The DEEPER MEANING of "LOSER BABY"... (Angel Dust Analysis)

[@schnee1]

Big thanks to Squircle for helping me develop these ideas! If you're a Fallout fan, go watch her video about the parallels between Lucy and the Ghoul! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKvOpmBvnaeMY9U

[@anastasiagamgoneishvili]

Love your content your analysis is very interesting! Keep up the good work man❤

[@EvaLoVerde]

❤

[@LifesGameRulesGoals]

Agency, meaning purpose. Different topics. Reality is devastating and ruthless.... hence, the pursuit of agency and the acceptance of lack of agency dictate behaviour. Feels = meaning Thinks = purpose Now... sexuality is female's main weapon against reality... and all following strenghts and weakness. Competition is main male's weapon against reality... Therefore, to solve "angel's problems", he must chose the correct agency to the correct circustance.... Man up and bulk up... or find someone to do that for him. Sorry... harsh words... but true nonetheless. Godspeed

[@sunflowers_grow_on_pluto]

hello! i absolutely love how your analysis always give me a better understanding as well as a bigger appreciation of the story you analyze! do you think you could do an analysis of the massive argument at the end of the most recent Helluva boss episode? i feel like there’s a lot more to it then what was seen at first glance

[@christiandauz3742]

I'm thinking about Cheers The characters of that show would find appreciation in their lives should they ever meet Hazbin Hotel

[@alliliciousanimations8727]

"Just because its an act doesnt mean its fake" absolutely powerful

[@citrineshark9240]

i loved that line, because as an actor, sometimes your best scenes come from the heart or from experience.

[@JoULove]

I read "it's not an act!" as "it's the only defence I have and it's not voluntary". Like, he doesn't choose to fall back on flirting and sex, it's something that he's conditioned to do and it's what keeps him safe (emotionally, except obviously it's not actually working).

[@jamie-1608]

It seemed like the sort of masking that autistic people do just more trauma related.

[@ididnosuchthing345]

It’s that horrible part where he knows he’s pretending to want it, but it became such a part of him that it deluded him into believing he actually wanted what happened to happen. And that’s scary.

[@litterlyjusttj]

there’s is metaphor psychology called the crap cocoon. Its gose like this: We stay stuck in our shit because we know it, we’ve faced it before, and we know how to deal with it even if it’s unhealthy, it can keep coming back over and over again and we know how to get ride of it temporarily over and over again. We keep our self stuck in our own shit bc it’s warm and comfortable and we know it because we have made this shit for our selfs or made this cycle of bad habits. But none the less we are still sitting and laybing down in a pile of shit and once we get out of it it’s cold and unfimilar which is returns cause relapsing… I think this applies to angle, he doesn’t like his porn star job, he doesn’t like his distractive behaviors, but he knows them he knew them when he was alive he knows them now that he’s in hell, it’s familiar, so he keeps coming back to it

[@ronaldsimon1726]

'"You're not a bad actor, you just have a bad script."

[@firelight3806]

Damn

[@identity__thief]

To me, the most poignant part of Angel Dust's arc was that he, as a victim of abuse, consistently makes people uncomfortable by coming onto them so aggressively, even when they tell him no. His concept of boundaries has been destroyed, and as such he in turn violates the boundaries of others. This 'cycle' of abuse is incredible writing, and completely flipped my opinion of angel dust's character and the writers'.

[@justkat9148]

Right except it's not exactly what Valentino does. It's like his version of it.

[@vixxcelacea2778]

@@justkat9148 Yes, his is more playful and less domineering. Which is easily read as his way of buffering how wrong the act is into an "okay" way of doing it to defend himself and the situation he's in. Sort of a "Sure, it's bad, but it's not THAT bad, right? Because I do it and I'm not bad". If he were a real person, it wouldn't be a good idea to point out that his behaviour is similar to the very person he hates, as that's many victims worst nightmare. Instead, I think it's better to ask "Do you respect me?" when he does that and for him to say, well duh and then say "when you come on to me and I don't agree to it, I don't feel like you respect me at all." Broach it in a different way rather than say he's acting similar to every bad thing he's learned to do. There are a metric ton of maladaptive behaviours victims get as the result of abuse and it's terrifying to say that sometimes, they become abusers in turn, because it is a cycle. But that's a part that's left out a lot, because no one wants to blame victims, but I don't think it blames victims, nor does it excuse abusers. I think it explains the core of the detriment the cycle creates. And how insanely important it is to get people out and to get them support so that they don't become a monster so that the monster doesn't break them. It also tries to get at the heart of it. Instead of bad people who are horrific just because, they all started somewhere. Some are beyond help, but they are the cautionary tale of what happens when someone doesn't get support. And don't get me wrong, there are propensities in some people that lead them to be aggressive or violent or cruel, but most of them come from a cycle of someone else doing that same crap or sometimes worse to them. You see this a lot in parent to kid relationships in which kids never find out, realize or accept that their parent was actually abusive and they pass that trauma and bad parenting to their own kids. Sometimes someone breaks it, if allowed to see it for what it is and what it was all the way down the line.

[@firelight3806]

@@vixxcelacea2778 Val being a moth will be a big plot point in the future. A moth seeks a flame that will likely burn them, him and Angel have a reversed natural predator-prey subtext to show that cycles of abuse can manifest in unlikely ways, and that Val almost certainly been abused in life/afterlife before. I can't wait to see Val's background explored.

[@ivanaradovic4055]

THANK FUCKING YOU!!!!!!

[@venomnoms]

as a hypersexual sa survivor … this was free therapy to me. I’ve loved your videos since arcane and this was really good, I really want to analyze media as meticulously as you do someday.

[@LostProxyNevermore]

There are so many of us but few too many people who understand why we become like this.. it’s literally our brains trying to survive

[@jennypagan6120]

​@@LostProxyNevermore Exactly

[@dissofosho333]

@@LostProxyNevermore why do a lot of you traumatise others then? you cuckold us, abuse, cheat, make us feel insecure, sleep with horrible people, believe in feminism despite sleeping with horrible people and hurting the real ones while you let yourself get used by the horrible people and then say shit like "all men are horrible" then use your mantra angainst the reaal ones. Im drunk and upset, im sorry for ranting

[@sand_eater101]

I was SA’ed as a kid and became hypersexual as a result. I didn’t tell any grown-ups due to shame and the belief that had indirectly been planted in my head by others that no one would care. I began harming others the same way I was harmed, specifically one person I was close to, not knowing that it was wrong because I hadn’t told anyone. Although I’ve healed from the incident itself and the bullying, what happened to me and what I did to others still sticks to me to this day. I wasn’t scarred by the fact that I even became hypersexual, but it was the fact that I was too young to know what consent was and fumbled in my desperate search for the limit, hurting people the same way I was hurt in the process. I needed to vent a little, a hope anyone who reads this has a great day/night❤️

[@jennypagan6120]

@@sand_eater101 geez dude I'm sorry that happened.. I know how you feel tho.. I was molested by my own father for three years.. I don't even know how old I was when that happened I think I was like.. 12-14 years old? It sucks that I had to go through that..

[@JackoDaGreat]

You’re also forgetting the other part of what Husk says to Angel: “Baby, that’s fine by me”. Husk sees Angel Dust’s self destructive behavior and says “I like you anyway” and doesn’t expect him to change. Charlie at first expects Angel Dust to change in a specific way ( as seen by the play she writes in an earlier episode). That’s a big part of why Husk gets through to him in a way that Charlie doesn’t.

[@iclynnx]

Honestly, having someone tell you that they like you anyway despite your messy flaws is life-changing. Not being expected to immedietly change, and change everything, that's worth a million gold bars. Having a friend be patient with you while you slowly improve your life or world view is sometimes the most important thing you need.

