Arthur's Crosswire Theory

arthur might seem like a normal, wholesome cartoon, but what if there’s something darker going on? from mr. crosswire’s shady business to secret experiments in mr. ratburn’s class, species discrimination in elwood city, and even the fire being an inside job. what else could arthur be hiding?
0:04 Crosswire Theory
2:56 Elwood City Hierarchy Theory
4:11 Government Experiment
5:31 Inside Job Theory
7:42 Subscribe!

[@OakAsmr]

Man, KZbin algorithm is absolutely killing it recently for me. Good video

[@bibis.theory]

thxxxxxxx

[@AdhamOhm]

Mr. Ratburn's third grade class always seems to be picked to represent the school in spite of the fact there are at least two grades ahead of them. Usually, it's the senior grade that represents the school in sporting events, bands or musicals, but it always seems to be Arthur and his classmates who are part of almost almost every team and event. You may be on to something about Ratburn's class being disproportionately gifted.

[@jakethepillowsnake5302]

That really recontextualizes the episode where Buster almost doesn't get to graduate to the next grade with his peers. Maybe it wasn't him trying not to fall behind, it was him getting into the AP class.

[@ninjaturtle365]

Maybeeeeee, since Ratburn is a rat and that what they normally use on experiments, he's decided to seek revenge. Now he's the one experimenting, forcing kids to do thing they don't want to do.

[@sukhpreetsn4945]

AHHHHH SCARY 😨 THEORY SCARY AHHHH

[@ajstudios9210]

Or it could be because his daughter is in the class.

[@SlayingSuperNerdX]

@@ajstudios9210who’s his daughter again?

[@porcelainghoul]

I don't think I ever even realized there were sentient non-mammals in Arthur before

[@tirzxh]

that’s what i’m saying! i had a vague memory of that one alligator, but i was SHOCKED when he pulled up the clips of the ducks😭😭

[@drewzero1]

I think to the intended audience (children) the Crosswires' ambiguous fortune is perfect, because as a kid it's hard to tell the difference between the well-off and the mega rich. All you know as a kid is that they're better-off than you. I had one friend in school who was exactly like Muffy, obviously a little rich and bragged about meeting country music stars, but for all we knew his dad might as well have been Bill Gates.

[@amelialonelyfart8848]

This is only barely remember, but it reminded me of an anecdote in my childhood. There was a kid who kept saying he was the son of the mayor. No one in my class believed him (we were like 8-9), and one day, his dad came to school for us. He was the mayor! It was kind of cool, he was down to Earth and ate frenchfries and stuff which as a kid was peak cool. It was a relatively small town, 5,000 people, for context.

[@Whatisthisworld958]

Muffy went to a private school originally. I can’t remember which episode, but this was shown in an episode. She moved schools for second or third grade

[@outdooroperator714]

"That's not how we did it at my old school" 😂😂😂😂 i remember that episode

[@gaspartiznado6418]

I grew up in the mid-90’s/early 2000’s, and I was always afraid of becoming a 3rd grader because of Ratburn. The irony is that I actually ended up disappointed because a real 3rd grade class wasn’t actually difficult. There’s the episode “Arthur the King”, where Ratburn meets with his old professor from a private school, and there’s a flashback of little Ratburn learning Latin. I eventually started learning Latin in high school, but I had grown interested because of that Arthur episode. If anything, Ratburn made me excited for the tougher subjects in school!

[@myface6739]

Bro same. I was terrified of going to third and forth grade as a child also because of Mr. Ratburn and was worried about people like the Tough Customers.

[@bennu547]

Binky literally confessed to pulling the fire alarm because the fire gave him trauma. Fern is also a detective. More so than Buster. But let’s just single out Buster

[@burnforeverandever]

To be fair, Fern is pretty shy and reserved. Perhaps she could be underestimated? Not to mention, she isn’t one to take action on others…unless they bite first Maybe Haney just needs to stay on her good side to not cause any issues Buster on the other hand, would try to actively look into something strange going on

[@jakethepillowsnake5302]

It's harder to get a read on Fern. She's a lot quieter, so people probably just count her out for the most part.

