Remember when she was going to fight Helga and because it was a public thing, she couldn't back down due to her reputation so she pulled her into a closet and pretended to beat her up?
Patty having a smooth, calm, and feminine voice is so nice. So many strong built or "ugly" girl characters have this deep, masculine voice that feels like a punchline.
I laugh at that too because he is saying it in Hebrew and the bully doesn't understand😂😂. I learned from my boyfriend that sometimes being multilingual is a weapon😂😂
i loved how patty seems like a mentor to harold, a voice of reason similar to arnold, whilst harold looks past her appearance and gives her what she always wanted, a genuine friend. i wish there were more episodes featuring the two, such a great dynamic
I got to say "Harold The Butcher" has become an unexpectedly relatable episode given my profession as a meat cutter it's a fine profession for someone like Harold it's a fine profession for just about any young man who may not be the brightest student and/or looking to break free from poverty it can also be a point of pride if you look at it as a service to your community
I love my meat men. Can't make a good dinner without good cuts and you can't get good cuts without a good cutter. Shout-out to all the folks who make good sausage too,
It taught me a little about being kosher, being pork and shellfish are a no no in company of someone of the Jewish faith, unless they are "bad" Jews and I've met quite a few who can't stay away from bacon.
@@amylee8969bc she enjoys picking on and messing with him too but yea it’s frustrating when people are told that someone who treats them like crap must like them maybe it’s true in some cases but Helga stalked Arnold that’s honestly troubling and creepy no matter the gender
As a person who grew up in the 90's those "aptitude tests" were always the worst. Mr. Simmons's heavy handed messages implying that a test would absolutely determine your future really hits hard. I'm now well into my mid 30's and I still get some unpleasant dreams of my elementary teacher telling me that I'll fail at life if I don't circle the right answer
I did a career test in high school but it was mainly about helping people and what your hobbies are. I got various psychology jobs which is what I want to do
Same I have had panic attacks going to school. Like literally going to college was an emotional trigger to me. Which is sad for me because I thrived in a wholesome learning environment 😔
I related to Harold a lot more than I would have ever wanted to admit as a kid because I was the only Jewish kid in my class and I would have meltdowns in school all the time because of my undiagnosed autism that made me cringe whenever I saw Harold's "aaaa mommy" outbursts because they reminded me of my own outbursts
It’s interesting that Harold’s Dad appreciates Harold’s Mom, and is so sweet to her which sets up Harold as not valuing girls until he knows them. You can tell he is just still a little immature, but obviously has a great role model in his father who loves Harold’s mother despite their personality differences. Harold and Patty is always one of my favorite storylines! Especially with Sid and Stinky. I know you didn’t like that, but it was SO accurate to my school experience as a girl. Friends of a crush who were jealous of my crush being away from them or because I could beat their ass at something… happens along all gender lines, just shows how immature they are. And it also sheds light on how Harold’s family structure allows him to stand up for women/girls he loves.
The kitty episode has always made me cry. I have a soft spot for animals. When I was a kid I was into that situation in which I felt like a pet was mine and wanted it for myself but the owner was another person. I tend to get attached to animals, I love interacting with them so it really made me feel a lot for Harold when I saw this one.
omg when harold stuck up for himself and defended patty, i teared up 😭 harold is right. you shouldn’t care what anyone thinks. it only matters what you think. and just because your peers don’t find who or what you like cool, doesn’t mean it’s not cool.
I felt especially bad for him when Sid and Stinky fat shamed him. On top of that, it wasn’t just them. But the ice cream man and a random kid calling him a “fat man” followed by his mom saying “He’s a fat boy”….which I use to think was funny as a kid, but now I realize how messed up the rude comments really was. Like yeah, I completely understand that obesity isn’t health my especially for kids his age. But there’s a right way to help him take care of his health.
Honestly, I feel like Harold's explosion in Patty's defense was the only time he was fully ready to back up every ounce of that massive threat he delivered. I don't even think Helga would be willing to call that bluff.
i don't think helga and harold would get physical harold even had stated if she wasnt a girl hed pound her; it would definitely be too dark for that. although helga punching brainy is played for laughs but then he sneaks up on her and stalks her but things were seen differently when i was a kid (and this feels weird saying this, but yea the 90s is when i was a kid and it's a long time ago but it sure doesnt feel like it)
@@oooh19 Helga does get physical. She was the one who knocked Harold over back when they were 3 after Harold made fun of her for showing her tender side. She even threatened to use her named fists (Old Betsy & the Five Avengers) against him, before telling him to go back to his finger-painting before she made him wear it. ~cue Harold grumbling "Okay" & the first-ever instance of Harold calling Helga "Madame Fortress Mommy"~
@@TherealRNOwwfpooh Madame Fortress Mommy is honestly clever. And frankly it serves him right though as Helga had every right to be pissed about the other kids making fun of her
These episodes didn't change my perspective on Harold, but they do make me question why the hell he puts up with Sid and Stinky? They're assholes! They fueled Harold's self-esteem issues by mocking his weight. They mocked Harold for liking a girl they found unappealing. They mocked him for losing to said girl. I know they're kids, but some lines had to be drawn with their behavior
I think it’s cause they’re like him-dumb kids who have chips on their shoulders/good intentions but don’t always know how to express them (e.g. the episode where Sid tries to be friends w Lorenzo but lies about his room being Arnold’s room bc he has kind of poor living conditions & he thought Lorenzo wouldn’t like him bc of it. Also, when Stinky could’ve signed a million dollar deal, but didn’t bc the exec’s behind the commercial he was in had bad intentions-shows he has integrity). They’re also friends w Helga & Rhonda who’re typically mean to everybody too.
Shawn explained it. Harold's an extrovert, he craves social interaction and isn't exactly the best at it, so he hangs out with toxic people because they'll take about anyone in. Also even adults struggle with setting boundaries now you're expecting way too much of someone who might just be special needs.
@@SilverlineXZero I never thought of that but Harold probably is special needs. I just thought he was a little Ld but maybe there was deeper meaning to it
Just so you know, Harold is 13, not 9. You have to be 13 to have Bar Mitzvah. Also, I was always surprised that this show was one of the few that could say the word "crap" and then make a joke about circumcision. Lastly, the arm-wrestling episode is one of the few times Harold makes good on a threat.
I pretty sure it okey for a kid show to say that word back in the old days. The only time i heard that word even in a cartoon movie was in "Firebrether"
Wow, I've forgotten just how well written Harold and Patty are. They have good chemistry and have been big supports of each other. Sadly, it is true about kids acting like Stinky and Sid when it comes to feelings towards someone they deemed unattractive. The Harold focused episodes really do resonate with me as a lot of the things he dealt with, I could relate, though I do relate more with Patty. Awesome vid! I love these deep dives
It seems like there really isn't a lot content based around Hey Arnold in general. I am so glad you are doing this dedicated deep dive on the series. As a millineal, I think this cartoon has some of the most replay value of any from my childhood. A show thatwas really enjoyable at the time but has even more to love an appreciate as an adult. Your work here is very appreciated.
*It’s really weird,* that *I HATED* this show as a little kid, in 90’s/early 2000’s, *BUT,* I started watching it, when I got older, and I *realized,* it’s a very good, wholesome cartoon… *I love it, now* because it reminds me of my childhood.
I really love Harold’s kitty. It’s actually a cute little episode of a big bully taking good care of a kitten. Giving him a name, playing with him, ending his entire arch in basically a police shakedown. It’s just so good.