[@ChelCM03]

Ep 4 was definitely the strongest in the series so far. Not to mention Blake Roman's STELLAR performance as Angel, I can't wait till he blows up and becomes a huge super duper mega star

[@GreenWormJello]

It’s honestly crazy to me that people hate on him because he’s a different VA from the pilot episode. Straight from Broadway school, this is his debut role and he gives the performance of a lifetime as a New York gangster sexy spider-twink. It’s amazing how he brings the character to life.

[@vickypedia1308]

​@@GreenWormJello I don't keep up with the VAs so reading that Angel is his debut role is wild. He absolutely nails the performance!

[@EnderHasEntered]

I actually really appreciate Husk offering Angel a drink. It seems crazy and counterproductive, but it's actually genius. Husk knows Angel needs something and that he's been seeking that something in people who are going to hurt him. By Husk offering that drink, it means Angel can get wasted where he's _safe_. It's something I think is really important in helping someone out of self-destructive habits. Getting them to stop it completely is near impossible, but if you show them they can be safe somewhere, you can slowly help them to wean away from it.

[@solsystem1342]

Importantly husk offers *a* drink. Presumably at the hotel where no one who wants to take advantage of angel can enter. Really what Husk is offering is a more healthy form of engaging with alchohol than getting wasted and knowingly engaging with places where people are allowed to drug you. It's pretty cool imo.

[@jellostasis]

I love this so much, this is perfect thank you

[@Sqwivig]

This is literally what safe injection sites are for in other countries and it's been a massive success in getting people sober. America needs to adopt the same program if we want to help addicts instead of just throwing them in jail to rot.

[@sereneworld8675]

THIS. I was an addict and was in a rehab for 2 years and what baffled me when I got there was that we were allowed to smoke as much as we wanted. Seemed hypocritical or counter productive 🤷‍♀️ (I wasn't a smoker so it was harder for me to understand it). Quitting EVERYTHING cold turkey is rough. It's already hella hard staying in rehab as is. Smoking was a tiny (in comparison to the drugs) piece of relief that decreased the difficulty of being in rehab. And ya know what? More than half of the residents who made it at least 1 year in rehab actively began trying to quit smoking too without any prompting

[@rutalorp4777]

damn just like those government funded, clean & safe centers that provide free heroin for the addicted in Finland or norway or some developed country. I remember those existing somewhere

[@alittelbifurious]

I remember seeing something Vivzie or one of her writers saying that they were going to have the most care with Angel's arc because he deals with the most traumatic things that are sadly rooted in reality. It's impossible to handle something like this with only grace and nothing else but I do feel like Vivzie and her team did a great job handling this arc. I'd argue that's why this arc is so well written compared to the rest of the show

[@derpiedoxie]

Not gonna lie, I seriously think this is your best analysis that I’ve seen from you The way it dives into every nook and cranny of not only Angel dusts life, but also his coping mechanisms and how they both influence eachother, and then perfectly identify what exactly husk is doing with “loser baby” is not only perfectly comprehensive, but also handled in an amazing way! Well done, Schnee!

[@schnee1]

Thanks!! I am really really pleased with the ideas here 😃

[@derpiedoxie]

@@schnee1 You absolutely should be! :D

[@redroseibarahime8755]

@@schnee1 it is your best video because you explain this serious topic in such an easy to understand way. I hope this goes viral and helps a lot of people to understand addiction and the masking and coping mechanisms and therefore encourages people to extend a careful helping hand for victims instead of just abandonning them.

[@lookai2]

19:20 I think there's also one more element towards why "I've been there too. It sucks." makes someone in a potentially hopeless situation feel better. Because it actually shows that the situation isn't hopeless. The "BEEN there" is key here. The other person was in the same situation you are currently in, but they managed to escape it. Which means that you have a chance at escaping too. The other person, consciously or subconsciously has an idea as to how escape the circumstances you are in. So by sticking with them maybe you will figure out how to do that too and that brings something that people in those kinds of situations need most. Hope. They have a rope with which they can climb out of the hole they are currently in and what's better the rope is actively reaching out towards them (i.e. the person who knows how to help you also wants to help you).

[@sydneygorelick7484]

Yeah! BEEN there, past tense, instead of "is also there," and therefore they have gotten past it!

[@imachair4681]

And i think, for me at least, the “it sucks” part is important. Because a lot of times when people try to empathize, they end up just dismissing your issue unintentionally. The difference between “I’ve been there, it sucks” and simply “you aren’t alone” or things like that. When I hear that others are going through the same thing, it just makes me feel worse because then I’m the one at fault for not dealing with it better. But acknowledging that the situation sucks and that you are allowed to feel bad makes it feel a lot better in my experience

[@alexelion7084]

@@imachair4681 You've put that into words so well! I have ADHD and am really struggling with life right now and a lot of the time people will tell me that everyone struggles with the things I struggle with or tell me things that might help and it feels so invalidating. I can't be feeling like I'm not made for this life because of things everyone struggles with. And the practical tips feel dismissive as well because it's just another way of saying "you're not trying hard enough". Having someone just validate that your life sucks right now feels so freeing in a way, it's like FINALLY someone understands

[@litterlyjusttj]

I couldn’t agree more and i would love to add on! On top of I’ve been there to and that empathy that comes with that instead of sympathy, is so crucial. And i feel like it is the distinction between Empathy and Sympathy that is what makes this sence so impactful. Empathy is being able to connect with someone circumstantially and through similar experience that produce similar emotions, Sympathy on the other hand is just being able to listen and see how to them that would suck with out connecting yourself. And that is what is so important! that is what makes it so amazing. Husk could have said yeah your a loser but that’s what makes you strong but instead he said i’m a loser just like you and we can eat shit together maybe things will turn out differently! AAAA

[@firelight3806]

@@alexelion7084 This is on an uncanny level of similarity to my own life including the ADHD. Everyone tells me that I'm selfish and lack motivation that I gaslit myself into thinking that I'm lazy and uninspired despite me still very much having real passions like storytelling, science, gaming, psychology, music, and art.

[@botanicalitus4194]

As someone who has depression and feels so hopeless sometimes, loser baby really helps make me feel less alone and gives me hope. Idk why so many people are hell bent on misinterpreting it as Husk saying "get over it lul" when its clearly not that case

[@alexelion7084]

It's literally the opposite of "get over it". I hope it'l get better soon and you'll find hope. I'm kinda in a similar situation, in my case my ADHD is making me depressive. You are definitely not alone with this

[@mildlyobesegoat7262]

I find it wrong for the opposite reason. In my eyes, husk basically says that Angel should stop trying to change anything about himself, that he should instead embrace being the degenerate he is, which is the hardcore opposite of the message a show like this should be giving to its audience. When you’re struggling with addiction, you need discipline in your life, not validation

[@alexelion7084]

@@mildlyobesegoat7262 Did you even watch the video? Sometimes you can't "discipline your life" for one reason or another. Angel depends on the unhealthy coping mechanisms to survive, they hurt him but not having them hurts him more. And Husk doesn't tell Angel to "stop trying", for that Angel had to try in the first place which he doesn't. Validation isn't enough in the long run, but it's the first step that makes everything else possible. And this step is so underestimated! Angel needs to love himself at his worst so he can believe he is worthy of becoming his best - and able to become his best. How do you expect someone to work up the discipline to better themselves if they don't feel like they are worth fighting for? I don't have an addiction the way it's portrayed with Angel but I do have my own issues and I can say from experience that shaming me or me shaming myself only leads to me wanting to give up. But if I start to believe that it's okay to struggle and to fail and to be a mess, then I get comfort and hope and these make me want to try again

[@mildlyobesegoat7262]

