How Smiling Friends Made a PERFECT Pilot Episode

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 8 июн 2024
  • In this video essay, we dive into the Smiling Friends Pilot "Desmond's Big Day Out" scene by scene to gain some understanding of how it works. How does it succeed as a pilot, or first impression, in leaving the viewer with an urge to watch more?
    I like to look at the first episode of Smiling Friends as a conversation between Optimism and Hopelessness. From this angle, we can see how the writers challenge cynicism, nihilism, and hopelessness.
    I'd love to hear your perspective on the episode. How do you see things? What about it works for you or doesn't?
    0:00 So many things to watch
    1:02 Fever dream
    1:14 What is a perfect pilot?
    2:21 Scene 1 - Smiling friends
    2:45 Scene 2 - Mr. Boss
    3:01 Scene 3 - Desmond's house
    6:52 Scene 4 - Alan on the hunt
    7:18 Scene 5 - Family is rank 1, right?
    8:40 Scene 6 - Friends, failure, & rejection
    10:27 Scene 7 - Try new things!
    10:42 Scene 8 - Alan vs the cheese thieves
    11:31 Scene 9 - What's thee point, anyway?
    12:42 Scene 10 - How to transmogrify your Desmond
    13:57 Closing Thoughts
    My name is lvl 1 rock and I make video.
    Falcon punch the sub button to see and hear more rock thoughts.
    Thanks for watching :D

Комментарии • 805

  • @pinxelated2799
    @pinxelated2799 Год назад +3960

    This show really just came out and hit us with "Yeah, there's no intrinsic meaning to our existence, but there's ways for everyone to vibe and have a good time anyway" and that's the most grounded statement you can make tbh

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад +234

      THIS GUY GETS IT

    • @pinxelated2799
      @pinxelated2799 Год назад +22

      @@lvl1rock lmao thanks! Great video btw

    • @tappajavittu
      @tappajavittu Год назад +65

      Optimistic nihilism made into a show. Smiling Friends truly is a gem among adult comedy.

    • @sticklarry
      @sticklarry Год назад +31

      there is a method of think that describes this perfectly. its called absurdism is direct response to nihilism.

    • @mistery8363
      @mistery8363 Год назад +27

      Nietzschean Nihilism! "Life has no meaning, accept it, go find your own and be happy!"

  • @_jappa_
    @_jappa_ Год назад +2540

    This pilot episode is one of the very few where when you show it to a friend, you don't say "Don't worry, it's just the pilot and the show's way different"

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад +340

      exactly! I don’t like introducing a show and having to say “it gets good later” like naw dawg make it good NOW

    • @randomguy51090
      @randomguy51090 Год назад +15

      This was one of my favorite episodes :/

    • @zan6102
      @zan6102 Год назад +13

      ​@@lvl1rock main reason I don't like jojo's. I can push through the first few episodes if it starts slow, but I want good stuff close to the beginning. A good hook to get you caught , even if you need to prep the bait

    • @DoktrDub
      @DoktrDub Год назад +1

      @@lvl1rock true, some shows are exceptional though but only start kicking in a bit later

    • @bensoncheung2801
      @bensoncheung2801 Год назад

      @@lvl1rock 222 👍

  • @someguy4384
    @someguy4384 Год назад +132

    One thing I absolutely adore is that they didn't use just a generic Glock or 1911 looking gun.
    They brought out a S&W Performance Center Model S&W500.
    It's the kind of gun no one actually buys and you only really saw it one time in a magazine, but for some reason that adds this extra level of hilariousness to the scene for me. I'm sure there's a metanarrative reasoning as to why they picked that gun. It's obscure, relatively unknown, and so cartoonishly sinister looking (in this scene) that it very much doesn't look like a real firearm.
    But God damn it, it is. And it tickles me pink every time I watch this episode.

    • @Crabbadabba
      @Crabbadabba Год назад +9

      Yeah they knew what they were doing, definitely the funniest part to that character design.

    • @KodeKhot
      @KodeKhot 7 дней назад +1

      He was making sure not to miss.
      He was very determined.

  • @Fleshi_Guy615
    @Fleshi_Guy615 Год назад +150

    Also, the fact that the guy has his gun fixed to his head in that exact spot regardless of circumstance for the entire episode is both kind of funny but also really depressing

    • @Crabbadabba
      @Crabbadabba Год назад +6

      That’s what I found really funny.

    • @matty_isthemotto
      @matty_isthemotto 6 месяцев назад

      That's the whole idea

    • @Fleshi_Guy615
      @Fleshi_Guy615 6 месяцев назад +2

      @@matty_isthemotto I think I either wrote this because it wasn't really something that was mentioned or explored in the video, or because I just felt like writing my thoughts down without regard for how redundant it may have been. I'm leaning towards the latter, but I'm too lazy to rewatch the video to find out.

