that more.
Right??? I wish there was more depth to Angelica. I see that her personality comes from a cycle of her mother coping with being hurt and fearful of misogyny in her own life, and overcorrecting by raising her little girl to be as entitled and confident as possible, hoping she will never have to go through that and think she deserves to be seen as less for her femininity. But she hasn't taught Angelica that part about sourcing confidence from within rather than kicking everyone else down so you can be on top, that she is worthy of admiration because all people are for their good actions, rather than because she's just inherently the best person in the room. But I really wish more media would actually explore and develop bully characters like her more, it may have even helped a lot of grown adults who still act like school bullies and mean girls actually analyse their feelings at a young age.
I imagine that if they had done an episode kind of like this with Angelica, it would probably be very similar to the Hey Arnold! episode, "Magic Show," where Helga imagines herself in a world where she disappeared, and everybody's happy that she's gone. It would really show Angelica that her mean behavior is not received well at all.
That actually reminds me of that one episode where Angelica puts on a magic show for the babies, volunteers Lil to make her disappear, she craws out of the other side of the box, as a butterfly flies into it, and everyone thinks Angelica actually turned Lil into a butterfly.
As a person who's had suicidal thoughts since the age of twelve or so, this episode really hits. I've always thought about what if I didn't exist or what if I just ran away forever, and the way this show takes it is a really good way for younger audiences. A few years, around 8 like your story about your father before that it was revealed my mother had a tumor on her brain, and although a lot of that time in my brain is foggy and I was too younger to fully understand it as I was quite sheltered. We had a lot of help from neighbors, church friends, and family friends with keeping up the house but I know that the house would have ended up dirty and unkempt due to my father coping. This really just hits me, even with Chaz talking to a puppet I often talk to my own characters, much more back then, as way to cope with it all.
This Episode reminds me on one Fairly OddParents episode tho, but the rugrats did it way better expressing the emotions, I only can agree that this one hits really hard - especially when you also had those thoughts liky Chuckie
Given that the whole thing is a creation of Chuckie's imagination, it makes sense that Angelica rules as an unaposed tyrant, and Tommy's good nature is the last surviving remnant of the reality Chuckie knows. But since it's specifically referred to as a world in which Chuckie was never born, rather than one in which Chaz never married or fathered any children, it implies the Mrs Finster of this world suffered death by childbirth; a popularly theorised cause of death for her amongst the fandom.
If anything its the opposite. Chuckie somehow has vague memories of his mother gardening, so her still passing away here proves her getting sick had nothing to do with him being born. It implies miscarriage at most. Besides, this episode may be dark but I can't imagine Nickelodeon would go that far, not only does it straight up victim blame Chuckie it completely undermines the entire point of the episode. I know its just a theory, but that's just cold.
Or maybe she had the same disease, but in this world Chaz just lost all motive to keep going after she passed. Even in All Grown Up, Chaz revealed that caring for Chuckie helped him not let his grief take over.
My theory is that Chaz never met Mrs. Finster or he lost his chance with her in this reality. Which I think is more tragic than her dying because this means Chaz never found true love and forced to talk to a sock puppet to have company.
The thing that also fucks with me about this episode is when you take into account what happened to Chaz's wife, his story becomes waaaaay more depressing. It implies that he was so traumatized over losing his wife that he just gave up on life.
First time here and honestly such strange timing. My Dad passed away on January 4th (2023). He fell and broke his ribs and while they were patching him up they found 3 stage 4 cancers, including his brain. All of this happened in the span of 4 months...it's the hardest thing I have ever had to face and it all happened so fast. I am sorry for what you, your Dad and family have gone through! But you have the time with him now and that's what's most important! Treasure it ! :) P.S. The video was great! Ima subscribe. This made me think of the Sippy cup episode that scared the crap out out of me. I can still hear him yell "DRINK ME"
Rugrats is and always will be my most favourite childhood show .. 90’s nickelodeon shows just cannot be beaten 👍🏻💕🇬🇧 edited to add - your dad sounds like an absolute legend ❤
This episode reminds me of another that practically scared me as a kid. It was the one where Angelica (surprise surprise) convinced the twins that their parents had a favorite child which lead them to have dreams of the other twin getting his/her's full bottle and giving it to the sibling, leaving them to think they'll go hungry. This greatly upsets the twins as they imagine this while being in their beds. Angelica then appears towards the end to tell them that their parent's favorite was Angelica herself. She laughed and ran off. That's all I can remember but my lord that one stuck with me for a good long while.
I remember that episode. Lil's whimper alone broke my heart when she was cruelly given the empty bottle then poor Phil shivering in the cold on a broken crib...omg
As someone who grew up on 90 Nickelodeon myself I think it would be great to see you cover rugrats in the dark side of series. Not only caricatures but individual episode and the movies as well because as this episode proves the show was never afraid to tackle serious issue or go dark for the right reasons
Your channel gives me such comfort. It's so refreshing to hear such well thought out nostalgia of the shows that shaped my childhood. Sometimes you forget just all the ways they effected you. My condolences about your dad, and I'm glad to hear he's fighting for his life. I'd give anything to have seen my own dad fight like that 4 years ago my dad died of lung cancer. He refused treatment and refused to stop smoking. It took me a long time to get over my anger, to get over only seeing him as selfish and destructive. I miss him, I love him, and for better or worse he lived his life in a way that made him happy.
I just posted a similar comment about my stepdad, who just turned 70 last year and refuses to quit smoking, even after having surgery to remove cancer. There's a stack of nicotine patches that his doctor prescribed sitting on his nightstand that he will never use. After he turned 70 and continues to be a heavy smoker it definitely makes me wonder how much longer he will be here. I totally get why you'd have those feelings of anger regarding his habits.
@@jonbourgoin182 I'm sorry to hear about your step dad. It's such a tough, confusing thing to go through. Lots of conflicting emotions. On one hand you want to shake some sense into them, be angry and hurt. But, on the other, you just want to pack as many good, loving days in as you can. Whatever happens, whatever he chooses, I think it's important to remind yourself that it's not your fault. It's not a matter of not loving them enough, or them not caring about you. Some people are just stubborn ol' oxen like that. For better or worse. 💟 Sending love your way!
Hey Shawn. I'm just now starting the video as I write this comment. I wanted to say, your content is absolutely amazing. You edit your clips well, you have a naturally good speaking voice, and your takes on the material you watch is perfectly grounded in reality. You're the kind of person whose monologues I could listen to for hours and feel nice and cozy the whole time. I would absolutely love to see you produce a merch line. Your channel deserves to succeed. Edit: I just now got to the part about your dad and his brain cancer. I went through almost the EXACT same thing with my mom and her breast cancer. I absolutely understand how you feel, as well as the complexity that comes with the same cancer going into remission and coming back multiple times over. From one person who grew up with a cancer-stricken parent to the other, I can assure you that you're not alone in your struggle to process it. I can only hope your father survives. My mother ultimately did not.
The sad part of this episode, technically it's Angelica that the world could do without. Since as you all seen in the begining with the episode of her and Tommy being alone for even a few minutes. Anyone else would have already planned who is doing what. And they both just left without a single thought. Seems that she doesn't matter. And yes I know how Drew felt in the movie. But it still proves a point.
Honestly Angelica basically told Chucky to k himself in not so many words. Also, not only that, but the other half of why he was heading towards a bridge probably had to do with all the “its a wonderful life” parallels
7:34 When I was a kid, I just sort of always assumed that since "Chuckie was never born" it meant that Chaz just never got married. But now I realize that it's just as likely the life played out as usual, with Chaz getting married to Melinda, but they never had Chuckie and she *also* died. So when she died, without Chuckie, Chaz went insane. Yikes.