Arnold trying to talk to the principal about Harold is the very reason kids grow up to be screwed up adults. He was trying to calmly and rassionaly explain things to only be punished. That was my entire school time and why I felt like killing myself every day
Thank you but sadly never got better. My mother put me in a private school where the principal lied his face off and made harassing me his new favorite game
I’m so glad you’ve decided to continue this series!! The Helga episode is SO good. I hope you do a deep dive on as many characters as you can! Love this show so much
Harold The Butcher is one of my favorite episodes! By the way, not all of us keep kosher in the Jewish community. While I observe it during holidays, I know plenty of Jewish people who really like bacon and could never give it up, hahaha! The Bar Mitzvah episode also has a special place in my heart. I believe I was 12 when it aired for the first time, and so I was taking the study course at Synagogue in preparation for my own. I relate so much to the nightmare Harold had too. All the adults in the congregation make such a big deal of the whole thing- Bat Mitzvahs (the feminine version of Bar Mitzvah) are even planned as extravagantly as weddings where I'm from. The only representation I had growing up were Harold and Tommy from Rugrats, but you know what they say about quality vs quantity, right? So glad I watched so many Nicktoons when I was a kid!
About the Harold losing to Patty thing. If I was Harold my reply to the people making fun of me would be: "can you beat her? No, because I recall you losing to me. If I am a wuss for losing to her, you are even more pathetic for losing to me, so shut your mouth"
Not only did he take being beaten by her a third time gracefully, he actually put up a challenge that time, because instead of throwing the contest, Patty trained Harold in concentration, tuning out distractions, and overall everything he needed to know. She is so patient, and he is better off for knowing her close.
When I was a kid I always felt that Hey Arnold had a dark undertone to it I'm glad I'm not alone in that evaluation.... but at the same time it's still one of the greatest cartoons ever made mainly because of it's legendary rewatchability factor.
I've absolutely had body image issues in my life and I get how it feels. And yet "that's not a fat man, it's a fat boy" always slays me. Who would say something that pointlessly mean to a child? It's hilarious
Can we all give a round of applause for the actor or actress who voiced the lost kid in "Harold's Bar Mitzvah"? I don't know who they are but my God are they an amazing voice actor. They sounded so much like a distraught and scared child crying for their mother that it made me tear up a little. They deserve an academy award 🏆
@@jessicakey-olmsted9838 And Sally Acorn, Fifi Le Fume, Kanga from the '90s/'00s Winnie the Pooh movies, Dexter's (and Dee Dee's) mom, and HELGA'S MOM Miriam Pataki!
In the early seasons it was shown that Rhonda liked Harold. It was funny cause she was either saying he was gross or was clearly crushing on him. I kinda wish it came up in the polishing Rhonda episode. I'm glad they switched his crush up to Patty because patty was a great character. One of the best of the series
Idk, I feel Rhonda having a crush on Harold greatly favors her character because is the only thing non superficial she has ever shown without having a negative prior reaction (like when she had to wear glasses right after been mean to others for that same reason). Also I find way more compelling that Harold and Patty develop a real friendship without any real romantic overtones (like sure you can read them as romantic but i see that more as platonic) because it breaks Harold's mold of just having male friends and show us how much he can respect and support someone who happens to be a girl, personally I feel Harold sees Patty as he sees Arnold, in that they are the more dependable and can be more honest than with Sid and Stinky, the difference being that unlike with Arnold, Patty has more hobbies and personality traits in common with Harold.
Rhonda definitely needed more episodes I'm surprised she didn't have a like a major role Even more surprised that they had Lila more as Helga's rival rather than Rhonda I really thought Rhonda was gonna have a major role like that, definitely didn't expect Lila to come along 😂
@@remyhavoc4463 Lila and Helga are more opposite in personality plus Arnold likes Lila. however it WAS cool seeing them get along at times as well like the costume part episode and the school play
@@oooh19 Armold only like-liked Lila after he initially told her he didn't like-like her, which only happened because Helga hastily had to replace her "Arnold Loves Helga" wall graffiti with something else & wrote "Arnold Loves Lila" to safeguard her own reputation & keep her secret obsession safe, but it backfired, as it caused Lila to like-like Arnold who rebuked her, but once Arnold realized he like-liked Lila back, Lila was no longer interested in him, but was happy to lead him on despite knowing Helga's feelings for Arnold since Helga had to reveal her secret to her country bumpkin rival so she could play Juliet opposite Arnold's Romeo in "School Play".
I like how you acknowledge the different sides of characters to the point of considering them as vital parts of an analysis. You're very well-spoken and thorough, and some people are too quick to dismiss a character having another side to them as bad writing or something only meant to surprise the audience once and then exit stage left. I love that you take characters more seriously.
The episode about Harold’s weight is an episode that I can relate to. I’ve been in multiple situations where I was body shamed by not just random people passing by me but people who I know personally. I’ve been on psychiatric medications since I was 7 years old and no matter how healthy I eat and how many workouts I do, I stay the same weight and clothing size. It has taken me three years to love myself. It has taken me years to find a diet that works and even longer for me to feel good in my clothing. Sorry for the off topic but I know how that feels.
Can at least relate to the bullying part of tis episode. Wasn't overweight but... yeah in general odd. I hated me how and who I was back then... And I still do it to this day. At least you found a way and reasons to love yourself, I have neither.
Get a bicycle and friend that love the outdoors. When you live an active life your metabolism will go into g Hyper drive! Also cut out all sugar drinks and juice. Just drink 8 glasses of water a day and natural whole foods. And the weight will be lost at a steady rate
Helga saved Herold's life. That episode was a great showcase of BOTH "bully" characters. She had NO incentive to save him from drowning the way she did.
Around 1:14:00 when he says the highest score since Olga (Helga's sister) and then you remember that it's Helga's test. Helga is definitely intelligent, just like her sister. In a perfect world, where they were both nurtured for their gifts, they could have been a powerful duo. You also see that Harold thrives when he "thinks" that he's smart. It shows you how smart he actually is
Helga, as mean and obnoxious as she can get... reminds me of Squidward when she's angry: -similar inflections -similar sass -can be a complete savage when she needs to be
This definitely was one of my favorite shows because it wasn’t just about Arnold. It was about everyone that circulated around his life, and made for some very powerful stories
Harold is the best bully character of all time. Yeah, I said it! Just like Nelson Muntz on the Simpsons and Binky Barnes on Arthur, Harold starts out as a standard bully jerkoff, but gradually becomes a core part of the group and a good friend of the main character. And with a character like him that isn't exactly the brightest (what with him being held back 4 years to the point where he has his Bar Mitzvah as a 4th grader) or the most socially adept, watching Harold grow and seeing how much love and care went into his character development is one of my favorite things about Hey Arnold. And I say this largely because growing up, I could relate to him in a number of ways. I wasn't a bully like Harold, but I had (and still do have) very similar self-esteem issues along with a deep-seated desire to be accepted by my peers that he does. And along with that, I grew up in a Jewish household, and thus related to the Bar Mitzvah episode a lot, especially by the time of my Bar Mitzvah. It's one of my favorite episodes of the whole show. But honestly, the butcher episode has my favorite moment of Harold's, at the very end when he jumps in the air and says "ALRIGHT!!!" That right there pretty much encapsulates why he's such a great character on the show. He realizes his true potential and finds something that he's passionate about, and gets the validation he deserves for it after all the time feeling like he would not amount to anything. P.S. You didn't include my favorite line from the weight loss episode, when Arnold goes to see Harold, his dad knocks on the door, Harold asks who's there, and his dad says "...It's the pizza man!"
Now that I think about it, Buford Van Stomm from Phineas and Ferb is also like characters such as Harold and Binky, in the sense that he starts out like your typical, stocky bully, but gains depth as the series continues.
Same. in fact every time i watch "Helga On The Couch" and i see the part where Helga goes to preschool alone, it makes me think that after hearing a story like that it's amazing that shrink didn't call social services otherwise Helga's parents would've been arrested for child neglect and Helga would've ended up in foster care. i mean i know there are episodes where Helga's parents got some development but still.
The Suspended episode always made me hate Principal Warts, because his behavior in that episode proved that in real life many school principals do tend to go overboard and abuse their authority in fact i agreed with Arnold when he said that Wart's acted like a tyrant with how seriously he took the school rules.
@@bobthedopeman7327 You're refering to the "Full Moon" episode where Harold,Stinky and Sid mooned Warts and it was actually Arnold who got caught by Warts because Arnold saw what happened but even in that episode Warts went overboard and gave Arnold 4 weeks detention for failure to cooperate and was even threatening to put it on Arnold's permanent record.