    • @matty_isthemotto
      @matty_isthemotto 6 месяцев назад +1

      @@Fleshi_Guy615 fair

  • @geminiguy6032
    @geminiguy6032 Год назад +206

    One thing I didn't learn until recently was the little Cheese thief was actually going after Charlie, probably cuz he mistook him for a big and yellow cheese, and Desmond was stepping in to defend Charlie.

  • @Itsyrm8
    @Itsyrm8 Год назад +390

    The actual shocking thing about desmond is his unbelievable line "my dog died from a broken heart" (ie his dog 's heart was broken to death, not his)...

    • @Apophis40K
      @Apophis40K Год назад +32

      It's also probably a hint to star wars and to that extend Mr plinket who voices the Charakter and he is known for his star wars prequal reviews

    • @StrangeMann283
      @StrangeMann283 Месяц назад +2

      I thought it was a refrence to where the red fern grows

  • @mistertwister2000
    @mistertwister2000 Год назад +880

    Something that the creators Zach and Michael have mentioned is that the reason the humor works so well is how characters react realistically to cartoonish situations. If I was smarter I could probably tie that into the theme of the pilot somehow.

    • @Ch4pp13
      @Ch4pp13 Год назад +65

      *thinks back to the episode of the episode of the teens begging for their life in front of Mr. Boss when they literally seconds ago spouted "life is meaningless" messages*
      yeah...

    • @TheSundayShooter
      @TheSundayShooter Год назад +24

      ​@@Ch4pp13 Shame that Grim and Gnarly get got moments after their character arcs as a punch line to the "Renaissance faire" joke as if though in resignation to the idea that "Nothing matters, Morty!"

    • @godsfool5284
      @godsfool5284 Год назад +13

      Life is one whole absurd, cartoonish situation.

    • @OGEdger
      @OGEdger Год назад +6

      @@TheSundayShooter
      *Renaissance men

    • @TheSundayShooter
      @TheSundayShooter Год назад +5

      @@OGEdger But that's not- they don't look like Renaissance... men. Wha- that's like a completely different era

  • @newrecru1t
    @newrecru1t Год назад +312

    This is kinda what makes me appreciate Bojack Horseman's pilot, it actually starts off weaker than the rest of the show because it later intentionally subverts those first impressions; what seemed like another Family Guy clone turned out to be soo much more than most TV could ever hope to achieve.
    I almost didn't give Bojack the time of day, but when I did give it that chance? It took me for one of the wildest rides I've ever had.

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад +49

      yes! it goes from “funny horse show” to one of the realest & most profound cartoons ive ever seen and I love it

    • @goosewithagibus
      @goosewithagibus Год назад +10

      It went from "talking horse show my friend likes" to "my favorite show ever, holy shit, how the hell did that happen??"

    • @anarchyfork2676
      @anarchyfork2676 Год назад +9

      That's why you can't always trust first impressions. Think about your closest friend. When you first met them, the conversations you had then would have most likely been extremely different to the ones you may have now. The same goes for anything, whether its a tv show like Bojack Horseman, food, music, a book, whatever. Often people miss out on things because of first impressions, its the halo effect of the human being, to judge someone or something as is based on the very first interaction. I started Bojack Horseman because I was bored, but I stayed because of the themes and how it reflected so many aspects of my life at the time of watching it. 'The View from Halfway Down' episode hit me like a ton of bricks.

  • @linkmaxwell
    @linkmaxwell Год назад +391

    I think Desmond's depression is caused by something deeper than what you were dancing around. The reason Pim didn't get through to him was that everything he tried (family, friends, fun) were all focused on the self. What Desmond needed in his life was PURPOSE. He needed to make a positive impact on the world.
    Becoming an exterminator meant that his actions stopped being focused on his own emotions and became about being part of society as a whole. It gave him a reason that he needed to get cleaned up, throw on a suit, and get out of his dark room. I truly believe that what causes so many of us (myself included) to spiral into some very dark places is this feeling that we lack any kind of purpose, that horrible sense nobody will care if we disappear forever (or worse, that it will actually make others' lives better).

    • @c.dl.4274
      @c.dl.4274 Год назад +50

      I thought that on my initial watch too but seeing this guy dismantle the plot like he did was enough to convince me it wasn't thay straight forward.
      To put it in another way, saying "purpose is the answer" implies that there is one correct answer. Meaning Pim could have just argued that.
      But that's not what happens.
      He discovers his purpose unintentionally by being in a place and time he wasn't used to being in.
      The answer isn't a "a one size fits all" solution and I think that's the point.