[@gaviotacasas5304]

Also buster has luck​@burnforeverandever

[@bennu547]

Oh and umm… Muffy’s mom was already loaded to begin with. Muffy’s nanny is the same nanny her mom had

[@burnforeverandever]

Millicent seems to want Muffy to not be so spoiled. Maybe she had a privilege upbringing but her own family might not have given her handouts or even been cutoff at a certain point. The Nanny was employed at the Crosswire home but that could very well be after the fact Another thing that could have happened is Millicent could have came from another country were Nannies were cheaper, and then the she moved to the Untied States along with the nanny

[@cydragon2.099]

I guess so loaded where a Nanny isn't close to being Judged (as in pass away). it sadly takes so much funds for Pharma to extend a life.

[@jimmypadilla3441]

​@@burnforeverandever Alex Tizón type beat

[@micahbush5397]

Let's not forget the most ridiculous sign of obscene Crosswire wealth: Mr. Crosswire has a *blimp,* supposedly for advertising a *used car dealership!* There are only 20-25 blimps in the world, and companies that use them for advertising tend to be multi-billion dollar corporations, because operating a blimp is ridiculously expensive. There's only one explanation: The Crosswire blimp is actually a mass surveillance device!

[@bibis.theory]

today i learned that only 25 blimps exist.

[@sheevhernandez3869]

Damn Jimmy from Mr. Beast really used that blimb in a old video on Karl's mom. That's just 🤣

[@Retroboy-qb4li]

If you listen closely to mr crosswire's conversation with mrs. read in D.W. gets lost, one could make the not so outlandish claim that he's commiting tax evasion or at least plans to.

[@AdhamOhm]

This show has always been inconsistent with the Crosswires' wealth and its origins. Sometimes they're from multigenerational wealth, other times they're hinted at as being "new money", sometimes they're rich and powerful beyond most measures, other times they're plain folks and "small potatoes" compared to the Backstreet Boys (by Ed's own admission).

[@nightslasher9384]

Maybe the husband is a new money while the mother is an old money?

[@drewzero1]

The books weren't always consistent with Ed's line of work either. In Arthur's Pet Business, Muffy suggests Arthur should get a job as a teller at her dad's bank, which tells us that either he switched careers, or that he owns a bank in addition to the automotive business.

[@asalways1504]

I do believe that the Crosswires are a multigenerational family business. It’s possible that Elwood city is a company town; Muffy mentioned in an episode her family‘s business is one of the major cornerstones of the town’s economy.

[@ToLovelyJesus]

@@nightslasher9384 I like that theory.

[@nightslasher9384]

@@ToLovelyJesus Oh, thanks. I tried to create some sort of possibility that can make sense to their inconsistencies.

[@lilylou2615]

I think it’s crazy how he gets muffy a Stradivarius violin??? Like those can be tens of millions and it’s hard to obtain one even if you have the money.

[@froylangarcia1303]

I thought muffy's older brother Chip would be the heir to the Crosswire fortune

[@MHShah17]

Probably is, but it feels like they only added him in later, at least they gave a good explaination for why he's never there (college student in another area)

[@funwithdollsandmore2426]

He’s at a fancy expensive college explain in the show

[@AdhamOhm]

@MHShah17 Muffy had a brother as early as 1986 in the "Arthur Goes to Camp" book. He is seen in a family portrait that Muffy brings with her. A later book (forget which one) referenced "Chip" next to something with Muffy's name on it. Marc Brown had a lot of these chatacters' family backgrounds planned out from the beginning.

[@MHShah17]

@@AdhamOhm oh,, didn't know that

[@nicoleackerman205]

@@MHShah17 Before he showed up the only sign of him was on the Christmas movie where there was a stocking that was much smaller next to Muffy's That said Chip that is it before he showed up.

[@drewzero1]

While I don't really buy the government experiment theory, it does help explain why the class got to meet the president. It kind of frames that whole field trip in a whole new light! "Mr. President, this is a demonstration of the research from group ELW-562. As you can see, the subjects are learning far beyond their grade, while the control group in the other class are still struggling to find just one rhyming word."