Between Chuckie demanding to know where his angel was when he got in all kinds of trouble, the C-Span joke, King Jellyjam Angelica, Stu and Didi baking, and all of Chuckie's talk with his angel, this was one of my FAVORITE episodes:):) But aw, I'm so sorry about your dad, my mom's had a huge health problem for longer than I've been ALIVE, but even though she's finally actually getting better now I NEVER fail to cry at episodes about dead moms:(
CSPAN is MAH JAM!!! Lol Looking back as a 33 year old, I can't believe the amount of context, and story that went over my head back in 1997 watching Rugrats on the rare chance Id stay the night at a friend's house that had cable
Yo, Angelica is the equivalent of those girls in high school who sees someone is hurting and tells them to kill themselves, ONLY to feel bad after with the excuse, "well I didn't think they'd do it." 😢😓😠
Three words Marine Boot Camp She'll come back a more respectful and kinder human... or mentally shattered, whichever works. Either way she's heartless bitch and her parents are just as bad.
Honestly this is THE worst thing Angelica has ever said or done. Some people consider Angelica setting up Coco with is the worst and I think it's a close second this is undoubtedly the worst
@tierefuerimmer9635 I'll add one. The Family Tree. The episode before Rugrats In Paris. Chuckie is messed with by Angelica, as she convinces him a bird is his only family. Tommy gets so mad at her she's shocked because of what she said to him.
Your channel brings so much mature nostalgia, at least to me. Cause you bring me back to my childhood and beautifully break down the lessons we were all too young to understand and the deeper meanings that we were unable to process back then. And thank you for sharing about your dad, since you shared, I lost my dad when I was young, so I was kind of like Chuckie but with a mom. And rewatching it now from your video, that one last look before leaving hit home for me too, especially with you sharing your story. Thank you sir and I'm always looking forward to the next deep dive into childhood cartoons with you 🙏🏼
I’m so sorry to hear about your father and your family’s journey through him healing and getting sick again. Praying for you, your father and your family. I would totally buy DTS merchandise, too.
10:00 Man, just revisiting this episode makes me really glad I’ve been losing some weight recently after a visit with a bariatric surgery specialist, because I remember my mom bringing that scene up as a way of chiding me when I was younger. Must be perfect timing I started my weight loss journey around the time that South Park special regarding that topic was launched on that same streaming platform.
In my opinion, "Chuckie's Wonderful Life" is the perfect antidote for anyone unfortunate enough to have seen the infamous "It's a Wishful Life" from Fairly OddParents. Even if you just included what happened to Chas in the world without Chuckie, it's still pretty sad; Chas is unemployed and surrounded by tons of empty pizza boxes with a sock as his only friend since Chuckie was never born. As we later find out in "Mother's Day", Melinda, Chas' wife and Chuckie's mom is deceased, and considering that Chuckie was Melinda's son, it makes things all the more heartbreaking for Chas. Meanwhile, Phil and Lil trash their parents' house because Chuckie wasn't around to tell them right from wrong, and Angelica takes over Tommy's house, endlessly demanding Stu and Didi to make her sweets and causing them to neglect Tommy, who's going through the garbage for food since Chuckie wasn't around to give Tommy the courage to stand up to Angelica. In the end, Chuckie realizes how important he is in everyone's lives and Angelica, who convinces him that the world would be better if he didn't exist, gets some well-deserved comeuppance. It's a Wishful Life, on the other hand, is something that even die-hard fans of The Fairly OddParents wish didn't exist. Timmy wishes he was never born and finds out that everyone's lives are better without him; his parents are rich and famous, Francis is a star quarterback, Cosmo and Wanda are Chester's fairy godparents, Mr. Crocker is a college professor, Vicky is the assistant to Dr. Bender, and the Chicago Cubs win the world series. Since Timmy is the show's main protagonist, it supposedly teaches the viewers that people's lives would be better if they didn't exist. Butch Hartman is ashamed of the episode and reportedly, It's a Wishful Life was made against his wishes. Unfortunately, Nickelodeon would later repeat the same mistake, albeit to a lesser extent, with the The Loud House episode, "Time Trap!", where Lincoln and his sisters create a timeline where they don't exist. While it's not without people who are more miserable because they didn't exist, it does have people who are happier because they didn't exist, namely their parents, Mr. Grouse, and Flip.
The movie they are referencing is "It's a wonderful life" where the main character has thoughts of killing himself but an angel in training to get his wings shows him what life would be like if he didn't exist
I heard about the film is a wonderful life. And i remember that fairy god parents episode. I always thought it was a parody..but yeah it was kinda cruel that timmy was the buttmonkey....i dont remember but in that episode jurgen say to him you dont have to do things for impress you have to do it because is the right...sounds good..but there is a hint of victim blaming like...ok is right and correct but that doesnt mean people have to act prick and ungratheful. When i was a teen i was a bully victim... yes i had support but sometimes i like to think that i didnt k myself because i wont give them the pleasure...so they would have to deal with me. And i used to think my life is like a canva if i k myself that canva would be unfinished. That i had a life ahead and i wont trow it away just because some insecure pricks bully me. I dont know is just my thought...sure i had the privilege of a suportive mother too.
I have very few times that an episode or something made me feel…. Things I couldn’t explain. It’s something when cartoons had that effect on you at one time in your life- you understood it and yet you didn’t UNDERSTAND it. This “It’s a Wonderful Life” episode was probably the first I ever saw and… yeah. This is one that stuck to me. I always love hearing your analysis and I’m so so so happy you’re really climbing up and I can honestly say I’m cheering you on. I KNOW you’ll meet that goal. And I’ll be right there rooting for you when that goal is met. As for merch, that’s a definitely. Stickers are awesome. And might I recommend (in the long run) keychains and patches/pins. Those are small and cutely decorative. In a personal note…. I’m honestly sorry about your dad. I can tell he means a lot to you. And I felt that… I can only really offer prayers in that situation, but I’m so glad you still have him all this time later- which is a blessing in of itself. God bless, man. Thanks for the review, and cheers to the long run🍺
I know it's really silly, but the episode that scared me the most was when Tommy and Chuckie was scared of the monster under the bed, but it turned out to be a sweater. It's genuinely creepy to me when I think back on it, now don't make fun of me because of it! I was very young when I first saw the episode, the memories of the nightmares are still kind of creepy.
This episode was heartbreaking. I hadn’t seen it in way over 2 decades, but the scene of Tommy literally digging through garbage stuck with me every since I was a kid
Hiii I'm from the Philippines and i loooove listening to you. This was my CHILDHOOD! ❤️ Cartoons nowadays are just *bleh* more vids to come! I'll surely watch and support this channel! ❤️
Hey man. These things hit me a lot different since 2013. I was 18, & my father died of a heart-attack we never saw coming. Do me a favor. Spend as much time with ur loved 1s as u can, & always tell them u love them. Wish you guys the best.
This did what the reboot and All Grown Up could never. Sorry to hear about your dad too. My ex had a brain tumour when he was 16 and now his memory is permanently damaged.
i thought All grown up was a reboot too- Also honestly the reboot imo seems like it doesnt really have any value as the old rugrats did and itll be so diffrent bevause compaines like to cut out snd censore episodes from children
Who says shows have to be depressing and brutal and full of moral lessons in order to be good? All grown up was a great show in my opinion, the episodes were very entertaining, especially the scary episode with the ghost. Also it was awesome seeing the babies actually aging as well as their parents. Though they did almost all the parents dirty. Only 10 years have past and most of them look like they’ve aged 30 years.
Look how much you have grown Shawn. Two months ago I was randomly suggested you and you had a few thousand at best and the urge to succeed. I know how hard it is to succeed on UA-cam and you are doing it. A humble start and it paid off
Your Dark Side Angelica episode should be a Top 10 Worst Things Angelica has Done List. Might be able to streamline it so it isn't 4 hours long. I think #1 should be her selling out Chuckie and Chaz to Madame LaBouche in Rugrats in Paris but yeah, this one might be 2 or 3 for me.
I don't know about that being number one. It was bad, but Madame LaBouche was kind of bribing her, not to mention told her assistant to put his hand in Angelica's mouth for eating LaBouche's candy.
I absolutely love this channel! It’s got all the nostalgia from my childhood and a creator that’s not afraid to put himself out there and seem like a real person. Keep up the great work Shawn!