@@melaniegrace7707 Helga does not lack emotional intelligence (her Shakespearean soliloquies prove that conclusively). She's just had a crapshoot family home life that forced her to become a "tough cookie" tsundere out in public as a defense/coping mechanism.
Today most cartoons are aimed towards silly and wacky goofy comedy but often miss the messages and lessons much better cartoons taught. Back in the late 90's and early 2000's they were common place. Even in the 80's there were PSA messages at the end of cartoons. But looking at the world today, we need more shows like this. Sure they won't fix everything but they can help people understand stuff that they never thought of, how others feel and the very real situations they can get in; both kids and adults could learn from.
I'm studying literature so I'm naturally drawn to content of this type. Your analysis recognizes the complexity of these characters (particularly Helga), hence encouraging empathy and critical thinking - two things that are extrenely vital in a time like this. Thank you, DusktilShawn. I just hit the subscribe button.
I’m glad I just found this! I loved this show as a kid and a relative recently said it was ‘too adult’ and the children are innocent and that the messages in this show were ‘inappropriate’. Clapped back that I knew nothing but Harolds, lots Helgas, a few Arnolds and so on. No everyone comes from a good or happy background being a child doesn’t shield you from that so this show in a way helped me seeing these situations and people in real life. It’s nuanced and full of good lessons for young and old, then and now.
Apparently, that relative hadn't experienced much in life to realize that not everyone has it well-off, nor does everyone have perfect families (it's quite the opposite, actually). This show for kids has more reliability to it than 98% of so-called "adult programming".
Never made sense that they'd roast Harold for losing to Patty considering he easily beat all of them himself. That means they would *also* lose to Patty so it's an empty burn.
That's actually pretty accurate. In fact: even the strongest kid in the playground will catch abuse when the other kids outnumber them; since you can't whoop all of them at the same time they feel secure in jabbing from the sidelines.
I really appreciate your deep dives into these old cartoons from my childhood. I feel like shows like these actually helped with my emotional and social development growing up cuz I sure as hell didn't learn it from my parents. It's also nice to look back and see all the things I missed when I was young but also, all the things I actually caught onto and you just confirm.
This is great. I wonder what Part 4 will be on Gerald, Phoebe, Eugene, Stinky, Rhonda, Curly, and even Sid. You can easily make a 10 part series out of this
I absolutely LOVE this series, and am so glad you chose to continue it. Keep up the awesome work, Shawn! Also, Harold's mother telling him to put on his Bar Mitzvah suit and have a good time may be the first time in forever I've heard a mom tell their kid to follow the crowd.
The Harold Gets Suspended episode of the show (and by extension, all '90s/'00s episodes about school skipping) is really funny to me now because there's literally shit to watch on TV where back in the day kids were literally tempted to skip school in order to watch stuff like Hey Arnold or because they were bored.
As someone who also struggled with weight issues as a kid (and even poor body image now) the weight episode hit me HARD… having been pretty overweight and shamed for it as a child, it’s actually pretty jarring to hear anyone calling me thin or average as an adult, because I physically cannot see my body that way, and it just sucks… Seeing Harold’s softer side in these episodes is actually really sweet; seeing how much he cared for that cat was just really adorable. Also, Harold and Patty are actually quite cute together.
For some reason I got emotional when you were talking about the moment where the kid was crying when he couldn't find his mom and Harold "Accidentally" reunited them. It hit me more as an adult than a kid. Great video as always Shawn!.
Harold is the character I remember the most fondly due to his versatility, because he was sometimes antagonistic and sometimes friendly it reflected the reality that when you grow up with people they are relevant to your life week to week even if you don't want to put up with each other. That said, there's a solidarity where at the end of the day you can say you know who they are and what they're about. Over the course of 13 years you may even have a handful of moments where they're not unpleasant to deal with that actually offer chances of friendship. I am sure that when they finished their schooling, Harold and Arnold would respect each other enough to smile at each other as they walked the path into their adulthood.
Principal Wartz’s face at 23:56 is so hilarious! Lol 😂😂😂 When I first saw this episode as a kid especially this scene when Harold disguise himself as a pizza-delivery guy is super funny! I always laugh at this scene whenever I rewatch this classic episode, 🤣😆hahaha!
dude! it's fucking awesome to see you continue this series! hardly anyone talks about this show anymore and it's one of my favourites. these characters are all so complex and have genuine motivations and backstories, the world of Hey Arnold is a very grounded one so it's a shame more people don't talk about it
Harold reminds me alot of myself I was an aggressive kid but always wanted to just be a softee but it's hard to show yourself as a kid sometimes due to peer pressure and the like. I was always overweight and goofy too but I was nice to everyone and never got rude to all the good kids
14:20 Stinky: "I reckon we should go to the authorities!" Harold: "We can't go to the authorities... WE JUST BLEW UP THE AUTHORITIES!!!" That whole exchange nearly killed me lol
Can we stop to appreciate how good of a man Mr. Green is to allow Harold to work to redeem himself. I know he's upset with him, but any of us would be, especially after he ruined the sausages too. If I recall, Mr. Green uses a manual grinder for the filling. Also, most of what I knew as a kid about Jews were because of Rugrats and this show.
Same here. I only knew Jews don’t eat pork because of the Rabbi saying that to Harold, what a bar mitzvah is for the same reason and what Passover is and who Moses was because of Boris and Minka in Rugrats.
Another well done analysis my dude! Great work! I was going to suggest maybe covering the episode where Harold feels guilty for Arnold getting a long string of detentions after his, Stinky, and Sid's prank, but I'm not sure if it would have added much to Harold since you already covered every aspect of his character already.
I can definitely relate to Harold. As someone who has struggled with weight and self esteem being a bit brash and aggressive to bully levels after the world around me was shunning me because of my appearance. I had a hard time making friends especially growing up in the 90s/2000s when overweight people were portrayed as lazy slobs that deserve loneliness. Loneliness can be a very dangerous thing and sometimes the only friends you have are the ones that are in the fridge and freezer. Weighing Harold hits my heart in so many ways I can't help but feel so awful for the poor kid and saw a lot in me with him it even helped encourage me to lose weight. My heart towards people is still very much closed off at first but I have been a lot more open since preteen hood
(to clarify this isnt meant in a derogatory way, just reminded me of a few talking points) in regards to "Harold's Kitty", episodes seemed to always never be in a "correct" order. I think you could catch a rerun of the episode later on and see it as a precursor to Harold being accepted by the other kids. In regards to it being written for a season 2 epsiode, could have possibly been written for season 1 but got scrapped for later and also possible they had an idea for the story, and the concept of the self contained episode story took precedent over "canon" which in alot of 90s cartoons was not a priority because of the syndicated nature of cartoons of the time. As kids if we missed an episode, there was no telling when it would come on again, I dont even remember noting when most cartoons had specific days of airing til close to my teen years. We couldnt look it up after. You had to record it or wait for a home video release to have it. Otherwise you could look at a TV Guide to possibly know (I never could figure them out as a kid) or maybe Dish Network guide later on but even then it didnt go too far ahead in schedule. Cartoons of the era just dont always translate the best to watching in unison to people used to the streaming era.
It’s also interesting that Harold is the second major character in a Nicktoon to be Jewish after Tommy from Rugrats and this played a much greater role in the former’s character than the latter. Part of that is because both of Harold’s parents are Jewish while Stu is presumably atheist, agnostic or at least non-practicing Christian given what he values about the holidays. I can honestly see Stu and Arnold getting along. Getting back to Harold though, it’s kinda hilarious that Rabbi Goldberg said that Harold stealing a ham specifically was more important than him just committing theft in and of itself. Yes, kosher is important to religions that practice it but I would think theft would be the bigger concern given not only the mention of commandment "Thou shalt not steal" but his story being related to theft rather than kosher.
I think the kosher bit was in order for gentiles like me to understand what it was and how important it was. I sure didn't know what kosher was until I watched the episode.
