are you my friend? - taz ep 63 animatic

[@MilesTailsProwerfan9]

When you go on a nihilistic rant to avoid admitting that someone is your friend.

[@_The_Dumbass_]

And when they leave because you're rude and depressing: "Huh, I feel sad.."

[@GrixieKong]

In "The 'The Adventure Zone' Zone" Clint said that Merle's philosophy of finding joy by living joyfully was based on his late wife, the boys' mother. "That scene is all Leslie McElroy."

[@jesterpeng]

;-;

[@Aloemancer]

IM NOT CRYING YOU'RE CRYING 😭😭😭

[@antonsantiago8487]

I believe Magnus's wife Julia is also kind of based on her.

[@johnthedork723]

BYE IM CRY

[@c1nnamodoll]

LITERAALLY CRYING HELP IM NOT STRONG ENOYGHY

[@fruitbatfox]

When the DM says “I’m reeling a little bit” you know there’s gonna be some excellent characterisation

[@youdoyouidome7452]

I LOVE the way John sweats, and smiles nervously. He, is reeling, Griffin is reeling, they have no idea what to say, this has no.. value? It has no advantage, what kind of.. How close are they? Is john even human? Everything collapses in, and John is forced to fight.. the fact that he DOES still... feel, despite infinity

[@KenzieKaddl]

Merle has got to be my favorite character, he's so complex. That little "Are you my friend?" is just so good from Clint

[@jesterpeng]

same!! i got chills the first time listening to it :')

[@job407]

I feel like clint’s disconnect from the rules of dnd allowed him to focus so much on his character and the relationship between characters and what things mean to characters that he slowly became the most realistic character forming real bonds and showing real fears The same can be said for the other boys but clint and merle are so bound great in their character work that they basically prove that these games can be just as fun when it’s a lawless mess as when it is by the books He literally says it himself “I don’t always do things right, I don’t always do things smart, I don’t always do a character voice but in whatever i do i find joy!”

[@KenzieKaddl]

@@job407 This is so well put!

[@tentativegazer]

@@job407 Ned and Merle are hands down my favorite Taz characters.

[@MsDianagentaToYou]

I gotta say a lot of the time Clint is just kinda goofy. But then he comes out with something like this.

[@burntbeanies7886]

Merle, the one guy who didn't put up with a character who drags others to his level and makes them see the world in a horrible light, the one guy who kept his ideals in line. And questioned John's view.

[@wolfofsummerbreeze]

Questioned his view? Merle denied his view of the world. Merle existed so fucking hard that he made the core of the hunger question his own views.

[@logicaloverdrive8197]

@@wolfofsummerbreeze he existed so fucking hard he found joy in a person whose killed him over and over again.

[@Crazyivan777]

What made me almost squeal with joy is that the Zone of Truth did damage to the Hunger, thus implying that what John was selling was specifically -a lie-. It made me think of John's interactions with Merle, and how in the end, Merle really -was- right.

[@sqwooshh]

I always forget they made it cannon that Merle is shirtless whenever he talks to John and everytime its drawn I just die. But in all honesty, your art is gorgeous.

[@PureGoldNeverCorrodes]

Sqwoosh so does he.

[@TuckyBlue]

I mean not when John does parlay

[@juliawhitmore3991]

Sometimes I forget how valuable a character Merle is. He's not flashy like Taako or brash like Magnus, but neither Taako nor Magnus could have given us a scene like this. I think Griffin chose Clint to play these scenes out because he hoped that Clint would, through Merle, bring that special quality. I don't know what it is or how to describe it, but it surprises me every time, as it did Travis and Griffin. No one but Merle would ask the *personification of dissatisfaction itself* where they stood personally. The very fact that _this_ is what's important to Merle, not finding out weaknesses, not gaining an edge, makes him the only one of the seven birds able to do what he does. Bless Clint McElroy.

[@thebeakeddoctor]

Merle is the Iroh of this group. He is perfectly able to a joyful joker but it also so capable of punching us so hard with feels by being just the perfect wise old grandpa figure

[@GrixieKong]

The Beaked Doctor holy crap. You are 100% right. He really is Uncle Iroh. That’s brilliant. My favorite part of this exchange is that after John gives his whole nihilistic screed, Merle doesn’t try and prove him wrong or argue with him, or even lose his temper. “You know what? I don’t think I want to hang out with you anymore.” That’s actually a great way to deal with a toxic personality.