    • @c.dl.4274
      @c.dl.4274 Год назад +12

      Plus this guy went to college so

    • @ogpillow0872
      @ogpillow0872 Год назад +3

      this may be true, but i dont think that this is the only answer. this might be the solution for some people, but not for everybody. its all subjective. your solution might not be somebody else's. and thats perfectly fine! but it might not work for everybody. to me, reading over your thesis honestly sounds depressing. the idea that the only reason life can be enjoyable, is because you have some kind of purpose really scares me. but, thats just me and my veiws. there isnt one end all, be all solution. and thats perfectly fine too. :)

    • @TheSunshineGroup
      @TheSunshineGroup Год назад +6

      @@ogpillow0872 why does the idea that a fulfilled life requires purpose scare you? It seems to be what most of the world does to move forward (find a partner and have children). I’d personally say that’s a nice reason to live-you’re trying to improve humanity by making offspring and teaching it your morals. Others find purpose in God and serving him. It’s always different but purpose is key. That’s just my take at 6am

    • @ogpillow0872
      @ogpillow0872 Год назад +2

      @@TheSunshineGroup because why should i need to spend my life serving other people? why is that the only thing that should make me happy? i feel like if i dedicate my life to serving other people, whether it be raising children (that i dont want) to "further humanity" or serving a god (who i dont believe in), or even just serving society. it feels like its taking away my life, and my choices. one of the things that gives me the most joy in the world is sitting down and making things out of clay. the things i make don't serve any purpose, they don't better humanity in any way, but it gives me so much pleasure, simply because *i* enjoy doing it. i need to be clear though, if having some kind of purpose makes you feel happy and fulfilled, my all means keep doing that. thats absolutely amazing and im glad you found that for yourself. this is just simply my opinion. :)

  • @realkekz
    @realkekz Месяц назад +49

    Something that I love about Charlie is how on a surface level he's totally apathetic towards his job and towards life in general, but after spending time with the character, you see that he's just as positive as Pim when he feels compelled to be. With as cynical as Charlie is at a glance, it begs the question why someone like him would be in such a social, face to face, and positivity focused line of work, and so this tells you quite a bit about who he is deep down. Charlie is an outwardly cynical character who is actually very personable and caring, and has a job that suits him. Contrast this with a character who has a comparable personality and dynamic, Squidward. Squidward and Charlie both work with beaming rays of positivity who love their jobs and are optimistic dreamer types. They both have a realist perspective on things, they say the things that people don't want to hear, and serve as the straightman for Pim and Spongebob respectively. Where Charlie differs, and what I think makes him much more human than Squidward is that he really isn't a deeply negative person, where Squidward hates his job, Charlie actually is passionate for his, just worn down by the day to day that comes with it. Squidward very seldom gets in on the fun unless he's pushed way outside of his comfort zone, whereas Charlie is just as wacky as Pim, but more reserved and grounded. What's truly magical though is how there are so far only 9, technically 10 episodes of Smiling Friends available to the public, at 10 minutes a pop; meaning there is a little over a half hour of Smiling Friends. In this very short amount of time they have created multifaceted and layered characters worthy of essays in a COMEDY. These guys are great at what they do, Smiling Friends is lightning in a bottle, now I just hope they don't fumble season 2.

    • @zeeteepippi275
      @zeeteepippi275 Месяц назад +4

      That's interesting because it's a similar dynamic of exploring the human element of negativity, with Squidward as the counterargument to Spongebob's naive optimism even in the face of people blatantly taking advantage of him. Squidward's situation has some parallels with Desmond, but the feelings are more externalized into contempt for others. In fact it kind of builds of the whole idea of what happens when the purpose you find doesn't work out and you're stuck in the same situation.

  • @joshonlunch
    @joshonlunch Год назад +720

    Rock just got so much exp for this vid, truly fantastic work

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад +67

      thank you lunch man

    • @galacticglitch4086
      @galacticglitch4086 Год назад +30

      Now he's only 1,000,000,000 EXP from being Lvl. 2 Rock

    • @littleblueclovers
      @littleblueclovers Год назад +5

      @@lvl1rock I love the idea that the sub count is just the XP this rock has

    • @mixox1197
      @mixox1197 8 дней назад

      @@lvl1rock Level up your rock

  • @theobloomquist7330
    @theobloomquist7330 Год назад +862

    I watched this video in its entirety and figured with the quality you’d already have thousands of subscribers. Surprised I stumbled into such a great channel this early, nice work man.

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад +45

      thank you so much! glad you stumbled in too, hope to see you around here :)

    • @lamb_link
      @lamb_link Год назад +2

      For real, I was his numbers and had to do a double take. Completely unbelievable, true hidden gem right here.