@@alexelion7084 As someone who also struggles with addictions, even if not nearly as drastic as Angel Dust, I respectfully disagree. I don't think validation is underestimated at all. It is very much embraced way too far in our society. Every flaw, every kink, every disorder is validated, to the point where body positivity has become a battle against scientific facts, to give an example. I've been into self improvement for a while and from what I witnessed, the only people actually making progress with their journeys were those who stopped giving themselves excuses and pushed through their inner sloth and addict holding them back. I was desperately hoping Husk would keep calling Angel Dust out on his bs like he did back in the hotel, because frankly, the dude was crossing boundaries left and right, which isn't excusable no matter what he goes through in his own private life. In Husk's place, I would've told him to stop feeling sorry for himself, turn his back on the abusive life he's living and pick up the shambles one by one. Obviously, in the confines of fiction, he's bound by a soul contract or whatever, but then again, he's literally friends with the princess of hell, and I doubt Valentino could do shit if she's standing in his way. I'm digressing though. Long story short: Yes, if you're causing yourself trouble in life with your habits or whatever, the easiest and frankly the only solution is to discipline yourself. An addiction to drugs, alcohol, smoking and sex will not just magically fade away once you start "believing in yourself" as it is depicted in Hazbin Hotel (episode 6). You have to face the ugly truth and push through it yourself.

[@solsystem1342]

​​@@mildlyobesegoat7262 What? Coming at this from a human trafficking perspective because the demonic soul-owning contracts are very in line with real world modern day trafficking even if their methods are magical instead of physical. Husk isn't saying "don't change yourself" he's saying "I know you can't escape, I can't either. I have a shoulder for you to cry on if you need it." Which is a very powerful message which applies even in the more abusive relationship angles I've seen. Plenty of people depend on their abusers financially (especially common for disabled people) and the like and therefore end up trapped even though they're not physically incapable of leaving. Idk I guess maybe consider the reality of the situation rather than just assuming that the solution to abuse is character development by the survivor. Tldr: Husk is the one to remind Angel that he has other options to get high in another episode. Idk why you think that's "encouraging degeneracy". Maybe consider also watching the whole text before commenting on its underlying messages.

[@sakurap95]

I think what makes “Poison” so impactful is that it’s a song validating the feelings of being in an abusive relationship. And if they live in hell, where could Anthony even go for help? There doesn’t seem to be any system in place, (I’m honestly surprised there’s a rehab in Hellavaboss) so the only place he can go is to be with his friends.

[@meganm.matthewslpcccgt6120]

In my headcanon, the rehab that Barbie goes to was established by somebody who maybe had similar ideas to Charlie's but more short-term (as in "get people functional" rather than "get people actually redeemed").

[@koiloylo]

@@meganm.matthewslpcccgt6120 maybe also someone with a lot less power than charlie, so they can only do it on the small-scale

[@dottysdokis]

​@@meganm.matthewslpcccgt6120 this, plus it seems to be implied the rehab in hb is for the hellborn, people who never lived as humans and never had an opportunity to get into heaven. it doesn't seem like there's any desire among the hellborn populace to go to heaven either; hell is their home, where they grew up, it's more constructive for them to improve hell itself.

[@ShiniesoftheGanders]

​@@dottysdokis absolutely. Hell is supposed to be punishment for the sinners, its natives shouldn't suffer alongside them. Which just so happens to be a theme in HB, whether it's handled well is another question but time will tell

[@carmine.yellow3839]

6:42 the way angel words 'you know how much i'm worth?' i think is interesting cuz earlier val says to him 'you're lucky you make me money' as if the only way angel dignifies himself is by reminding himself he's still needed by val, but only in this way

[@meganm.matthewslpcccgt6120]

I actually love that line because of the two different ways the question can be read: "worth" as in money and "worth" as in Angel's self-worth.

[@wren7101]

I think like the reason Husk says "how about that drink?" at the end of the episode is to kinda let Angel know that talking to the bartender is still an option that is available to him. But in a way that isn't a direct offer of help, since the directness is what makes Angel so nervous. Kind of like "We had this big vulnerable moment just now, so let's wind down and calm down, and we can unpack it all if you want to. My door is open either way."

[@stray_editori]

I'm impressed that despite being thrown off by the "how about that drink?" line, you were able to grasp it by analyzation! I just intuitively got the difference of "drinking out of misery" vs drinking bc the mood is alr better, and idk if I would be able to make it click so well on a purely analytical perspective. Great video! Most of this was intuitively in my perception but it's really cool getting that out into words and analysis! Episode 4 was so peak, it's truly fascinating. I think it might be exactly because its such a touchy subject that a lot of care was put into doing it right, and that's why other parts of the story feel lackluster compared to it. (i am a fan of the show but as mentiond ep4 is definitely a standout) I think another really cool, but personal, thing about loser baby is that Husk doesn't... soften it. Its not the typical "aww its ok ive been there, itll get better, just believe!!" angle, but the focus is on the companionship and VALIDATION of the feeling. its the "yeah it SUCKS but I'll keep you company (at rock-bottom) if you want" that spoke to me personally. And probably also to Angel because his role used to be the opposite of that, as you analyized.

[@pinkopansy]

23:55 "don't force him back, just make sure he's safe" is such an important line for Charlie to say. "redemption" via "fixing yourself" can only happen once someone is out of the desperate and precarious circumstances that have brought them to become "broken". it's why an important part of treating addiction/dependency is harm reduction, making someone as safe as they can be before trying to "take away" the vices that they depend on to survive. otherwise they'll just fall right back into the situation that made them rely on something damaging in the first place. ultimately I think the overall themes in HH are very similar to The Good Place and I'm glad there's both a very philosophy heavy version of this story in the world as well as a sillier cartoon musical. I'm sure AA type long-term sobriety works great for a lot of people but I'm equally sure there is room in the world for people who depend on "damaging vices" without ever wanting to quit them entirely. also being a "proud loser" is such a big part of so many of the identities that are common in the demographic of this show: queer, ND, disabled, addict, mentally ill, theatre kid, cringe edgy teen/young-adult, etc.

[@zzz_naptime]

I've seen so many people go on about how angel dust is a "bad representation of s/a survivors" and I think they forget that 1) there's no such thing as a "perfect survivor". there is no "right way" to react to the trauma that is plaguing your life at every second of every day BECAUSE 2) mental health IS REALLY MESSY. it can be difficult for even the most understanding people to wrap their heads around. the reason why someone does what they do is not always a quick easy answer of "oh x happens so that's why they gave x response". angel is a COMPLEX character, probably the most complex I've ever seen. in a far less complex version of Angel's arc, Charlie would of been the one to "turn him around" and give him a happy ending, have him go to heaven and finally be rid of all of his problems, everything is just fixed like clockwork. I'm really happy the writers didn't go down this route. because mental health IS messy, the solution and recovery is NOT going to be quick, clean and simple. not every survivor can leave their abusers with ease (hell angel is literally trapped in a contract with val), not every addict can just put down the bottle and be done. it takes a lot, and I think husk is the PERFECT character for angel to get through this with. husk is stuck in a contract too, he cannot quit being the hotel's bartender. and of course, while husk doesn't understand every aspect of Angel's life (such as the abuse he's suffered), he's able to stay with angel while he continues to get through this. I'm sorry for such a long comment and what I said may not even make sense. angel is a complex character that I'm still trying to fully wrap my head around. I just have a lot of thoughts regarding angel dust and his arc. I'm not saying that I think it's written perfectly, I'm saying that I think it's written better than a lot of people give it credit for.

[@NayasTarotCrossing]

I love Loser Baby. At the beginning Angel is so depressed and hopeless, by the end he is singing and dancing and holding Husk's hand. It is a miracle.