[@juliawhitmore3991]

@@GrixieKong Truly, Merle knows when to hold on to hope and when to say "nah this sounds like a you problem buddy" lol

[@alivecoy]

Its dad energy 100%

[@johnthedork723]

Not to mention the fact that Merle has such an incredible grasp on his own emotions that he managed to cause John to actually feel something for just a fleeting moment. Merle made The Hunger sad.

[@Sophia-rk6ck]

This is the defining moment of merles character for me. This question. It’s his “who” and “how does Magnus die” of COURSE Merle asks if John is his friend, his whole character is build on friendship.

[@Sophia-rk6ck]

Now that I think about it, Taakos character arc revolves around familial love, Magnus’ around romantic love, and merles around platonic love. It fits so well it’s strangely beautiful.

[@brothlcreeprs]

@@Sophia-rk6ck thats such a fantastic comment, thank you

[@edwinpoole257]

@@Sophia-rk6ck woooooooooow. what a good comment. Give me a minute I'm reeling a bit

[@fuckwit107]

God, "who" wrecked me.

[@samhairle]

Which is the "who" moment?

[@DonBurtango]

This is the same person who was putting amiibos in his mouth and made a video about it. I love you Griffin.

[@GippyHappy]

Don't be sleeping on Clint

[@Whimsly]

"And if we ever meet each other somewhere in infinity, you can apologize to me and tell me you were wrong." The gravitas that he ends that sentence with is something else, man

[@KoolWithAQ]

If we ever meet each other out there in eternity, you can apologize to me and tell me you were wrong. - Merle Highchurch

[@elijahhaldenby6767]

I'm so upset that at the end with Merle and John on the beach he didn't say he was wrong, that would have been awesome. Literally my only gripe about the entirety of the balance ark

[@the.youtube.of.sam.gotter]

I genuinely don't understand what Merle thinks John has to apologize for. Sure, they have drastically different worldviews, but Merle is acting like John insulted him personally. Can some explain this to me? I feel like I'm missing something.

[@KoolWithAQ]

@@the.youtube.of.sam.gotter I mean, John has destroyed and consumed so many worlds, so y'know ... that. But I think in the context of the sentence, it's more about when you get in an argument with someone, and then are proven wrong, it's on you to swallow your pride and apologize. John successfully "looked" at eternity and saw something horrible. He let that ruin his ability to find joy. Merle experiences reality through the lens of joy itself. And by experiencing it, rather than just coldly viewing it from the outside, Merle actually understands it better than John. It's where "I've read a thousand books about Russia. I know everything about it!" meets, "Yeah ... but have you been there?"

[@malpheus4299]

@@the.youtube.of.sam.gotter Frankly, John did kind of personally insult him. He tried to encroach on Merle's belief and feelings about relationships and pretty much life itself. For Merle, his philosophy is like the antithesis of John. So yeah, while it isn't a direct attack it really comes off as such ultimately.

[@Someone-or8tp]

@@malpheus4299 Exactly. Merle's exact words were: "What brings me happiness is... life." And John's response at the end of his speech was: "Existence, Merle- *life,* Merle, is horrible. To exist is horrible." This directly shows that John is basically saying to Merle: "You're wrong to find happiness in life." Not only that but John continues by saying that everyone else was swayed except Merle, further proving that he was trying to push his beliefs onto Merle and change his mind.

[@zhilemon923]

"if we ever see each other again, if we ever meet each other in infinity, you can apologize to me and tell me *you were wrong* "

[@the.youtube.of.sam.gotter]

I genuinely don't understand what Merle thinks John has to apologize for. Sure, they have drastically different worldviews, but Merle is acting like John insulted him personally. Can some explain this to me? I feel like I'm missing something.

[@zhilemon923]

@@the.youtube.of.sam.gotter Merle is saying that John has to apologize because his worldview is such that of Oblivion that it will destroy other things. I think he's asking him to apologize for the destruction, but also apologize for thinking this nihilistic world ending opinion

[@the.youtube.of.sam.gotter]

@@zhilemon923 Am I crazy, or is that not something to apologize for? Like, that's just a difference of opinion, akin to apologizing for religious beliefs

[@zhilemon923]

@@the.youtube.of.sam.gotter that's kind of what it is. The best way I can relate it to you is it's like "I'm sorry you feel like that" it is a difference of religious beliefs, but John's religious beliefs kills billions of people

[@gingersnap189]

@@the.youtube.of.sam.gotter brah he’s committed like 100 dimensional genocides that we know of and like Merle like 73 times personally the man got some apologies to hand out

[@VeritasNil]

I love the little moment of John fiddling with and spinning a pawn while Merle is talking

[@jesterpeng]

ohh that was supposed to be merle messing with his own piece LOL BUT NOW i wish i'd done what you said hahaha

[@VeritasNil]

haha my bad, thanks for telling me! since it is Merle that sort of draws parallels between him messing with his own pawn and John gooping his to illustrate his point, cool!

