He Doesn't Care - The Importance of Cuno in Disco Elysium

[@BrotatoPotato]

As soon as I started talking to Cuno, I thought, "Wow, Martinaise isn't a very good place to live, is it?" And wow, I never expected Cuno to have such a bigger role in the third act, and that you can take him in to become a junior officer.

[@owlbatross9187]

Well said, I remember thinking the same thing myself! He definitely makes it clear, right from the beginning, just how messed up the whole town is. It's so cool that Cuno has a bit of a hidden role in the third act! If only you could bring both him and Kim along with you at the end, that'd have been really cool.

[@Pachiku93]

Cuno didn't care, until he did

[@owlbatross9187]

Well said! Also, awesome profile pic! Big fan of Warcraft 3, might make some videos about it down the line!

[@aceituno8471]

cuno does what he wants, he doesn't care

[@SkyeFyre2131]

Cuno's attempts not to care were his armour against the world. Iirc, he spends about as much time asking "Why do *you* care?" as insisting that he doesn't and I think the times that Harry answered why did actually effect him. Also, I headcanon that Cuno watched the boat for Harry and Kim and joined up for all the reasons he does in his path.

[@owlbatross9187]

That's a great point! You're definitely right about it - it's his defense mechanism against the world's evils. Better to pretend he doesn't care then get burned by terrible people, like his father and Cunoesse. That's a great headcannon! I like that idea! Harry, Kim, and Cuno would've been quite the trio there at the end!

[@MrSex-gz3lb]

In the Russian games Pathologic and Pathologic 2, your first introduction to Notkin, the leader of a local child gang, is him giving you a quest to murder a rival gang member who's also a child.

[@owlbatross9187]

O_O Damn, that's intense! I'll have to check that out sometime!

[@MrSex-gz3lb]

@@owlbatross9187 If you like Disco Elysium, I'd recommend checking out Pathelogic 2. Like Disco Elysium, it's a really well written and philosophical RPG from Eastern Europe, but the gameplay is a lot different. Great video, by the way!

[@Ixarus6713]

There should've been an option to bring Cuno with you as a second companion if you win the tribunal. You'd have to have run through the whole drug scene first though, to get his full respect. It sucks that'll probably never happen due to the IP bs going on...

[@owlbatross9187]

I totally agree! That would've been an awesome addition to the game - can't imagine anything better than rolling into the Sea Fortress with both Kim and Harry at your side. Would've been a sight for the rest of Precinct 41, too!

[@ZenryokuFGC]

Really glad you made this deep dive on Cuno and his contributions to the overall experience. Was a pleasure to hear your thoughts

[@owlbatross9187]

Thank you so much, I appreciate it! I've got more Disco Elysium videos on the way and I can't wait to get to work on them!

[@ZenryokuFGC]

@@owlbatross9187 oh yea? Subbed then haha

[@avabethmcghee3048]

Shout-out to all the other Cuno/Cunoesse-types who grew up.

[@TheGlenn8]

Man I wish there was a version of the game where you can prevent Kim from getting injured but still save Cuno from Martinaise. Having Kim with you for the end is such a core emotional part of the game that it's almost strange to not have him there, but taking Cuno with you is clearly one of the best things Harry can do in the game.

[@owlbatross9187]

I totally agree! I'd love to see a mod where you get to bring both of them along with you for the ending. It's definitely one of the best things Harry can do for anyone during his time in Revachol - it gives Cuno a much brighter future.

[@zergscaper4714]

Thanks!

[@lantancake]

oh damn, wasnt expecting a disco elysium vid. a welcome surprise.

[@owlbatross9187]

Glad to hear it! I have more Disco Elysium videos on the way - the Hardy Boys and Klaasje are up next!

[@lantancake]

@@owlbatross9187 actually so glad to hear that! especially hyped for the Klaasje video since she's the one of the most interesting characters for me. waiting eagerly!

[@Laura_5757]

OMG, I had no clue that Cuno could finish out the game as your partner in Kim’s place! And my jaw dropped when you said he could come back with Harry to Precinct 41 as a junior detective, that’s amazing. In my play through, Kim didn’t get injured, and I would have been very sad not to get the picture of the phasmid, so I’m glad that I played the way I did. But, I kind of need to see all of this Cuno gameplay, so I guess I’m going to need to replay the game sooner than I thought 😂 I hope you are able to leave teaching soon; I left after the 21/22 school year and it was the best decision I could have made, even though it was a risk. I’ll definitely check out your Patreon to see how I can help!

[@owlbatross9187]

When I found out about the Cuno ending, it blew my mind as well! It's definitely not something I'd have ever wanted on my first playthrough because of all the downsides, but it's definitely worth checking out sometime! His final rant to the Vicquemare is really is hilarious. And thanks so much for supporting the Patreon! I really appreciate it! Here's hoping 2025 is the year I'll be able to leave teaching behind. There are days I love it, but it sure is difficult. I'm glad you were able to and that it's worked out well for you!