Congratulations on the 70k, man! I only found your channel a month ago because of the Scooby Doo movie episode, and then I listened to some of the Halloween episodes. I was temporarily blind from a corneal abrasion, but I remembered those specials as a kid, and it made my night. Well, that, and the six pack of porter that I'd had by then. Keep doing what you do, man. I've seen dozens of channels prosper just because they stick to their guns. Here's for the Big Hundo!
Great analysis. The most disturbing part about this for me as a child when watching this was seeing Tommy in the trash and Angelica refusing to give Tommy any food despite her abundance. Greed and wealth hoarding and intentional cruelty was something I was especially sensitive to back then. His extremely meek request, her incredibly renewable resource that she blatantly refuses to share, just disturbing. Love your videos
Personally, I think that the bridge scene was just a nod to the movie 'It's A Wonderful Life', which is where the premise of this episode comes from. I say that because 90s cartoons liked to throw in adult references for me parents who might be watching. Partly because the parents would get the reference, but also because it might give them an idea of what the episode's overall theme is about. Given the plethora of adult references in the Rugrats movie, I think that it was just the show's way of letting the parents know what was in store, so that they could help their kids cope with an idea that they very might feel one day. I remember feeling like that when I was a kid, just not in the adult way, and my mom got me through it.
I binge watched this show in the last couple of years and have no recollection of this episode. Angelica is NOT beating those evil allegations Jesus christ 💀
Chances of you seeing this are slim. But I know what the feeling is like. I lost my dad in 2021 right after my 21st birthday and didn't even get to enjoy a drink with the guy. Very upsetting. I'm rooting for you my guy! Here's to hoping UA-cam can be your full time job sooner rather than later. Goodluck.
Another thing to consider about Chaz is he possibly/probably had Chuckie's mom in his life still, and more than likely she still died. They just never got to have a child before it happened
Thank you for sharing your background about your dad that shows that you are still human and that we all go through something hope all gets better for you enjoy the content always
I am so sorry to hear about your father. Mine has been gone for a few years after his cancer came back and claimed him the second time. It hurts to see your loved one go through that. Many hopes for you.
My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer over 20 years ago. She had a tumor the size of a baseball. They removed 75% and she had chemo and radiation. She's been in remission since. She has seizures and has had 3 mini strokes since. She currently has a brain aneurysm and shee just got diagnosed with a rare condition called S.M.A.R.T Syndrome. (Perhaps look into it since your dad was treated so long ago too) I wholeheartedly feel for you and your family. I wish the best for all of you. Also I was like 11 when my mom (was about 28 )was first diagnosed, I just turned 34 (next month my mom will be 53)... It's easier to understand the medical stuff when you get older but it becomes more scary since you do understand. I'm here anytime ^-^ much love from Philly. Also ya have great taste in myspace era music XD
That is so odd. This one hit me hard as a kid, too. And I didn't even know how to do division on paper. I literally questioned life after watching this episode. I was like 9 years old. And they're not far off the marker. But that was the thing about old cartoons. They didn't bullsh*t around with empty storylines to keep you in lala land. They spoke some sort of truth.
There's no way you shouldn't have 100k subscribers. I'm so impressed by your deep dives into my Favorite childhood shows. I'll stay up late night to early morning watching. Insomnia be damned. Edit to add: I'm so sorry to hear about your father. I can greater see how your analysis of the depth of these cartoons is possible.
The episode that scared me was when chucky was afraid of something being under the bed and seeing a creepy thing, at the end it was just his hoodie lol
The one thing that always stuck out to me was Drew saying that Angelica was *throwing* the CD. I'm surprised it didn't break (or maybe it did, and we just never see it).
I hope your dad is doing okay, hang in there. ❤ Hope your whole family is okay, anyway. Every moment you have together is special. :) Thanks for the video, I love feeling this nostalgia and exploring the darker side of my childhood that I never saw back then.
Fairly Oddparents, THIS is how you do an "It's A Wonderful Life" parody. I get that the FOP version was meant to be satire, but nothing about it was funny. Here, it's an actual, heartwarming story where someone finds why they matter when they worry that they don't, and while the scenarios are a bit unrealistic, the message still shines through, and the pay-off is satisfying from every direction. On another note, I like your cute giraffe character. :)
At least you still have your dad ATM, and I loved how you had courage to talk about that, my dad died back right at the start of the pandemic, not due to Rona thankfully, but to the big C and quite the gamut of it, but this episode really impacted me as a kid, and I wonder what happened to Angelica's parenrs too?
On a much lighter note, I found a really wholesome point on the Rugrats fandom wiki that really drives Chuckie’s “Gardening” Angel’s point home. It says “Unlike George Bailey's guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, Chuckie's angel seems to have already earned not just his wings but also a halo.” Proving that people like Chuckie really are needed by others, even Chuckie.
Me: "Stu, what are you doing?" Stu: "I'm baking a cake for Angelica" Me: "Its night time in someone else's fantasy sequence. Why are you baking a cake?" Stu: "Because I've lost control of my life."
God Shawn, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. Y’all have been through so much, and I hope things begin to look up for y’all ❤ And good job on the video by the way, I’m glad I found you again cause I remember your video on Helga and really enjoyed what you had to say about the character
Ok, let’s clear 3 things up: 1. The Carmichaels were highly successful before entering the neighborhood, had several older children, and Susie’s moral compass was firmly in place. They simply moved into a nicer neighborhood 😂 2. Chuckie was not going to unalive himself. He was a toddler whose only notion of death is that somone is no loner around. Notice how Angelica said “never born”, not “dead”. The bridge represents traveling into the unknown. 3. Chuckie was only 1 year younger than Angelica. The other babies respected his “wisdom” even if they didn’t listen.
I hope everything is going well. Thank you for sharing your own story. I'm sure many people can relate and it will help them knowing their feelings are okay.
I'm so glad you're happy with the direction of your channel, I'd totally be down for merch! Side note what a perfect video to wake up to today!! You're amazing! Ps sending you and your family all the love and positivity as possible 💜
Your story breaks my heart and I went through something similar with my aunt who was like my second mother. Love your videos! Thanks for reminding me that our childhood shows were great! Stay strong buddy!
I mean, I was 10 when this came out. I realized it was dark at the time, but I don't remember any specific feelings about it. That being said, I think your analysis was pretty spot on.
Does anyone else remember that other episode of Chuckie being scared of using the toilet and desperately needing to go? Then Angelica finds out, to make his fears worse she ran the taps on and off repeatedly making him more distressed? Because I do.
Didn’t she say something like, “I’m going to do for him what my mommy did for me!” before doing it? That implies her own mother gave her the same treatment, which is messed up.
I'm pretty sure Chucky going to the bridge was a reference to It's a Wonderful Life where guy wishes he was never born cuz he's struggling so much and then an angel shows him the world without him and how worse off everyone is without him, but it would be very much in line with 90s Nickelodeon to allude to Chucky jumping
The one that really messed with me as a kid was the episode I think Angelica convinces the Rugrats that their parents have a favorite kid and it shows them imagining the scenario where they are being completely neglected and verbally reprimanded while their sibling gets all the toys and milk.
Honestly the darkest Rugrats episode for me was probably the one where Chuckie learns about his mums passing after him and his friends find it hidden in a wardrobe its generally a sad episode (especially the part when everyone looks at Chaz basically saying its time he told Chuckie what happened) and it actually foreshadowed the movie about him in Paris with him wanting a mum Edit: this episode is still pretty messed up tro ill admit that but i think the other one i mentioned is more darker imo because its a more realistic situation
The one effed up episode is when Chuckie is trying to conquer his fear of using the "grown up potty" and has a dream where it compares to a death row inmate begging for his life before sitting in "the chair." I still think of that episode every now and then. I think to myself if I personally had that nightmare I would be using a shovel and a hole outside for the rest of my life.
Since you mentioned "The Dark Side of..." I can tell you that your Hey, Arnold! material kind of traumatized me in a GOOD WAY, and got me thinking about personal things. Thanks for that.