[@lucystarlight8887]

"Huh, I feel sad." It's just one line; it's such a small moment; but it says everything about John's character and the way he's changed by talking to Merle.

[@susieboo22]

I will never get over how Griffin - and, to an extent, Clint - managed to humanize a completely inhuman villain. By giving the Hunger a face and a voice in John, and someone who's willing to at least listen - while not putting up with his bullshit - in Merle, he's so much more than an Eldritch monster to kill and fight. He's a person, or at least he used to be, who you want to UNDERSTAND.

[@MsDianagentaToYou]

No matter how far gone a person is, they still have a need to be understood. And for that, you need to *connect*.

[@emilys3785]

this moment was so powerful and ill never forget the first time i heard it - i find myself thinking like john all the time because of my clinical depression and holy shit merle’s speech kills me every time

[@captainskylink5894]

Yo, so idk if you're still around or not but if you are, just know that I'm rooting for you! Also, watch the video again. As you put it, Merle's speech is phenomenal

[@alejandrorivas4585]

How you doing budyy?

[@emilys3785]

@@alejandrorivas4585 im in mfin therapy now 😛

[@czowiek9625]

@@emilys3785 Hey good for you! I know it's hard but keep pushing through. Good luck!

[@ARACHNIDPARTY]

hey man, i got diagnosed with major depressive disorder a year and a half ago and i gotta say? shit gets better. life is beautiful, even though it metaphorically pantses you and gives you a swirlie sometimes. my meds have worked wonders for me (even though it’s not a perfect fix) and idk. i don’t want to overshare on a taz animatic but i hope you’re still around and i hope therapy helped ya out :) stay strong man, depression is just the nihilistic guy named jared in the back of your highschool philosophy class

[@shysenpai3032]

Clint McElroy is too pure for this world.

[@guywhotellsthetime1585]

No one bring up shifty shades of green

[@matthewgallaway3675]

@@guywhotellsthetime1585 what’s unpure about the sexual conquests of flora?

[@jackreynolds2178]

Here at the end of Amensty I maintain my statement that Clint is very good at playing characters who are very not great at things. But always have the most incredible single moments of character.

[@CollinWootan]

Flaws are human, and both Clint and Merle are a beautiful master class in humanity.

[@Emma-yn9op]

That moment when you wanna like someone’s comment but can’t because *nice*

[@jacobgarsson2447]

what i love is that merle never even considers johns argument. He may as well be a god, telling merle that without a doubt, it is all meaningless. And the idea doesnt even seem to register for Merle. He does not consider for a second that life isnt worth living

[@duncant6364]

He *knows* better

[@Genderanarchy]

I’m actually crying, I love this man and this character so much fuvCJ

[@evanholt6896]

Can we just talk about how john is like. The perfect villain. Like everything about him. Yes, this is Merle's big moment, but both of them drive the scene and I feel like john is underappreciated. "You will call us Ascendant," "I feel sad." Powerful stuff.

[@skullptures142]

Especially how in the end he calls Merle his "old friend" like it's not necessarily an apology but by saying this he is actively saying that he was wrong, that he does care about Merle which honestly sent me reeling in the finale.

[@c1nnamodoll]

@@skullptures142 pls im actualy goign to evaporate i cant handle how mucxh emotion this podcast amkes me feekl

[@radraandyy4536]

To this day, I love that Merle didn't attempt to satisfy John. He questioned him and picked his ideas apart. Merle knew that John had control over the situation they were in, but he didn't hesitate to tell him off when he disagreed. Merle saw the negativity in John and hated it, and he told him that. Such a strong move made by Merle that I adore so much.

[@johnthedork723]

I can’t describe it, but there’s something about the way Merle says, “I’ll tell ya what, if ever meet each other somewhere in infinity, you can apologize and tell me *you were wrong*…” is SO GOOD. The confidence in his voice… Merle KNOWS that eventually John will change his mind, and I think that’s amazing. I love Merle so much

[@LemonMoon]

Amiibo crunch man making me have existential crisis.