    • @convoid1888
      @convoid1888 Год назад

      It happens a lot. There are also a lot of trash youtubers that are incredibly successful.

    • @logangustavson
      @logangustavson Год назад +1

      "Watched the video in its entirety" lol you make it sound like its crazy to watch a 15 minute video on RUclips

    • @diarkard4615
      @diarkard4615 Год назад

      Holy you’re right

  • @isaiahgomez6575
    @isaiahgomez6575 Год назад +142

    Dude, the transitions are cinematic affff, thank you for keeping my scrolling eyes stimulated throughout the entirety of this video

  • @sipher1132
    @sipher1132 Год назад +93

    Both great insight on mental health and making a good pilot episode. I'm looking forward to seeing your channel grow.

  • @RaynmanPlays
    @RaynmanPlays Год назад +28

    That is genuinely the correct solution. Desmond is right about all the standard answers being momentary distractions. Which, yeah, a lot of the time, suicidal thoughts are simply "in the moment" and getting past those momentary thoughts can help, but it's not a long-term solution. It doesn't stop them from coming back (and the standard answers will be less effective when they do) and it doesn't help with chronic suicidal thoughts.
    But finding purpose in life and putting that purpose into action? _That_ is what provides help in the long-term.

  • @gffn7316
    @gffn7316 Год назад +55

    2:50 The perfect editing. Had to acknowledge that effort into detail

  • @HAMR13
    @HAMR13 Год назад +85

    What an amazing pilot episode to your channel. Can’t wait to hit all the things and watch more of your videos.

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад +5

      thank u for typing words into the comment box :D

  • @RooneySparks
    @RooneySparks Год назад +573

    I like how Desmond as a person is an honest-to-God murderer but feels like he has no agency over anyone's life but his own. His self-esteem so low that he's resulted to holding himself captive, literally threatening to make people watch as he kills himself. But when he figures out that he can kill the little creatures, and he's allowed and expected to have agency over the lives of other beings, that's when it all pieces together. He's not just some poor chump was down in the dumps. He's a genuinely horrible person who wants to control and take lives as he will, even if he's resulted into threatening his own life to spread pain, it's awesome! 🤣

    • @literallyglados
      @literallyglados Год назад +157

      at least in the end his chosen target was those purple hellspawn and not, like, other people

    • @mundomundo7722
      @mundomundo7722 Год назад +124

      Regardless, he still makes a positive impact on his local community. Also, he was a poor chump that was down in the dumps. His family left him, and his dog died. I'd be pretty depressed if that happened to me

    • @RooneySparks
      @RooneySparks Год назад

      ​@@mundomundo7722 Right? He's just a poor critter down on his luck! He needs help or *he'll just fuckin shoot himself and make everyone watch* ....

    • @RooneySparks
      @RooneySparks Год назад +75

      @@literallyglados Yeah he made a lot of progress to. When Charlie goes to hell it's just filled with them lol

    • @norrecvizharan1177
      @norrecvizharan1177 Год назад +70

      @@mundomundo7722 I feel like, in a way, it goes to show that there's no shame in having some dark aspects and feelings on the mind, just so long as you find a proper and safe way to channel it so that others don't wind up hurt in the process. And in Desmond's case, he's releasing his murderous tendencies through pest control. Everyone's flawed and has sides of them that they don't like, but the only real difference between a shitty person and a good one is if they go about things in a way that actively hinders and harms everyone else around them, instead of trying to be beneficial/positive in some way.
      Or something along those lines at least. Words sure are hard at times.

  • @Jesoysauce
    @Jesoysauce Год назад +203

    This is an extremely detailed video, especially made by a person with under 100 subs. Keep going!!!

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад +9

      thank you so much! I will :D

    • @ChimpDeveloperOfficial
      @ChimpDeveloperOfficial Год назад +4

      @@lvl1rock This a great video that got me to think about how I can make something that connects with people. Not only that, but seeing this actually gives me hope that all I need is to make one banger and that can multiply my reach an order of magnitude. Congrats to you!

    • @isahamilton01
      @isahamilton01 Год назад +2

      @@lvl1rock oh wow he went from basically 0 to 3k in 10 days! Fully deserved I hope this channel gets more attention keep up the good writing

  • @jocelynsolis3671
    @jocelynsolis3671 Год назад +71

    I thought this was from like some RUclipsr with millions of subscriber from how high quality this is- BUT THIS IS YOUR FIRST VIDEO- honestly amazing work. Can't wait for whatever else you do!!