[@stormmakesrobinson2191]

Same also the song's a bop!

[@nervousdisposition7150]

I think everything you said about Angel and his coping mechanisms is *so* right. As a survivor, something we learn about is that there's not just fight, flight, freeze responses to traumatising situations, but also *fawn*. Fawn is exactly what Angel is doing - where you appease the abuser and do what they want and more just for survival. It can be really tricky to pull apart whether you want to actually do those things or not because well.. you do... but only in the same way you want to give the man mugging you all your money. It's probably why Angel also feels like the pstar personality is his, because you can convince yourself that you're freely choosing those things.

[@patchpatch4008]

I honestly believe Episode 4 is so well done. Angel Dust / Anthony is one of my favorite characters and was long anticipating how they would portray just how messed up his life is while being under Valentino's thumb. It does such a good job of getting into the persona and act of Anthony and really fleshing out his personality while acting upon a red hot stage that is surviving the worst kinds of abuse.

[@litterlyjusttj]

and that’s a part of this show that i feel like is very undercooked. Everyone’s NAMES! They have the “act” the Angle Dust and then you have Anthony. Anthony some one so stuck and broken that they landed in hell, and those actions that trauma has consumed him into the after life making him angle dust, and making that his whole identity. A poison, a drug, and a problem. This part and aspect of the show is crimaly underrated to me

[@cullenlatham2366]

Why offer a drink at the end? It is simple: drinking is a symptom, not the disease. Treating symptoms doesnt fix the underlying problem, and case enough of them and you remove the person's ability to adapt and cope with the issue. Heck, just the mere fact that an episode later, Angel is questioning the need for alchohol proves that it isnt substance abuse that he has an issue with, he just indulged to escape the pain. As that pain starts to fade, so does his need for his escape.

[@kyuuujin]

I definitely noticed that episode 4 is really the only strong episode Hazbin has in terms of storytelling and relating to its central messaging, so I’m super glad someone did a deep dive as to why that is! Thank you!

[@Bossinette623]

The part where you opened up how Angel feels control = death/pain really hit me. He honestly thinks being controlled or someone trying to take control in a simple conversation or situation means he’d end up being hurt made me cry. It’s so sad he thinks that and I almost personally relate to it.

[@meganm.matthewslpcccgt6120]

Reminds me of something I read about neurodivergent people and "pathological demand avoidance" (also known as persistent drive for autonomy, which is the term I prefer to use). The (very) general idea is that if the person feels pushed to do something/like a demand is being placed on them, they won't do the thing - even if it's something they actually want to do - because they aren't being given a choice.

[@Meraxes6]

The second to last line really sums it up for me: “It’s time to lose your self-loathing, excuse yourself, let hope in, baby” this is something we all need to hear sometimes, he’s encouraging Angel to take back control of how he sees himself, how he feels on the inside despite what’s happening to him on the outside (which is out of his control).

[@annies8624]

Just out of Therapist school lol. How i saw Husk trying to help- he wasn’t trying to stop Angel using his (honestly really maladaptive) coping but getting him to recognize go is not alone and that radical acceptance of himself and situation that he too can “let hope in” even in a really shit place he’s at. Husk isn’t stoping his current addiction but using harm reduction with this because his drinking is a coping skill- not a good one but still a coping skill. He’s giving him an outlet to slowly improve internally and build his resilience rather than take away a coping skill and thing that has helped him up until this point. This last invitation to get a drink is not a drink to cope but a way to have community and companionship and share time together.

[@pinkerhero]

yO this was so compassionate/caring and thoughtful~! angel's my fave, I wish I could've done more for him, but so happy I and many others got to contribute.

[@schnee1]

thanks as always!!

[@maryg2658]

out of all of the characters, angel dust had the most interesting and tragic story (as well as the most complex character development) to me and ugh a schnee breakdown is exactly what i need

[@eikebehrmann3493]

Firstly, brilliant analysis, agree with everything you said. I also think that it is important to see something that happens over both “poison” and “loser baby”, which is accepting and acknowledging the abuse. I see the “I’m a famous porn star and I like that” as internalised gaslighting. The thing about that kind of gaslighting is that *during* the abuse, it can be vitally important because it offers a framework that a) compartmentalises and hides a lot of pain and b) allows the victim to operate in the abusive environment; it’s a survival adaptation. This is why many abused children will say - and be completely convinced - that their parents “aren’t controlling” or “love them”. They have to believe that to survive dodge and survive the abuse. However, while it makes survival easier, it also makes it far far more difficult to get out of the abuse. Abused children will only be able to meaningfully heal when they acknowledge what has been done to them. But doing so is fucking painful, as you now have to face years and years of abuse, who’s pain has been carefully repressed. I see all the same patterns in Angel: he is convinced that the abuse and horrible coping is actually good, that it gives him value, that Only The Porn Makes Him Worth While. He Needs that belief to survive Valentino, but it traps him in abusive relationships and bad coping mechanisms. It is “Who he NEEDS to be”. When Charlie and Husk confront that internalised gaslighting, he lashes out because they are attacking the worldview that is keeping the pain at bay. “Poison” is rife with this: Angel sees that what is being done to him isn’t good, but refuses to really confront it. That is, until the very last stanza, where he finally acknowledges that he doesn’t like it. In light of this, “Loser Baby” gains a new dimension: Husk shows Angel that it’s Entirely Possible and Safe To Be A Loser. In other words, Husk offers a new, safe identity, that Angel can take on, which allows him to face his gaslighting. Simultaneously, he gets a safe and understanding person he can talk to, which undoubtedly helps him face all the shit he’s been through.

[@vinx9884]

It's really nice to finally have words to put to my own life experiences.. and my own coping mechanisms. Angel dust was the first character I've ever seen reflect that side of my self. And to see a video that accurately puts what I've been struggling to define for others into words is relieving. Cause when people try to boil the character down into fetishization they're not only missing the point but hurting the audience that needed this kind of character. You put it perfectly in the section about the trauma of control.

[@PressXForXavier]

I'm a loser just like you, then. I feel the same, I get that. But I really am 100000% behind healing. ❤

[@sprayz390]

tbh, ive never related to a character more. i’ve been in and out of abuse cycles my entire life. the thing that helps me ignore it is that act i have put on, the act of being cute, innocent, and oblivious. the very thing protecting me, is the very thing getting me into these awful situations. from grooming, to manipulation to stalking. because what was it all for, if i’m not at least pretty to look at. at least i’m wanted. sort of feeling. i think this is one of the most important parts of the show. his development, the visibility he gives not only the people who relate. but the people who don’t. it’s such a hard thing to understand. "art is meant to comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable." i saw someone say in a common section.

[@saharalove418]

Absolutely BRILLIANT. I literally just took 5 pages of notes on this, relating it back to attachment theory, specifically avoidant attachment, and how my approach of helping my avoidant friend develop more secure attachment behaviors has ultimately been detrimental (Charlie approach). This deep dive helped me not only gain a different perspective on how my approach comes across through his eyes. The approach of re framing his behaviors to be used productively instead of as coping mechanisms or saying he's gotta abandon them completely - - 🤯 brilliant!! 👏👏👏

[@schnee1]

awesome!! here's the script if it helps! docs.google.com/document/d/1sxOixUFkYlDF1E78prwASE5C6c3Jxmc_LUYal7j-8rw/edit?usp=sharing

[@saharalove418]

Thank you!!

[@oddaceisodd.]

I LOVE this deep dive. Too many times have I heard people get "Loser, baby" COMPLETELY WRONG. Edit: thank you 930 people who agree with me 😂 Edit Again: Correction, 1,000 people

[@schnee1]

what do they say?

[@oddaceisodd.]

