'Don't Hug Me I'm Scared' Counter-Theory

[@aleksanderthorstensen]

I really liked your explanation of the ending, however more depressing it may be, I thought it was an interesting take. That the puppets have not taken on their favorite colors, but rather forced them on their kids, very indicative of the parents pushing their children to achieve the dreams they never could, rather than the children's own.

[@hkn3124]

Aleksander Thorstensen cough dance moms cough

[@ilovefuckingdragons7219]

Aleksander Thorstensen turtles

[@MidoriMushrooms]

parenting is another form of indoctrination was what my mother used to say my mother wanted me to believe what she did as well, but she actually doesn't believe I'm a terrible person for not, probably because what she believes is challenging and questioning everything.

[@calderworthington563]

Aleksander Thorstensen, But he didnt have any evidence for it.

[@throwwway9152]

I dunno, quinton sounds a lot like he's projecting and deliberately ignoring evidence in order to reach the conclusion he wants.

[@NotSpecialDude]

Based on your theory, the fact of Duck guy could be explained. Where as Red guy joined society but has issues relating and thus feels as an outcast, Duck guy is self-destructive and unable to truly adapt. He can't return as he wishes to leave but can't survive on his own and stumbles on the first roadblock, in the show that was getting caught by the can, but in real life it could be falling into debt or becoming addicted. Likewise, close communities and parents like to avoid people leaving their bubble and make examples out of the failures. So yellow, is forced to eat duck guy's remains, or irl; told to shun and otherwise disown them as a family member/member of community.

[@CatholicFrog]

Or it could be that society has consumed him?

[@martingleichauf8445]

@@CatholicFrog Well yellow eats him but yellow isnt part of the society he is in the bubble

[@AgemEssatz]

This is the ONLY theory that doesn't go for "oh everything is nice now, they are free!".... My head exploded, I loved this theory.... This explains the restart of the cycle. The message of the last episode may not be about media, but about parenthood: parents try to make the best for their children... but in the process, they don't isten what the kids think is the best for themselves. We keep being adoctrinated by our own families.

[@Anti-HyperLink]

It's actually not, a lot of people have said that its reset and it's the same thing.

[@metademetra]

My theory was that after the original "Don't Hug Me I'm Scared" crew left, the network rebooted the show years later and are about to put three similar people through the exact same hell they did with the original three. In the exact same ways.

[@iskrem596]

Agem Essatz I never understood how people found this ending happy.

[@calderworthington563]

8:35, Do you have any evidence for that statement? No? OK.

[@FrancisR420]

Even if you can see the problem and try to stop it like when red was pushing buttons arguably made things worse and pulling the plug entirely only reset it

[@zarkflappysheep]

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the new show after hearing your thoughts on this!

[@emperilu]

Oh thank goodness, finally someone speaking some sense! The media theory was so far-fetched. It really seemed like people were stretching to make the facts fit that theory rather than trying to draw a conclusion based upon what was actually presented in the series. I enjoyed your theory!

[@QuintonReviews]

Thank you! :D

[@Bryntwulf]

I agree with everything except for the notion that the Blue Guy, Green Guy, and Red Duck are the descendants of the previous characters, rather than the characters themselves. I believe that the ending would imply that they've attained a much more healthy relationship with their toxic nostalgia, and have begun to move on with their lives, supported by the calendar showing the progression of time. Furthermore, this new area is free of all "teachers" that were brought in by Roy, who did not appear until the second episode. Though I do find it odd that the one teacher that has no connection to the father is the only female one. Maybe it's something left behind by a missing mother figure?

[@QuintonReviews]

Yea I totally realized that that was a jump in logic by the time I was done editing this. DHMIS is one of those shows where there are so many widley accepted theories that I would sometimes forget that some things don't have a lot of support. I too noticed that the notebook was the only "teacher" who wasn't created by Roy's machine, and also that she is the only one who ever notes how messed up things got. Also an interesting tid-bit is that she has continuity to how she is presented -- at the start of part 1 she looks normal, but by the end she has gone cross-eyes (which is of course how she looks at the end of P.6). Perhaps the Notebook does represent some sort of mother figure in their lives, and her only being around before and after Roy takes over their lives represents some sort of home troubles. Or maybe this is just me taking it too many steps one way -- it's honestly starts getting hard to tell.

[@QuintonReviews]

Thanks for watching, I usually don't get this much nice feedback from my videos.

[@Bryntwulf]

There are certainly quite a few rabbit holes in this show.

[@leugjeeo292]

I love this theory. I had a friend who went through conversion therapy and killed herself, so seeing any attention brought to over controlling households brings me joy.

[@mistab3333]

yeah, the religious are very poisonous when they want to be. sad but true.

[@candy-ninja]

That's horrible.

[@morriganward1968]

This is what I processed about green. It seems like an allegory for suicide after yellow eats him to me it represent the horrible grief of losing someone and processing that grief. I'm sorry for your loss im a lil late

[@Burgerlord223]

I think the reason why the story is so jumbled and mysterious is because the creators themselves want us, the fans, to be creative. The entire series is trying to show that people should have creative freedom in life. What they eat, how they view love and religion, how they manage their time, it should be all up to you.

[@liamsmith8924]

I know that this is a year old but bird gets canned. I'm not sure if that's only a British phrase but that can mean getting fired over here

[@hyperion3145]

Liam Smith Yeah, we say that in the states too. A little dated, though.