What I noticed in this episode is that Chaz's sock puppet looks similar to his wife, which was implied in the series that she passed away. I think the sock puppet is a way for Chaz to cope. Idk I think it might be a coincidence.
Sorry to hear about your dad, I know how it feels to lose a parent. My mom passed away when I was 16 😑 This episode is the reason why I hate Angelica so much!! I don't see how anyone could feel sorry for her, she is a spoiled brat!!!! This episode was mind blowing despite it the morbid vibe it has. No one exists without a reason. Everyone have a purpose. I didn't think about the bridge scene until now, I always thought it lead out of town......
I think the bridge is only supposed to be a nod to It's a Wonderful Life and not specifically meant to imply Chuckie jumping. The parents watching would get it, but I don't see the Rugrats writers putting any deeper meaning behind it, even in a pretty grim episode.
Sorry about your pops my dude. I could only imagine the weight you carry on your spirit. Wishing you healing and the strength to continue to be vulnerable without feeling judged. You’re an awesome content creator and a resilient person! Rooting for you and the family! 🤜🏾🤛🏾
This episode is inspired by “it’s a wonderful life”. It’s an older popular holiday movie. It follows the story Goodman who is always doing the right thing with the best intentions, but as life goes by he can’t seem too catch a break. Eventually there is a Christmas Day where everything is too much. And he ponders wether or not life is really worth it. The story is very similar to this episode. There is even a free audio drama of the story itself here on youtube.
It’s weird that no one is bringing up that this episode is a “It’s A Wonderful Life” parody. The reason Chucky was going toward a bridge when the angel shows up is because George Bayley was very much going to jump. Nickelodeon did the same thing with a few of their shows.
The thing that blows my mind most about this episode is that it shows Drew actually disciplining his damn daughter for once.
I thought the same thing and am glad someone else noticed so I don't have to leave the same comment.
I love how he figured out it belonged to Chaz too.
On a semi-related note, regarding the question of why Angelica's parents let her take over the city, one might say that it isn't terribly far fetched by virtue of the fact that her parents are very lax with her and barely watch her at all, which is all the more reason why it was so satisfying for Drew to catch Angelica at stealing the CD.
Drew was always the one to discipline her when she was really bad. Like the time she used a voice changer to buy herself presents and dessert or the time she threw her dinner against the wall.
@@TheKorfish I believe I recall this as well; Charlotte not only rarely lifted a finger to stop Angelica's behavior but she tended to make excuses for her.
The Chaz scenario is probably the most realistic. Think about it; his wife died only one year prior to the beginning of the series. Despite how much his premature widowhood grieved him, he had to make sure Chucky still had a good life, taking on the role of both father and mother. If Chucky was never born, Chaz would simply see no reason to clean, cook, or even get dressed. He would've allowed his life to decay because he had no reason to live it.
As for C-Span, I think he just likes it because he's a nerd. I mean, the guy has an inhaler collection.
It’s so funny to hear Chaz talk about the “house ways and means committee”, like he’s definitely the same nerdy guy, but the idea of watching cspan for fun just makes his life sound so much worse 😂
I feel very much the same; looking at the others' situations, these may be projections of Chuckie's personal concerns, such as his notion that Phil and Lil might become unruly without him to warn them that their actions "Aren't such a good idea," and without him there, Angelica would push Tommy around and take control of all of his possessions.
It’s interesting. What my interpretation was that, with both his wife gone, and his kid never born he pretty much went insane and that’s why he talks to a hand puppet for company. I mean it’s a common trope in shows that when someone loses their mind they talk to inanimate objects, so I thought that’s what the show was going for. Not to mention Phil and Lill’s mom saying “he’s getting worse” that would imply his mental state is getting worse. But that’s just me
What if Chaz went to silent hill?
His job is described by Chucky as pushing paper and in the Paris movie he says he's a bureaucrat
The episode that terrified me the most as a kid was the one where Angelica tells the story about a kid who got sucked up the bath drain and was never seen again, that scared me so much, we took the rugrats vhs out of the tape player didn't watch it again, i just watched the other ones.
WAIT A MINUTE! Now I wonder if THIS is why I developed a phobia of the bath drain! My mom would have to take me and all my toys out of the bath before unstopping it or Id freak out!
@@thatfuzzypotato1877 same
It's scary, though Tim Curry's pennywise did more on that aspect.
The thing that creeped me out the most on nick as a kid was that wild thornberries episode with the little lost girl in the woods.
@@rustyshackelford312hahahah first of all great name and do you mean the one of the girl in the quicksand?
One of my favorite episodes. Ever get the feeling that Chuckie's guardian angel was actually sent by his late mother from heaven?
There was this theory that I think I read somewhere that Chucky’s guardian angel was his miscarried brother. 🤯
Stop that, stop making me feel feelings! 😤
This is a very astute and very plausible theory.
Aw🥺😭
This also makes the scenario even worse.
A world where his first wife died and he's left all alone because they never had a child together.
Chuckie was on a bridge because this is a parody of It’s A Wonderful Life. I imagine they were just trying to hit the plot beats rather than implying something in any specific direction. I know this episode plot is done to death in every show that’s ever existed, but I still love them. I’ve always wished it were possible that everybody could have the option to see what the world would be like at various times in our lives without us.
Ty! It took too long to find this comment.
Especially the waking up and saying hello to everything!
This. I grew up watching that movie every Christmas and never made the connection until years later.
It really has been done to death, but I always thought this one was kinda funny, mostly because I'd seen the movie at Christmas time so I knew where they were going. I always thought Chucky would have probably seen Chas watching that movie (he likes sappy things like that), and when Angelica said that to him it made him dream about it.
That was the first place my mind went. Meeting his guardian angel on the bridge was a clear nod to It's A Wonderful Life.
So your dark instincts about Chuckie approaching the bridge are spot on. The source material for this episode, It's A Wonderful Life, deals with a guy who was about to 'unalive' himself via bridge and his guardian angel shows him what the world would be like without him. Oh and this is a Christmas movie by the way.
I was just about to say this. The episode is an homage to "It's a wonderful life" and even the episode title confirms it. There have been a lot of shows that have an episode similar to this. Just like the obligatory "Twelve Angry Men" episode of TV shows. Famous old movies and plays still creep into modern TV to this day.
See, I had a similar idea about the symbolism of the bridge, but I was thinking that he was just crossing the bridge. But at the same time, depending on how you look at it, "crossing the bridge" could be a euphemism for death...
@@frankjuggaloheathen1035 It's a threshold
As someone who is going through brain cancer, I want to express how much I understand the emotions and feelings of helplessness it can cause. I'm sorry you have to be going through this, and I wish you the most possible time to spend with your dad. Really, I'm not sure what else I can say. I've seen my family's emotional reaction to my condition and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I wish you and your family the best.
😢
I'm deeply touched by your comment. Your empathy and understanding shine through, and it's clear that your words come from a place of genuine care. Thank you for sharing your perspective and extending your support during such a challenging time. Wishing you strength and comfort as you navigate through this journey.
I’m so sorry
This episode hits super different now as a parent. I can't imagine my poor kiddos thinking they make life worse...
I'm sorry about your father. Sometimes screaming into the void is cathartic, never worry about venting on youtube.
Pillows work too, be sure to hug them afterwards, they go through so much for us.
Straight up! ❤
16:11 no need to be sorry my dude. It's good to allow yourself to be vulnerable sometimes. My stepdad turned 70 last year and I worry often about how much longer he'll be here. You're definitely not alone in that regard. I appreciate you. Also congrats on hitting the next milestone of 70k subscribers! That means you've literally gained another 2 thousand subs in the 6 days since you recorded this video and that's damn impressive. At that rate you'll easily hit 100k subs by years end and I'm stoked for your success and I bet your dad will be too. Cheers, friend.
Hey man, I really appreciate you being so open and vulnerable to your viewers. I had lost my father to a battle with cancer a little over a decade ago, along with a few other close family members more recently. I get where you're coming from man and I'm sure I'm not alone.
Always look forward to your videos!