[@joshuawells835]

Sounds like the theory about the McCallisters being mob lawyers in Home Alone, trying to explain how the McCallisters could afford a big house in Chicago and a massive family vacation to Paris.

[@slush8668]

it’s actually in winnetka not chicago but its close to chicago

[@alexs7670]

Set dressing in the mccallister master bedroom and basement suggest that mrs. mccalister is a fashion designer. And remember given buzz being a higschooler they probably bought that house in the early 80's, possibly as part of a new development in winetka. Also it was kevins uncle who paid for the family vacation to paris.

[@CalebKnowsItAll]

I love the dark theory videos in children shows.

[@ValKob]

I related so much to Arthur when doing hardwork in 3rd grade. Our class was conjugating verbs in French(in all tenses) until it drove us crazy. Meanwhile the other 3rd grade class were building cardboard houses for the stuffed animals they brought to school.

[@Mythical6255]

Imagine if we got a conspiracy theory on DW’s Snowball

[@bibis.theory]

👀

[@pockyzofawesomeness]

Not sure about the Hierarchy Theory... Francine's dad is a mammal (monkey like the Crosswires) but he's a sanitation worker, which is a pretty physically taxing job as well.

[@federickonmarz2711]

Yup

[@LEGO_IndianaJones69420_]

One day when I was bored, I actually used ChatGPT to generate a whole story set after the outbreak of a zombie apocalypse in Elwood City. I also included the Ed Crosswire mob boss theory. He was the main villain, and Arthur's dad, Buster's dad, and Francine's dad were trying to assassinate him because he was hoarding all the resources and using that to rule Elwood City with an iron fist. Mr. Ratburn is also a cross-dressing psychopath who lives in a basement filled with hundreds of porcelain dolls, and he is building a life-sized replica doll of Millicent Crosswire, Ed's wife. Sydney Sweeney is in it too.

[@antoniorivera8321]

Send a link ts sounds interesting 😭

[@ricardomartinez8430]

Guest star

[@ChrisTopher-id4mz]

Directed by Michael Bay!

[@not.supermario]

Unrelated, but I do like how the creators didn't make Muffy to be incredibly spoiled and mean. She had her moments, especially in the April 9th episode when she gifted Sue Ellen with a new scrapbook to make up for the one that was burned in the fire.

[@drewzero1]

In some of the earlier books she's almost a second main character. I always appreciated that while she was a little out of touch she was still a good friend.

[@toric6005]

Haha I totally missed that joke about Mr. Crosswire giving Francine’s family a ham😅😅😅

[@bibis.theory]

as a kid, me too.

[@UnbannedItsLA]

What does it mean

[@castaway2850]

@@UnbannedItsLA1. he gave it as a christmas gift. jewish people don’t celebrate christmas. 2. jewish people aren’t supposed to eat pork.

[@Scarab3271]

@@UnbannedItsLA Ham is taken from a pig. Francine’s family is Jewish … In case it isn’t obvious, since they’re Jewish, they probably follow Jewish dietary rules. Foods that follow these rules are Kosher. Pigs … are not Kosher.

[@510SPINESPLITTA8]

@@UnbannedItsLAFrancine’s family are religious Jews and pig meat is not Kosher

[@G-B-F123]

I’m all here for the Arthur theories 🤩

[@rustytoyota]

0:26 I worked for a dealer who was part of a Network of dealerships. These guys a LOADED. This dude owned an Turbo NSX ( old school ) a V 10 R8. One of the Audi group B cars. That was what he kept at the dealership. He drove even nicer cars than that.

[@Thomassteven00]

Mr Crosswire is for sure involved in shady business practices and money laundering. I do think he comes from a powerful family which is why the family has a lot of influence and power in that town. Muffy becoming a politician as an adult truly makes a lot of sense she would 100% end up being a corrupt politician who tries to help her rich family.

[@houseofmatrix6174]

Most politicians come from Mob families

[@hasibrahim]

how do i not remember there being ducks in this show

[@bibis.theory]

i didn't for a long time too.

[@wishbonefan]

They were only in the first few seasons, if I remember correctly. They disappeared pretty soon afterwards.