[@maddyc2025]

Merle REALLY shined through as a character in the stolen century oh my god

[@SoulQueenoD]

Sometimes I picture this scene like a couple of second graders in a school yard, especially when Merle says "I don't think I want to hang out with you anymore John."

[@Ray-hk1zm]

When I first listened to this scene, my phone glitches out and paused in the middle, right after Merle told John that they called him The Hunger. So it sounded like Merle said that and then there was just dead silence for like 3 seconds before I figured something was wrong And honestly it was powerful as hell?

[@Ray-hk1zm]

Glitched not glitches.

[@ferretfan5467]

@@Ray-hk1zm thats a mood if I've seen one, but yeah, thats actually happened to me before and I was just like- ooooo, stressful silence thats powerful, then it goes on just a bit too long and I look at my phone and it's just buffering.

[@Ray-hk1zm]

@@ferretfan5467 Yeee same it happens sometimes. The only time apple podcasts messing itself up was a good thing.

[@sirynot1376]

And I cant believe this started be changing some guys name to "berry blue jeans" and continued to hate on him until they found out that he was their friend. FLIPPING amazing

[@andrewbrown1752]

I think John and The Hunger was meant to be “our world” and how Griffin feels about the modern feeling of dissatisfaction. John wears modern clothing fitting to our time (dark gray suit and tie), they’re sitting in a conference room overlooking a city - John and the people he turned were “our world” and they were so easily swayed as to turn into a plane-eating voracious force.

[@enderlord69]

Plane eating voracious foe ah yes twitters middle name (that was a jk good insight btw)

[@MorriganReads]

Metaphorically, yeah, I think the Hunger is a metaphor for modern nihilism and dissatisfaction, but canonically our Plane is the Plane of Thought.

[@kristyhernandez4044]

When this came out, I was in a really dark place. My marriage of 7 years had ended and I felt like the world had ended. I felt exactly like John., and this is exactly what I needed to hear at the time. Thank you Merle. Thank you Griffin and Clint and the adventure zone. You really are amazing.

[@ivydignity6894]

"and he killes you" *reads caption* GUESS WHO'S NOT DEAD!

[@plants2448]

merle’s speech abt joy really changed me

[@theartistswings9810]

I used to actually dislike this monologue of merles. I was depressed and was tired of people telling to control my feelings and be happy and it frustrated me. But now i see. Merle isn't saying to choose your feelings. He's saying to choose your actions. Live joyfully. Live honestly. Go to therapy. Talk to your friends. Choose to trust people and rely on loved ones and go and live life. And be secure that there's very little way to live life wrong if you just try to keep a little hope and keep a little love. Live joyfully and someday that joy will reach you.

[@jesterpeng]

i'm so happy for you!

[@LuckyBones77]

Hello person from a comment three years ago: Your comment resonated a lot. It takes a lot of effort some days, to wake up and consciously seek out joy and connection. I’m still learning, but it’s been so worth it. I hope you’re still here and still recovering and still finding joy 💕

[@cordial_corvus]

Holy moly, this is by far the best animatic of this scene that I've watched. Your depiction of John's inner turmoil was not only creative, but it translated his emotions perfectly into raw, visual form. And your expressions throughout were just wonderful! Your hours on this project were well-spent, rest assured.

[@jesterpeng]

tysm!! ;o;

[@NeonGreyscale]

These moments are why I love Merle. And Johnchurch. And I love how you illustrated this 9 minute conversation without it being visually boring.

[@Light-fi1mj]

When Merle mentions how many times John has killed him and he chuckles it hits home for me because it sounds so much like my dad and I think that's why I like Merle so goddamn much. He's just so patient and kind and even when the Hunger, the big bad, kills him over and over. And yet, he sees them as acquaintances, friends. It's heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. I’ve come back to this after a year or so and, well I’ve had trouble with it, but I realize with work I’ve been able to choose joy! Joy has become easier to choose and god damnit I’m so happy. Very random, but this is the most important moment to me in TAZ and this animatic has stuck with me for *years.*

[@kalifee]

Clint McElroy is a fucking legend. Merle's "choose joy" speech fucking wrecked me the first time I heard it.

[@robynmaag1266]

I think "Are you my friend?" was the last thing I was expecting, but the best thing Merle could have asked

[@_thatonenotfunnyguy_2092]

I love when clint says," you choose joy" as he explained in "the the adventure zone zone" at the end of the campaign that was how his wife and the boys mother lives her life and it was how she told others to live. It just makes me happy to know that when re-listening to the episode again.