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад +12

      ty so much! I will get a million subs just for you then put a screenshot of this comment in my 1M subs video

    • @PrincePossum
      @PrincePossum Год назад +4

      @@lvl1rockput me in the screenshot

    • @menaatefadly
      @menaatefadly Год назад

      Wait that is his FIRST?!? Oh god the new generation is coming out of the woodworks banging hard.
      Wait this is like the pilot episode of his channel and it’s about the perfect pilot episode.
      Son of a biiiiitch

    • @dir-gk
      @dir-gk Год назад

      @@lvl1rock addd me add me in it too mr. rock man.

  • @Shizkeb
    @Shizkeb Месяц назад +6

    the pilot taught me that if I want to be happy someone else needs to die by my hands

  • @zuzingo.
    @zuzingo. Год назад +11

    I love how Desmond's right hand looks like it was drawn by a 6-year-old and his left hand was drawn by an actual animator.

  • @holly3909
    @holly3909 Год назад +22

    i watched the pilot of smiling friends for the first time ever while stoned out of my mind and it was quite the experience

  • @Krabnut
    @Krabnut Год назад +23

    To perfectly sum it up, this pilot constantly makes me break down into tears and giggles when I'm at my lowest, so all I can say is thank you Zach and Michael

  • @AbstraktNG
    @AbstraktNG Год назад +26

    This episode and Mr Frog are the greatest. We learn about the characters and how they act, having different motivations and goals

  • @jackkelley912
    @jackkelley912 Год назад +58

    Didn’t know this show existed now I must watch

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад +9

      now that you've watched it what do you think

    • @astrobeef8231
      @astrobeef8231 Год назад +9

      show seems pog af no cap fr on god

    • @jackkelley912
      @jackkelley912 Год назад +11

      @@lvl1rock The show is in fact pog fr on god no cap. Every episode is fked up in its own special way

  • @patrickfossing5411
    @patrickfossing5411 Год назад +43

    Such a good video, definitely deserves more views

  • @s1n_er387
    @s1n_er387 Год назад +13

    How fitting that this video is a perfect pilot for your channel! Absolutely amazing video!

  • @PuffyKat
    @PuffyKat Год назад +12

    Things this show did that made me love it undyingly:
    1: Zach

  • @TheFreckelz
    @TheFreckelz Месяц назад +4

    Desmond pointing the gun at his head at all times in an incredible intersection of character design and narrative suspense.

  • @andreacerulli9669
    @andreacerulli9669 Год назад +68

    The pilot is my favorite episode of Smiling Friends
    It's just too good, I love the creepy touch it had
    I hope for the second season they add more things like that

  • @markodavid7130
    @markodavid7130 Год назад +12

    Holy shit when I watched this I thought this channel was gonna have at least a few hundred thousand subscribers because of how high quality it is, good job man this was really well made

  • @plushonarush
    @plushonarush Год назад +4

    Bruh the "I WENT TO COLLEGE" had me crackin up, love this video and keep up the amazing work! UwU

  • @aldoramessinger7835
    @aldoramessinger7835 Год назад +51

    Love it! I’d be curious about a deep dive into The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. I feel like there was a time where the whole purpose of cartoons was to make us uncomfortable. Like Chowder was real weird, and I think it’s the same era of Squidward ripping off his toenail.. seriously what was that??

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад +13

      Yes! I would love to dig into Courage the Cowardly dog on that subject. The squidward toenail bit was a wild piece of history I'll never forget.

    • @gfkxj123
      @gfkxj123 Год назад +8

      The Squidward thing was because in seasons 1-4 Spongebob sometimes they would have shots where they would make characters look photo realistic to emphasize a joke about their appearance you mix in that with jokes about Squidward getting his comeuppance for being a jerk character. Mid to later seasons of Spongebob are either rushed writing wise or just simply don't understand this and you can see around these seasons Squidward goes from a cynical character who gets punished for his misdeeds to a punching bag for Spongebob to annoy.
      The team brought on after season 4 really did not understand the characters or the comedy.
      You have so many episodes which just feature gross out humor like:
      The Splinter, The gift gum, or Squid baby to name a few.
      And all of these are widely agreed as some of the worst Spongebab has to offer.
      And since the barrel seemingly has no bottom you get the spin-off: The Patrick Star Show - Which amplifies all of the worst aspects of later sponegbob seasons.

  • @gerberpac8628
    @gerberpac8628 Год назад +8

    i looked at your sub count, and was like, "oh nice this guy has 149k subs" but i did a double take and realized thats not the case. u definitely deserve 149k subs tho, great work

  • @oPhelps
    @oPhelps Год назад +13

    surprised this isnt as big as i assumed. this is a really good video. good shit man

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад +1

      thank you for being here from the beginning :)

  • @Perniciles
    @Perniciles Год назад +16

    Hey just wanted to say, been very depressed recently and this video managed to be the pickup I needed to start doing something good for myself today. Thanks!