[@demetergrasseater]

That may be so, but consider it happens after he already ran off set and tried to quit

[@NilkadNaquadaG]

Seems to me that Green (Or as I like to call him, Ducky, since his bed has a "D" on it, not that the name is particularly relevant) was used as an example of "who not to be like." The branding on the cans make no attempt to hide the fact that it's him, and Yellow seems visibly unhappy when he's shown engorged after having eaten many cans of Ducky; he was most likely force fed. Closest analog I can think of in the real world is when a parent will explicitly forbid a child from associating with "bad influences;" Red was removed quietly, without explanation, evoking a subtler form of dissociation, but Ducky was explicitly removed from contact with Yellow except in a way that is only a painful reminder of the fact that he's gone. Roy is plainly and simply isolating Yellow; quietly removing the more innocent of "negative influences" while harshly cutting off those who have a more destructive effect on the world he's trying to maintain around Yellow.

[@Ryan-Petre]

I agree with this. But I would add that the reason I think Ducky was used as an example of what "not to be" was because he, unlike Red, failed to support himself outside of his childhood home. He escaped and was then "eaten up" by the outside world. Which makes sense seeing as Ducky was always more naive and presumably younger than Red, who was more mature and more adaptable to the "real world". Yellow had to stay in Roy's world in fear that he too would die if he ever left.

[@user-fb6gl3kp5k]

NilkadNaquada a

[@danjo2080]

I'm late to the party, but that makes sense. Red had a very personal experience, so his exile was quick and quiet so as to not inform the others what he saw. Duck overtly attacked the camera and set in front of Yellow, so he had to be made an example of.

[@GenophefeElisabeth]

Daniel Hudson Exactly. He got 'dissected'. Roy took him apart. These are synonyms for an absolutely harsh emotional demolishion.

[@RonWolfHowl]

GenophefeElisabeth *metaphors

[@MaxMallard]

I think the creators talked about this in an interview. If I remember fit, they said that all theories were right, and they wanted people to interpret the series in their own way.

[@rtheawesomegm]

they said that "if they make a theory, it's correct to them"

[@Apterygidae]

Fun fact: the makers of DHMIS are working on a Amazing world of Gumball Episode

[@Gxicigcihvho]

Darks19 hell ya has it been aired yet?

[@GDNachoo]

It was aired little earlier

[@Yipper64]

fun fact: that episode had a 7 in it. you know what that (probably) means!

[@alZiiHardstylez]

Oh my, poor kids.

[@Gxicigcihvho]

alZiiHardstylez what bitch

[@happybunnyntx]

Oh my god, I love everything about this theory.

[@QuintonReviews]

Thank you. :)

[@uRDM]

Quinton, can you explain WHY the three guys at the end were their children? Any evidence to back that statement up?

[@QuintonReviews]

Mining4Obsidian I'll be honest, and I'm sure I've mentioned this a few times in the comments, that was the widespread's community's thesis that I never thought to question. Is it literally their kids? No, I doubt it. However I still interpret it to be a representation of the "next generation." They're clearly younger than the original team was, and it's more than just their colours that are different.

[@uRDM]

What else is different? I didn't see them looking younger. (I mean, they look younger than they did at the end of episode two, but still.)

[@QuintonReviews]

Mining4Obsidian Well 'Duck' is wearing the clothes of a younger man. He's more 'preppy' than 'old' it seems. Red/Blue is smaller. With Yellow /Green there's not much that could change, but Green seems to be a lot less thick (in terms of material) than yellow.

[@nobodymatters3294]

It's what having a narcissistic mother/father feels like. Literally, constant manipulation.

[@dannyboy218]

I can relate to that

[@shipperina2213]

you mean abusive, narcissists doesn't mean abusive

[@mrXlaughteR]

not really a theory but an out loud thought... Thinking about the green guy, The duck. "Green is not a creative colour" then green is eliminated in episode 5, The only episode he decided he wasn't going to "be creative" and play along with the singing objects. also, in episode one, He literally spells out death as everything becomes chaotic.

[@VSpoodle]

I gave the Film Theory a spin after yours, and that was definitely an error. It's not to say that MatPat was wrong, but your understanding cuts so much deeper than his did. You didn't dissect it on a surface level, you understood themes and were able to describe them concisely. He focused so much on the literal stuff: 'he is on a kids show, they are actors on a kids show', and had to slowly wind his way to similar themes toward the end of his video(es)--and he needed two like 18 minute videos to do it, while it took you like 9 and a half.

[@somniloguy12]

Tbh that holds true for most game/film theory episodes.

[@wafflezyum]

VSpoodle not to rag too much on Matpat, I like some of his vids for the entertainment value (mostly the ones he made before getting as big as he is now), but it seems he goes more for controversial/shock value and attention getting theories. Especially after the FNAF series. Quite a few of his more recent theories have come across as less researched/dissected and more of an attempt to get the views. That's just my take on how his channel has evolved tho.

[@devydev3112]

wafflezyum That's the beauty of stuff like this that is so open ended, it can be all in the eye of the beholder. however the creator may have been leaning more towards what matpat said, to this theory, maybe a bit of both or be compleatly different. as observers we can give a whole new interpretation that wasn't even intended but with an equally valuable thought process to go with it. although it's pree fair to say that the creator wanted to get the message of not always trusting what your told as fact, but under what context is where the theorizing begins.