[@_thatonenotfunnyguy_2092]

Lived* sorry for the typo

[@duncant6364]

Clint really just said that joy and love are fundamental to existence and he’s right

[@jessicacreed7773]

What really gets me is how, the next time they meet ~30 years after this, John summons Merle for comfort and calls him "his old friend"

[@gracesalay4834]

At the risk of sounding overly attached to a goofy dnd podcast, I think hearing this just helped me through some serious shit.

[@90geekgirl06]

I got "I choose joy" as part of my very first tattoo because of this scene. But goddamn if John's nihilistic rant isn't fucking _chilling_ lol, I love it.

[@nathanaelwaters2509]

"If we ever meet each other out there in infinity then you can apologize to me and tell me you were wrong" God what a fantastic line

[@audenharris-wylde3852]

"Huh... I feel sad." And he kills you THE ANIMATION OF THIS MOMENT IS TOO MUCH FOR ME

[@PatheticJedi]

"If we ever meet each other in infinity, you can apologize to me and tell me you were *wrong."* Such a raw line. It couldn't come from a better source than Clint McElroy.

[@somethingknight8710]

Idk why but when John says, "Huh...I feel sad." It just sticks with me. I feel like he wasn't being sarcastic

[@sometimesmikayla]

john was such a surprising and interesting character. these scenes with him and merle were always so satisfying to listen to.

[@Redtimecat]

This is the most astonishing animatic of this moment from TAZ I've ever seen! If creating anything like this takes you a year to create, then I believe it is absolutely worth waiting for. Please continue and thank you for this! (oh and I didn't noticed any "WILDLY" inconsistencies, it really wasn't at all distracting for me.)

[@jesterpeng]

thank you so very much, this is so nice and inspiring ;o;

[@drunkendelver1966]

What I love about this scene is that the question "Are you my friend?" isn't just a question of where their social connection stands. The way I see it, it's Merle offering John help. The purpose of the Parley spell is to create a space where enemies can come to a mutual understanding of each other and avoid a destructive conflict. In this situation, John has all but lost his humanity and has become something that doesn't care what it destroys in pursuit of its goal. What Merle is saying here is ultimately "Over our games and discussions, I've come to understand that you're very sad and lonely, John. My friends and I would like to help you, if you'll give us the chance." "Are you my friend?" It says so much with so little, and it's absolutely beautiful.

[@GippyHappy]

Reasons to love Clint McElroy: all of them.

[@danielburns01]

ive been john for over a decade, and i think its time to be merle. i would like to choose joy.

[@nuniabusines4328]

THIS IS AMAZING!! I love how thought out each action is, from the usage of the chess pieces to the blush on their faces. Every frame had me eager to see more! Merle talking about joy had me smiling, while John talking about exsistense had me hollering. Top notch stuff!

[@jesterpeng]

tysm!!

[@wafflemaker6590]

These interactions are the main reason merle is my favorite. I LOVE THIS CLERIC WHO ONLY HEALS HALF THE TIME

[@sweatyeggboy8352]

it really is such an incredible piece of media and they really do such a great job with it but holy shit???? this is next level. you looked at this and took every literary nuance and tone shift and pearl of subtle genius griffin and clint lined up and you really just doubled down dintcha??? and the way you handled the CHESS PIECES and the john-going-fucky monologue as the darkness envelopes him and just went that hard?????? this needs to be hung in the louvre or the guggenheim or fuckn SOMETHING this is to be premiered at the sundance film festival 2020 produced by a24 and i’m gonna weep until i drown in my own righteous tears

[@jesterpeng]

LMAOO thank u for this comment skdjskjd ;0;

[@chandlersparkman3162]

I feel John. Eternity is one of my greatest fears. Which kinda sucks cause the entire point of my religion is to "gain eternal salvation." My parents are constantly telling me "hey you gotta make good choices so you can live forever." And in my head, im thinking, "I dont WANT to live forever. I dont care how great life is up there, i want things to end eventually."

[@joshuachoo7555]

Hey, I kinda felt that way too - I'm not religious anymore. Maybe it's just not the religion for you. No shame in changing.

[@chandlersparkman3162]

@@joshuachoo7555 Hey thanks! I actually decided to make that change like a week after posting the comment. Im not ready to tell my parents yet though. I will be soon though.

