Tag: cartoons

“There’s a platypus controlling me!”

From: Phineas and Ferb

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the Disney animated series Phineas and Ferb. The show revolves around Phineas and Ferb, two brothers who, thanks to their inventive minds as well as engineering skills, manage to create and build various fantastical object in order to enjoy themselves during their summer vacation. Their sister, Candace, always wants to “bust [her] brothers” by telling on them to their mom. However, Phineas and Ferb’s creations usually vanish before their mom arrives. This is usually due to some mishap, usually caused by their pet platypus, Perry, who also a secret agent, and his nemesis Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz.

The quote comes from the episode Brain Drain. In the episode, Dr. Doofenshmirtz puts a mind control helmet on his nemesis, Perry the Platypus, and he is able to control everything he does. Later, as they goes to pick up his daughter at a junk yard where a party is being held, a mishap happens and Phineas, Ferb and their friends are able to control Perry the Platypus with their gaming controllers. Thinking Dr. Doofenshmirtz is the final boss of the game they’re playing, they attack him while controlling Perry. While escaping, Dr. Doofenshmirtz falls down a hill, gets his hands covered with glue and gets records attached to his fingers. Perry then puts the mind control helmet on him and controls him to do rap called “There’s a Platypus Controlling Me” in front of his daughter and his friends. He delivers the quote (in song) which the crowd believes is a metaphor instead of being literal.

Geek wisdom: Although Dr. Doofenshmirtz was using the quote literally, the metaphorical way of thinking of it is also true. We all have something that is telling us what to do, both literally and figuratively. It can be hard to find that balance between these outside forces and what we want to do but that’s just the way life is.

“Please, do not make me let you down.”

From: X-Men ’97

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Magneto

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Disney+ animated show, X-Men ’97. Based on the Marvel comics series, X-Men ’97 is a continuation of X-Men: The Animated Series. The world thinks Professor X is dead and Magneto, the X-Men’s greatest villain, now is in control of the X-Men.

The quote comes from the second episode, entitled Mutant Liberation Begins. Magneto (voiced here by Matthew Waterson) subdues an attack by the Friends of Humanity on the United Nations during his trial. He mentions how he would’ve killed everyone in the past, especially due to how the X-Cutioner managed to remove Storm‘s mutant abilities during the battle. However, Professor X challenged him to try a different path and he is trying to be a better person. He closes the monologue by delivering the quote.

Geek wisdom: Sometimes, people would like to change and change for the better. However, a lot of us have difficulty letting go of the past. With that in mind, we should never try to hold them back just because of their past mistakes. In fact, we should encourage these people and help them as they are trying instead of telling them they cannot change. At the very least, get out of their way when they are trying to better themselves.

“He’s just standing there… menacingly!”

From: Spongebob Squarepants

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Patrick Star

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from a certain creature who lives in a pineapple under the sea, Spongebob Squarepants. One of Nickelodeon’s most popular cartoons, Spongebob Squarepants features the titular character who gets into different crazy adventures in Bikini Bottom (and sometimes outside the town).

The quote comes from the episode entitled “Hall Monitor” where Spongebob, due to his zeal of being assigned as the school’s hall monitor, accidentally causes various mishaps across Bikini Bottom and, as a result, deemed as a “maniac” by the public. Spongebob doesn’t realize this and vows to capture the “maniac” with the help of his friend, Patrick Star. At night, Patrick recognizes Spongebob as the “maniac” in the darkness and calls Spongebob on the radio, saying he’s close to where the “maniac” is. When Spongebob can’t see the “maniac” (because he is the “maniac” in question), he asks Patrick what the “maniac” is doing. This is when he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Our perceptions and reality on people can differ. We can have some preconceived notions about certain people and we can jump to conclusions based on them. It’s a good idea to give people a chance before forming your own judgement on them.

“Everybody gets one.”

From: Family Guy

Genre: Television, Cartoons

Who said it?: “Spider-Man”

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the extremely popular cartoon Family Guy. Fun fact: the show was initially cancelled after three seasons due to poor ratings. However, after the show started being aired on Cartoon Network and DVD sales went through the roof, Fox quickly pushed through with a new season… four years after it was initially cancelled.

The quote is actually uttered a couple of times throughout the series but is always said by the Family Guy version of Spider-Man. However, in both times, it involves someone falling from a great height only for the person plummeting down to be caught in a spider web. The person who was saved will thank Spider-Man before the Marvel superhero delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: You can’t expect for people to save you all the time. While there are going to be times when people will come to your rescue in your time of need, you can’t always expect this to happen. Sometimes, you have to take action and save yourself.

“It should’ve been me, not him! It’s not fair!”

From: Yu-Gi-Oh!

Genre: Cartoons, Television, Anime

Who said it?: Yami Yugi

The story behind the quote: Yu-Gi-Oh! is a popular anime series featuring a timid person named Yugi Mutoh. He solves an ancient puzzle, unwittingly becoming the host of a brash spirit. The spirit, now known as Yami Yugi, takes over during periods when Yugi and his friends are in peril. This also leads the pair to join several puzzle and gaming tournaments.

The quote comes from the 158 episode of the anime series. Yami Yugi has lost and, as a consequence, Yugi’s soul is taken. This leads him to wail the quote.