[@marthia8015]

Of course MatPat took longer, he stretches all his video out much more then they would need to be instead of just getting his point across. It plays into what wafflezyum said about attention grabbing theories, ~15-20 minute video was for some time considered to be the sweet spot for maximum add revenue on youtube (I don't know if that's necessarily still the case after everything that happened). I think it was even MatPat who I heard mentioning it for the first time. And making a bloated two-parter on one topic (most likely with separate intros and a recap section) is easier then writing two short, to the point video about two different topics.

[@Error0101]

Bianca Mayer It's actually just because it's hard on his editors.

[@asmrehzi8479]

I notice that when the notepad said "i use my hair to express myself" at first THEY said it was boring, just like the adults in the real world said that the red guy's creativity was boring, to which the notepad repeated himself in seemingly the same tone, but you could tell it was forceful, in a way, as if to push the thoughts in their heads.

[@bungiecrimes7247]

Honestly people who dye their hair to stand out are the most milk toast mfs out here.

[@wyattvaught2647]

Dude, you knocked it out of the park with this theory. Makes a TON of sense. If there's a correct explanation, this is probably it.

[@kkilldyll]

Pete Sm

[@thatmexicanuzer]

Huh... I'm glad to hear a different theory that didn't involve "the media", and it's not that far fetch, to be honest

[@iprainwater7461]

I love this theory. And you know what I love about the creators? They said that in the interest of creative thinking, all of the theories to them are considered correct.

[@psybarz5578]

A drawing made of red and black squares sold for $30,000 at an art gallery. There was heated debate over what the artist was trying to represent. In the end, it turns out the head of the janitorial crew made a crude drawing of the bathrooms, and the red squares were the areas where the toilets were not functioning properly.....but I'm sure the debate was entertaining. Thumbs up!

[@TranslationHell]

I know this is old, but do you have a source?

[@polymorphousadversity6211]

Psybarz I would also like to see a source, please.

[@mira7653]

Psybarz yeah id like to see it

[@turntechgodhead73]

Translation Hell no

[@lorddosuniversos]

me too lol

[@Noodle.in.oodles]

It’s interesting that in “Craig’s Big Day” the camera guy’s name is Roy-he’s super excited and it reminds me of a dad making home movies (why else would he be filming?) I think that Roy in DHMIS is actually the red guy’s dad and he projects it as Yellow’s father. Also interesting that Roy is the only named character-you wouldn’t need to name yourself if the narrator is you and maybe no one else has a name because they aren’t based on any real world characters. I also think red is supposed to represent the creators of the show-they were scared that growing up meant losing their creativity but instead of “unplugging” from the imaginary world they actually turn the whole thing into a show-a way to grow up and make money without having to abandon their imaginary world. That’s why everything changes color-they’re able to change the imaginary world into something real (in this case a show called DHMIS). It’s a way of telling the audience that just because they grow up they don’t have to stop enjoying the things they enjoyed when they were young and they can actually make something that’s lucrative. They don’t have to fall in line with their father’s ideas of what it means to grow up. I think Roy’s acceptance of this is actually a fabrication of what happened to them (the creators) in their lives which is why Roy is still lurking. Roy wants them to grow up (which they do) but not the way he wants them to which may still be a fear they have-that they’re disappointing their dad. But that’s just my theory and Joe already said everyone is right so if you don’t agree that’s on you, not me :)

[@kongkimtiam2413]

Wow i- how did this not get any likes ? This is incredible

[@FrancisR420]

I feel like red unplugging everything at the end and kind of represents how someone raised in that situation is really the only person who cares about it enough to know that it needs a change and is willing to try anything to make some kind of change

[@skys0uls]

I really love this theory, and it is a much more universally understandable message than TVs in Britain in the 40s. While technology is a big theme, it's used more in tandem with the brainwashing, than as a separate entity. It reminds me of reading about people discussing being raised in cults (not death sacrifice cult, but groups that follow a leader and lifestyle and are shunned for straying from the path). A lot of them describe having trouble adjusting to being away, and feeling bad for missing part of it, because it's where they grew up. But they know morally that what they learned there wasn't right. This is a great and concise theory.

[@Murnjendoof_too]

I've always felt that DHMIS wasn't really "designed" to be understood; it moreso feels like a show designed to evoke emotions and vague themes, rather than tell a complete narrative. The people who made it are talented people. If they wanted to tell a contained story, they'd just tell a story. All of this leg-pulling and symbolism doesn't really play into any of the story's supposed themes, according to any of the big theories. I prefer to just take it at face value, and watch it on the assumption that its goal is not to tell a narrative, but to make you feel uneasy and entertained. At the end of the day, I almost feel like not even the creators know what the "story" is, because it doesn't feel like a piece of work in which the story is something that needs to be understood. When you realise that it's able to make you feel empathy and joy for these characters even though we don't really know what's happening to them, you sort of realise that that, in and of itself, is the true beauty of DHMIS. At least, that's my take on it all.

[@KristofskiKabuki]

It's really bizarre to me that no one seems to see the obvious thing that red never actually leaves the world of the show. It's like trying to leave the matrix but is actually just in another layer of it. That's why when he sees that guy in the club everything falls away and he's back in the world of the show. Cos he's realising he never left.