[@hergnomieness]

hi i know this is an old post and you might not feel the same way anymore: i don't even know if you're talking about Christianity. but i'd like to encourage you, and the best way i can is by telling you i felt this way, but i realized Heaven is not stagnate, God is not looking for good people to do go things and live a perfect life. He wants us to understand that He has a plan, he want to change thing and to have us grow forever. cs lewis talks about it really well in either mere christianity or the abolition of man, both great reads. anyway please keep looking for answers and don't let apathy keep you from joy.

[@0719talyn]

Yeah I feel you I was never religious but I used to hate the idea of living forever. I now believe that you reincarnate when you die a second chance a new slate and a way to fix what you did before. All until you can find inner peace and end the cycle.

[@Light-fi1mj]

Hey, big mood my parents are like that too! I think that’s why I resonate with John so much.

[@adrianax1734]

This was one of my favorite parts of the podcast to listen to. John was such an interesting character, because even though he did evil, he never felt like an evil character. ~Spoilers for beyond this animatic.~ I cried like a baby when he and Merle met for the last time, just sitting on the beach. I was happy that he got to die with a friend by his side. Not as the corrupted monster he was turned into.

[@ryanscott4489]

It took me so long to realize this but the reason John reacts like that is in his mission to trancend life and death, he can't hold on to people who both live and one day die. And the small part of him that fights against that, ironically enough, dies in this scene.

[@zoryadawn]

something that i think about every now and then is how john is talking about eternity being terrible and its just as hypocritical as him asking if merle has thought about life after death. like, the ipre didnt know itd be a century. for all they knew, the cycles would go on forever. idk how to explain it but john and merle BOTH saw the face of eternity, and merle chose joy. john makes that idea out to be naive, but its really anything but.

[@toanuva6178]

I feel like this is the defining factor that differentiates this TAZ series and Graduation. Is that Griffin understands how actual people act way more than Travis.

[@patriarchofthebugsnaxfamily]

"You will call us Ascendant." One of the last lines we hear from John before the timeskip. It shows us at least he's found purpose in his misery. He's got a clear objective and an entire world backing him up. He's got a reason to do what he does, and the certainty that he'll get there eventually. It just makes it sadder how the next time we see him he's just broken, enslaved by that which once lent him aid and which has now completely rejected his ideals and objectives in favor of simply growing stronger. In the heroes' absence, what John once refered to as "dissatisfaction" truly became The Hunger.

[@NyxKnacks]

This is so incredible??? It's so so so good?? You've captured their characters so well and I'm in love thanks

[@jesterpeng]

ahhh ty ;-;

[@SylviaDragon]

the way the ending was animated was so haunting. i loved it.

[@vibesvibeman6722]

I'm trying to think of something to write for this comment but I just don't really have any words? But I'm not leaving this video without a comment because damn this is important. This audio is a piece of art. It's full of philosophy and meaning and just has so much weight to it, despite the jokes. It questions joy, it questions faith, it questions everything we thought we knew about the hunger. And you really did it justice. There's not a lot to go off of visually, not much description of the scene. It's a conversation. But it's a meaningful one, with powerful words, and they're hard to grasp but I feel like you got it. You interpreted these words and you didn't just make it visually interesting, you did more. You turned this scene into something more, and I don't quite know how to describe it but when I inevitably go back and listen to Balance all over again? When I get back to episode 63? I'll think of this. Because this adds something to it that, again, I can't exactly put into words. You made it greater. And it's incredible.

[@jesterpeng]

hey, thanks so so much for taking the time to write this!! i'm really glad you found so much meaning in it ;0;

[@Borktholemview]

I love relistening to TAZ, and every time I get to this scene I find myself sympathizing with a different side of this conversation depending on where I'm at personally at the time

[@Molscheira]

OK, how can Griffin tell this beautiful gut wrenching story and have these perfect pockets for each PC? Like HOW?? Merle is just the perfect choice for John, Taako is perfect with his twin and Magnus... It still breaks my heart when I think of how his epilogue begins... Now I'm sitting here crying for the second time today because of TAZ Balance and it's been literally YEARS since I've listened to Balance for the first time! It's truly one of the best stories ever and its roots in my heart are heavy.

[@marsupialsofmars3886]

This part... I got chills at Merle's sudden tone shift

[@trevohyeah]

This scene is why Merle is my favorite character from the Balance Arc. Magnus and Taako are both incredible in their own ways, but Merle's dedication to interpersonal connection and overall growth is so endearing and incredible. Merle is a wash-out father, a conflicted priest, and a bumbling do-gooder. In the last few episodes we see Merle overcome all of his previous hurdles and he really shines as one of the most grown characters in the entire arc. Bravo to the McElroys, and to Clint in particular, for giving us viewers such a well-rounded character to relate to.