[@SergioPop-po7ni]

​@wishbonefanthe implications of them disappearing are huge. Idk what episode, but one time muffy's dad was in a commercial for his car dealership, and he was wearing a duck suit.

[@Sweet_Z_Official]

@bibis.theory This actually makes sense! The Crosswires make Squilliam Fancyson look about as subtle as a baseball through glass; they have connections, a TON of connections. Not to mention that if you mess with Muffy, you mess with Mr. Crosswire. With a single phone call, he might plunge Elwood City into a thermonuclear war. Yet, to the eternal relief of all, he can't do that. That would be bad for business, despite having all the power of a mafia don. I love the cat characters from this show, by the way. Who wouldn't want to resemble the animals they like? But according to this theory, you're damned if you do; damned if you don't. You're either a slave, or the slave driver. There's no ands, ifs, or buts about it. Never expected this to be so dark, but yeah... I got chills. 😳

[@OSSOYT]

1:06 I think in the wiki it's stated the Frensky's are reformed jewish. Francine is also seen eating a Pizza covered in sausage in the episode where she fasts for yom kipur.

[@mlev1111]

*Reform and pepperoni

[@BeccaBearSc]

Turkey and Beef pepperoni do exist

[@tiggergiggles]

The fact that people are debating whether a cartoon Jewish monkey ate pork is sending me 😂

[@syw9882]

Plot twist: the theme song is a hint too! Bob Marley’s son is singing but is also Mr. Crosswire’s plug! It’s a weed empire! That’s why Arthur got fat from a cake addiction in that one episode…he got in the wrong baked goods! & if I’m not mistaken, Mr. Ratburn has the same addiction. Also, in both cases, Arthur’s dad is the baker which is why Crosswire telling Jane about his taxes is so routine. She cooks his books & David moves his product through his catering business.

[@adanalyst6925]

Oh! Are you having cake?

[@darlenmontano2917]

Please more Arthur theories! Especially the infamous episode when DW gets punched.

[@bibis.theory]

aight

[@MoneyDLumi]

Highly grateful for whoever this

[@bibis.theory]

thxx

[@EnliHamzai]

Yo man, fantastic breakdown. The show gives me so much nostalgia. I remember all these scenes but the way you put it is amazing. That is like totally. What’s happening. You gotta make more author videos didn’t realize how deep the show was. 😂

[@bibis.theory]

sure will do.

[@tdflky9944]

This is just as insane as when that guy was saying The Backyardigans is Communist

[@Roxxie-The-Imp]

Is it wrong tho? 😅

[@tdflky9944]

@Roxxie-The-Imp no, but it's definitely messed up 😆

[@olivius8891]

People will theorize about anything

[@ToLovelyJesus]

Perhaps because you keep watching them.

[@asalways1504]

2:29 maybe the reason Muffy doesn’t go to a private school could be that she was either kicked out or flunked out. Unlike public school, private schools have the means and money not to put up with problematic children.

[@drewzero1]

How does Fern feel about Arthur having a pet dog? What happened to the human Tibble Twins and The Amazing Larry?

[@Thoroughly_Wet]

The IRS doesn't care how you got the money, just that they're getting paid their full percentage.

[@lordmavbmp]

I downloaded this video cuz my internet trash but this shit was so good, I had to make sure I came back to like it lol. Hope you reach the goal!!! Looking forward to part 2

[@bibis.theory]

thxxxxx

[@CowBlox2000]

More Arthur theories these are awesome

[@cutequakrparrot]

The bird and reptile thing could be even worse than that. Think about the demographics of the school: literally all mammals, not a bird or reptile in sight. Now, you'd think oh, but education is compulsory, of course they have to attend...or do the mammals just turn a complete blind eye to birds and reptiles not receiving an education? If not encourage it outright?

[@gilbertohernandez2409]

It could also just be the result of segregation/red lining. They are in the suburbs after all

[@thecheesemeister999]

bibis the 🐐 3:04 Don’t need a shoutout, you’re channel and this video was just cool!

[@Ziggy4032]

You may be one of my favourite KZbinrs. Covering 2 of my Favourite shows

[@bibis.theory]

and you're my favorite viewer!