@@VideoKilledTheHeros Hey, cut me some slack; I didn't actually meet a jewish person until I was 16; by age 8-12 (when I watched the show) I didn't know jack.
love this series, Arnold was the best, and Helga was so complex and I’m so glad you took the time to do a deep dive on her character and all her intricacies
Not gonna lie, was super excited to see a 3rd installment on this series, and am super curious to see what show is next in "The dark side of". Thank you for all your effort and keep up the amazing work. :D
The Kitty episode always broke my heart and as a kid I always rooted for Harold , I always die of cuteness when I see him and cupcake with birthday hats on
This is still one of my favorite UA-cam series hey Arnold always had a special place in my childhood and this is so entertaining to look back at this show so criticality
Holy cow you are amazing, this is exactly the kind of walkthrough of a show that I needed, I grew up with it in the 90s and I love your description of the characters thank you so much for your time and effort and I really can't wait for the next one.
Awesome analysis! This is an excellent analysis of Harold. Also, can we just acknowledge how toxic Sid and Stinky are? Why is this so obvious during the Harold-centric episodes? Also, if Sid and Stinky were going to dunk on Harold for losing to Patty, why don’t they arm wrestle Patty themselves? Such cowards. Lol
I stumbled across your channel and it was everything I’ve been looking for. Currently binging your Dark side series. I didn’t watch Hey Arnold when I was younger but your videos help me see what a gem it is. I had no idea it tackled such serious topics but still kept kids’ attention. A true masterpiece. Your voice is nice to listen and your commentary is so extensive and informative. Keep up the good work! It is not in vain.
I remember watching the bar mitzvah episode. Quite wholesome. I even attended one. My boss son gets the chair of cheer. :) Also, Arnold is a really good friend to him.
The aria from Paggliacci when when he's begging to have his suspension ended is fantastic. Classical references, jazz, leitmotifs; looking back this shows music was brilliant!!
I really liked the Harold/Helga pairing for a roadtrip comedy plot. Once they both mature out of their aggression, I could actually see them being good friends since they both love sports. I'd imagine them as adults shooting the shit about whatever game was on last night. Maybe arguing about which team is better over beers.
Off topic but it was hilarious and sweet when Helga stopped Harold from putting his hands on Arnold (for obvious reasons of course lol ) causing Harold to delay it for 24 hours lol
@@amylee8969 Not only that, but the entire crowd's reaction to Helga's initial statement. Harold: "Arnold, I'm gonna pound you!" Helga: "Wait! Don't touch him!" Crowd: "Oooh." ~said in a playfully mocking way that made the other kids suspect that Helga likes Arnold~ Harold: "Why not?" Helga: "You gotta let him dangle first."
This video made me realize Harold is my favorite character in the show. He struggles in life and learns through trial and error but tries his best. He's innocent and shows a face of strength to cover up for his insecurities. He's a great character, a real underdog. I really loved this video.
I always loved Patty's character as a kid. She's just a misunderstood girl with a Big heart. She has just as much morals and integrity as Arnold.
Remember when she was going to fight Helga and because it was a public thing, she couldn't back down due to her reputation so she pulled her into a closet and pretended to beat her up?
@@hennakreed8860 I love that episode
@@hennakreed8860 I mean, definitely the upstanding route.
Patty having a smooth, calm, and feminine voice is so nice. So many strong built or "ugly" girl characters have this deep, masculine voice that feels like a punchline.
@xcarnage3936
I agree. She was so nice. Even nicer than Rhonda and Helga. She was just insecure and frustrated with people judging her by her size
Bully: YOU'D BETTER SAY YOUR PRAYERS
Harold: *says his prayers*
Bully: not like that
Ikr 🤣
It is the most beautiful joke ever for children entertainment that adults can enjoy one of my favorite nick classic cartoons
I laugh at that too because he is saying it in Hebrew and the bully doesn't understand😂😂. I learned from my boyfriend that sometimes being multilingual is a weapon😂😂
Actually he just recited a Bible verse in its original language, he didn’t really pray.
@DLAbaoaqu actually Harold doesn't exist so he didn't every really say anything as it was just a voice actor saying it
Twat
I can compare Harold to Binky from Arthur where they are the “bully” but not really.
Or Buford from phineas and ferb
Harold and Binky are pretty much the same character
Binky was a gang leader on a kids show, I don't think Harold could pull that off.
Yoo I did too that's crazy
Absolutely.
Seriously, Harold and Patty are one of the most underrated couples in animation history.
Yep
Definitely
They're definitely better than most of the couples you see in "romantic comedy" films, at least.
They are genuinely cute together. Her maturity helps Harold grow, while she gets a friend who doesn't fear her.
The fact that they were able to lose themselves in conversation like that goes to show even if they don't date they will be best friends
i loved how patty seems like a mentor to harold, a voice of reason similar to arnold, whilst harold looks past her appearance and gives her what she always wanted, a genuine friend.
i wish there were more episodes featuring the two, such a great dynamic
Patty is one of my favorite minor characters in this series. I love not only her relationship with Harold but also Helga and Rhonda.
@@melissamurray8307 agreed, I like Big Patty as well.
If we ever get the middle school Hey Arnold their relationship would be so nice to see
She mentored Rhonda too during their polishing class
Harold and Patty's relationship is honestly so damn nice to see. Great stuff, especially Harold standing up for himself and her. Great development.
Yup and putting Stinky and Sid in their place. I never realized how annoying they both were as a kid. They’re like the fakest friends.
I got to say "Harold The Butcher" has become an unexpectedly relatable episode given my profession as a meat cutter it's a fine profession for someone like Harold it's a fine profession for just about any young man who may not be the brightest student and/or looking to break free from poverty it can also be a point of pride if you look at it as a service to your community
I love my meat men. Can't make a good dinner without good cuts and you can't get good cuts without a good cutter. Shout-out to all the folks who make good sausage too,
Yeah shout out to all butchers and meat folk, you guys are important for your communities!
Literally Mr. Green, a meat cutter, commented on this video. Truly a blessed video.
It taught me a little about being kosher, being pork and shellfish are a no no in company of someone of the Jewish faith, unless they are "bad" Jews and I've met quite a few who can't stay away from bacon.
psychos in here cheering on murdering sentient beings
I always wondered why no one filed a noise complaint towards Helga when she was outside Arnold's house yelling with the megaphone 😂
Why would Helga even wanna do that to Arnold is beyond me. She’s suppose to be in love with Arnold
@@amylee8969bc she enjoys picking on and messing with him too but yea it’s frustrating when people are told that someone who treats them like crap must like them maybe it’s true in some cases but Helga stalked Arnold that’s honestly troubling and creepy no matter the gender
@@amylee8969 She's the western Tsundere everyone got to know.
her dad is rich maybe?
"We can't go to the authorities, WE JUST BLEW UP THE AUTHORITIES."
I love that line so much
I really saw Harold as a sensitive soul who try’s to be tougher than he really is
Yeah. I did love his cowardly sensitive side.
his sweeter moments are really cute to me-- the episode with the kitten was just adorable
@@AoiUsagiOtokohim with the kitten just hit the feels...I love cats too. I do everything with mine and he's my best bro! ❤❤
As a person who grew up in the 90's those "aptitude tests" were always the worst. Mr. Simmons's heavy handed messages implying that a test would absolutely determine your future really hits hard. I'm now well into my mid 30's and I still get some unpleasant dreams of my elementary teacher telling me that I'll fail at life if I don't circle the right answer
They did those tests when I was in Jr. High. 2011 I think it was.
I did a career test in high school but it was mainly about helping people and what your hobbies are. I got various psychology jobs which is what I want to do
@999haunted
I never took them in school. So they Must’ve not been that common 🤷🏽♀️
They're a waste of time in the US, but some countries do it to actually encourage kids and direct them in their future studies.