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад +1

      best comment ive gotten. ty for sharing, this means the world ❤️

  • @TokumBeatbox
    @TokumBeatbox Год назад +13

    Absolutely loved this video. Deserves way more views

  • @chickennuggetpaw
    @chickennuggetpaw Год назад +13

    As an aspiring writer, my passion for writing is honestly what’s keeping me going. The hardships I encounter do inspire my work, but another way I get through this time in my life is by looking forward to my future when I can (hopefully) achieve my goals. Your ending point is very true, if you ask me.

  • @pepsiboys101
    @pepsiboys101 26 дней назад +2

    I like how Desmond’s one hand is drawn like a real hand and the other just has Pim fingers

  • @gffn7316
    @gffn7316 Год назад +4

    subbed this video too good for such small subs. v professional

  • @tp4bunghole108
    @tp4bunghole108 Год назад +13

    really good video. It’s what i love about smiling friends, it kind of puts the sheer absurdity of life into perspective

  • @aayzhuhh
    @aayzhuhh Год назад +4

    I thought I found a video from a very popular channel. Only 233 subscribers is crazy but your time is definitely coming. Keep up the amazing work

  • @monsterfukk7737
    @monsterfukk7737 Год назад +7

    I wish I could get Zach and Michael to watch this and get their thoughts on it. I could see it either being "Yes, we absolutely intended all of this structure in the show" or "We were just bullshitting and threw together whatever seemed funniest"

  • @HamBone49er
    @HamBone49er Год назад +11

    holy shit GREAT script my dude. LOVE the video can't wait to see more :)

  • @Pollix780
    @Pollix780 Год назад +6

    Still can't get over how they got Mike Stoklasa to voice Desmond

  • @totally_sam
    @totally_sam Год назад +14

    I feel like your channel is gonna blow up someday, this was really good! Truly underrated

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад

      if you're right then this comment will age well. thank you for watching!

  • @rustyshackleford234
    @rustyshackleford234 Год назад +5

    Just to put into perspective how traumatic middle school was for me:
    I started it as pim, and ended as Desmond.
    Middle school was the worst years of my life, the US could have another Great Depression or something and middle school would STILL be worse!

  • @starjumper
    @starjumper Год назад +7

    I think this is one of the only video essays that have convinced me to watch the show/movie in question right away. Great vid btw, you deserve more views and subs

  • @ImmaLittlePip
    @ImmaLittlePip Год назад +34

    The virgin nihilist (Rick and Morty) vs the Chad optimist (Smiling Friends)

    • @sorbiusfaust9022
      @sorbiusfaust9022 Месяц назад +6

      Good joke but your pfp is my little pony so your point is mute.

    • @furioushugger4887
      @furioushugger4887 Месяц назад

      *Moot, and who doesn’t like friendship??

    • @HKG4
      @HKG4 24 дня назад

      @@sorbiusfaust9022what does that have to do with anything?

  • @jordanhickey5758
    @jordanhickey5758 Год назад +22

    Great video! Something that would have been worth touching on was the state of Pim by the end of the episode. Desmond more or less deconstructed Pim’s philosophy and the episode ends with Pim in a vegetative state, unable to come to terms with the shortcomings of his own philosophy.
    I really like your writing, and am looking forward to more of your content!

  • @oliviapenelopehope4497
    @oliviapenelopehope4497 Год назад +1

    Yo, rock dude. People on RUclips love media analysis like this. It makes for a great time. May you make it further than I did.

  • @callinclekons9841
    @callinclekons9841 Год назад +3

    This is actually a really well made video for your first video

  • @SillyLilDawg
    @SillyLilDawg Год назад +6

    RUclips has been recommending a lot of underrated channels that need to be seen, the editing and high-quality of this channel is insanely amazing. I’m glad to have been here at 523 subscribers and I genuinely can’t wait to see you grow into a Lvl 100 Rock

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад +1

      thank u for being here!! :D

  • @TheTSense
    @TheTSense Год назад +3

    "It's always been like this. For everyone. Nothing has changed. Not today, last week, 5 or even 50 years ago. Yet you were happy once. Other people are happy right now.
    What? Was that just not knowing any better? So knowing better make you feel worse?
    What if, what if that is just part of it. Always has been. Happiness doesn't work without the dark parts. You can't enjoy warmth without knowing coldness. Stop seeking out coldness"

  • @coryisabsent
    @coryisabsent Год назад +14

    BRUH this was fantastic!!! Ive been brainstorming ideas for my own channel and this really inspired me!! Looking forward to the next video friend :)))

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад +1

      thank you cory pls do cant wait to see ur videos :)

  • @IchamukoI
    @IchamukoI Год назад +3

    I already understood a good chunk of the episode already, but I had never considered the facts that the message was so direct to the user, i'm glad you pointed out the thing with how they use desmonds perspective in the beggining.

