Category: Television

“…I hope you will think like a mad genius.”

From: Avatar: The Last Airbender

Genre: Television and Cartoons

Who said it?: King Bumi

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a cartoon series that aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008. The story follows the adventures of Aang, the titular “last airbender,” to learn how to control, or “bend,” the four primal elements of air, water, earth and fire in order to become the Avatar.

The quote comes from the the first season episode entitled “The King of Omashu.” Aang and his friends travel to the town of Omashu. They accidentally cause some property damage when Aang relives a past experience he had with his friend Bumi. They are arrested and the King of Omashu declares Aang should go through several trials to prove his worthiness of being the Avatar. During the third and final trial, the King asks Aang to guess what his name is. Aang figures out the King is Bumi, his old friend. King Bumi acknowledges Aang will have to go through a lot to even get to a point he’s able to face the Fire Lord. However, when he does, he hopes he’s ready and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Sometimes, thinking out of the box is a good idea. Not going with other people’s ideas and coming up with your own might me much more creative than anyone else can think up.

“Witchers watch for answers.”

From: The Witcher

Genre: Video Games

Who said it?: Geralt of Rivia

The story behind the quote: This week comes from The Witcher television series. Originally a book series by Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher has become a franchise of its own, spawning a hit video game series by CD Projekt Red as well as a television series on Netflix.

The quote comes from the Netflix television series. In the second episode of the second season, entitled Kaer Morhen (which also is the name of the fortress all the Witchers stay), Geralt of Rivia (played by Henry Cavill) talks to his mentor Vesemir (played by Kim Bodnia) and he explains that he brought Ciri to Kaer Morhen to keep her safe. Geralt acknowledges Ciri lied to him when she was asked how she escaped her entire kingdom’s razing. When Vesemir asks Geralt why he didn’t demand for the truth, Geralt delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Always look for the truth yourself and never simply accept whatever “truth” is given to you.

“Whatever you do in this life, it’s not legendary unless your friends are there to see it.”

From: How I Met Your Mother

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Barney Stinson

The story behind the quote: This week’s episode comes from one of the most popular sitcoms in recent history, How I Met Your Mother. More specifically, it comes from the mouth of the most awesome characters in television history, Barney Stinson. True story.

The quote comes from “Sunrise,” the 17th episode of the 9th and final season of the show. A drunk Barney (played by Neil Patrick Harris) befriends two young men and proceeds to teach them all about how to life an awesome life. After a night of numerous lessons, Barney gives his ultimate and final bit of wisdom, delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: Life can be good by yourself. But, like everything else, the best experiences are always the ones you share with others.

“Cobra… retreat!”

From: G. I. Joe

Genre: Television, Cartoons

Who said it?: Cobra leaders (usually Cobra Commander)

The story behind the quote: GI Joe is a classic cartoon series in the 80’s. The basic idea is a special forces group codenamed GI Joe has been assembled for the specific task of taking out Cobra, a ruthless terrorist organization determined to rule the world.

Each episode usually has Cobra, led by Cobra Commander (voiced perfectly by Chris Latta), coming up with a scheme for world domination. This leads them in direct conflict with GI Joe and the Joes rally in a big battle to defeat Cobra. This is usually when Cobra Commander delivers the quote to his troops.

Geek wisdom: You have to know when to cut your losses and leave. Even though it may seem cowardly to not stay and fight, the right thing to do might be to regroup, lick your wounds and get ready for the next time.

“How do you do, fellow kids?”

From: 30 Rock

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Lenny Wosniak

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the critically acclaimed sitcom 30 Rock. The show is about a fictional sketch show originally called “The Girlie Show,” which is produced by Liz Lemon (played by show creator Tina Fey). However, under the behest of network executive Jack Donaghy (played by Alec Baldwin), the show is retooled so that top comedian Tracy Jordanwould topbill the show. The show is mostly a spoof about the backstage happenings and insanity of producing a show.

The quote comes from the 8th episode of the 7th season. Entitled “The Tuxuedo Begins,” it has Jack attempting to enlist private investigator Lenny Wosniak (played by Steve Buscemi) after he was mugged. When asked about his time with the police, Lenny describes his time working as an undercover officer infiltrating high schools while dressed as teens. The scene then flashbacks to the operation where an obviously looking middle-aged Lenny trying to connect with the kids delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: You cannot force a connection by faking your own personality. You also have to get over the fact that there will always be a disconnect between people. But attempting to change yourself in order to get into a group just isn’t the way.

“Once you do the hard stuff, it becomes not that hard..”