@@schnee1 I've heard people take the song as Husk basically making fun of Angel and literally calling him a loser. I've also seen people call Poison glorification of abuse and purely for shock value rather than real feelings people in situations like Angel's have. I remember reading a post someone made where they said they didn't like Husk because he was "dismissing Angel's feelings." (Also, perhaps saying "too many times" is hyperbole, I've just heard it enough times that I get annoyed thinking about it😭)

[@schnee1]

@@oddaceisodd. UGH noo this hurt to read!! 💀ok now im even more happy i added my take to the discourse

[@oddaceisodd.]

@@schnee1 It hurt to write too😭 It gets me so riled up when people don't see the deeper meaning and are so confidently incorrect.

[@jacobstevens7046]

​@@oddaceisodd.Reading comprehension is in decline, and therefore media literacy as well. It's sad.

[@lolli_popples]

Loser, Baby is SO thematically consistent. What are the souls in Heaven called? Winners. If Sinners are the opposite, that intrinsically implies that Sinners lost. They are all losers from the fact that they ended up in hell. But losing and winning aren’t permanent statuses. You can play again. And when you play again you may win or lose.

[@pineneedle116]

think part of why Husk offer Angel a drink, is because he isn’t sober either. They’re both alcoholics, and though Husk was able help Angel in this episode, he still has his own issues to work through.

[@brown7180]

I really appreciate how well you laid this out bc kts so easy for people to misunderstand this as a shallow "we bonded over how much we suck," self-depricating moment. For me it wasn't just about reframing how yoj thought about yojrself, but about others too. Super cocky, big ego personas already know that "losers" exist, and usually they're used to looking down on them, as undeserving of any grace, empathy or compassion. Its a competitive mindset of percieved rank. By identifying yourself as a loser, when you used to be so insistant that you're a winner, you bring everything you know abojt yojrself and your own experiance into your u understanding of who a "loser" is. You recognize their humanity and complexity, and that they're just like you, and it makes it so much easier to accept the parts of yourself that conflict with your "Winner" persona or self-image, as well as connect and empathise with other "losers" and regonize the reality of it instead of the shallow narratives that only allow one part of who someone is to exist.

[@searchingfororion]

You explain this really well. I'm still amazed that people got that moment wrong *so badly.* It's strange to me. The idea of "let's be losers together" has been around for a while. (It's not *the most* common film/TV/media trope in the world, but it's been there - in that language - with characters choosing the term for themselves as a 'other people don't get it but we're in it together' type of label *since the 80s.* -) The most famous/relevant I can think of - especially since the remake was such a hit - is the main group in Stephen King's "It" that proudly called themselves "The Losers Club". There are lots of other examples, but the internet exploded when each part of the new one released in theaters and no one seemed to think it was an insult when one character said to another: "Well, it's official - you're a loser like us now."

[@ChaiLatte666]

19:50 ish hit hard. I've always hated the whole "you're not alone" thing because, in the words of AJJ (brave as a noun) - its sad to know that you are not alone, and its sad to know there's no easy way out. But then you, like, actually explained it and i think for the first time in my life i get it. Because i have felt that whole "im other, and different, and pathetic, and broken." Because there really does feel like there's no light. It feels like you're the problem, like you're the one who will never be able to fix it. And I've always known on some level im not alone, but when you describe it that way it changes my mindset. I know im not alone, but i never think that the people around me might actually be dealing with the same thing. And yet they're still making it through. And i know it doesn't really work like this for angel,,, but it makes me take a step back and realize hey. Im doing pretty okay too. I'm not broken beyond repair. Im not wrong. And i really really thank you, genuinely, for making me understand that.

[@iiiinkman]

all schnee content is good content

[@nexesses1548]

I made a post about this recently on Reddit where I went into Angel. We have a lot of the same takes I would say, nice video. “The coping mechanisms in sex and drugs, mechanisms exploited by Val, very probably immoraly charming Angel with his pheromones added to the creation of his contract. Now being as much a slave to his addictions and his coping mechanisms as he is to Val’s contract and literal poison. Getting a dissociative disorder by experiencing a living hell even for hells standards but are forced to act like you love it while being drugged. He doesn’t even feel like he can better himself as his coping mechanisms are quite literally a job he isn’t allowed to escape from. His trauma and past are quite literally his master. His “poison” literally forced down his throat in more ways than 1, every single night. So he does the most dumb shit, making stupid choices, just because he wants to see how low he can fall. Out of self hate, out of exhaustion in actually trying, out of fear that if he cared it would break him. He does them because there is comfort in the pain and feeling like you hit the bottom, at least you can’t fall lower, right? There is an addiction in the suffering, a high only reached when you feel that low. He has an inability to differentiate between his identity and his problems. He does these things because it gives him an illusion of freedom. He flirts and puts out this persona as a way to hide who he is and how he feels. He changes how he talks, how he acts, what he says and what he does, his attitude etc. Only made easier by and harder to get out of because his dissociative disorder. Both for others and himself. For himself he pushes people away with a facade so they can’t leave for who he is. One of his biggest fears is that others see him how he sees himself. He is pushing in front of him this boundary that is literally ment to push people away, like a filter for who is allowed to talk to the real him, because if you can bare with his boundary persona the chance they push the real him away is smaller right? It’s also a symptom of SA victims to tie their sexuality to their self worth, to double down for the illusion of control, to establish some form of control over their life in the only way he know how. And for others because he tries to protect others from his hell. He tries to protect Charlie from his work, from Val, from the truth and reality of his situation. The last thing Angel would want is for Charlie to hurt herself trying to help him. So he pushes her away and he would rather be hated knowing his friends are safe than be loved while risk their safety. When it came to Val abusing him he just accepts it but when it comes to Charlie he can’t. This ties heavily into the complexity of abusive relationships too. Angel and Val is a perfect representation of an abusive relationship. The push and pull that makes you come back or simulates a feeling of addiction. Val’s narcissism, the controlling, the fear of losing control. “If you just would have listened I wouldn’t have to do this. Why would you make me do this. I give you everything, I made you, you need me.” We can see Angel trying to fight these thoughts live on screen, as somewhere he has learned to believe them at least to some degree. He talks about how he is stunning and sexy, but when he himself looks in the mirror all he sees is his black eye as a permanent reminder of how he died. He sees his golden tooth as a sign of how he is owned by Val. He sees his trauma of how he was used for this body, abused for this body, assaulted for it, and how in many ways his whole personality was reduced to his body. Even though he hates this somewhere he kinda believes it and he owns it, he leans into it, yes this is who I am and I’m good at this. Again to give that sense of control and self worth.“

[@smooch8234]

29:41 And if you look real close he makes sure to wait for Angel to grab his hand before dancing in the entire Loser Baby scene to make sure Angel is ok with it!

[@sxlrr.brxinzz]

Didn't expect a Hazbin Hotel video, but glad to see it! ❤

[@dont_know_my_name]

OMG WE HAVE THE SAME PFP

[@lp_grumpy]

This is such a brilliant and through analysis of this episode. It's genuinely impressive and delightful to listen to you identify and explain the themes of this episode as well as the thought processes of these characters is such a clear way. This episode is honestly, one that showcases the potential of what this shows' storytelling COULD look like to the fullest. Each little thing you brought up in your analysis of it had me nodding my head along. It's genuinely so impressive that they managed to fit SO MUCH characterization and weave this narrative into the larger one within 25 minutes. Even something as seemingly minor as Husk's misplaced assumption that Angel's act comes from a place of ego, can very well be traced back to his relationship with Alastor. Because as we see later, Husk does correctly identify that trait in Alastor. That IS someone whose performance is about EGO. So that contextualises why he misidentified what he saw in Angle. Why the first conclusion he came to was that this was about Ego. Which to me is just so, it's just really good isn't it? It's the kind of layered storytelling, where the pre-existing relationships these characters have affect the way they form new ones, that I wish this show had more of. And I feel like they COULD have, if only they were given more time.