[@Ziggy4032]

@ Thanks :)

[@Cooe.1]

​@@bibis.theory... Aren't you British? Isn't it supposed to be "favourite"? Or are you an American who hires a voice over actor? 🤷 That would make me think this channel is AI slop tbh.

[@NW255]

Dude money launders

[@josecardenas6786]

The crosswires are mafia family 😂 it kinda makes sense if you think about it 😂

[@jacksont9455]

Don’t wanna cross the crosswires

[@SPAnComCat]

I just Recently Found this Video, and it's Intriguing! You got a New Subscriber!

[@bibis.theory]

thxxx

[@SPAnComCat]

@@bibis.theory No Worries!

[@Lucky_9705]

Muffy’s father even resembles Ray Liotta in some ways

[@AntonioPatru]

Dude is DEFINITELY a Mafioso

[@DubGathoni]

1:15, I don't think that this supports the thesis. If he was as wealthy and powerful as this thesis states, then why would he not have a stockpile of supplies, food and fuel for a generator for this situation? Or that has not been prepared in advance, given his wealth, why would he buy from a local store when he could just as easily order in supplies.

[@elf3477]

Crosswires=Sopranos

[@zandernewson9933]

On route to college: Muffy: Are you in the mafia! Mr Crosswire: There is no mafia!

[@blipblap8798]

I HAD NO IDEA THAT WERE OTHER ANIMALS

[@quaktoons331]

This is supposed to be a kids' show, not a secret Walter White success story 😂 Omg it gets better 🤣

[@nicoleackerman205]

When I was a kid on the lice episode it showed that Muffy's mom had a nanny so I thought it was the mom's money not the dad's.

[@Fatima-qn1kt]

I just figured muffys mom was old money and her dad new money

[@rin-eri]

i am so here for this

[@bennu547]

Also, just because you’re in the same grade it doesn’t mean it’s the same things you’re studying. I forget what the classes are called but it’s basically an easier class vs a harder one. Same grade. Different things you’re learning

[@ashleeramey]

Ratburn made everyone write a FIVE pages over the holiday😮😮😮

[@santiagocalderon4700]

The commentary is nice man

[@sparksaturn1731]

These are awesome

[@drealane7917]

Mr. Hiney isn't a teacher he's the principal

[@gravitysnegative1962]

“All due respect, you’ve got no f*ckin idea what it’s like to be number one”-Mr. Crosswire

[@Rnerdy197]

Interesting could just be the people behind the Arthur show don't know that a second hand car dealership wouldn't be doing as well as crosswire is made out to be doing

[@TB80231]

Muffy's dad is actually a member of the Spanish inquisition and was conducting a converso test

[@Anti-CornLawLeague]

Just when I think video essays can’t get any more obscure. If it’s a thing from something or somewhere, there’s a video essay on it. There’s probably one about Mr. Crocker having Stephen Hawking as a roommate.

[@gaviotacasas5304]

Finally somebodys asking the real questions

[@Kfox0963]

Is there a beeping sound effect through this entire video? I could not get through it because of that.

[@bibis.theory]

yh, sorry bout that

[@tlst94]

How did I forget that anthropomorphic non-mammals existed on this show? 🤯

[@drawingfandome]

This is just putting a conspiracy theory spin on the tropes within the show.

[@AlexReynard]

To be fair, the writers of Arthur seem to think that the best way to deal with any bad behavior is to just "be nice" and ignore it. Exhibits A through Z: D.W.

[@spacewizard339]

4:34 I honestly do not remember them doing calculus. Maybe they mentioned it once or twice but did not actually do it. In addition, although Arthur takes place somewhere in North America, I'm pretty sure many Asian and European students learn algebra during elementary and middle/secondary school. Edit: Okay that theory actually kinda makes sense.

[@Ozwmandeas]

I think that you could expand the goverment theory by adding that perhaps the students in elwood elementary (i dont know the name) dont do exams however the homework they do is harder and may land more points and exams are simply just homework sheets with said label

[@MoonEaterSkoll]

Used car dealerships are raking it in x3 always have been. The trick is selling cars to people at rates they can afford them but interesting them into oblivion so a $30,000 car becomes $100,000 its the long con.