[@mo482]

The way this switches from being hilarious to deeply thoughtful is beautiful yet severe enough to give you whiplash. And the way you draw John's monologue? It hits HARD. Your animation has done this scene much justice.

[@dasytaylor]

I feel this isn't getting enough recognition even though it's so good??? like??? it's so on-point and creative, you deserve all the love❤

[@jesterpeng]

thank you, thats very kind!!

[@alina4619]

I already found this super impressive in the beginning, but then at the end when John is engulfed by darkness?!!! I was like woah. Danggggg dude

[@jesterpeng]

ahh thanks for watching!!

[@logicaloverdrive8197]

What really gets me is how quiet travis and justin are during this after Clint busts out that question.

[@v.v365]

The way I envision an eldritch god is a being who was birthed from the ideas and beliefs of too many people, that’s a god, but then they’re forgotten or left behind or replaced or pressured out or too many of their believers are killed off, and they persist despite not having a source to draw from, so they decide to reverse their function to survive, where once they gave to their believers, now they take from their believers, they feed off something tangible now that they can’t be sustained by large amounts of the intangible. And the way I see John, the Hunger, that’s the birth of an eldritch god skipping the step of first being a god in a traditional sense. The Hunger is so real and so pessimistic that it is believed across every plane, and all it does is consume worlds and grow ever onwards into infinity.

[@girlvsgames6404]

I’ve never heard of this this sounds really interesting but three questions 1) Where can you find this? 2)Is it a show or podcast? 3)is it scripted or improved?

[@jesterpeng]

hey, this is from a great podcast called the Adventure Zone! you can find it here: www.maximumfun.org/shows/adventure-zone it's basically 3 brothers and their dad playing dnd; i think the DM probably had some idea of what he was going to say but in general the show is improv-ed bc they record as they play :^) hope that helps!!

[@girlvsgames6404]

Jessica P Thank youuu

[@jesterpeng]

@@girlvsgames6404 np!!

[@skiesquiggles7319]

Welcome to the cult

[@colinkeane7539]

One of us one of us

[@Laslus_]

fuck, i forgot how *good* this scene is. I don't believe there will be a time when i'll listen to the "choose joy" speech without weeping

[@cartergirl531]

man GRIFFIN good job doing this scene justice, dude :)

[@thebigmcspanky8984]

That was one of the most poetic things i have ever heard in my life, how does one even say all that so clearly off the top of their head?

[@zachnorton329]

I want to start out by saying that this scene was fantastic, great work from Clint and griffin. Such a good question from Clint, and griffin gave such a good response to prompt a conversation. But on a less serious note, I forgot that Merle was practically naked for all of these conversations

[@eternalmiasma5586]

One of my favorite things in media is having villains that you can chat with, that the hero can at least try to know and maybe negotiate. Kinda like the far cry games, especially 4, where you start out with a dinner and chatting with the villain, and even get a secret ending if you do as he asks. It brings a real humanity to them

[@moth-eyed2535]

this made me SOB i love this so much

[@gorlworldtarot]

I adore this. Everything about it. Your art style, the text. "This is fine." It's all so good.

[@percy445]

local man fucking destroys his son in a D&D roleplay

[@spiral477]

I love this. I’m just now at this episode of TAZ and went to find an animatic of this. John’s cheekbones are great. Merle’s pawn gestures are great. Your “inconsistency” with john makes it feel more accurate to this weird conglomerate eldritch being who almost forgot he was named john. Love the expressions, love merle

[@Alexandr.ine2005]

Jesus, the hunger is such an amazing concept of a monster, or final boss, a lovecraftian horror of people and planes that find out the horror of life and death and completely transform because of it, believing that all joy is hubris in the grand scheme of things. And having Merle, who is probably the most visibly beat up of the 3, shut him down and tell him that he’s wrong. I think the greatest example of what TAZ story is Arms Outstretched, how the first part of the song encapsulates the horror of what was going to happen, what was SUPPOSED to happen, and having Taako and Merle refuse to let it happen, refuse that the hunger was offering. Shit this is a good story