Chuckies dad being more of a slob and being super lonely could be because he lost his wife and didn’t have chuckie to help him through her death
Came here to say this. Betty’s “he’s getting worse” hits even harder when you look at it that way.
Don't forget C-SPAN. Apparently, Charles likes to watch the legislative branch in action or lack thereof.
The “gardening” angel did say he didn’t see a reason to clean up without Chucky, so it’s implied the dad is doing as well as he is because Chucky is his reason for moving forward.
Honestly, a lot of the time when you see someone living like a slob, they need help, they need care and a new reason to take care of themselves. It is too big of a job to just expect anyone to come and help out since we all have troubles we're coping with, and unfortunately depression and grief can make people very standoffish and unpleasant to be around. But if you have the capacity to do it without too much cost to yourself, help someone out.
Chaz's situation is extremely difficult, and his kid really is that motivator to be able to keep it together, along with the support of his friends even in that world without Chuckie
Only friends he had were Betty and Howard and they were so damn helpless like he was
I just realized the reason Chaz would be nothing without chuckie in this episode is bc even if chuckie wasn’t born his mom still would have died. That man is broken & depressed.
I could only imagine how scratched up that CD probably got just from Angelica throwing it around her room.
CDs from the late 80s and early 90s were a lot more robust than the ones made later on, so it might have been alright.
I am sure Chaz can clean it up
Seeing Tommy all dirty and going through the trash breaks my heart in a way I can't describe.
I know 😭 I wanted to bathe him and hug him.
How about when he started eating that dirty cookie off the ground? Broke my heart...
And the fact he's there because he's a good and trusting little kid too who considers Angelica's judgement fair 🥺
Trying to comply and survive around someone's greed or abuse is exhausting and leaves you with nothing. And Tommy is literally a tiny baby who's whole thing is being kind and courageous, but even he needs direction to bring out his best traits.
Its why I sponsor a child in another country its not much but I at least know she has clean water and access to a toilet with my donations
@@Jinxanator66 Big props to you then. You're awesome.
What Angelica said to Chucky reflects how she feels about her life. [Edit: We have to remember that she is 5 and is often left to be babysat by her aunt, away from her parents who get really mad at her when she makes a mistake instead of instruct her how to be a human]. I wish the writers explored Angelica's development that more.
She's three
She's three, but yeah....
Right??? I wish there was more depth to Angelica. I see that her personality comes from a cycle of her mother coping with being hurt and fearful of misogyny in her own life, and overcorrecting by raising her little girl to be as entitled and confident as possible, hoping she will never have to go through that and think she deserves to be seen as less for her femininity. But she hasn't taught Angelica that part about sourcing confidence from within rather than kicking everyone else down so you can be on top, that she is worthy of admiration because all people are for their good actions, rather than because she's just inherently the best person in the room.
But I really wish more media would actually explore and develop bully characters like her more, it may have even helped a lot of grown adults who still act like school bullies and mean girls actually analyse their feelings at a young age.
She is three
YOU have to remember Angelica is 3
I imagine that if they had done an episode kind of like this with Angelica, it would probably be very similar to the Hey Arnold! episode, "Magic Show," where Helga imagines herself in a world where she disappeared, and everybody's happy that she's gone. It would really show Angelica that her mean behavior is not received well at all.
That actually reminds me of that one episode where Angelica puts on a magic show for the babies, volunteers Lil to make her disappear, she craws out of the other side of the box, as a butterfly flies into it, and everyone thinks Angelica actually turned Lil into a butterfly.
Why hasn’t that happened?
There a really good fan fanfiction covering this
@@loonytunescrazywhat’s the name of it?
As a person who's had suicidal thoughts since the age of twelve or so, this episode really hits. I've always thought about what if I didn't exist or what if I just ran away forever, and the way this show takes it is a really good way for younger audiences. A few years, around 8 like your story about your father before that it was revealed my mother had a tumor on her brain, and although a lot of that time in my brain is foggy and I was too younger to fully understand it as I was quite sheltered. We had a lot of help from neighbors, church friends, and family friends with keeping up the house but I know that the house would have ended up dirty and unkempt due to my father coping. This really just hits me, even with Chaz talking to a puppet I often talk to my own characters, much more back then, as way to cope with it all.
This Episode reminds me on one Fairly OddParents episode tho, but the rugrats did it way better expressing the emotions, I only can agree that this one hits really hard - especially when you also had those thoughts liky Chuckie
You taking your life will hurt your family forever, so you not being here will make their lives worse, if you love them you wouldn’t do that
@@hayman1437 Yeah, that is indeed a though one
I'm so happy you're still here. The world is a much better and beautiful place with you in it
@@XxEmoGothOutcastxX That is a really nice thing to s!ay, I am sencerely thanking you! I have gotten better over the last 5 years :-)
Given that the whole thing is a creation of Chuckie's imagination, it makes sense that Angelica rules as an unaposed tyrant, and Tommy's good nature is the last surviving remnant of the reality Chuckie knows. But since it's specifically referred to as a world in which Chuckie was never born, rather than one in which Chaz never married or fathered any children, it implies the Mrs Finster of this world suffered death by childbirth; a popularly theorised cause of death for her amongst the fandom.
If anything its the opposite. Chuckie somehow has vague memories of his mother gardening, so her still passing away here proves her getting sick had nothing to do with him being born. It implies miscarriage at most.
Besides, this episode may be dark but I can't imagine Nickelodeon would go that far, not only does it straight up victim blame Chuckie it completely undermines the entire point of the episode. I know its just a theory, but that's just cold.
Or maybe she had the same disease, but in this world Chaz just lost all motive to keep going after she passed. Even in All Grown Up, Chaz revealed that caring for Chuckie helped him not let his grief take over.
Aww :( that's so sad. I think the writers simply mentioned it was undisclosed illness, so I always assumed it was cancer.
@@FilmmakeroftheFuture :( ♥
My theory is that Chaz never met Mrs. Finster or he lost his chance with her in this reality. Which I think is more tragic than her dying because this means Chaz never found true love and forced to talk to a sock puppet to have company.
The thing that also fucks with me about this episode is when you take into account what happened to Chaz's wife, his story becomes waaaaay more depressing. It implies that he was so traumatized over losing his wife that he just gave up on life.
Omg stop your making me start to hate rugrats 😭
Or worse, they never met.
First time here and honestly such strange timing. My Dad passed away on January 4th (2023). He fell and broke his ribs and while they were patching him up they found 3 stage 4 cancers, including his brain. All of this happened in the span of 4 months...it's the hardest thing I have ever had to face and it all happened so fast.
I am sorry for what you, your Dad and family have gone through! But you have the time with him now and that's what's most important! Treasure it ! :)
P.S. The video was great! Ima subscribe. This made me think of the Sippy cup episode that scared the crap out out of me. I can still hear him yell "DRINK ME"
Those orange VHS tapes bring me back, man. I remember watching the CatDog short as an extra on the Rugrats movie and falling in love with that show.
Rugrats is and always will be my most favourite childhood show .. 90’s nickelodeon shows just cannot be beaten 👍🏻💕🇬🇧 edited to add - your dad sounds like an absolute legend ❤
This episode reminds me of another that practically scared me as a kid. It was the one where Angelica (surprise surprise) convinced the twins that their parents had a favorite child which lead them to have dreams of the other twin getting his/her's full bottle and giving it to the sibling, leaving them to think they'll go hungry. This greatly upsets the twins as they imagine this while being in their beds. Angelica then appears towards the end to tell them that their parent's favorite was Angelica herself. She laughed and ran off. That's all I can remember but my lord that one stuck with me for a good long while.
I remember that episode. Lil's whimper alone broke my heart when she was cruelly given the empty bottle then poor Phil shivering in the cold on a broken crib...omg
As someone who grew up on 90 Nickelodeon myself I think it would be great to see you cover rugrats in the dark side of series. Not only caricatures but individual episode and the movies as well because as this episode proves the show was never afraid to tackle serious issue or go dark for the right reasons
Your channel gives me such comfort. It's so refreshing to hear such well thought out nostalgia of the shows that shaped my childhood. Sometimes you forget just all the ways they effected you.