The quote comes from the English version of the anime, which you can see below.

The quote has become a meme when taken out of context. The meme is usually used as a punchline to certain situations, usually sexual, to express jealousy of the receiver.

Geek wisdom: There will be times when you might feel that life is unfair as others have better luck than you. However, you have to realize you can’t always get what you want.

“What we have here is a rare opportunity for me to cut loose. And show you how powerful I really am.”

From: Justice League Unlimited

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Superman

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the DC Comics animated series, Justice League Unlimited. This was the last series to be produced for Bruce Timm’s shared DC Animated Universe (DCAU for short).

The quote comes from the final episode of the show. Darkseid had just been resurrected by Lex Luthor and is now attempting to invade Earth. All seems lost as the Justice League seems to be no match for the might of Darkseid. However, it turns out Superman, because of his incredible strength, has been restraining himself and, as this is Darkseid, has no fear of actually killing him. This is why he delivers the quote before dishing out a super strong punch to the despot.

Geek wisdom: To quote another superhero, with great power comes great responsibility. Knowing how and when to wield power shows the true mettle of a great person.

“Gentlemen, to evil.”

From: The Simpsons

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Mr. Blank

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the long running animated sitcom, The Simpsons. Specifically, the first episode of the fourth season, Kamp Krusty. The episode has Bart and Lisa Simpson going to summer camp, which is supposedly run by Krusty the Clown himself. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case as Mr. Blank, a corrupt businessman, has just licensed the name and, to ensure that his profits are high, equips the camp with rickety amenities. This is  all while Mr. Blank and the “camp counselors” he hired, who happen to be Jimbo Jones and his gang of bullies enjoy a luxurious lifestyle.

The quote comes from the middle of the episode wherein we do see Mr. Blank, Jimbo Jones and the rest of the bullies enjoying a banquet while the camp kids have to eat gruel. Jimbo asks for another brandy and this is when Mr. Blank delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: While we would like to see the good in people but there are always going to be people who will do corrupt and immoral things for various reasons. Maybe it’s because they want to enrich themselves off the backs of other. Maybe they want to show they’re “better” than everyone else. Or maybe they just enjoy it. Whatever the reason, we all have to recognize that there will be bad people in the world.

“It’s coming right for us!”

From: South Park

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Uncle Jimbo

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the incredibly successful Comedy Central cartoon, South Park. The show is usually focuses on four children, Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Kenny McCormick and Eric Cartman, and their adventures in the town of South Park. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the show usually focuses on topical topics and parodies them in some (absurd) way.

This week’s quote comes from Stan’s Uncle Jimbo. As an avid hunter, he is displeased that there are laws that protect certain endangered wildlife. However, he has found a loophole regarding the law as it is permitted to shoot anything as long as you’re about to be attacked by any creature. As such, he says the quote before each time he shoots and kills something.

Geek wisdom: There will always be bad people who will try to find ways to skirt the rules or common decency as long as it will suit their purposes. They will search for excuses to get away with bad behavior or justify what they do. It may be difficult but we have to stand our moral ground, even when times are tough.

“Omelette Du Fromage!”

From: Dexter’s Laboratory

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Dexter

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the Cartoon Network classic show, Dexter’s Laboratory. The show is all about a boy genius named Dexter who has somehow build a complex lab unbeknownst to his parents. Unfortunately, his ditsy and nosy big sister, Deedee is fully aware of Dexter and his laboratory and she has made it a habit of messing around with his inventions.

The quote itself comes from the episode, aptly titled The Big Cheese. In order to prepare for a French exam, Dexter rigs a gadget wherein a French subliminal record will directly pump the language into his brain while he’s asleep. Unfortunately, the record gets stuck on the French phrase for “cheese omelette” and this renders Dexter able to only say the phrase. Surprisingly, this gives Dexter a new found level of fame and popularity and life seems good… until the very end of the episode, of course.

Geek wisdom: While the proper words are important, it’s equally important how you say those words. Sometimes, it’s not even the words that matter. A lot of the times, it’s going to be the way you say the words and how you express yourself when saying it. Make sure that, when talking to someone, you also communicate what you mean using tone and expressions.

“I have to go now. My planet needs me…”

From: The Simpsons

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: “Poochie” (voiced by Roger Meyers, Jr.)

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the ever popular show, The Simpsons. However, the actual quote itself has now become misquoted as most people remember the line to be “I must go” because of the very meme that made the line so popular in the first place.

The quote comes from the 14th episode of the 8th season of the show entitled “The Itchy and Scratchy and Poochie Show.” In an attempt to boost ratings for the flailing Itchy and Scratchy Show, the show’s producer, Roger Meyers, Jr. decides to add a new character into the mix, a hip dog named Poochie. Homer Simpson is hired to do the voice of the character. However, the character is universally disliked (except by Homer, of course). Homer’s plea to prevent the character from being killed off seems to have touched the show’s writers as he thinks the character can be bigger than every other character before. However, when the episode finally airs, the show airs as such…

Geek wisdom: There are people who think so highly of themselves that they can overstay their welcome. This was certainly true for Poochie in the show, even though he was only in a couple of episodes. Try to avoid those people as they will just bring everyone down.