[@KristofskiKabuki]

That's why it's full of copies of himself and they all repeat things he said on the show. And that's why you keep seeing him in the food episode.

[@chJohnJobs]

I was so distracted by the video of a Christian say science doesn't prove nothing....even though it does, heck I'm a Christian myself and I was slightly offended by that......other note: GREAT vid

[@starlight5973]

john jobs Same. That kind of indoctrination makes me squimish because you can believe in both science and in God. Heck, if God is real then He MADE science like chemistry and physics the way they are.

[@brendancoulter5761]

If Christians agreed with all other Christians, there would not be however many thousands of churches there are.

[@kats5980]

If Science doesn't prove anything then why do computers exist? because of science, which means SCIENCE DOES PROVE THINGS! not only is that indocternation bad, it's also wrong

[@SpkyGhtr]

That video made me cringe

[@csp5531]

Indeed. I'm Christian too, and I also think science is important. Besides, Galileo did nothing wrong and did nothing against Christ.

[@sarahwright8808]

Y'know, I stopped really liking the series after the 3rd one (though I watched them all), but I think that's because I was trying to fit everything in with the theory that it was about the media, which became increasingly tenuous as the series continued. This video has really made me appreciate how good the new episodes are.

[@Galorious330]

To quote The Offspring "Nothing changes cause it's all the same The world you get's the one you give away It all just happens again way down the line All the things you learn when you're a kid You'll fuck up just like your parents did It all just happens again way down the line"

[@vermillion7829]

woah bro thats pretty E D G Y

[@BroudbrunMusicMerge]

Two counter-points: - Is it really "too nuanced" to show someone still connected to childhood media as being more playful and fun to be around? - The creators themselves confirmed that the first episode - not necessarily the whole series, but definitely the first episode - was a message on media.

[@meh_life3239]

ur theory was amazing. every other theory ive heard doesnt make that much sense. its like episode six disturbs their theory but theyre not ready to change it. i saw many theory videos and i just didnt get it. ur theory may not be what many want to hear. but it sounds just right. its a fact that u learn from ur parents and whether u like it or not u will parent ur kids the way ur parents parented u. and like u said, roy wanted the kids to be and think like him and believe in the things he believed in. and when the kids grew up they wanted their kids to be like them too. the kids are the fav colours of red yellow and duck. and the environment u grew up in as a kid, and the things u where thought, whether they were wrong or right affects u and ur mind. thank u soooo much for ur theory it made so much sense and made me satisfied. u deserve alot more views :)

[@Boredman567]

I suspect that the whole thing doesn't have so much of a concrete meaning or story behind it. It seems more likely to me that it's just an absurdist series with some themes of mis-education

[@nickwilson3499]

Boredman567 no, watch film theories theory on it, it's obvious

[@pliskin101]

No, everything needs to have a meaning! Nothing can be weird for the sake of weird!

[@milo1685]

Gabriel yeah but the creators themselves have talked about them being all connected and having an overarching story line The first one might’ve been just a weird accident but the rest defiantly connect and have themes You can’t just create random whacky artistic shit like this without having SOME sort of message behind it; even if that message lays low or is up for interpretation. I mean you could but I think that defeats the whole purpose of art.

[@kshirin0298]

i think it started out that way but ended up getting a meaning as it kept going on

[@PlankDot]

@@nickwilson3499 film theory and game theory are shit low quality videos meant for people like you to eat up.

[@CrystalApex]

I never noticed Red guy standing in the crowd in episode 3, why is he standing with the cult?

[@rickeyblitz2988]

I really never thought a series like DHMIS would have a "happy" ending. it needed a pessimistic conclusion, fits more with the theme of the series

[@Franco159487]

I really liked your theory, hope you get more views, you deserve them :) nice vid

[@QuintonReviews]

I'm grateful just to get this much attention. ;)

[@heatherheath3834]

Early QuintonReviews is still just as wholesome as present day QuintonReviews. Hope you’re alright man. ✊🏻

[@wetmilk7275]

I love how your theory was so different from everyone else's. when I clicked on this I thought that i would just hear the same one I've been hearing forever, but it's nice to get something new from the dhmis community.

[@SonOfTheHenry]

This is the first theory that is actually practical. People always except the first thing that barely fits. Why the fuck would they make a whole series about tv in the 50s? Also did anyone see the theory that "KZbinExplained" made? It was so bad it was laughable.

[@xXxSnowXAblazexXx]

Its Me John Stamos It'd be a bit long to explain why it makes since that it's set in the 50s so I'll just say watch Nightmind's DHMIS video on it. He goes pretty in depth about it.

[@wetmilk7275]

Its Me, John Stamos I deeply enjoy the small theory that the whole series is just a twisted art project from Roy's perspective, as unpopular as it is

[@ChangedMyNameFinally69]

FauxFang Still falls apart after episode six.

[@fulldisclosureiamamonster2786]

Well, they did and they didn't. The creators explicitly said that all theories are correct. It's all in the eye of the beholder; up to you whether you think so or not.

[@Nyaliva]

NightMind and The Film Theorists made very good points as to how the 50s ties into the series. Whether it's set in the 50s is questionable, but there are explicit and implicit references to 1955 in the series and I think both channels made excellent points as to why. But yes, I saw KZbinExplained's video and it was terrible. One of the worst theories I've heard for anything ever.