My condolences about your dad, and I'm glad to hear he's fighting for his life. I'd give anything to have seen my own dad fight like that 4 years ago my dad died of lung cancer. He refused treatment and refused to stop smoking. It took me a long time to get over my anger, to get over only seeing him as selfish and destructive. I miss him, I love him, and for better or worse he lived his life in a way that made him happy.
I just posted a similar comment about my stepdad, who just turned 70 last year and refuses to quit smoking, even after having surgery to remove cancer. There's a stack of nicotine patches that his doctor prescribed sitting on his nightstand that he will never use. After he turned 70 and continues to be a heavy smoker it definitely makes me wonder how much longer he will be here. I totally get why you'd have those feelings of anger regarding his habits.
@@jonbourgoin182 I'm sorry to hear about your step dad. It's such a tough, confusing thing to go through. Lots of conflicting emotions. On one hand you want to shake some sense into them, be angry and hurt. But, on the other, you just want to pack as many good, loving days in as you can. Whatever happens, whatever he chooses, I think it's important to remind yourself that it's not your fault. It's not a matter of not loving them enough, or them not caring about you. Some people are just stubborn ol' oxen like that. For better or worse. 💟 Sending love your way!
Hey Shawn. I'm just now starting the video as I write this comment. I wanted to say, your content is absolutely amazing. You edit your clips well, you have a naturally good speaking voice, and your takes on the material you watch is perfectly grounded in reality. You're the kind of person whose monologues I could listen to for hours and feel nice and cozy the whole time. I would absolutely love to see you produce a merch line. Your channel deserves to succeed.
Edit: I just now got to the part about your dad and his brain cancer. I went through almost the EXACT same thing with my mom and her breast cancer. I absolutely understand how you feel, as well as the complexity that comes with the same cancer going into remission and coming back multiple times over. From one person who grew up with a cancer-stricken parent to the other, I can assure you that you're not alone in your struggle to process it. I can only hope your father survives. My mother ultimately did not.
Oh yeah that scene with Tommy being homeless and digging in the trash always stood out to me
Yes the worst of that whole episode
The sad part of this episode, technically it's Angelica that the world could do without. Since as you all seen in the begining with the episode of her and Tommy being alone for even a few minutes. Anyone else would have already planned who is doing what. And they both just left without a single thought. Seems that she doesn't matter. And yes I know how Drew felt in the movie. But it still proves a point.
I hear you, but also good peeps like chuckie couldn’t exist without bishes like Angelica. Good and bad gotta exist together unfortunately
Yeah no. She is 3 years old. Small children that aren’t getting the attention that they need from family act out.
@@Delbel_Giggles91 yes exactly
Honestly Angelica basically told Chucky to k himself in not so many words.
Also, not only that, but the other half of why he was heading towards a bridge probably had to do with all the “its a wonderful life” parallels
7:34
When I was a kid, I just sort of always assumed that since "Chuckie was never born" it meant that Chaz just never got married.
But now I realize that it's just as likely the life played out as usual, with Chaz getting married to Melinda, but they never had Chuckie and she *also* died. So when she died, without Chuckie, Chaz went insane. Yikes.
Between Chuckie demanding to know where his angel was when he got in all kinds of trouble, the C-Span joke, King Jellyjam Angelica, Stu and Didi baking, and all of Chuckie's talk with his angel, this was one of my FAVORITE episodes:):) But aw, I'm so sorry about your dad, my mom's had a huge health problem for longer than I've been ALIVE, but even though she's finally actually getting better now I NEVER fail to cry at episodes about dead moms:(
CSPAN is MAH JAM!!! Lol
Looking back as a 33 year old, I can't believe the amount of context, and story that went over my head back in 1997 watching Rugrats on the rare chance Id stay the night at a friend's house that had cable
Yo, Angelica is the equivalent of those girls in high school who sees someone is hurting and tells them to kill themselves, ONLY to feel bad after with the excuse, "well I didn't think they'd do it." 😢😓😠
Three words
Marine Boot Camp
She'll come back a more respectful and kinder human... or mentally shattered, whichever works. Either way she's heartless bitch and her parents are just as bad.
She's also gluttony and greed
Honestly this is THE worst thing Angelica has ever said or done. Some people consider Angelica setting up Coco with is the worst and I think it's a close second this is undoubtedly the worst
@tierefuerimmer9635 I'll add one.
The Family Tree. The episode before Rugrats In Paris. Chuckie is messed with by Angelica, as she convinces him a bird is his only family. Tommy gets so mad at her she's shocked because of what she said to him.
Your channel brings so much mature nostalgia, at least to me. Cause you bring me back to my childhood and beautifully break down the lessons we were all too young to understand and the deeper meanings that we were unable to process back then. And thank you for sharing about your dad, since you shared, I lost my dad when I was young, so I was kind of like Chuckie but with a mom. And rewatching it now from your video, that one last look before leaving hit home for me too, especially with you sharing your story. Thank you sir and I'm always looking forward to the next deep dive into childhood cartoons with you 🙏🏼
8:05 Hey, it's Angelica's imagined little brother! I'm guessing he's a real being who exists in the realm of nightmares.
Wow i didn't knowtest him
We love you and thank you for sharing the story about your Dad! He is so strong and I’m praying for your family and his recovery!
I’m so sorry to hear about your father and your family’s journey through him healing and getting sick again. Praying for you, your father and your family. I would totally buy DTS merchandise, too.
10:00 Man, just revisiting this episode makes me really glad I’ve been losing some weight recently after a visit with a bariatric surgery specialist, because I remember my mom bringing that scene up as a way of chiding me when I was younger. Must be perfect timing I started my weight loss journey around the time that South Park special regarding that topic was launched on that same streaming platform.
Thank you for the great content and thank you for being vulnerable with us. Praying for your dad’s healing and strength for your family.
Bro I’m here to tell you that I salute to you for making them 1-2 hour videos explaining our childhood shows I’m a new fan
In my opinion, "Chuckie's Wonderful Life" is the perfect antidote for anyone unfortunate enough to have seen the infamous "It's a Wishful Life" from Fairly OddParents.
Even if you just included what happened to Chas in the world without Chuckie, it's still pretty sad; Chas is unemployed and surrounded by tons of empty pizza boxes with a sock as his only friend since Chuckie was never born. As we later find out in "Mother's Day", Melinda, Chas' wife and Chuckie's mom is deceased, and considering that Chuckie was Melinda's son, it makes things all the more heartbreaking for Chas. Meanwhile, Phil and Lil trash their parents' house because Chuckie wasn't around to tell them right from wrong, and Angelica takes over Tommy's house, endlessly demanding Stu and Didi to make her sweets and causing them to neglect Tommy, who's going through the garbage for food since Chuckie wasn't around to give Tommy the courage to stand up to Angelica. In the end, Chuckie realizes how important he is in everyone's lives and Angelica, who convinces him that the world would be better if he didn't exist, gets some well-deserved comeuppance.
It's a Wishful Life, on the other hand, is something that even die-hard fans of The Fairly OddParents wish didn't exist. Timmy wishes he was never born and finds out that everyone's lives are better without him; his parents are rich and famous, Francis is a star quarterback, Cosmo and Wanda are Chester's fairy godparents, Mr. Crocker is a college professor, Vicky is the assistant to Dr. Bender, and the Chicago Cubs win the world series. Since Timmy is the show's main protagonist, it supposedly teaches the viewers that people's lives would be better if they didn't exist. Butch Hartman is ashamed of the episode and reportedly, It's a Wishful Life was made against his wishes. Unfortunately, Nickelodeon would later repeat the same mistake, albeit to a lesser extent, with the The Loud House episode, "Time Trap!", where Lincoln and his sisters create a timeline where they don't exist. While it's not without people who are more miserable because they didn't exist, it does have people who are happier because they didn't exist, namely their parents, Mr. Grouse, and Flip.
The movie they are referencing is "It's a wonderful life" where the main character has thoughts of killing himself but an angel in training to get his wings shows him what life would be like if he didn't exist
Dang that's so cruel to kids who think about suicidal thoughts at a young age. I haven't seen the episode just only read about it.
