Not having TV pushes me to watch all sorts of things and for the past month I have been re-watching Hey Arnold! About 3 seasons in I started to really notice the uniqueness and nuances of the main characters. That cartoon was revolutionary in how they presented different types of people, socioeconomic classes, races, ages, and city life from a child’s eyes. Here’s my analysis:
Arnold- Is a kid wise beyond his years due to his non-traditional family. He’s being raised by a quirky grandfather and a grandmother with Alzheimer’s/dementia and because of this he has to be more independent at the age if 9 than the rest of his friends. He tends to be the common thread among the kids in the in the neighborhood.
Gerald- Is the cool kid with the amazing storytelling talent. He has the most traditional, non-drama filled family out of the entire cast. I am glad too, because it goes against the stereotype of black kids coming from broken, dysfunctional homes.
Helga- Her aggressiveness comes from a lack of love and attention at home. She acts out seeking attention. She is not allowed to be emotional, expressive, or tender at home, therefore, she took one act if kindness from Arnold and held onto it tight. This began her obsession with Arnold. Rather unhealthy in how she deals with positive emotions, but with the parents she has, I can see why.
Miriam(Helga’s Mom)- She’s either an alocholic and or addicted to prescription drugs. She is inattentive to her family and always aloof.
Big Bob Pataki- Classic high school jock/bully turned adult tyrant. His head is so stuck up his own ass that he forcefully neglects his entire family and mistreats his employees because for some reason mistreatment equals love to him.
Olga- She has reacted to her odd parent dynamic by overachieving and excelling at everything to stay in their good graces. She’s really unhappy. I would’t be surprised if she committed suicide one day. The facade she keeps up is tiring to watch.
Sid- Is a kid who doesn’t know who he is so he stays in trouble, just trying to fit in. He also likes to put his insecurities off on others. Because of this he instigates fights and disagreements.
Stinky- Is actually a smart , well-rounded dude, but the country bumpkin stereotype is hard for him to shake in tge big city. He let’s this insecurity keep him in mess. He and Sid gravitate towards each other and enjoy keeping up shit.
Phoebe- Has book smarts, but no street smarts. I think she is friends with Helga because Helga represents a level of fierceness that Phoebe is too afraid to tap into. She is your stereotypical smart, over achieving Asian kid. I really wish she’d grow a pair and stop hanging with Helga because Helga is a succubus.
Harold- Is fat because his mom is an enabler. Whenever there is something wrong she throws food at it and ignores the issue in hopes that it will go away. Harold uses his size to intimidate people, but he is a a very emotional kid, full of insecurities and low self esteem. And why can’t his parents buy a t shirt that covers his entire stomach?
Rhonda- She’s rich, but why does she go to PS 118? Why does she hang with non-rich kids then flaunt her wealth? All she has is her things because her parents are too busy living the life. Classic example of
Curly- Has major behavioral issues. Wouldn’t be surprised if he was the kid who tried to come to school with a gun or bomb because someone took the last chocolate pudding cup at lunch on Wednesday.
Eugene- Is small and clumsy and gay.
Grandpa- Has major gastrointestinal issues and is a quirky old guy who can make a story up in the blink of an eye. I like that he is a physically fit 8o year old who loves the hell out of his grandson and wife.
Pookie-Well she has severe dementia and could have alzheimers. She feeds the entire boarding house, but lord knows what she’ll cook up depending on her mental state. Did I mention she is a mean crime solver and black belt is karate. Don’t mess with Granny!
Oscar Kakosha- He is the epitome of a good for nothing bum! He is dishonest and lazy and for some reason Suzie takes care of him. I see no benefits to his existence.
Ernie- Is a hard-worker, but lonely and insecure about his height. He’s a good guy to call on if you need help. Once you get around his rough exterior, he’s a cool cool dude.
Mr. Hyunh- Is a really hard-worker and misunderstood because of the language barrier. I love that fact that he can sing a mean country music song and cook his ass off. Did anyone else tear up when Arnold found his daughter?
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