[@allyli1718]

I agree with this theory. The media theory always felt convoluted, but when I watched the 6th episode again, I too was getting the vibe of someone trying to deal with an adult world different from your abusive childhood, and how to deal with that disconnect. The fact that he has a telephone line to the original household only adds to this, as people from abusive or cultish households often do still have a way to connect back to the siblings still trapped in that household, but they are often convoluted due to the abusive parent’s influence (ie don’t talk to him again, he’s now an outsider) or distant because these individuals often hold low contact/no contact with their abusers to avoid getting abused again. Ducky also felt like someone who got ‘made into an example,’ aka the abusive parent will tell their children about the poor kids who got ‘eaten alive’ in the real world in order to keep the kid from leaving the household, like Gothel’s ‘Mother Knows Best’ song in Tangled. Ducky couldn’t cope with his crappily made upbringing, so he couldn’t survive the real world and probably died. This story then got force fed to yellow guy to terrify him. This also reflects why Ducky becomes a teacher that Roy’s machine can control when Red Guy messes around with it-Ducky has become another lesson to keep yellow guy from escaping and under Roy’s thumb. I also love the ambiguity of the ending. Red guy playing with the machine that controls all the teachers kinda felt like him realizing all the techniques for control Roy was using. Unplugging usually means ending something, but in this case it’s left ambiguous as to whether the cycle of abuse has started again with Red guy using those same techniques against his own kids, or whether they’ve managed to escape it and start a clean break. For one, the real world is portrayed to be boring and sad. For two, the notebook starts singling again. Both of these seem like indicators that it’d start again. But the colors are different and there’s a door and the notebook is cross eyed, which indicates intentional changes for the better based on the past. It really feels like how parents often do their best to do better than their own parents, but they can never be sure if they’ve succeeded in breaking the cycle or are just hurting their children in new ways.

[@hermaiamoira1064]

I was homeschooled by evangelicals, and this series reminded me of that at frequent points.

[@stoovan3867]

You could say the whole show is about creativity itself. Not having good ideas because you are restricted. But when it comes to creativity, you can do whatever you want in your own special way.

[@moeman813]

You hit so close to home that we're practically roommates

[@nintendo101ish]

I always thought the duck wasn't real, or maybe a pet, you know just a normal duck that the thoughts of the other characters can be projected through. his relative unimportance to the conclusion of the series pointed me to the fact that maybe he was just a character in the series itself

[@LPS-bc6fr]

the only DHMIS Theory that actually makes sense

[@fulldisclosureiamamonster2786]

Besides all the other ones.

[@hiinsanity]

All the other ones think too deep and are dark and clearly fake

[@TheTimoprimo]

milky ApplySauce According to the DHMIS creator, the work can be interpreted in anyway.

[@Mobropro12]

Lamp man : Hey, you wann- Yellow kid : No. THE END

[@ShiftsThaGizzim]

The entire series of Don't Hug Me I'm Scared is all about the struggles of Red guy growing up without his father, depicted as Roy. That's right, Yellow guy and Red guy are brothers and Duck is their grandfather. Roy suffered from a sex addiction, as can be seen by his internet activity. This resulted in a divorce from Red and Yellow's mother. Due to his absence, Red resented his father much as a teenager probably would. Meanwhile, Yellow has no problem calling him his father, much like a young child still would. Roy's contact with his children was limited to their court mandated visits, which was likely every other weekend. Possibly why you only see him in contact with his children once under the same roof. However, Roy wished he could be there for them more often, which is why he is always seen watching them from afar. The reason he seems so creepy is due to the fact that he felt like a stranger in the eyes of Red. If he knew the reasons for the divorce, this would only be extrapolated as he would view him as a creepy sexual deviant. The lack of paternal guidance in their lives, lead to them being practically raised by the media. They were also more susceptible to being confused by many concepts that may have been better explained to them if they had more supervision by both parents. It may be noted that you never see or hear any mention of their mother. This could be for any number of reasons. But they are instead, always seen under the supervision of their grandfather, Duck, who is just as confused as they are. In episode 6, everything comes together when Roy very LITERALLY reaches out to Red. This "re-connection" finally allows Red to "disconnect" from the control the media has had on them. They are now free to show their true colors, which can be seen for the first time at the very end of the series... posted on June 19th 2016... >>>FATHER"S DAY

[@ShiftsThaGizzim]

I also believe it's possible that one of the DHMIS's creators, Joseph Pelling is in fact Red guy. And that this is an abstract autobiography of his life as a teenager. There isn't much known about his back story. He also uses a picture of Red Guy as his profile image on Twitter.

[@scruffiandraws]

+ShiftsThaGizzim your theory has to be one of my favorites

[@ShiftsThaGizzim]

Trash Thank You :)

[@memo-fq3ps]

ShiftsThaGizzim this theory just got adorable in the end haha

[@top-hats-9056]

Both theories are definitely my favorite.

