1994 saw Disney’s release of a show that bears little resemblance to its usual whimsical productions. This animated series centers around a band of gargoyles who turn into vigilantes once night falls. Consequently, the themes it explores are quite diverse and often push boundaries typically associated with popular superhero shows.
Although the series is frequently lauded for its deep themes and rough undertones, it appears Disney sometimes pushed these elements too far. In the very first season itself, an episode with a thought-provoking impact was initially censored, diluting its intended message. However, many viewers have pointed out that the uncensored version of this episode can now be streamed again, underscoring the show’s significant influence.
Deadly Force Was Arguably One of the Show’s Most Controversial Episodes
In Season 1, Episode 8 titled “Deadly Force,” Broadway develops an intense fascination with the newest Western film, devoting much of his time to mimicking the main character. He glides over the cityscape, feigning gunfire towards the citizens below, showing admiration for this rugged persona. On the other hand, Elisa is determined to locate a local gangster known as Tony Dracon, suspecting him of stealing a cache of lethal weapons. Following a challenging day at work, Elisa returns home, and Broadway unexpectedly appears at her window, essentially extending an uninvited visit. While she’s occupied with preparing dinner, Broadway toys with her gun once more, acting out the lead role in the famous Western movie.
In an instant, a shot rings out, causing Elisa to collapse on the floor. Swiftly, the gargoyle rushes her off to the hospital, feeling both fearful and embarrassed. Upon discovering that his friend has been wounded, Goliath becomes resolved to find Dracon, who is suspected of the act. However, upon confronting all the suspects in a warehouse, Broadway confesses that he was actually responsible. Consequently, he escorts Broadway to the hospital so Elisa can see him. Fortunately, she makes it through her emergency surgery, and the other creatures transform back to stone near her window as they strive to protect her.
| Written By | Directed By | Original Air Date | IMDb Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Reaves | Kazuo Terada & Saburo Hashimoto | November 18, 1994 | 8.2/10 |
Following the episode’s repeated mentions of gun violence, Disney promptly decided it wasn’t suitable and took the episode off regular rotation soon after broadcast. Luckily, the animators stepped in at the last minute and created an altered version that could be aired on channels like Disney XD and Toon Disney. In this revised version of “Deadly Force,” viewers don’t witness Elisa lying in a pool of blood; instead, the camera focuses closely on her face. The scene also skips directly to Broadway, transporting her straight to the hospital, thereby eliminating any depiction of blood.
Nevertheless, spectators mention that an unedited version can be found on Disney+ now. In this version, the camera briefly captures Elisa submerged in blood and then focuses closely on her face. Later, when Broadway carries her to the hospital and lays her on a stretcher, the audience observes his hands stained with blood, which was not present in the unedited version earlier. Although this newer version isn’t as graphic as the initial broadcast, it still contains several upsetting scenes.
While It Was Unconventional, This Episode Still Feels Very Contemporary
Remember, fans, this contentious episode unfolded during the initial season of the show, well within the first four episodes that make up an expansive storyline called “The Awakening.” In these early episodes, viewers learn about the gargoyles’ journey from Medieval Scotland to modern-day New York and the fantastical adversaries they must vanquish. However, “Deadly Force” takes a drastic turn, marking the series’ debut in tackling real-world crime. Despite being intended for preteens, this episode doesn’t shy away from depicting the severe injuries sustained by Elisa, including her heart being grazed by a bullet and the bullet later striking her lower back. Matters only worsen when Elisa goes into cardiac arrest in the ICU, necessitating emergency resuscitation efforts.
In addition to the heavy medical discussions, the episode vividly portrays Elisa’s family grappling with fear and sorrow. When the doctor reveals that Elisa might not make it through the night, her mother maintains composure, standing vigil at her bedside to pray fervently. It’s important to note that the intense scenes throughout the episode serve a purpose. “Deadly Force” doesn’t merely condemn gun violence; it enlightens viewers about how such accidents can occur. Towards the end of the episode, Elisa confesses to Broadway that they both share responsibility for what happened. She admits she should have securely stored her gun in a safe place, and Broadway should not have played with a real weapon. All in all, this episode is instructive, even though it may be emotionally challenging to watch.
Indeed, the episode titled ‘Deadly Forces’ stretches the theme of gun violence too intensely. Although it provides valuable information and evokes strong emotions, it leans heavily on graphic violence and fear to convey its message. The image of Broadway weeping while covered in Elisa’s blood is dramatic, but the prolonged scenes showing her struggling for life in the ICU are excessively gruesome for young viewers. Furthermore, some viewers might argue that this episode strays from the show’s broader mystical themes. Overall, this episode has sparked much debate, making it easy to see why it was swiftly edited for a younger audience. While the show generally handles gun violence sensitively, its excessive use of frightening elements does make it seem somewhat inappropriate for its impressionable viewers.
Gargoyles Is Still Considered a Hidden Gem Among Mass Audiences
Despite being accessible on Disney+ today, the show Gargoyles tends to linger in the periphery of mainstream culture. This could be due to its past, as it might have lost some traction and become less visible, particularly in America. In the United States, it was frequently measured against superhero shows such as X-Men: The Animated Series, while in Japan, it was often compared to phenomena like Power Rangers. Given their widespread popularity, it appears that Gargoyles had a tough time competing with its significantly larger counterparts.
As a movie enthusiast, let me sing the praises of “Gargoyles”. This series truly stands out due to its unique blend of various artistic influences. In the realm of animation, it embraces a classic 2D style, yet its moodier undertones echo popular Anime such as “Grappler Baki”, giving it a distinctive edge. It’s evident that collaboration played a significant role in this production, for “Gargoyles” is not confined to the light-hearted charm of a typical Western Disney cartoon nor does it get lost in the intricate complexities of anime. Instead, it carves its own path, offering a captivating fusion of both worlds.
Apart from boasting numerous intriguing stylistic choices, the animated series “Gargoyles” is rich with literary allusions. Many characters draw inspiration from Shakespeare, such as Macbeth, Benvolio, and Malvolio. The show often incorporates direct quotes from his celebrated works, enriching its already intelligent narrative with poetic elements. Although the Shakespearean references might appear somewhat obscure at times, they lend an air of sophistication to this series, making it stand out compared to other popular cartoons of that era like “TaleSpin” and “Goof Troop“. In comparison, “Gargoyles’” use of literature feels like a welcome change of pace.
As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’ve noticed that the mysterious charm of “Gargoyles” appears to be captivating audiences once more. In 2023, Atomic Monster declared their intention to breathe new life into this iconic series with a live-action “Gargoyles” reboot, exclusively for Disney+. This production company, renowned for their work on films like “M3GAN” and the “Conjuring” Universe, promises an equally thrilling experience as “Deadly Force.” Fingers crossed that this latest chapter of “Gargoyles” will finally receive the recognition it deserves in a time when reboots and spin-offs are prevalent.
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2025-05-01 06:33