[@erinw1256]

I absolutely LOVE Angel Dust. Not because I relate to him on a super personal level, but because he seems so real. When I first watched the pilot back in 2019, I actually didn't like him. He seemed 1 note. The joke character, but sex jokes instead, because it's edgy. Not really my thing. It wasn't until I saw the Addict music video, that I realized there was more to him. So I started looking into his backstory. And it's so incredibly sad. But I'm really happy they not only started to explore it in the first first season, but also were allowed to do it in this way. Masquerade is a very hard watch. I still find myself clenching my jaw and getting upset when rewatching it. But that's the point. It's so raw. Or, at least as raw as it needs to be to get the point across without overdoing it. And I'm so glad you were able to do this deep dive to explain it. This deep dive was very well done. I know Vivienne already confirmed that in season 2, we'll learn more about some of the characters to find out what they did to go to Hell. And I hope one of those characters is Angel Dust. And I really hope that if Angel is one of those characters, you do another deep dive like this on him. I'm sure it''ll be just as good, if not better than this one.

[@yuuhikonn4384]

lmao had very much not expected to use my sociology class like, ever again, but here we stand! the whole ‘angel is playing a role and it’s a theater and it’s both real and an act’ is actually something that was studied by Goffman, a canadian sociologist. He published the books (63) and (61). While there are always criticisms that can be made about this or that work, there are excellent analysis (i mean it’s being taught in year 3 of uni in France 63 years later, it does hold some weight) (all that to say it’s not just bs someone said after a bad observation). What he said basically is life is theater and everyone is in constant representation. We play a character for others, but to make this character convincing, we also have to be that character. So we’re both the role, the act and the actual person behind the mask. We are aware it’s an act but also we are the act. which i think ties pretty well into what you were saying about Angel Dust and the whole it’s an act but it’s not fake narrative. For his book , Goffman did a study inside an asylum because he believed it to be a total institution, an institution with full control over one’s life and activities at all time (that was 1961, idk how it is today). he observed that, basically, people would take a role to survive there. either by embracing the role of the good patient (take ur meds, be kind and respectful and hope to get out of there) or by embracing the stigma (which i believe is developed in the essay ) (altho i haven’t studied that one) and playing the insane patient. It’s also been seen with gay people embracing the stigma of hyper sexualized, feminine men with high pitched voice and yk what i’m talking about. This maneuver of embracing a stigma is a powerful one because you make it into a power. that’s what angel does, he embraces that stigma and makes it into a power, a controlling force for agency, both in the song Poison and Loser Baby. Goffman also says that, even in that total institution, there are forms of separation between the person and the role as stated earlier. it’s as was said in the video, angel is the act but the act isn’t angel. Two points worth noting of my own cheap analysis rn, is that 1. i haven’t read goffman’s work lmao, my teacher spoke about it for about an hour and i thought it was cool af. 2. angel isn’t in an asylum. i however think that having someone literally own your soul and be stuck without any agency whatsoever (even if it’s only a belief, it does a lot) does compare, to a certain extent, if you squint and look from far away, to a total institution as in it takes your entire life. Of course the solution is different, literally walking out of a facility doesn’t work for angel because of everything else around the character but i still think it’s interesting. And then again, goffman did think this whole theater metaphor applied to each and everyone of us, everyday. extra disclaimer ; i’m not a sociologist, haven’t read or and i’m a total of nobody at all lmao so take this with a grain of salt, as a side analysis to a fictional show. anyway, thanks, i love my classes even if i’ll never have a job, cheers

[@meganm.matthewslpcccgt6120]

Re: never having a job - a degree in sociology can get you into a master's program to become a therapist, wherein you can use popular media therapeutically. Ask me how I know. 😉

[@MrBern-ex3wq]

Hazbin Hotel is not as shallow as you probably think it is, it's just shallow on the points it's not currently exploring because... Well it's not the focus. The whole point of the show is to break shallowness, superficiality, and you can't do that if there's no surface to break. Plus with the few episodes it was given by Amazon on its first season well... It can't dive into everything. Not every show manages to be Arcane. So that's the "some reason" why Angel's story isn't shallow at all, it was one of the focal points of this season. The other focal point being world building, basically. Creating surfaces to break. I expect them to dive deeper into the surfaces it established in season 1 as it goes on, and as comms from Viv are suggesting, that looks to be where we're headed.

[@viktor2106]

this entire video made me shed tears several times, as someone who is in a similar situation as Angel it felt too real. This is such a great analysis, i cant even think of the words to say right now, but i felt like i needed to write something in this moment. For anyone going through something like or someone you know it CAN get better. I believe in all of you, companionship is very important. Thank you for this video really.

[@BlankPicketSign]

True Acting is "Living truthfully under imaginary circumstances" ~My acting teacher.

[@CleoneASMR]

Schnee.. I’ve seen all of your past arcane videos, enjoyed them thoroughly. You are very articulate, happy to be able listen to your voice 💜 Thank you!

[@TragicSun]

Angel seems to be building some strong themes of identity and self acceptance. In Masquerade, we discover the first piece of information from Angel’s human life in the story: His name being Anthony. Some people think that Angel Dust is just the fake persona and Anthony is his true real self… but I think it is more complicated than that. There’s not some ideal version of ourselves that we need to cling to, for better or worse you can’t go back to being that person you were in the past, what you reminisce about being isn’t who you are now. That being said, from the information we have from Vivienne (but it’s also hinted in season 1), I also suspect that most of his issues originate from back in his life, and dealing with them firsthand is going to leave Angel to confront some hurtful stuff. It’s been confirmed that for next season we’ll get to explore some human lives, and also Angel’s twin sister is 100% appearing (and there’s a cameo of his older brother in episode 8). Anthony was born obligated to participate in his father’s mafia business during a period of time when being queer was particularly dangerous, living with a total lack of freedom as a highly repressed, neglected and abused man who died from an overdose to deal with the pain. Once he ended up in hell, he had the opportunity to find some liberation and embrace it to the fullest, perhaps not in the healthiest or safest way... a strong need for validation from others while also struggling to deal with genuine intimacy. At the same time, as a closeted queer person, Angel Dust is inspiring because, from what I can tell, he is a manifestation of a queer man finally getting to have the opportunity to be utterly, totally, unapologetically himself: He’s camp! He’s fem! He crossdresses! He’s gay! He’s sexual! Angel reads to me as someone who truly LOVES the chance to embrace these things about himself, and unfortunately, such love has been abused and exploited along the way. As you said in your beautiful analysis, good acting doesn’t really equal being fake; “in every lie, there is a truth” I recently started to join a theater club because of Hazbin Hotel, and it’s helping me a lot :) Sorry for my english.

[@meganm.matthewslpcccgt6120]

Your English is spot on. Thought you ought to know. 🙂

[@joshuagonzalez4183]

damn,that’s rough😔

[@ForestNurse1406]

And other HUGE THANK YOU for outwrighting your thoughts on screen. So for you to know - I've screenshoted nearly every frame, so I can ran thrugh it again. To understand all of it better.