  • @MikeSmith-yw7vb
    @MikeSmith-yw7vb Год назад +3

    This was a great pilot video, I hope you gain more views

  • @ZyroShadowPony
    @ZyroShadowPony Год назад +3

    To me a perfect pilot is one that is very memorable and if its meme potential

  • @heckogoop4318
    @heckogoop4318 Год назад +3

    This was fantastic man, i really hope you continue youtube.

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад

      I will! thank u for being here :)

  • @greg2171
    @greg2171 Год назад +2

    so glad I found this channel, can't wait to see where it goes

  • @sinaozgul980
    @sinaozgul980 Год назад +1

    Wtf why does this hit so hard? Can’t wait till this channel blows up

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад

      the alg puttin in work rn

  • @flibbleexists
    @flibbleexists Год назад +2

    i love how the pilot video to this channel is about (among other things) putting effort into your pilot, kinda smart I hope that was intentional

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад

      practice what you preach! thanks for noticing ;)

  • @FrostBlueFire
    @FrostBlueFire Год назад +2

    I think you leveled up with this video. 10/10, i felt like there was a deeper meaning to this episode, but couldn't really put words to it. Noice, you earnt a new sub

  • @rockinroller25
    @rockinroller25 Год назад +4

    I stumbled upon this video on accident and you managed to sell me on checking out this show. The way you describe the “perfect pilot” is what I can agree on immensely and a show that immediately comes to mind for me where I got hooked on a show by its pilot would be The Sopranos.

  • @DoctorDEADRIOT
    @DoctorDEADRIOT Год назад +5

    excellent video

  • @manuelperieouano4166
    @manuelperieouano4166 Год назад +1

    This is the first time I’ve stumbled in your video and this is quality content!

  • @kameronbelcher
    @kameronbelcher Год назад +2

    How lvl 1 rock made a PERFECT first video.
    Seriously though, I had no idea I was watching a small RUclipsr until I went to your channel looking for more videos, incredible work, hope you plan on continuing.

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад +1

      thank you so much!! more is on the way. appreciate you being here :)

  • @markop.1994
    @markop.1994 Год назад +1

    You litterally the best youtuber that is also a rock, keep at it!

  • @Nephyrrus
    @Nephyrrus Год назад +5

    you are now officially lvl 2.

  • @Scarfy101
    @Scarfy101 Год назад +1

    the fact that you made a video about a show making a perfect pilot that accurately tackles the topics it will cover, is funny, and has meaning, while it also being your (from what i know) first video is in itself a good example of what a good pilot is, and i can bet money you did this on purpose. i look forward to seeing what other content you make in the future, i loved this video.

  • @Brasstrix
    @Brasstrix Год назад +2

    Bro wth this was a sick video. With the quality I thought you'd have at least 10s of thousands of subscribers keep it up!

  • @marsfeathers
    @marsfeathers Год назад +1

    YOOOOO this was so good! Awesome video it really articulated what was so impactful about that pilot

  • @pinetree566
    @pinetree566 Год назад +2

    Dude, this was a fantastic analysis of the show. Love to see it!

  • @AnotherBrother44
    @AnotherBrother44 Год назад +2

    You deserve way more subs than you have. Keep up the great work.
    Thanks

  • @MysteryPonyFiction
    @MysteryPonyFiction Год назад +1

    In January 2021, I decided to start a podcast. It's kept me distracted at least. I feel bad if I fall behind in the obligations I set for just myself in my own self worth.
    Kept me going so far, I treasure it now as a life purpose and learned that I can narrate and voice act pretty well, it turns out.... so cool.

  • @isaiah_bh6753
    @isaiah_bh6753 Год назад +5

    love the content! can't wait to see you level up!

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад

      level up in progress, ty!

  • @mustashfan1o198
    @mustashfan1o198 Год назад +1

    Needs more attention. Plain and simple. This video has the entertaining editing, fast enough pacing to be interesting the entire way through, show enough to be easily understood, funny writing and even the research. If this is something you're enjoying, keep it up!

  • @calebkooy2241
    @calebkooy2241 Год назад +2

    This was a great video! I would love to hear you talk about the other episodes in a manner similar to this

  • @uliketobeingtazed
    @uliketobeingtazed Год назад +2

    Great video!

  • @apemaster13
    @apemaster13 Год назад +3

    I love my ability to never read something correctly the first time around cause i saw the thumbnail and thought it said “autism vs hopelessness”

  • @Sharkmac42
    @Sharkmac42 Год назад +1

    It's not just finding something that was missing, it's about what that something was as well. Something proactive and productive. It's not just riding a new rollercoaster, it's stepping up and helping someone. It's the idea that motive power, an antidote to hopelessness, comes not from pursuit of simple pleasures or happiness, but from the voluntary acceptance of responsibility. Accepting and pursuing responsibility gives you the motivation necessary to combat existential hopelessness.
    I mean, I haven't seen the show, but that's what I gathered from the play-by-play. Good vid.