Same I have had panic attacks going to school. Like literally going to college was an emotional trigger to me. Which is sad for me because I thrived in a wholesome learning environment 😔
I related to Harold a lot more than I would have ever wanted to admit as a kid because I was the only Jewish kid in my class and I would have meltdowns in school all the time because of my undiagnosed autism that made me cringe whenever I saw Harold's "aaaa mommy" outbursts because they reminded me of my own outbursts
It’s interesting that Harold’s Dad appreciates Harold’s Mom, and is so sweet to her which sets up Harold as not valuing girls until he knows them. You can tell he is just still a little immature, but obviously has a great role model in his father who loves Harold’s mother despite their personality differences.
Harold and Patty is always one of my favorite storylines! Especially with Sid and Stinky. I know you didn’t like that, but it was SO accurate to my school experience as a girl. Friends of a crush who were jealous of my crush being away from them or because I could beat their ass at something… happens along all gender lines, just shows how immature they are.
And it also sheds light on how Harold’s family structure allows him to stand up for women/girls he loves.
The kitty episode has always made me cry. I have a soft spot for animals. When I was a kid I was into that situation in which I felt like a pet was mine and wanted it for myself but the owner was another person.
I tend to get attached to animals, I love interacting with them so it really made me feel a lot for Harold when I saw this one.
omg when harold stuck up for himself and defended patty, i teared up 😭 harold is right. you shouldn’t care what anyone thinks. it only matters what you think. and just because your peers don’t find who or what you like cool, doesn’t mean it’s not cool.
I felt especially bad for him when Sid and Stinky fat shamed him. On top of that, it wasn’t just them. But the ice cream man and a random kid calling him a “fat man” followed by his mom saying “He’s a fat boy”….which I use to think was funny as a kid, but now I realize how messed up the rude comments really was.
Like yeah, I completely understand that obesity isn’t health my especially for kids his age. But there’s a right way to help him take care of his health.
Honestly, I feel like Harold's explosion in Patty's defense was the only time he was fully ready to back up every ounce of that massive threat he delivered. I don't even think Helga would be willing to call that bluff.
Nope not at all
Indeed. He shook the room with just his fist.
i don't think helga and harold would get physical harold even had stated if she wasnt a girl hed pound her; it would definitely be too dark for that. although helga punching brainy is played for laughs but then he sneaks up on her and stalks her but things were seen differently when i was a kid (and this feels weird saying this, but yea the 90s is when i was a kid and it's a long time ago but it sure doesnt feel like it)
@@oooh19 Helga does get physical. She was the one who knocked Harold over back when they were 3 after Harold made fun of her for showing her tender side. She even threatened to use her named fists (Old Betsy & the Five Avengers) against him, before telling him to go back to his finger-painting before she made him wear it. ~cue Harold grumbling "Okay" & the first-ever instance of Harold calling Helga "Madame Fortress Mommy"~
@@TherealRNOwwfpooh Madame Fortress Mommy is honestly clever. And frankly it serves him right though as Helga had every right to be pissed about the other kids making fun of her
These episodes didn't change my perspective on Harold, but they do make me question why the hell he puts up with Sid and Stinky? They're assholes!
They fueled Harold's self-esteem issues by mocking his weight. They mocked Harold for liking a girl they found unappealing. They mocked him for losing to said girl. I know they're kids, but some lines had to be drawn with their behavior
I think it’s cause they’re like him-dumb kids who have chips on their shoulders/good intentions but don’t always know how to express them (e.g. the episode where Sid tries to be friends w Lorenzo but lies about his room being Arnold’s room bc he has kind of poor living conditions & he thought Lorenzo wouldn’t like him bc of it. Also, when Stinky could’ve signed a million dollar deal, but didn’t bc the exec’s behind the commercial he was in had bad intentions-shows he has integrity). They’re also friends w Helga & Rhonda who’re typically mean to everybody too.
Shawn explained it. Harold's an extrovert, he craves social interaction and isn't exactly the best at it, so he hangs out with toxic people because they'll take about anyone in.
Also even adults struggle with setting boundaries now you're expecting way too much of someone who might just be special needs.
if he doesn't he's not got much of anyone else who'll talk to him on the regular
@@SilverlineXZero I never thought of that but Harold probably is special needs. I just thought he was a little Ld but maybe there was deeper meaning to it
Sid and Stinky are the real bullies
Just so you know, Harold is 13, not 9. You have to be 13 to have Bar Mitzvah.
Also, I was always surprised that this show was one of the few that could say the word "crap" and then make a joke about circumcision.
Lastly, the arm-wrestling episode is one of the few times Harold makes good on a threat.
Oh finally someone pointed that out. I thought he would bring it up as it would mean that Harold wss held back a bunch of times.
Weird comment because he literally says this.
Torvald is also 13 and is much much bigger and taller.
I pretty sure it okey for a kid show to say that word back in the old days. The only time i heard that word even in a cartoon movie was in "Firebrether"
Yet he seemed to be the same age as the others in preschool/daycare, which is kind of strange
Wow, I've forgotten just how well written Harold and Patty are. They have good chemistry and have been big supports of each other. Sadly, it is true about kids acting like Stinky and Sid when it comes to feelings towards someone they deemed unattractive. The Harold focused episodes really do resonate with me as a lot of the things he dealt with, I could relate, though I do relate more with Patty.
Awesome vid! I love these deep dives
It seems like there really isn't a lot content based around Hey Arnold in general. I am so glad you are doing this dedicated deep dive on the series.
As a millineal, I think this cartoon has some of the most replay value of any from my childhood. A show thatwas really enjoyable at the time but has even more to love an appreciate as an adult.
Your work here is very appreciated.
I agree. This show is very rewatchable even as an adult. I'd argue I like it even more as an adult.
cant agree more
Agree. This and Doug were my fav cartoons as a kid and I still like to watch them now...even if my kids don't (sigh)
I second this ☝️
*It’s really weird,* that *I HATED* this show as a little kid, in 90’s/early 2000’s, *BUT,* I started watching it, when I got older, and I *realized,* it’s a very good, wholesome cartoon… *I love it, now* because it reminds me of my childhood.
I really love Harold’s kitty. It’s actually a cute little episode of a big bully taking good care of a kitten. Giving him a name, playing with him, ending his entire arch in basically a police shakedown. It’s just so good.
Reminds of an episode of Arthur. When Binky Barnes reluctantly agrees to babysit Francine’s cat but later growing to like him and bond with him.
@@amylee8969if I recall, he ends up thinking Francine abuses the cat but Francine explains that cats can’t have milk
1 HOUR AND 46 MINUTES? Thank you so much dusk, I can't even imagine the amount of effort it took to do this video
I love his videos. Straight. Up. Quality.
Totally agree. Though why wouldn't you just call him shawn that's most likely his name
I couldn't have said it better.
Jesus love you
@@bobthedopeman7327 Jesus love you
The friendship/relationship between Harold and Patty is absolutely beautiful...
Arnold trying to talk to the principal about Harold is the very reason kids grow up to be screwed up adults. He was trying to calmly and rassionaly explain things to only be punished. That was my entire school time and why I felt like killing myself every day
That's awful, I'm sorry you had to go through that
Thank you but sadly never got better. My mother put me in a private school where the principal lied his face off and made harassing me his new favorite game
@@hajime5486 you didn't deserve any of that.
I’m so glad you’ve decided to continue this series!! The Helga episode is SO good. I hope you do a deep dive on as many characters as you can! Love this show so much
If he does each character I'll DIE I've never seen it where each character gets an in depth look
Jesus love you
@@OneFitBitchxo Jesus love you
@@OneFitBitchxo the description says this is the last one, unfortunately
@@PWNDON He actually meant last as in “previous” bc he was talking about the Helga episode
Harold The Butcher is one of my favorite episodes! By the way, not all of us keep kosher in the Jewish community. While I observe it during holidays, I know plenty of Jewish people who really like bacon and could never give it up, hahaha!
The Bar Mitzvah episode also has a special place in my heart. I believe I was 12 when it aired for the first time, and so I was taking the study course at Synagogue in preparation for my own.
I relate so much to the nightmare Harold had too. All the adults in the congregation make such a big deal of the whole thing- Bat Mitzvahs (the feminine version of Bar Mitzvah) are even planned as extravagantly as weddings where I'm from.