[@caspiangyarados9279]

relistened to TAZ Balance recently (for like the fourth time), and i've been enjoying the lil animations YT has been recommending me since, but... I EXPLODED with laughter at the first frame of Merle shirtless, i just completely forgot that little crucial detail and was taken entirely by surprise much to my amusement. I love the animation, and this scene from the podcast was amazing, "Are you my friend?" continues to be the biggest gut punch, i think, up until that moment of this ep, of the entire show, only to be followed shortly after with, "If we ever.. meet each other, somewhere in infinity, you can apologize to me and tell me you were wrong," AND THEN to end the scene with, "and... kiss my ass, you sanctimonious bastard." I swear, this was the ep that Merle, that Clint, really shone. They all have many many incredible moments throughout the show, but i feel like all of them, maybe even Clint too, underappreciated what Clint could bring to the table, literally irl and literally in the game, as Merle. The way you transition John into the Hunger at the end is really good too.

[@jesterpeng]

thanks so much!!!! merle is so underrated!

[@livingtaco7876]

When I first started to binged through TAZ for the first time a few months ago I was like yeah this a good podcast and I love these boys and their dad it's fun and endearing but one thing that annoyed me was.. I didn't feel like much was taken serious even after fanderlin (butchered that) was burned it didnt feel serious and then about half way through the arch with the raven is when I felt like it was starting to find a good balance (pun intended) and they did explore more serious moments and arcs and its was so amazing and it continued to be amazing and I'm on amnesty now and still love it so much

[@skullptures142]

The goofs are good and are super fun and the seriousness is amazing too like I watched it all pretty much in one sitting and the evolution felt really natural actually. Like over time as the characters get closer and go through more shit together they get more serious about what they're doing, especially after they realize what's up. I personally love it a lot how the boys and their characters evolved

[@laurenmiller5784]

I listen to this whenever I’m sad, and paired with this amazing animation, it always cheers me up. Thank you for making this (also I love your depiction of John and Merle. They look amazing)!

[@jesterpeng]

oh gosh ;-;

[@sunsetsynth]

The body language you drew for John is so good!! This conversation was always one of my favourites and I’m so glad you drew this.

[@eldon8712]

This entire moment, the whole scene was so powerful, but the very last few seconds, where John was rambling about how he saw himself, and Merle's final words to him hit me like a truck. It was like Merle realized he couldn't change or help John, that he couldn't show him the joy he refused to see, and gave up. He frowns, and says "Huh. I feel sad." And he kills you. Fucking chills. Merle was the only person to talk to him in so long, the only person unswayed by his preaching, the only person who pulled him out of the hunger. For John, Merle was the only instance of so many things. And as far as "John" was concerned... he was gone. They weren't friends, but once again, John was alone in his convergence.

[@mhtanster]

This!! This is what got me into TAZ and now I’m sobbing-

[@jesterpeng]

omg ;-; i'm so glad u got into it from this video??? that's crazy

[@cocoacrow]

1.1k likes and 1 dislike. 100% deserving of that ratio, this is probably the best depiction of this scene I have watched.

[@jesterpeng]

haha thank you, that's very kind!

[@andi_610]

Every few months or so, I come back to this animatic, and every time I finish watching it I want to binge-listen to the Balance arc. Thank you for what you've done here!

[@jesterpeng]

omg thanks for saying this ;0; that's so nice of you!!!

[@SirWonkotheSane]

"I don't always do a character voice" in character is peak Clint McElroy.

[@sewingneedles]

This is wonderful. I wish more people see this.

[@jasperthebeetleboy]

This is how I spend my Valentine's day

[@jasperthebeetleboy]

And I'm doing it again

[@whalesharko4465]

@@jasperthebeetleboy if you come back next year I'll be your unofficial KZbin Valentine

[@GrayYeonWannabe]

the construction of the hunger is almost a perfect metaphor for fascism, it's actually moving. the only thing i say would be more appropriate for the metaphor ive constructed is him saying "resentment" instead of "dissatisfaction," but even there he's almost perfectly spot on. no surprise that griffin studied sociology in college. also gr8 animation haha

[@jasonwu040698]

this is so good i am so happy

[@jodymarkgraf7625]

I really loved the concepts you captured through this!

[@skullptures6192]

Two years later and this is still one of my favorite TAZ animations 💚

[@jesterpeng]

that's so kind 😭❤️ thank you!!

[@stevie165]

Not gonna lie, this clip made me cry basically the entire time.

[@jasperthebeetleboy]

Dude this art is so good I can't stop watching it

[@jesterpeng]

tysm!