[@schnee1]

heres the script if it helps! :D docs.google.com/document/d/1sxOixUFkYlDF1E78prwASE5C6c3Jxmc_LUYal7j-8rw/edit?usp=sharing

[@HappyGoldfis]

As someone from a abusive household this hurt to watch and I think I might regret watching it. I'd seen the show, I'd identified with Angel dust but hadn't really processed the whole of why. This was a beautifully written essay my friend. I think another big part of the reason why "your a loser baby baby just like me" is such a caring song is because husk KNOWS angel dust BELIEVES in his heart of hearts he is a loser, nothing, abuse and abusers especially of the sexual variety creates objectification, he is NOTHING but what he can provide. This creates a entirely different classicification for people, people with value, meaningful amazing people who you love and people like you. Nothing people. What are you useful for? Just sex, but sex is MEANINGLESS, that has no value either so you are a worthless shade of a human. When people try to reach in to this all consuming thought process, interrupt it, LIE to you, it's inherently creating a rift, they're lying to me, how can I have value. I have no value, they're trying to manipulate me THROUGH they're lies, something we've SEEN Valentino do, " I love you baby" love bombing as a form of control, so ofc your being affectionate this is a method of CONTROL how dare you, your a threat. You are part of the NOT me, the valued but also the THREATS. You can't attempt to break this easily. Your father was right, this isn't necessarily great for ADDICTION recovery but addiction is the SYMPTOM not the disease. He needs companionship who accepts him first and foremost, a human being who is NOT a threat who is NOT controlling. We see husk in the scene before try to advise against the drinking, saying no. But I think this is him realising him being a friend is more important than saying no. Angel has, CORRECTLY identified drinking as a coping mechanism he NEEDS this in a way independent entirely of addiction. Husk is engaging with AD in a way he knows he will understand, drinking with people, partying, you know this right? This is YOUR safe space, or more accurately, this is the closest thing you have to a YOU space at all. I'm not going to "lie" to you, your a loser. But your with FRIENDS. I am ACTIVELY not controlling you or trying to ( in the way attempting to change his self image would come across as) I am the same, and I am here for you regardless. You don't NEED to change because I ACCEPT you can't ( because to clarify, to change is death as plain as stopping to Angel dust, everything else is a gamble, a risk, a unproven unknown scary thing. He in his own head CANNOT, ALLOW himself to change, not just CANT, he can't ALLOW himself to change) and this line of encouraging a drink is husk inviting AD to LET husk in. Addiction is not Angel dusts issue. It's trauma and ptsd and the associated crippling isolation and suffering made by this. Thank you for this Ted talk. Said as someone with complex ptsd from a abusive drunk mother. They got Angel dust correct in ways I can't IDENTIFY, I can see him doing things I do and I can't identify why but dear lord does he hurt me to watch. Excellent video as per usual schnee

[@mkm1349]

I think it's also interestingly close to what some abusers do where they create a "safe" enviroment that is made out of unhealthy things, playing on your insecurities and normalizing step by step things to trap you and bond with you even before the actual abuse, so i guess to get out of a bottomless pit you need someone to go descend with you not try lend you a hand from the top, speak your language so to say

[@Casey5693]

Thank you for this video! I have lived through abuse. It was emotional and sometimes physical and never sexual but I relate to Angel so much. I know what it's like to be controlled by someone so much and to endure so much crap from your family that your resilience is worn away and you believe that you are completely malformed. The ADHD and autism gave me other struggles that my family looked down on me for and still look down on me for. It made me believe I was malformed for a long time. I'm starting to truly understand I'm not now.

[@Mooniewoonie-ru6su]

I will never understand why people don’t like Hazbin hotel, specifically Angel dust. I think it’s incredible to see people speak about such intense subjects even in a show that is meant to be humorous. Angel dust is once of my favourite characters, and is by far the character who’s been written the best.

[@sneakingfox11]

if only amazon didn't limit the amount of episodes their animated shows maybe the rest of the show wouldn't feel so rushed ugh this episode is an example of how good this show really could be if it had the ability

[@TragicSun]

Trying to help with the algorithm, this video deserves to be reached by more people

[@meganm.matthewslpcccgt6120]

Okay, I'm very familiar with Tarot and I still completely missed that. Love it!

[@furlycee]

As someone with a degree and history in psychology I think “let’s get that drink” is not at all the same as asking someone in AA to indulge their addiction… it’s asking a broken and highly traumatized and lonely person to connect again with a friend who is there for them. I don’t think addiction is always the root cause, sometimes it’s trauma that nourishes addiction. In that sense I can see it as a super healthy thing. Fantastic analysis. You really have a gift for peeling back layers that others can’t see.

[@archerswamp]

Angel's my favorite in this show. "Poison" breaks my heart - the song and performance are so good. I always love your analyses! Thank you

[@cldominguez42]

Angel's journey starts with "I'm not sorry."

[@tamarbeker1701]

Holy Fuck i need that kind of therapy in my life

[@schnee1]

ugh me too, we all need a husk 🥲

[@tamarbeker1701]

@@schnee1 I actually meant like your analysis of the character. That's a level of understanding I don't think real people are capable of getting from anyone other than a really good therapist

[@dazaji]

@@tamarbeker1701this is so specific and relatable, same.

[@linahernandez188]

This reminds me of a meme I saw that was about how you can take a look at some artist's oc and immediately say Which one is their favorite by the amount of detail they put in that character in comparison with the others ... Angel dust is that one favorite oc in terms of script

[@victoryangel29]

Angel's surface persona isn't just an act; it's a mask. Husk is correct in observing that the person Angel presents to the world is a false facade. This mask is Angel's way of showing he's fine and confident, but in reality, he faces a torrent of chaos. He's trying to keep a low profile from his crime family (namely father and older brother), has spent the past 70 or so years with half of his soul (since twins are believed to share the same soul, and Angel does have a twin sister who we do see in Heaven) in a world he's barred from, and has sold himself in various ways just to survive. On top of that, he's forced to consent to non-consensual situations involving his boss, as Angel puts it, "I sold my soul to a psychopathic freak." Wearing the mask is the only thing that keeps him mentally and emotionally sane. However, such psychological methods aren't meant to be long-term or permanent solutions. The drug use and alcohol reinforce the mask but can't fully patch the cracks that are starting to form Husk also wears a mask, but since his reasons for it aren't as severe as Angel's, he assumes Angel is just acting out for attention. It's only after Angel removes the mask and screams, "It's not an act!" that Husk realizes his assumptions were misplaced. This moment forces Husk to confront the depth of Angel's struggles and recognize that Angel's behavior is not for attention but a desperate attempt to cope with his overwhelming reality. Unlike Charlie, who sees Angel in an abusive situation but doesn't fully grasp the context or scope, Husk picks up on or at least understands some of what Angel isn't saying or can't say. While their situations aren't identical-Angel being subjected to a lack of bodily autonomy and Husk being a former overlord who gambled away his status-they find common ground in their shared experiences. Both have made choices that forced them into situations that aren't working for them. They both have parts of themselves, both in their human and demon lives, that are broken, making them suspicious and constantly on guard around others. By learning to accept that they are both in situations where they aren't the winners and recognizing that others around them are also in positions they're not proud of, they could learn to accept the help being offered to them and help others heal in turn.

[@cillacowz2668]

One of the things that’s truely amazing about Loser Baby, is that it’s an illustration of a real technique used in therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; accepting what is happening and being mindful of yourself, ei “I’m a loser, I’m shmoozer, I’m a fucked up whiney bitch” it’s accepting instead of denying, I myself have gone through this for sa anxiety depression and my self loathing tendencies in order to stop denying things and actually get help without feeling like I’m in danger

[@meganm.matthewslpcccgt6120]

I am a therapist in private practice who uses both ACT and popular media in my therapy room, and I love that you recognized Loser Baby as an illustration of ACT.

[@3laxx766]

"I sold my soul to a psychopathic freak" (along with his expression there, looking up and away, ashamed) "And you think that makes you unique? Get outta here man" That is the key line here. Angel Dust feels his pride is hurt because he's been scammed, because he was "dumb enough to fall for that". Husker telling him there's many people who fell for traps, not because they're dumb but because traps are designed for people to fall for them, that it wasn't stupidity that trapped him in a hellcycle but the asshole Val who scammed him, makes Angel Dust reconsider his self worth. He feels comforted he's just one Dummy (as he sings abt himself) in the crowd of many who are the victims of abuse, that he's not alone in his torture.