Both very sad episodes, but It's A Wishful Life was especially sad.
I heard about the film is a wonderful life. And i remember that fairy god parents episode. I always thought it was a parody..but yeah it was kinda cruel that timmy was the buttmonkey....i dont remember but in that episode jurgen say to him you dont have to do things for impress you have to do it because is the right...sounds good..but there is a hint of victim blaming like...ok is right and correct but that doesnt mean people have to act prick and ungratheful. When i was a teen i was a bully victim... yes i had support but sometimes i like to think that i didnt k myself because i wont give them the pleasure...so they would have to deal with me. And i used to think my life is like a canva if i k myself that canva would be unfinished. That i had a life ahead and i wont trow it away just because some insecure pricks bully me. I dont know is just my thought...sure i had the privilege of a suportive mother too.
I have very few times that an episode or something made me feel…. Things I couldn’t explain. It’s something when cartoons had that effect on you at one time in your life- you understood it and yet you didn’t UNDERSTAND it.
This “It’s a Wonderful Life” episode was probably the first I ever saw and… yeah. This is one that stuck to me. I always love hearing your analysis and I’m so so so happy you’re really climbing up and I can honestly say I’m cheering you on. I KNOW you’ll meet that goal. And I’ll be right there rooting for you when that goal is met.
As for merch, that’s a definitely. Stickers are awesome. And might I recommend (in the long run) keychains and patches/pins. Those are small and cutely decorative.
In a personal note…. I’m honestly sorry about your dad. I can tell he means a lot to you. And I felt that… I can only really offer prayers in that situation, but I’m so glad you still have him all this time later- which is a blessing in of itself.
God bless, man. Thanks for the review, and cheers to the long run🍺
The episode is obviously a take on it's a wonderful life. It's pretty dark, but I see where the inspiration came from
I know it's really silly, but the episode that scared me the most was when Tommy and Chuckie was scared of the monster under the bed, but it turned out to be a sweater. It's genuinely creepy to me when I think back on it, now don't make fun of me because of it! I was very young when I first saw the episode, the memories of the nightmares are still kind of creepy.
Always found the "Hiya Chuckie" part is funny because it's all the sudden.
This episode was heartbreaking. I hadn’t seen it in way over 2 decades, but the scene of Tommy literally digging through garbage stuck with me every since I was a kid
Hiii I'm from the Philippines and i loooove listening to you. This was my CHILDHOOD! ❤️ Cartoons nowadays are just *bleh* more vids to come! I'll surely watch and support this channel! ❤️
Hey man. These things hit me a lot different since 2013. I was 18, & my father died of a heart-attack we never saw coming. Do me a favor. Spend as much time with ur loved 1s as u can, & always tell them u love them. Wish you guys the best.
I’m so sorry
This did what the reboot and All Grown Up could never.
Sorry to hear about your dad too. My ex had a brain tumour when he was 16 and now his memory is permanently damaged.
i thought All grown up was a reboot too-
Also honestly the reboot imo seems like it doesnt really have any value as the old rugrats did and itll be so diffrent bevause compaines like to cut out snd censore episodes from children
Who says shows have to be depressing and brutal and full of moral lessons in order to be good? All grown up was a great show in my opinion, the episodes were very entertaining, especially the scary episode with the ghost. Also it was awesome seeing the babies actually aging as well as their parents. Though they did almost all the parents dirty. Only 10 years have past and most of them look like they’ve aged 30 years.
@@sandiego2380 i think the best episodes are the ones that really stick eith us
@@sandiego2380 stress of raising those babies
I enjoyed All Grown Up personally. But yeah, did not care for the reboot.
Look how much you have grown Shawn. Two months ago I was randomly suggested you and you had a few thousand at best and the urge to succeed. I know how hard it is to succeed on UA-cam and you are doing it. A humble start and it paid off
Your Dark Side Angelica episode should be a Top 10 Worst Things Angelica has Done List. Might be able to streamline it so it isn't 4 hours long. I think #1 should be her selling out Chuckie and Chaz to Madame LaBouche in Rugrats in Paris but yeah, this one might be 2 or 3 for me.
I don't know about that being number one. It was bad, but Madame LaBouche was kind of bribing her, not to mention told her assistant to put his hand in Angelica's mouth for eating LaBouche's candy.
I love your channel! As a 90s kid, it really brings back memories.
I absolutely love this channel! It’s got all the nostalgia from my childhood and a creator that’s not afraid to put himself out there and seem like a real person. Keep up the great work Shawn!
All the best to your dad, Shawn! May you have many more memories to create together.
Congratulations on the 70k, man! I only found your channel a month ago because of the Scooby Doo movie episode, and then I listened to some of the Halloween episodes. I was temporarily blind from a corneal abrasion, but I remembered those specials as a kid, and it made my night. Well, that, and the six pack of porter that I'd had by then. Keep doing what you do, man. I've seen dozens of channels prosper just because they stick to their guns. Here's for the Big Hundo!
Keep up these great videos. Miss my childhood
Great analysis. The most disturbing part about this for me as a child when watching this was seeing Tommy in the trash and Angelica refusing to give Tommy any food despite her abundance. Greed and wealth hoarding and intentional cruelty was something I was especially sensitive to back then. His extremely meek request, her incredibly renewable resource that she blatantly refuses to share, just disturbing. Love your videos
Personally, I think that the bridge scene was just a nod to the movie 'It's A Wonderful Life', which is where the premise of this episode comes from. I say that because 90s cartoons liked to throw in adult references for me parents who might be watching. Partly because the parents would get the reference, but also because it might give them an idea of what the episode's overall theme is about. Given the plethora of adult references in the Rugrats movie, I think that it was just the show's way of letting the parents know what was in store, so that they could help their kids cope with an idea that they very might feel one day. I remember feeling like that when I was a kid, just not in the adult way, and my mom got me through it.
I binge watched this show in the last couple of years and have no recollection of this episode. Angelica is NOT beating those evil allegations Jesus christ 💀
Chances of you seeing this are slim. But I know what the feeling is like. I lost my dad in 2021 right after my 21st birthday and didn't even get to enjoy a drink with the guy. Very upsetting. I'm rooting for you my guy! Here's to hoping UA-cam can be your full time job sooner rather than later. Goodluck.
Another thing to consider about Chaz is he possibly/probably had Chuckie's mom in his life still, and more than likely she still died. They just never got to have a child before it happened
Thank you for sharing your background about your dad that shows that you are still human and that we all go through something hope all gets better for you enjoy the content always
I am so sorry to hear about your father. Mine has been gone for a few years after his cancer came back and claimed him the second time. It hurts to see your loved one go through that. Many hopes for you.
My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer over 20 years ago. She had a tumor the size of a baseball. They removed 75% and she had chemo and radiation. She's been in remission since. She has seizures and has had 3 mini strokes since. She currently has a brain aneurysm and shee just got diagnosed with a rare condition called S.M.A.R.T Syndrome. (Perhaps look into it since your dad was treated so long ago too) I wholeheartedly feel for you and your family. I wish the best for all of you. Also I was like 11 when my mom (was about 28 )was first diagnosed, I just turned 34 (next month my mom will be 53)... It's easier to understand the medical stuff when you get older but it becomes more scary since you do understand. I'm here anytime ^-^ much love from Philly. Also ya have great taste in myspace era music XD
That is so odd. This one hit me hard as a kid, too. And I didn't even know how to do division on paper.
I literally questioned life after watching this episode. I was like 9 years old. And they're not far off the marker.
But that was the thing about old cartoons. They didn't bullsh*t around with empty storylines to keep you in lala land. They spoke some sort of truth.
The 90s just hit different. It'll never be the same gain
There's no way you shouldn't have 100k subscribers. I'm so impressed by your deep dives into my Favorite childhood shows. I'll stay up late night to early morning watching. Insomnia be damned. Edit to add: I'm so sorry to hear about your father. I can greater see how your analysis of the depth of these cartoons is possible.