  • @BrassDragonLP
    @BrassDragonLP 3 месяца назад

    I don't know why RUclips decided to show me your channel out of the blue like this, but I'm happy it did. This was such a nice breakdown of everything I love about this show in general.
    Thank you, small pebble-person.

  • @luxweaver2706
    @luxweaver2706 Год назад +2

    Fantastic analysis. Succinct and to the point. As my into to your channel I hope it foretelling. Good luck with your work. I hope to see more.

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад

      thank u! more is on the way 😎

  • @BaeBeeDahl
    @BaeBeeDahl Год назад

    Great work on the vid.
    Never even heard of Smiling Friends, but I watched this vid start to finish and you 100% sold me on the show.

  • @lefatman9260
    @lefatman9260 Год назад +1

    Thank you for making this video, seeing content in a well explained manner really elevates it value. You are amazing and I hope for your happiness and success in all you endeavors. Glad I was able to watch this. Funny that sometimes RUclips just gives us answers to questions we didn't even know we needed.

  • @DSBC27
    @DSBC27 Год назад

    Gotta tell I can´t resist a great thumb+video edit calls from RUclips!
    Great content, man!

  • @Alkivo
    @Alkivo Год назад

    Man dude, great video!! And pretty inspirational too - both the video and your channel

  • @TheMightyPika
    @TheMightyPika Месяц назад +1

    So many fantastic, philosophical videos about Smiling Friends - a goofy, silly wacky comedy. That's how you can tell real artists and real writers made it - it makes us WANT to discuss important things.

  • @Scrimbini
    @Scrimbini Год назад +4

    Yoo pretty nice video man :) Keep it up. Hope to see more analysis' like this. Earned a sub

  • @Buffer_Subroutine
    @Buffer_Subroutine Год назад

    This is amazingly done. Thank you!

  • @_jd_261
    @_jd_261 4 месяца назад

    i will say too that Pim also has part of his character developement because he than uses that same tactic of "we know the sun is going to blow up/we all die one day" but instead turns it back into his original optimism saying that life has meaning because of the meaning you give it like spending time with friends/family, etc. I think thats a really good detail they added later especially for the fact that Pim is seen so out of it by the end of the pilot. Love the attention to detail in this show and thanks for the great vid on it!

  • @PaulPasion
    @PaulPasion Год назад +1

    Starting off your channel with one hell of an intro, my guy.
    You've earned a sub from me!

    • @lvl1rock
      @lvl1rock  Год назад

      thank u for being here!!

  • @turnipswagginspriestessofm1659

    really interesting perspective on how the show interacts with the viewer. Really in-depth perspective! thanks dad

  • @TubiAlberto
    @TubiAlberto Год назад +1

    best beginning of a video i’ve watched in so long

  • @coreyjones992
    @coreyjones992 Год назад +1

    The first 20 seconds of this video that previewed while I was scrolling, was so compelling and interesting that I literally had to watch this video. This is how a RUclips video should be structured. Top notch stuff! It only took you ten seconds for me to subscribe. Bravo my good sir!

  • @Cthulus_left_tentacle
    @Cthulus_left_tentacle 3 месяца назад

    Something that really stood out to me about this episode that I hadn’t quite processed until now is acknowledging the reality of hopelessness. We hear about mental health and suicide rates every day. Many of us are familiar with the beginning, of the middle, when people you care about open up to you, or you make the decision to go to therapy. Depression is familiar.
    But have you ever tried to talk someone out of active suicide? Someone you don’t really know? I have. Twice. The desperation and panic that you feel while trying to appear calm and collected is terrifying (by the way you should call your local mental health hospital or the authorities if it gets out of hand because they’re a danger to themselves and maybe you).
    It was so crazy to watch this episode. When Pim and Charlie walked into Desmond’s room, I just thought, “Ha! Been there.” Smiling Friends is just in a league of its own and I cackle every episode. But it also feels like every episode digs into its own niche in weird ways that just scratch my brain well.

  • @dylpspevtre
    @dylpspevtre Год назад

    This video honestly taught me some things as why we make friends, subbed

  • @bubbshalub
    @bubbshalub Год назад

    I love this video, excellent job! I've never looked at the show from this perspective, I'm glad you shared this

  • @colinllatham
    @colinllatham 9 месяцев назад +1

    Well done video! I haven’t watched this series yet but the careful thought put into the show’s purpose is really cool to see.