[@wetmilk7275]

as much as I love some of film theories vids, yours go so much deeper. there is a comment on here that says that matpat only went surface deep, and they are correct. he didn't cover many themes, the theory itself wasn't all that complex or satisfying to a series that has so much mystery. which I guess is sorta destined, anything that's this open and ambiguous is going to have different theories and opinions, some of which will be dissapointing. but some of the less popular theories, the ones that almost no one covers, those are the real gems to me. they are unique, they are something to awe at. while some of them might not have much evidence, they are still entertaining and entirely possible. like Becky herself said "we have seen all of your theories, and they are all correct" the series is completely up for interpretation. and I loved this interpretation of it quinton, very different and somewhat depressing, but that's how I love my theories.

[@azogtheuglee4889]

It would be interesting to see your take on the TV show that just came out.

[@melonyswife]

6:57 Me: But that dosent make any se- Kid: DOO DOO, A DOO-DOO.

[@LoverOfMuch]

thank you for sharing this! i watched an hour-long essay on the Television Act theory, but still felt like something was missing.

[@GusBDamme]

ive always loved the idea that there is mo story, just a bunch of weird ass episodes with self contained "plots", like any other cartoon

[@somerandomguy.9651]

I have to agree with your theory. It makes sense that with the colors of the new characters in the end is so good. They raised their children to be like them like how it is in real life. Beautiful theory.

[@KABOBkabob]

I like this theory a lot. I think it's the most sensible I've heard so far. Would've liked a bit more discussion regarding that rather than the longer introductory summary to the series.

[@ridiculousnicholas4732]

Wow I never thought of DHMIS like that. I thought it was an allegory for following your dreams and living life the way you want to.

[@cognitohazard3]

this is an awesome theory. i never thought about the final 3 being the descendants of the originals and the whole thing repeating but it definitely makes more sense to me.

[@slaughterround643]

Brilliant! The best theory I've seen so far

[@Encoun2er]

like the creators said, we are all correct. The team made this super ambiguous and wrote a perfect story that had multiple themes

[@Nostalgiohn1994]

I very much enjoyed your theory on the series. One of the greatest things about how unclear the series is, is how open to interpretation the entire thing is. Your theory was much more abstract than a lot that I have found on the website and I really respect that. I genuinely respect your work, keep making what you find interesting.

[@OniforAli]

I really like your theory. It's really well thought and coherent. I find it strangely very close to KZbin Explained theory, even if you went in a totally different direction.

[@QuintonReviews]

The KZbin explained video was the one that inspired me to do this I suppose, only in the fact that I was shocked that he was still totting the "media" theory. Each to their own I guess.

[@quackbuck1056]

so i've just found your channel today it started by me sleeping while watching jacksfilms then i woke up and you were on xD im glad i took a nap cause it lead me here this was not the first video this is like 3 hours later im still watching your videos dude. nice nice..

[@chrisj403]

my interpretation. red lives a bland normal life, but he is creative and wants to share his ideas. Roy sees his creativity when red preforms at the bar. Roy offers to pay for a kid's show. red accepts. Reds creative freedom is cut off by Roy, like not letting them be creative. and having his son star in the show. red slowly loses more and more creative freedom, like when he turns to the globe that's what he wanted the episode to be about. but then Roy decides on the computer. so red leaves the show. the next episode when duck is being put into cans that's him being exploited for advertising and Branding him, so he leaves. and yellow can't leave as he is forced to stay by his father. then Roy sees how sad his son is and let's red pull the plug on the show. then red, duck, and yellow start their own show, with their own creative freedom. that's why they are their favorite colors, that's also why there is significantly less stuff in the set because without Roy funding them they have a much smaller budget. and the notepad starting over means that all their adventures will be retold the way they had intended to be.

[@sainsburyschocolatechipcoo5275]

Just a Joker this makes way too much sense

[@chrisj403]

Sainsbury's Chocolate Chip Cookie Thanks man!

[@steamingpileofspaghetti9755]

Your interpretation? MatPat's interpretation.

[@chrisj403]

steamingpileofspaghetti Matpat?

[@steamingpileofspaghetti9755]

Game Theory?

[@nicholassabo2850]

I wasn't expecting to be so convinced by this! Though it sparks another question for me, beyond Bird Guy's strange consumption. Why is episode 3 so targeted at Yellow Guy? I wouldn't find it strange starting after episode 5, but it seems strange that the others are excluded from it.

[@QuintonReviews]

Thanks a lot! I also must admit that there are still questions that I can not answer. Perhaps Yellow guy is targeted in that episode because he is emotionally upset. The other two, having a fine and dandy pick-nick, likely wouldn't have bought into it all. That kinda doesn't make much sense -- but it's an interesting thought. Thanks for watching! :)

[@scarecrow2621]

+Quinton Reviews No, it makes sense. Christians often say that God "comes to you" when you are at your weakest. Aka most impressionable.

[@Tp_hedgelinghog]

"And it's *audible add; it's the perfect time-*" okay, that's a perfect add placement and start of add if I've ever seen any

[@19822andy]

I think the green guy's death represents him being fed to the media and in turn the media consuming and destroying him. He's the one that openly speaks out on the show. He openly says he does not want to be part of it anymore. This leads to his slow and barbaric death by the can. So in turn he was canned (sacked/ outcasted) by the show and eaten alive by the media. Skip to the events of episode 6. Yellow guy knows that bad things are happening. He's too frightened to actually rebel but he begs for the dream guy for it to stop. It's like us. We know that the media is manipulative. We want the media to stop lying to us but it carries on anyway. We have witnessed the fate of those that go against the MSM. I think the ending where Red guy pulls the plug is saying it's the only way to free ourselves. Take the power away from them.