The episode that scared me was when chucky was afraid of something being under the bed and seeing a creepy thing, at the end it was just his hoodie lol
The one thing that always stuck out to me was Drew saying that Angelica was *throwing* the CD. I'm surprised it didn't break (or maybe it did, and we just never see it).
I hope your dad is doing okay, hang in there. ❤ Hope your whole family is okay, anyway. Every moment you have together is special. :)
Thanks for the video, I love feeling this nostalgia and exploring the darker side of my childhood that I never saw back then.
Fairly Oddparents, THIS is how you do an "It's A Wonderful Life" parody. I get that the FOP version was meant to be satire, but nothing about it was funny. Here, it's an actual, heartwarming story where someone finds why they matter when they worry that they don't, and while the scenarios are a bit unrealistic, the message still shines through, and the pay-off is satisfying from every direction.
On another note, I like your cute giraffe character. :)
At least you still have your dad ATM, and I loved how you had courage to talk about that, my dad died back right at the start of the pandemic, not due to Rona thankfully, but to the big C and quite the gamut of it, but this episode really impacted me as a kid, and I wonder what happened to Angelica's parenrs too?
My father died June of 2020 also because of the Big C. He and I were very close.
On a much lighter note, I found a really wholesome point on the Rugrats fandom wiki that really drives Chuckie’s “Gardening” Angel’s point home. It says “Unlike George Bailey's guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, Chuckie's angel seems to have already earned not just his wings but also a halo.” Proving that people like Chuckie really are needed by others, even Chuckie.
Me: "Stu, what are you doing?"
Stu: "I'm baking a cake for Angelica"
Me: "Its night time in someone else's fantasy sequence. Why are you baking a cake?"
Stu: "Because I've lost control of my life."
I enjoyed your introspection, and personally, I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Best wishes.
God Shawn, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. Y’all have been through so much, and I hope things begin to look up for y’all ❤
And good job on the video by the way, I’m glad I found you again cause I remember your video on Helga and really enjoyed what you had to say about the character
I've been looking for this episode for years. As a child this episode made me cry and had me so depressed seeing Tommy in such bad conditions
I'm sorry to hear about your dad. You really never know what people are going through, even your favorite UA-camr.
I have a core memeory of the intro with the CD. The colors of the lines, how it’s reflected in Chuckie’s glasses.
Ok, let’s clear 3 things up:
1. The Carmichaels were highly successful before entering the neighborhood, had several older children, and Susie’s moral compass was firmly in place. They simply moved into a nicer neighborhood 😂
2. Chuckie was not going to unalive himself. He was a toddler whose only notion of death is that somone is no loner around. Notice how Angelica said “never born”, not “dead”. The bridge represents traveling into the unknown.
3. Chuckie was only 1 year younger than Angelica. The other babies respected his “wisdom” even if they didn’t listen.
Maybe they never moved in to begin with
I hope everything is going well. Thank you for sharing your own story. I'm sure many people can relate and it will help them knowing their feelings are okay.
I'm so glad you're happy with the direction of your channel, I'd totally be down for merch!
Side note what a perfect video to wake up to today!! You're amazing!
Ps sending you and your family all the love and positivity as possible 💜
Your story breaks my heart and I went through something similar with my aunt who was like my second mother. Love your videos! Thanks for reminding me that our childhood shows were great! Stay strong buddy!
I mean, I was 10 when this came out. I realized it was dark at the time, but I don't remember any specific feelings about it. That being said, I think your analysis was pretty spot on.
11:45 as a kid, I thought that was a sweet thing for them to do... As an Adult, Stu's scream is radiating in my head at how scratched those CD's are!!
Does anyone else remember that other episode of Chuckie being scared of using the toilet and desperately needing to go? Then Angelica finds out, to make his fears worse she ran the taps on and off repeatedly making him more distressed? Because I do.
And in the end Angelica ended up wetting her bed.
Didn’t she say something like, “I’m going to do for him what my mommy did for me!” before doing it? That implies her own mother gave her the same treatment, which is messed up.
@@karaoconnoraliasraidra and after that it backfired and she wet her bed
"Not the Chair, not the CHAIR!"
She may be making it up
I'm pretty sure Chucky going to the bridge was a reference to It's a Wonderful Life where guy wishes he was never born cuz he's struggling so much and then an angel shows him the world without him and how worse off everyone is without him, but it would be very much in line with 90s Nickelodeon to allude to Chucky jumping
The one that really messed with me as a kid was the episode I think Angelica convinces the Rugrats that their parents have a favorite kid and it shows them imagining the scenario where they are being completely neglected and verbally reprimanded while their sibling gets all the toys and milk.
Best wishes to your dad and your family. I remember being a kid in the early 90s and thinking how dark this was. Great video!
Honestly the darkest Rugrats episode for me was probably the one where Chuckie learns about his mums passing after him and his friends find it hidden in a wardrobe its generally a sad episode (especially the part when everyone looks at Chaz basically saying its time he told Chuckie what happened) and it actually foreshadowed the movie about him in Paris with him wanting a mum
Edit: this episode is still pretty messed up tro ill admit that but i think the other one i mentioned is more darker imo because its a more realistic situation
Nope, that’s a sad episode but not dark. I mean, death is part of life, it’s sad but not necessarily dark.
At least Chaz came and saved the day
And Angelica would suck as a mom. A real mom would not talk to their child the way Angelica talked to Chuckie after she was upset about the flower.
Great episode. Also, so sorry to hear about your dad. Hopefully, he continues healing and this will be the last resurgence 🙏🏽
The one effed up episode is when Chuckie is trying to conquer his fear of using the "grown up potty" and has a dream where it compares to a death row inmate begging for his life before sitting in "the chair." I still think of that episode every now and then. I think to myself if I personally had that nightmare I would be using a shovel and a hole outside for the rest of my life.
Since you mentioned "The Dark Side of..." I can tell you that your Hey, Arnold! material kind of traumatized me in a GOOD WAY, and got me thinking about personal things.
Thanks for that.
What I noticed in this episode is that Chaz's sock puppet looks similar to his wife, which was implied in the series that she passed away. I think the sock puppet is a way for Chaz to cope. Idk I think it might be a coincidence.
It's a Wonderful Life is such a zeitgeist staple that I didn't see it as creepy... just an homage.
Also, C-Span is hilarious. The call-ins especially.
Sorry to hear about your dad, I know how it feels to lose a parent. My mom passed away when I was 16 😑 This episode is the reason why I hate Angelica so much!! I don't see how anyone could feel sorry for her, she is a spoiled brat!!!! This episode was mind blowing despite it the morbid vibe it has. No one exists without a reason. Everyone have a purpose. I didn't think about the bridge scene until now, I always thought it lead out of town......
Angelica having the power to boot her baby cousin from his house and enslave his parents is wild. Even as a kid, I found that supernatural.
I think the bridge is only supposed to be a nod to It's a Wonderful Life and not specifically meant to imply Chuckie jumping. The parents watching would get it, but I don't see the Rugrats writers putting any deeper meaning behind it, even in a pretty grim episode.
Yeah, he was actually trying to run away from home.
Sorry about your pops my dude. I could only imagine the weight you carry on your spirit. Wishing you healing and the strength to continue to be vulnerable without feeling judged. You’re an awesome content creator and a resilient person! Rooting for you and the family! 🤜🏾🤛🏾
This episode is inspired by “it’s a wonderful life”. It’s an older popular holiday movie. It follows the story Goodman who is always doing the right thing with the best intentions, but as life goes by he can’t seem too catch a break. Eventually there is a Christmas Day where everything is too much. And he ponders wether or not life is really worth it. The story is very similar to this episode. There is even a free audio drama of the story itself here on youtube.
A Christmas Eve
It’s weird that no one is bringing up that this episode is a “It’s A Wonderful Life” parody. The reason Chucky was going toward a bridge when the angel shows up is because George Bayley was very much going to jump. Nickelodeon did the same thing with a few of their shows.
I think the episode that traumatized me is the one where Chucky was all alone for most of the episode.