The only representation I had growing up were Harold and Tommy from Rugrats, but you know what they say about quality vs quantity, right? So glad I watched so many Nicktoons when I was a kid!
Bully: Say your prayers!
Harold: _says his prayers_
Bully: _surprised pikachu face_
(･o･;)
Suspension for wanting to actually attend school is ridiculous. Just hearing that drove me up the wall
I remember watching that and losing my damn mind when i was younger.
@@90sNathHonestly they should’ve made it that warts thought Harold wanted to come back to school to pull a prank or smth
@@nationalinstituteofcheese3012 honestly you're right. That would have been the perfect explanation. Would have made alot more sense.
About the Harold losing to Patty thing. If I was Harold my reply to the people making fun of me would be: "can you beat her? No, because I recall you losing to me. If I am a wuss for losing to her, you are even more pathetic for losing to me, so shut your mouth"
I'm sure that came to Harold 5 days later in the middle of the night after everyone forgot about it.
Not only did he take being beaten by her a third time gracefully, he actually put up a challenge that time, because instead of throwing the contest, Patty trained Harold in concentration, tuning out distractions, and overall everything he needed to know. She is so patient, and he is better off for knowing her close.
He was only embarrassed b/c Sid and Stinky acted like jerks. Glad he put them in their place.
When I was a kid I always felt that Hey Arnold had a dark undertone to it I'm glad I'm not alone in that evaluation.... but at the same time it's still one of the greatest cartoons ever made mainly because of it's legendary rewatchability factor.
I've absolutely had body image issues in my life and I get how it feels. And yet "that's not a fat man, it's a fat boy" always slays me. Who would say something that pointlessly mean to a child? It's hilarious
I quote my husband with that like all the time 😂
The lady who Harold was a fat boy was so wrong 4 that, didn’t have to do my boy dirty like that
Can we all give a round of applause for the actor or actress who voiced the lost kid in "Harold's Bar Mitzvah"?
I don't know who they are but my God are they an amazing voice actor. They sounded so much like a distraught and scared child crying for their mother that it made me tear up a little. They deserve an academy award 🏆
Did you know they were the same person who voices Phil and Lil, and their mom?! 😊
@@jessicakey-olmsted9838 Huh, small world
the mom makes me laugh saying "danny boy!" like the old song lol
@@jessicakey-olmsted9838 And Sally Acorn, Fifi Le Fume, Kanga from the '90s/'00s Winnie the Pooh movies, Dexter's (and Dee Dee's) mom, and HELGA'S MOM Miriam Pataki!
In the early seasons it was shown that Rhonda liked Harold. It was funny cause she was either saying he was gross or was clearly crushing on him. I kinda wish it came up in the polishing Rhonda episode. I'm glad they switched his crush up to Patty because patty was a great character. One of the best of the series
Idk, I feel Rhonda having a crush on Harold greatly favors her character because is the only thing non superficial she has ever shown without having a negative prior reaction (like when she had to wear glasses right after been mean to others for that same reason). Also I find way more compelling that Harold and Patty develop a real friendship without any real romantic overtones (like sure you can read them as romantic but i see that more as platonic) because it breaks Harold's mold of just having male friends and show us how much he can respect and support someone who happens to be a girl, personally I feel Harold sees Patty as he sees Arnold, in that they are the more dependable and can be more honest than with Sid and Stinky, the difference being that unlike with Arnold, Patty has more hobbies and personality traits in common with Harold.
Since Part 2, I've binge-watched the entire series & both movies.
I turn 40 this year & this show still holds up as a middle-aged adult.
This was great. Everyone looks at Helga for analysis, but almost never is Harold or Sid are brought up. Can you do a deep dive into Sid or Ronda next?
Rhonda definitely needed more episodes
I'm surprised she didn't have a like a major role
Even more surprised that they had Lila more as Helga's rival rather than Rhonda
I really thought Rhonda was gonna have a major role like that, definitely didn't expect Lila to come along 😂
@@remyhavoc4463 Lila and Helga are more opposite in personality plus Arnold likes Lila. however it WAS cool seeing them get along at times as well like the costume part episode and the school play
@oooh19
I agree. She may have been jealous of her, but she trusted Lila with her biggest secret ever! That she likes Arnold.
@@oooh19 Armold only like-liked Lila after he initially told her he didn't like-like her, which only happened because Helga hastily had to replace her "Arnold Loves Helga" wall graffiti with something else & wrote "Arnold Loves Lila" to safeguard her own reputation & keep her secret obsession safe, but it backfired, as it caused Lila to like-like Arnold who rebuked her, but once Arnold realized he like-liked Lila back, Lila was no longer interested in him, but was happy to lead him on despite knowing Helga's feelings for Arnold since Helga had to reveal her secret to her country bumpkin rival so she could play Juliet opposite Arnold's Romeo in "School Play".
I like how you acknowledge the different sides of characters to the point of considering them as vital parts of an analysis. You're very well-spoken and thorough, and some people are too quick to dismiss a character having another side to them as bad writing or something only meant to surprise the audience once and then exit stage left. I love that you take characters more seriously.
The episode about Harold’s weight is an episode that I can relate to. I’ve been in multiple situations where I was body shamed by not just random people passing by me but people who I know personally. I’ve been on psychiatric medications since I was 7 years old and no matter how healthy I eat and how many workouts I do, I stay the same weight and clothing size. It has taken me three years to love myself. It has taken me years to find a diet that works and even longer for me to feel good in my clothing. Sorry for the off topic but I know how that feels.
Same here
@Viewer I have had blood panels done. There weren’t any results like that.
Can at least relate to the bullying part of tis episode. Wasn't overweight but... yeah in general odd.
I hated me how and who I was back then...
And I still do it to this day. At least you found a way and reasons to love yourself, I have neither.
Get a bicycle and friend that love the outdoors. When you live an active life your metabolism will go into g
Hyper drive! Also cut out all sugar drinks and juice. Just drink 8 glasses of water a day and natural whole foods. And the weight will be lost at a steady rate
Only thing I can think of is the Snake Diet. The guy who teaches it is a foul-mouth (a Canadian bafflingly enough) but I can guarantee it's effective.
Helga saved Herold's life. That episode was a great showcase of BOTH "bully" characters. She had NO incentive to save him from drowning the way she did.
I remember being shocked by the use of "crap" by Hey Arnold characters. I think Harold and Helga said it multiple times. Those were the days.
Around 1:14:00 when he says the highest score since Olga (Helga's sister) and then you remember that it's Helga's test. Helga is definitely intelligent, just like her sister. In a perfect world, where they were both nurtured for their gifts, they could have been a powerful duo.
You also see that Harold thrives when he "thinks" that he's smart. It shows you how smart he actually is
Stinky really is from the south lmao.
"Now tha feds are after us"
BTW Harold literally says "outside circumcisions" LMFAO
Well he is Jewish 😂
Lmao 😂
He obviously meant "outside circumstances", but having him say "circumcisions" instead made the comment unintentionally funny.
Helga, as mean and obnoxious as she can get... reminds me of Squidward when she's angry:
-similar inflections
-similar sass
-can be a complete savage when she needs to be
You're not the only one who thinks that. I feel like whoever wrote the character of Squidward was inspired by watching this show.
I watched TV to escape reality, but I appreciate how competently Hey Arnold portrayed it.