From: Regular Show

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Rigby

The story behind the quote: Once again, I have to show thanks to DJ Miller as he managed to find another wonderful quote for the site. We really appreciate the assistance.

This week’s quote comes from the Cartoon Network original cartoon, Regular Show. The cartoon generally revolves around two best friends, a blue jay named Mordecai and a raccoon named Rigby. Both of them work as groundskeepers for a local park and they, along with their friends, go on various misadventures.

The quote comes from the final episode of the seventh season, Rigby’s Graduation Day Special. Rigby, finally graduating from high school, is tasked to give a speech on the day that will be broadcast all over the world. This does make Rigby nervous as he doesn’t know what to say. After Mordecai admits he always felt good about himself as he was always better than Rigby and he was jealous his friend was doing something that makes him better, Rigby hits an epiphany and realizes what his speech is going to be about. Rigby says it’s easy to not study and not graduate from school and he basically only did it to impress a girl. He then states all the things he had to accomplish to graduate. This is when he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We’ve all had to go through hard times and struggles. Once we get through them, however, things do become easier as all the hardship is past us. As long as we have people we love and care about with us, anything is possible.

“I’m not going there to die. I’m going to find out if I’m really alive.”

From: Cowboy Bebop

Genre: Cartoons, Television, Anime

Who said it?: Spike Spiegel

The story behind the quote: Cowboy Bebop is a landmark anime released in 1998. The show focuses around the crew of the Bebop, who are a group of intergalactic bounty hunters each with a storied past. Cowboy Bebop has been lauded as one of the best anime series ever created.

The quote comes from the first part of the conclusion of the series, The Real Folk’s Blues. Spike Spiegel (voiced by Steve Blum in the English dub) plans to leave the Bebop to reunite with his former love, Julia. Faye Valentine (voiced by Wendee Lee in the English dub) tries to stop Spike as it’s obviously a trap and it’s practically suicide. Spike then delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Is a mundane life really worth living? Sometimes, you do have to take risks to really enjoy and appreciate the life you have.

“It’s time for you to look inward and begin asking yourself the big questions: Who are you, and what do you want?”

From: Avatar: The Last Airbender

Genre: Television and Cartoons

Who said it?: General Iroh

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote is another submission from DJ Miller, who has helped us with a quote from King of the Hill, Forrest Gump and Arthur. This time, the quote comes from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

The quote comes from the episode “Lake Laogai.” Zuko, disguised as the Blue Spirit, has managed to track down Aang’s flying bison, Appa, who was captured. As he reaches Appa, Zuko’s Uncle Iroh finds him and begins subsequently scolding him for not planning ahead, particularly mentioning the time when they were at the North Pole, in which he would have died had the Avatar’s friends not come along. He pleads with Zuko to look inside himself for once and find his own destiny, not the one forced on him by his father. That’s when he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Destiny is something you choose for yourself and not from someone else. It’s important to know what you want inside. The best way to do so is to look inside yourself.

“Oooh. Self burn. Those are rare.”

From: Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Det. Jake Peralta

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the police procedural sitcom, Brooklyn Nine-Nine. The show follows the misadventures of the detectives of Brooklyn’s Nine-Nine Precinct. While it is a comedy, there are instances of some really brilliant writing when it comes to solving the crimes they have to tackle.

The quote comes from the 16th episode of the 1st season, The Party. In order to prevent the squad from misbehaving and acting immature at a party, their sergeant, Sgt. Terry Jeffords (played by Terry Crews), tries to direct them to act like adults. However, Amy Santiago (played by Melissa Fumero) chimes in and states that, even when she was a teen, she was always on her best behavior and always a goody two-shoes. This is when Jake Peralta (played by series creator Andy Samberg) delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Sometimes, the thing that you’re most proud of now can be a mark of shame later in life. So it’s always a good idea to think before you act.

“Treat yo’ self!”

From: Parks and Recreation

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Donna Meagle and Tom Haverford

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation. While the show got off to a slow start, it soon gained a huge following thanks to some sharp witty humor and great characters. The show follows the Parks and Recreation department of the town of Pawnee and the misadventures they have.

The quote comes from the 4th episode of the 4th season, Pawnee Rangers. In the episode, Tom Haverford (played by Aziz Ansari) and Donna Meagle (played by Retta) reveal that, once a year, they set aside one whole day where they can splurge on themselves, hence, the quote. This actually started to be something you would see each season.

Geek wisdom: The world can be a hard place to live in. So it’s actually smart to set aside some time to pamper yourself and just do the things that make you happy to unwind.