[@memo-fq3ps]

19822andy that would make sense too

[@macnsteez3938]

19822andy that makes some sense. But don't you think Roy pointing out to the red guy where the plug is makes the theory that he is a big media boss a bit iffy? I agree that the msm does treat people this way but their gimmick is always trying to keep people consumed by crazy fast news cycles and false narratives, not really offering an alternative Having said that, I heard a theory that the red guy is the writer of the show, and the ending with Roy may point to an unspoken agreement that they have about giving the red guy more creative control that Roy had through the series so far.. and given the ending with their preferred colours, along with a new episode on the way where they seem to be back to normal, who knows?

[@MrAtrandom]

I think Red's head exploding is his realization that nothing around him is real and that he's being forced into the real world. I think that he's away of the programing that poor parenting and the media have on people so he's not as affected. He sees his poor upbringing and dreams about the playful times of the past (when he's at his day job). I think the scene with Roy's arm isn't Roy trying to help but rather trying to stop Red but he can't keep Red out of contact with Yellow. It seems like Red is trying to save Yellow from his reality but Roy has screwed him up too hard so he has to pull the plug.

[@unstab1e_272]

Just started looking into this video of a horrific life and I personally think you are 100% correct thanks for points all of it out!

[@LochNessHamster]

A lot of times when I'm creating things I have a lot of ideas and feelings in my head that influence them, but without much focus. There might be a specific feeling that was a driving force in making it, or even a variety of separate feelings, but consciously I never intended it to be a specific allegory for anything. When I go back and look at things I've created, I might be able to still see the emotions and thoughts I had at the time in my work, but they also still hold up on their own as pieces that are open to interpretation, or even just enjoyed on the surface level for what they are. I think that's what DHMIS is. It has a lot on its mind, but it's not trying to force anything right down your throat. It's the outward manifestation of those ideas with a lot of creative ingenuity, but ultimately they're only ever trying to be what they are; weird, funny short films with a sinister edge. Any other intent comes second, never hijacking any of the videos outright.

[@AdrianGhastly]

Now this makes a lot of sense when you look at it on the surface, but what about the whole "June 19th, 1955" stuff that keeps popping up in the series? That HAS to have some sort of implication to the message tying it directly to the media theory.

[@Por-poI]

its father's day. Just saying.

[@CoolidgeGaming]

Idiot Entertainment Considering the fact that it's written as 19/6/55 sometimes, I like to think it's the ages of the characters; The Red Guy being 19, The Yellow Guy being 6, And the Duck being 55. I do think Father's Day has something to do with this theory, though.

[@wjpmitchell3]

That's the british, and less specifically, European, way of writing a date, giving further evidence to the fact that this is related to British television programming.

[@ArvelDreth]

Not necessarily. It's a British animated series, so obviously they will make the date like that. The fact that it says it's the year 1955 could just be because old-fashioned ideas were more popular back then, and a lot of the ideas that Roy is pushing happen to be pretty old-fashioned. The fact that everyone who isn't one of the main characters is completely unaffected by the brain washing really puts a massive hole in the idea that it's about mass-media/television brainwashing.

[@AS_SO]

ArvelDreth You are a genius...

[@jackcutter2]

Rest in peace DHMIS. You never came back

[@rustedpickle5088]

I like the idea of the new puppets being the children, and their colours reflecting their parents belief. Though I don't think the cycle is started exactly the same. I think the door is to show that while the parents aren't perfect, they are attempting to be more open with their children, while still unforchantly falling into the trap of raising their kids how they were raised... Just not 'as' strictly.

[@DirtyBoySingToGod]

I love this theory thank you, but i am wondering why there has to be only a single narrative with theories about this show ? Why not have it incorporate many threads of narrative together ? They really are probably saying more then just one OR the other. Quinton seems like such a clever guy that he'd be able to combine the two if he wanted into another video. Oh damnit, i just want another Quinton video is all really ! :D

[@squidsbizarreadventure]

Yo... It's back.

[@KILLRXNOEVIRUS]

Yes

[@twilightvulpine]

That is an interesting theory, but I don't think it was necessary to discredit all the others. Like you said, maybe none of these are right.

[@Gleon115]

Well I'm happy I went down this rabbit hole to find this video. It hits very close to home for me as my parents have pushed their beliefs on me for years. I won't say what that belief is so I don't start any arguments because I know it's a touchy subject. Anyways as someone who's been on the receiving end of this for years the comparison does make a lot of sense to me.

[@mrbobmanbob]

When you suggested that the recolored 3 we see at the end are kids, and thus that's why they're colored that way, it all tied together in my head. Neat.

[@danielbenton7235]

I have just started watching u and so I'm watching all Ur videos. This is may favourite one yet as I went into it thinking I would completely disagree but now I think about it I really love this theory as it makes sense of so much

[@johnnytuxen6281]

5:32 i know tihs video is old and stuff but they are now they're favourite colours. in a interview with the makers they tell their fav colours

[@davysmith1934]

This is pretty damm good. Thanks for the insight my man!