This definitely was one of my favorite shows because it wasn’t just about Arnold. It was about everyone that circulated around his life, and made for some very powerful stories
Harold is the best bully character of all time. Yeah, I said it! Just like Nelson Muntz on the Simpsons and Binky Barnes on Arthur, Harold starts out as a standard bully jerkoff, but gradually becomes a core part of the group and a good friend of the main character. And with a character like him that isn't exactly the brightest (what with him being held back 4 years to the point where he has his Bar Mitzvah as a 4th grader) or the most socially adept, watching Harold grow and seeing how much love and care went into his character development is one of my favorite things about Hey Arnold. And I say this largely because growing up, I could relate to him in a number of ways. I wasn't a bully like Harold, but I had (and still do have) very similar self-esteem issues along with a deep-seated desire to be accepted by my peers that he does. And along with that, I grew up in a Jewish household, and thus related to the Bar Mitzvah episode a lot, especially by the time of my Bar Mitzvah. It's one of my favorite episodes of the whole show. But honestly, the butcher episode has my favorite moment of Harold's, at the very end when he jumps in the air and says "ALRIGHT!!!" That right there pretty much encapsulates why he's such a great character on the show. He realizes his true potential and finds something that he's passionate about, and gets the validation he deserves for it after all the time feeling like he would not amount to anything.
P.S. You didn't include my favorite line from the weight loss episode, when Arnold goes to see Harold, his dad knocks on the door, Harold asks who's there, and his dad says "...It's the pizza man!"
Now that I think about it, Buford Van Stomm from Phineas and Ferb is also like characters such as Harold and Binky, in the sense that he starts out like your typical, stocky bully, but gains depth as the series continues.
And here comes Shaun, coming in clutch for my final few hours of work with another episode in my favorite series! Love ya, man!
"Helga On The Couch" "On The Lamb" and "Suspended" are 3 of my favorite Hey Arnold episodes.
Same. in fact every time i watch "Helga On The Couch" and i see the part where Helga goes to preschool alone, it makes me think that after hearing a story like that it's amazing that shrink didn't call social services otherwise Helga's parents would've been arrested for child neglect and Helga would've ended up in foster care. i mean i know there are episodes where Helga's parents got some development but still.
@@theponyofglory8545 I literally just thought her mom was always sleepy. Now as an adult.... I understand.. lol
The Suspended episode always made me hate Principal Warts, because his behavior in that episode proved that in real life many school principals do tend to go overboard and abuse their authority in fact i agreed with Arnold when he said that Wart's acted like a tyrant with how seriously he took the school rules.
@@baymaxinarmor4133 like the episode when he blamed the FIRST kid he saw when a prank was played on him. I think it was Curly
@@bobthedopeman7327 You're refering to the "Full Moon" episode where Harold,Stinky and Sid mooned Warts and it was actually Arnold who got caught by Warts because Arnold saw what happened but even in that episode Warts went overboard and gave Arnold 4 weeks detention for failure to cooperate and was even threatening to put it on Arnold's permanent record.
Its actually nice that Helga got a grade as high as olga for once. Even if harold accidentally took it.
It’s implied that she’s just as academically smart as Olga. Besides that, she’s street smart….something Olga unfortunately lacks.
@@amylee8969agreed… although she definitely is lacking in emotional intelligence. But for a 9 year old that’s not the biggest deal lol
@@melaniegrace7707 Helga does not lack emotional intelligence (her Shakespearean soliloquies prove that conclusively). She's just had a crapshoot family home life that forced her to become a "tough cookie" tsundere out in public as a defense/coping mechanism.
Today most cartoons are aimed towards silly and wacky goofy comedy but often miss the messages and lessons much better cartoons taught. Back in the late 90's and early 2000's they were common place. Even in the 80's there were PSA messages at the end of cartoons.
But looking at the world today, we need more shows like this. Sure they won't fix everything but they can help people understand stuff that they never thought of, how others feel and the very real situations they can get in; both kids and adults could learn from.
I'm studying literature so I'm naturally drawn to content of this type. Your analysis recognizes the complexity of these characters (particularly Helga), hence encouraging empathy and critical thinking - two things that are extrenely vital in a time like this. Thank you, DusktilShawn.
I just hit the subscribe button.
I’m glad I just found this! I loved this show as a kid and a relative recently said it was ‘too adult’ and the children are innocent and that the messages in this show were ‘inappropriate’. Clapped back that I knew nothing but Harolds, lots Helgas, a few Arnolds and so on. No everyone comes from a good or happy background being a child doesn’t shield you from that so this show in a way helped me seeing these situations and people in real life. It’s nuanced and full of good lessons for young and old, then and now.
Apparently, that relative hadn't experienced much in life to realize that not everyone has it well-off, nor does everyone have perfect families (it's quite the opposite, actually). This show for kids has more reliability to it than 98% of so-called "adult programming".
Never made sense that they'd roast Harold for losing to Patty considering he easily beat all of them himself. That means they would *also* lose to Patty so it's an empty burn.
That's actually pretty accurate. In fact: even the strongest kid in the playground will catch abuse when the other kids outnumber them; since you can't whoop all of them at the same time they feel secure in jabbing from the sidelines.
I really appreciate your deep dives into these old cartoons from my childhood. I feel like shows like these actually helped with my emotional and social development growing up cuz I sure as hell didn't learn it from my parents. It's also nice to look back and see all the things I missed when I was young but also, all the things I actually caught onto and you just confirm.
Wolfgang saying you can't suspend me I am already suspended so warts unsuspends him is nutty after that whole episode
"Nobody here but us boxes"
I swear, thats some straight up Metal Gear Solid shit and I love it!
This is great. I wonder what Part 4 will be on Gerald, Phoebe, Eugene, Stinky, Rhonda, Curly, and even Sid. You can easily make a 10 part series out of this
I absolutely LOVE this series, and am so glad you chose to continue it. Keep up the awesome work, Shawn! Also, Harold's mother telling him to put on his Bar Mitzvah suit and have a good time may be the first time in forever I've heard a mom tell their kid to follow the crowd.
The Harold Gets Suspended episode of the show (and by extension, all '90s/'00s episodes about school skipping) is really funny to me now because there's literally shit to watch on TV where back in the day kids were literally tempted to skip school in order to watch stuff like Hey Arnold or because they were bored.
As someone who also struggled with weight issues as a kid (and even poor body image now) the weight episode hit me HARD… having been pretty overweight and shamed for it as a child, it’s actually pretty jarring to hear anyone calling me thin or average as an adult, because I physically cannot see my body that way, and it just sucks…
Seeing Harold’s softer side in these episodes is actually really sweet; seeing how much he cared for that cat was just really adorable. Also, Harold and Patty are actually quite cute together.
For some reason I got emotional when you were talking about the moment where the kid was crying when he couldn't find his mom and Harold "Accidentally" reunited them. It hit me more as an adult than a kid. Great video as always Shawn!.
Harold is the character I remember the most fondly due to his versatility, because he was sometimes antagonistic and sometimes friendly it reflected the reality that when you grow up with people they are relevant to your life week to week even if you don't want to put up with each other. That said, there's a solidarity where at the end of the day you can say you know who they are and what they're about. Over the course of 13 years you may even have a handful of moments where they're not unpleasant to deal with that actually offer chances of friendship. I am sure that when they finished their schooling, Harold and Arnold would respect each other enough to smile at each other as they walked the path into their adulthood.
The episode where Harold deals with his weight is very sad and relatable. I've dealt with that even now.
I love how Harold mom designed their home. The green zebra wallpaper was my favorite ❤️
Principal Wartz’s face at 23:56 is so hilarious! Lol 😂😂😂 When I first saw this episode as a kid especially this scene when Harold disguise himself as a pizza-delivery guy is super funny! I always laugh at this scene whenever I rewatch this classic episode, 🤣😆hahaha!
I relate so much to Harold on an emotional level, focusing your mind on something converts that inner turmoil into something positive.
I was surprised how hard it was to see Harold struggle in some of these. I never saw a lot of Hey Arnold as a kid, but it looks like I missed out.
dude! it's fucking awesome to see you continue this series! hardly anyone talks about this show anymore and it's one of my favourites. these characters are all so complex and have genuine motivations and backstories, the world of Hey Arnold is a very grounded one so it's a shame more people don't talk about it
Harold reminds me alot of myself I was an aggressive kid but always wanted to just be a softee but it's hard to show yourself as a kid sometimes due to peer pressure and the like. I was always overweight and goofy too but I was nice to everyone and never got rude to all the good kids
This is one of your best series, thanks for the effort
Is weird to think Stinky and Sid ended up being kind of bullies to Harold
The know is weak spot so they run with it. Harold’s only strength was physical strength. But he was highly sensitive on the inside.