[@ChrissaTodd]

i mean tbh the kids got really bored of what his sister taught in that one episode, showing what she was teaching was for like first graders i was so confused why his sister babied them, also different classes teach differently ratburn was taught to be strict so he is strict

[@52flyingbicycles]

Maybe the ducks are just immigrants. Some countries have mostly mammals, others mostly lizards, others mostly birds, etc. and there just so happens to be a lot of blue collar immigrants from duck countries in Elwood City

[@FrickenChicken28]

Wow this guy is good!

[@FrickenChicken28]

More episodes like these?

[@bibis.theory]

soon

[@realteamwall]

1:29 i think i remember that scene i always think about some scene where he talks about his money in a store

[@TylerRamos-h2o]

That level of wealth for a used car dealership owner in the 90s seems reasonable to me.

[@bennu547]

I did co op in high school. I was assigned to a 3rd grade class. They were doing things like fractions and long division. Actually I think we were covering similar things but more advanced math in high school too. So what are you on about third grade classes should cover the two times tables?🤨

[@bibis.theory]

all im saying is the jump is big.

[@ToLovelyJesus]

I didn’t learn times tables until 3rd grade. I guess it just depends on the school.

[@flanthief]

It would be cool if you soured the reddit thread where you pulled the Inside Job theory. It would be nice to direct people to the community making these ideas and invite others to take part

[@kevinxu3892]

Any theories on You Got To Be Kidding, dark Binky?

[@hyquiemistheg.o.a.t1671]

Why are we considering this 16 years later. We have some serious child hood mysteries to solve.

[@CornerstoneMinistry316]

If I remember correctly the Crosswires come from the founders of the city. It's similar to the Bluffs from Doug

[@nicorizzo5402]

I can buy the theory that Mr. Crosswire might be a mob boss, but I don't buy Ratburn's class being a government experiment or Mr. Haney staging the fire, but also what do any of these theories have to do with each other?

[@grt1769]

This is some low down crap worthy of D.W herself! Good job

[@trebie5924]

Ever since that Blooms video on Ceric Artman, I cannot tell if channels like this are real anymore.

[@PancakesTheDragoncat]

not super convinced by most of these, but you seem to really have a point with that last one....

[@anitoon9972]

6:10 mr. Haney got -2000 points on his credit

[@thatsabadname6242]

This is a awesome video magi give some input tho you’re audio or microphone is a little messed up I tried pausing tithe video spot see if it was me and it was the video there is an incredibly high pitched beep beep thump thump deet deet idk how to describe it but you’re video is awesome and gray I just figured you could use to know there is an annoying beeping c = thanks for uploading ima subscribe = ) = 0

[@n0raaFTW]

bibis the 🐐

[@alfonsohdezB]

So Arthur was "classroom of the elites" before cote was a thing

[@andrewmcnamara6305]

According to TV Tropes this video would fall in the category of "WMG."

[@SPAnComCat]

What does that mean?

[@noobmaster7035]

@@SPAnComCatWild Mass Guessing

[@SPAnComCat]

@@noobmaster7035 Thank you!

[@sheismymom]

I am shook I can't believe Mr Haney did this

[@Minceraft1972]

we all love you bibis

[@bibis.theory]

i love you more minecraft1972!

[@spac3.c0ast]

good video but the music used has a high pitched beeping noise in it :c

[@rue1842]

Omgg I knew it wasn’t just me

[@spac3.c0ast]

@ yeah i’m sensitive to those things and it made the video just about unwatchable for me bc it hurt my ears so bad

[@67Dot]

3:18 🦆Ducks? Or platypodes?

[@bibis.theory]

ducks.

[@tanydossie4076]

I'm pretty sure they said he owns multiple companies like a radio station and a tv station

[@susanroche597]

He could be a CEO of healthcare company

[@backupsx9912]

What does Mr Henny have to do with the crosswire theory?

[@Angelmama22]

Haney’s voice actor died.

[@bibis.theory]

me when i spread misinformation:

[@wyn2647]

The voice actor passes away, not the character he voiced

[@powerofediting1657]

@bibis.theory I think they’re telling the truth

[@bibis.theory]

my bad, read that as henry.