[@Niyucuatro]

This is an interesting theory. Better than the media one. But i still prefeer the Inside a mind interpretation, wich is about Red being a yound adult that doesn't want to grow and tries to keep reliving his childhood memories with his imaginary friends. The refusing to grow up is what the calendar is stuck to the same day. The chapters are messed up because, no matter how much he doesn't wan't to grow up, He has already lost his innocence. Finally he accepts grouing up and "unplugs" his childisness. He also comes to the conclussion that the characters on the last scene represent the next generation. As red guy embraces adulthood and parenthood, the cycle begins again.

[@mariam19554]

The amazing thing is that there are so many theories. It's just the way you interpret it.

[@Shellboi-j6n]

Red guy: (haves childhood flashbacks) Duck: meh. Yellow guy (presses the teacher button.)

[@FrancisR420]

I feel like Roy reaching out from far away and grabbing red represented Roy's distant hold on red after red breaks free from that hold he stops pushing buttons and goes to the source, pulls the plug

[@asdatescosains700]

This theory makes so much sense and is way better than the 50's TV theory or the "They all represent different age-groups" theory.

[@felix56p]

The moment with the globe and the computer reminds me of how children are born with an understanding of logarithms, but are taught to forget it. The three main characters are instinctively drawn to the globe, but that turns out to be the "wrong" answer.

[@bobygreen8429]

What are logarithms

[@ataridc]

What I've learned reading comments here: people dismiss a lot of theories because they never understood them to begin with

[@RavenElliot]

Honestly this is the only theory I've seen so far that makes sense to me and I love it

[@hypock1]

Perhaps the part where green got packaged and eaten is just a metaphor for him being 'consumed' by the things/world around him?

[@Wondersson]

There is one problem about this theory. This theory basically ignored the duck

[@ChocolateChick1000]

My mini-theory on that is that the duck was the "weaker one" of the rebels. He started realizing the flaws in his upbringing after Red left, but was not as brave in leaving. Instead, he voiced his thoughts to his remaining family, to which they responded aggressively (Yellow eating the duck), making sure he could never ever see the world in a way that was not their way.

[@upon.my.liars.chair.]

Late, but the duck was literally being canned and for those who don't know, "getting canned" is another way for saying "getting fired" as in getting fired from a job.

[@Emily_S2001]

I like this theory more than the other ones I've seen. And yes, it does hit close to home.

[@DonutMaster56]

If You Think The Ending Might Be Real, Explain How Duck Guy Can Have A Kid At That Age

[@efilms5974]

This is the best theory I’ve seen for his series and it’s already 2018

[@notSiD]

It makes sense if Red is a co creator of the kid's show. The scene inside the office and stage performance are not a part of the kid's show, It was red's background as an actor outside of the show. Roy's scouts Red, landing him a job as the host of a kid's show. A show inspired by Red's own ideas. (And if you think it doesn't make sense that he is depressed in episode 1, remember that he is playing a character in a tv show and that isn't his actual personality. If you think about it this adds further depth because he has to play the average guy, which we know from the office scene and the stage scene that they are overly negative. Rather than be himself he is forced to play a character that the audience can relate to, making the show more appealing to a larger audience.) Roy tricked yellow guy into believing he ate his friend even though it was all part of the show to explain why duck left the show.(leaving to go join red in his more modest venture.) I know this video came out before GT's video, but just in case I wanted to add: His head blew up because he realized he can avoid the hijacking of his idea using a low budget and the internet. The show reboots, showing Red still hosting the show, with much more creative freedom and liberty. Obviously they sacrificed the extravagant budget they were receiving and instead of television, they uploaded their production to the internet. A web series about the importance of creative liberty, and standing against gatekeepers that want to 'market' your 'product.' Isn't it appropriate that this abstract series, which itself would have trouble being approved by these gatekeepers, would send this kind of message?

[@squirrel1331]

How the hell has it been 2 years already feels like saw this video a couple months ago

[@iswearimnormal6681]

I do like the last part of your theory that rather then the puppets having control they are making the same mistake, however I still think the base idea of the media theory is correct as there is just so much evidence for it that you can't ignore. regardless the creators said that they have never seen an incorrect theory which probably means that even if there is a "true storyline" its all up to interpretation. probably one of the most original theories I've ever seen

[@MrNotSpecified01]

I was trying to figure out where I had heard that song in your video before... Now I remember it was from Pact with a witch lol

[@talisozols9984]

I feel this might be a mix with the media theory. Roy is doing what you said using media that "proves" his thoughts are true and seems fun and good.

[@frederichembise8839]

b ķhv

[@Wabajak13]

Death, parenthood, loss of innocence, media manipulation, DHMIS really touches on so many important issues. Really enjoyed this though, one of the few theory videos that I feel would probably get a "mmmhhmm" and a nod from the creators.

[@joetastic5564]

I know this is an old Video but I can't help but notice that the first DHMIS notepad opened with eyes looking towards something and a blank top pad, while the one in the end opened with a more "fun" look, cross eyed and with a lightbulb on the top pad

[@trevorsloan7586]

That was an amazing theory. I really loved this video

[@dazpatreg]

7:32 no you said "fax an lojik" the shapiroman will appear

[@myautobiographyafanfic1413]

A good theory is that it's a work of absurdism, and how children's shows cover up the horrors that children will need to confront.

[@JCstock]

I still like Film Theory's theory better, but I enjoy your take on things.