14:20
Stinky: "I reckon we should go to the authorities!"
Harold: "We can't go to the authorities... WE JUST BLEW UP THE AUTHORITIES!!!"
That whole exchange nearly killed me lol
Can we stop to appreciate how good of a man Mr. Green is to allow Harold to work to redeem himself. I know he's upset with him, but any of us would be, especially after he ruined the sausages too. If I recall, Mr. Green uses a manual grinder for the filling.
Also, most of what I knew as a kid about Jews were because of Rugrats and this show.
Same here. I only knew Jews don’t eat pork because of the Rabbi saying that to Harold, what a bar mitzvah is for the same reason and what Passover is and who Moses was because of Boris and Minka in Rugrats.
for some reason i think Mr Green is Jewish as well but maybe not as religious?
@@oooh19 Maybe he's ethnically Jewish, but not a Jew. I'm pretty sure lots of Jews renounced their faith in WW2
Thank you so much for your analysis of Hey Arnold. I’m 38 and still love to watch cartoons and your work just takes me back to my childhood. ❤️🥰
Another well done analysis my dude! Great work! I was going to suggest maybe covering the episode where Harold feels guilty for Arnold getting a long string of detentions after his, Stinky, and Sid's prank, but I'm not sure if it would have added much to Harold since you already covered every aspect of his character already.
I can definitely relate to Harold. As someone who has struggled with weight and self esteem being a bit brash and aggressive to bully levels after the world around me was shunning me because of my appearance. I had a hard time making friends especially growing up in the 90s/2000s when overweight people were portrayed as lazy slobs that deserve loneliness. Loneliness can be a very dangerous thing and sometimes the only friends you have are the ones that are in the fridge and freezer. Weighing Harold hits my heart in so many ways I can't help but feel so awful for the poor kid and saw a lot in me with him it even helped encourage me to lose weight. My heart towards people is still very much closed off at first but I have been a lot more open since preteen hood
I think hanging around Arnold, Patty, Gerald, etc brought out the best in him. Meanwhile, fake people like Sid and Stinky were a bad influence on him.
(to clarify this isnt meant in a derogatory way, just reminded me of a few talking points)
in regards to "Harold's Kitty", episodes seemed to always never be in a "correct" order. I think you could catch a rerun of the episode later on and see it as a precursor to Harold being accepted by the other kids.
In regards to it being written for a season 2 epsiode, could have possibly been written for season 1 but got scrapped for later and also possible they had an idea for the story, and the concept of the self contained episode story took precedent over "canon" which in alot of 90s cartoons was not a priority because of the syndicated nature of cartoons of the time. As kids if we missed an episode, there was no telling when it would come on again, I dont even remember noting when most cartoons had specific days of airing til close to my teen years. We couldnt look it up after. You had to record it or wait for a home video release to have it. Otherwise you could look at a TV Guide to possibly know (I never could figure them out as a kid) or maybe Dish Network guide later on but even then it didnt go too far ahead in schedule.
Cartoons of the era just dont always translate the best to watching in unison to people used to the streaming era.
When he said "im crazy you should never hit a crazy person" i like that shit black air force badass type shit 🔥🔥🔥🔥
It’s also interesting that Harold is the second major character in a Nicktoon to be Jewish after Tommy from Rugrats and this played a much greater role in the former’s character than the latter.
Part of that is because both of Harold’s parents are Jewish while Stu is presumably atheist, agnostic or at least non-practicing Christian given what he values about the holidays. I can honestly see Stu and Arnold getting along.
Getting back to Harold though, it’s kinda hilarious that Rabbi Goldberg said that Harold stealing a ham specifically was more important than him just committing theft in and of itself. Yes, kosher is important to religions that practice it but I would think theft would be the bigger concern given not only the mention of commandment "Thou shalt not steal" but his story being related to theft rather than kosher.
I think the kosher bit was in order for gentiles like me to understand what it was and how important it was. I sure didn't know what kosher was until I watched the episode.
Shows how little you've studied Judaism and/or spoken to Jewish people ...
@@VideoKilledTheHeros Hey, cut me some slack; I didn't actually meet a jewish person until I was 16; by age 8-12 (when I watched the show) I didn't know jack.
@@VideoKilledTheHerosWhat’s your information on Judaism/Jewish culture? Don’t insult people if you don’t know anything yourself
@@Bad_Gazpachoyeah that’s completely fair if that was the point of even bringing up kosher altogether
YASSSS we've been waiting forever dude thank u so much for this video you deserve a 🌟
Great video. Took me over 3 hours on and off to watch. Worth it. I relate to Harold in several ways
love this series, Arnold was the best, and Helga was so complex and I’m so glad you took the time to do a deep dive on her character and all her intricacies
Great deep dive! If you do part 4 I recommend you do Sid next
I just found your channel! I've been using this lovely trilogy as a study companion for my college finals! So well done! Keep it up!
I love Hey Arnold as a kid I didn't watch it a lot but as an adult I love the complexity of the characters and how well written they are. ❤
Not gonna lie, was super excited to see a 3rd installment on this series, and am super curious to see what show is next in "The dark side of". Thank you for all your effort and keep up the amazing work. :D
48:11 The way he's holding the cat and moving it is so damn adorable.
Just found this series like two days ago, Glad this came out lmao
The Kitty episode always broke my heart and as a kid I always rooted for Harold , I always die of cuteness when I see him and cupcake with birthday hats on
This is still one of my favorite UA-cam series hey Arnold always had a special place in my childhood and this is so entertaining to look back at this show so criticality
11:07 Arnold levitated for that close up, he IS crazy
😂
Holy cow you are amazing, this is exactly the kind of walkthrough of a show that I needed, I grew up with it in the 90s and I love your description of the characters thank you so much for your time and effort and I really can't wait for the next one.
Awesome analysis! This is an excellent analysis of Harold. Also, can we just acknowledge how toxic Sid and Stinky are? Why is this so obvious during the Harold-centric episodes? Also, if Sid and Stinky were going to dunk on Harold for losing to Patty, why don’t they arm wrestle Patty themselves? Such cowards. Lol
Yeah I don't get them at all in that episode. They lost to the guy who lost to that girl, such a weird mentality.
I stumbled across your channel and it was everything I’ve been looking for. Currently binging your Dark side series. I didn’t watch Hey Arnold when I was younger but your videos help me see what a gem it is. I had no idea it tackled such serious topics but still kept kids’ attention. A true masterpiece. Your voice is nice to listen and your commentary is so extensive and informative. Keep up the good work! It is not in vain.
I remember watching the bar mitzvah episode. Quite wholesome. I even attended one. My boss son gets the chair of cheer. :)
Also, Arnold is a really good friend to him.
The aria from Paggliacci when when he's begging to have his suspension ended is fantastic. Classical references, jazz, leitmotifs; looking back this shows music was brilliant!!
yessss thank you for keeping this series going 🙏
I really liked the Harold/Helga pairing for a roadtrip comedy plot. Once they both mature out of their aggression, I could actually see them being good friends since they both love sports.
I'd imagine them as adults shooting the shit about whatever game was on last night. Maybe arguing about which team is better over beers.
Harold was definitely more than just a one dimensional bully character.
Off topic but it was hilarious and sweet when Helga stopped Harold from putting his hands on Arnold (for obvious reasons of course lol ) causing Harold to delay it for 24 hours lol
@@amylee8969 Not only that, but the entire crowd's reaction to Helga's initial statement.
Harold: "Arnold, I'm gonna pound you!"
Helga: "Wait! Don't touch him!"
Crowd: "Oooh." ~said in a playfully mocking way that made the other kids suspect that Helga likes Arnold~
Harold: "Why not?"
Helga: "You gotta let him dangle first."
This video made me realize Harold is my favorite character in the show. He struggles in life and learns through trial and error but tries his best. He's innocent and shows a face of strength to cover up for his insecurities. He's a great character, a real underdog. I really loved this video.