[@KunstPicker]

hope prevails, and that s what disco elysium is about

[@owlbatross9187]

Absolutely! As bleak as the Martinaise is, DE is ultimately a very hopeful game

[@papaduck5251]

a random video on a single character in disco elysium? Yes Please and Thanky

[@owlbatross9187]

You're welcome! I've got more Disco Elysium videos on the way - the Hardy Boys are up next, followed by Klaasje!

[@BrotatoPotato]

Hey, I just started playing Disco Elysium a few hours ago, I'm having fun. Wonder how my story will go.

[@owlbatross9187]

Nice, that's awesome! It's an incredible game, have a great time with it! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on it, let me know if you need any tips or anything along those lines!

[@BrotatoPotato]

@@owlbatross9187 Late response, but I think I'll wing it on my own, even if some stuff confuses me.

[@anthonycuevasproduction]

Edie: finally, it’s finally time: he said while grinning evily he seems very excited for the video on him and especially what you have to say about him

[@owlbatross9187]

I can't wait for the Eide video! I think it's right up there with the one on Mae's grandfather in terms of being one of my best from an analysis perspective.

[@boyfriendkisser]

i was big stupid the first time i played and had that thought that makes you fail all red checks equipped going into the tribunal 😂 but im glad i stuck with it instead of immediately reloading my save bc the ending with cuno was amazing

[@owlbatross9187]

The ending with Cuno is indeed great! It pained me to let Kim down, but I love how it positions Cuno for a brighter future

[@Cherb123456]

Great video, thank you!

[@owlbatross9187]

Glad you enjoyed it - this is one of my personal favorite videos I've made!

[@Sagittarian1202]

can you or have you done an analysis of the portraits? like why idiot doom spiral looks the way he does, compared to others?

[@owlbatross9187]

I can definitely do an analysis of the portraits, that's an awesome suggestion! Idiot Doom Spiral's does stand out, and I think I have an idea about why! Thanks for the idea!

[@judeironheart7252]

what? you sayin I can put Cuno in my party????? What happens to Kim? Oh god, i need to play this game again

[@owlbatross9187]

You sure can! To get Cuno in your party, Kim has to get wounded during the Tribunal. To do that, you'll need to either fail to warn Kim about the mercenary who's about to shoot him or simply choose not to do so. It's such a great game, I find new things every time I play it!

[@SupahTrunks7]

I desperately want to experience the cuno ending but I can’t bring myself to simply let Kim get shot. So I’m gonna purposefully give myself as many debuffs to authority as possible so I can still press the button to try and just guarantee a fail.

[@owlbatross9187]

I feel you there - it was SO HARD to let Kim go down so I could get this footage, I felt terrible about it and pushed off recording for the longest time haha. That sounds like a good plan though, that way it takes the decision out of your hands and leaves it up to chance!

[@elroxas]

Cuno es definitivamente mi personaje favorito del juego. Esta tarde me pase Disco Elysium por 5° vez, porque descubrí lo de Cuno como acompañante y eso tenía que experimentarlo. No puedo no fantasear con cuno como protagonista de aquel Disco Elysium 2 cancelado... Para mí, el final canon es en el que te llevas a cuno. Muy buen video por cierto, like y sub nuevo. Saludos desde españa!!

[@melanischulz6320]

Wow! I didn't know Cuno can join me, it would be great to see .. but idk seen Kim getting shot idk if I can take it xD I love Kim

[@bocckoka]

So the inspiration for Disco was Sholokhov's Fate of a Man?

[@owlbatross9187]

That's a great comparison! The Cuno ending definitely has some connections to that story!

[@NemFX]

Would you want a video idea for a NITW topic, that i know nobody else would dare touch?

[@jjpleasecomebacksnewphonel6067]

What topic?

[@owlbatross9187]

Hey there Nem! Sure, let's hear it!

[@NemFX]

@@owlbatross9187 "Is the cult actually evil?" like, regardless of their deity, do the ends justify the means? They are trying to make their town better. Through evil means, sure, but it helps the town regardless.

[@MSLallemand]

how does this have 433 views but 24 thousand likes???

[@owlbatross9187]

I only see 80 on my end. Wish it had 24 thousand likes, that'd be pretty cool!

[@MSLallemand]

@@owlbatross9187You're right! Its 81! Strange occurrences every day....

[@kaygirl10101]

I'd say Bioshock also has a dark introduction to a child, if you count the little sisters. She is found stabbing a corpse in the head, is almost kidnapped by a man to be drained of her blood/Adam, punched in the head by him, is saved by a monstrosity who impales the man with a drill and throws him through a window, all the while being mind controlled into seeing the situation as completely normal and fun.

[@ghostfox13]

You forgot that CUNO doesn't care.