[@lostinmystudy4366]

I think the best part about Angels' struggle with control and all is that canonically he was struggling with that even in his living life

[@RayEarth-jh4ld]

I haven’t watched the show, but your analysis makes me think “so how about that drink” is trying to do what a supervised consumption site does

[@Evyanon]

Husk asking for that drink isn't an issue, because the addiction isn't alcohol. Drinking in a safe space around friends is what Angel needs. The problem is when he goes overboard and becomes drunk and drugged out in dangerous situation, and allows people to abuse him to make himself desirable is what the addiction is.

[@Constantly_Tired-ww6vk]

I think an analysis of Lucifer's character would be interesting, especially with his relationships with other characters(Lilith, Charlie, Alastor, etc.).

[@sad_hedgehog]

concerning "act doesn't have to be fake" thing. among people with chameleon personalities (just like me, heyoooo) there has been discussion about "the masks i wear are many, but every one of them is still ME". as a person with trauma concerning control and loss of agency, i don't know whether my personality has been varped by the experiences, but it's still rings true. when i am faced with an abuser or a person with traits i percieve as a threat, my complacency and fawning behaviour is sincere. i really want you to be happy, i do wish you good things - the fact that out of this i will get to be safe is subconsious. when i am copying you attitude, getting louder and sillier or quieter, or taking a role of a 'leader-friend' - it's not fake, i do really feel good getting to be the 'funny one', the 'safe one i can go to', 'the one with the answers', and i do feel funny/steady/confident. i feel even more so. it's broader than angel's mask, but i think it fits. i think he does drugs&gets drunk while leaning HEAVILY into enjoying it. it's a matter of lying to yourself and yourself knowing you are lying, but letting it go. untill the moment when it's too much or too fucked up when the inner voice comes online to aknowledge how it hurt or how disorienting stuff is.

[@TragicSun]

Sharing this information just in case someone might need it at some point, but hopefully not. An "Angel Shot" is one of the most popular secret codes used in bars to inform a bartender that they are in an unsafe situation and need assistance. But I also recently learned that the club where Angel gets almost roofied is called "the black dot" which it is another code, but it also represents other things like gang affiliation or time spent in prison.

[@vonfoxula]

I love how u explained it but this also made me cry like 20 times throughout 😭

[@meganm.matthewslpcccgt6120]

Speaking as a mental health professional, I would love to see you take more deep dives from the angles you described near the end of this video (Angel and Charlie's relationship, the abuser characteristics of Valentino, even a line-by-line analysis of "Loser Baby"). This video was phenomenal from the perspective of someone who uses popular media therapeutically; so much so that I'm trying to figure out how to break it down into session-sized pieces for my clients who know the show.

[@minedantaken1684]

PERFECT! I needed exactly that for one of my characters!

[@zlg703]

bro ....20:00 .....I kinda start crying....gosh when you're concerned with that type of mindset it hits hard to hear it like that. Even so i know it can't be (by logic) I trully believe that I have no worth and that I am the problem (no matter the situation or the nature of the issue). It is rootted in my mind that it might be my fault if I deserve nothing in live dispite every thing happening.

[@feebo4558]

On the point about not being along when someone say "I've been there" It can be amazing when someone says your not alone, but it is one of the worst things someone can say if they aren't like you. Being told " I got through my challenges so you can get through yours" is totally demoralising when it comes from someone who doesn't understand. Someone misunderstanding whats going on only serves to make you feel more alone.

[@MutantAndProud]

This...... is quite possibly the best analysis of Angel's overall situation, and of episode 4 specifically, PERIOD. _WOW_ 🤩 Thank you

[@Theresa-uj4le]

Loser baby really moved me! I often feel like I'm slowly ruining my own life, but hey, that just makes me a loser. My failures don't define everything I am! It might not be an escape-able problem but its not everything I am - and maybe its something I might move past someday.

[@HeartCloud]

It's always wonderful to see these kinds of videos where it goes into a deep analysis and why they stick out in terms of storytelling. I adore Episode 4 of Hazbin Hotel for not shying away from dark themes while also doing a great job diving into Angel Dust's character and why he is the way he is. This episode also sticks out from all the others for how much it took a break from the main plot and go into a personal story where we explore more about our characters. And all the dark themes revolving around abuse, drugs, and self-destruction really does add that this episode has a lot of thought and care put into it. Episode 4 is by far my favorite episode of Hazbin Hotel Season 1 for that reason.

[@Gtaberr]

YES! I have been saying this since I heard the song and knew of the context of it! Thank you for this video, thank you so much!

[@jaimemorris4768]

This was my favorite episode! I'm so happy you did an analysis on it! especially Husk's reasoning for the "You're a Loser" bit. It surprised me and didn't really make sense when I watched the scene. In this way Angel can strengthen himself in uncomfortable situations without completely isolating himself. On my on I thought it the episode was great, but I couldn't put my finger on it as to why. Its so cool to have it broken down why it works so well.

[@artisticpigeon]

This honestly really helped me better understand myself and some of my past experiences. I honestly really liked episode 4 (not for the content but for the fact that i related so heavily to Angel), and I partially have you to thank for helping me see why Great video as always, keep up the good work ^^

[@lonleystranger]

"How do people get trapped in self destructive cycles?" Me, while looking at myself in the mirror: I dunno, man.

[@NoirRaven]

I'm at a point in my life where "sorry" and "that's rough buddy" have become trigger words. I am no longer comforted by displays of empathy. I need action, rescue, time, love, a place to stay, but no one's offering those things. They'll listen to me retraumatize myself as I explain the exact same story over and over again, but nothing more than that and I'm left drifting, even more alone than when I started. What I need is help. No the kind of "help" you get in asylums but the stuff people used to do no less than 25 years ago; hell 15 years ago! I need support against my abusers, I need a barn raising, I need a barn to move into but current gen adults don't seem to want to do that anymore. They're all overwhelmed, avoiding their problems and see stranger danger even in those they consider friends. There's no community anymore, no one willing to put in the work/time, even if I do everything humanly possible to make sure I am not a burden.

[@l.francesca4780]

I think the core part that resonated with me, while probably surface level, is the simple acceptance of it. "Yeah, you're a coked-up dick-sucking ho and that's fine by me." We all have parts of ourselves that we don't like. And sometimes it feels like love and affection and kindness are things we need to earn because we feel like terrible people. So the idea that you can find that acceptance from anywhere is comforting. Husk doesn't care that Angel is all kinds of broken from all kinds of problems. He only cares whether or not Angel is being genuine. The idea that Angel is still worthy of love even as an addict, a victim, and a loser is an Idea that I don't think we see enough of. There's this pervasive idea that you can lose your right to be treated compassionately for misbehavior pushed particularly hard with the punitive prison system and a lot of media in American culture. We're starting to see that change but there are still extremely vocal people that really believe that they should be able to inflict whatever suffering they think is appropriate on you for anything they deem an infraction. Because while it is true that things that create harm shouldn't be tolerated, hence why we even have a concept of crime/sin, people find it easier to just condemn and look the other way than to accept and rehabilitate. Yes, the rehabilitation relies on the willingness of the person being rehabilitated, but there are people on social media acting like Adam where they think any method of punishment is good and right so long as the target of their anger is "an acceptable target." I don't think we get to wish violence upon people just because they're criminals, for example. Especially because the idea that "all punishments are okay as long as the person we're punishing is an appropriate target" leads to the poisonous mindset that "anyone I don't like is an appropriate target so it's okay for me to want to punish them" which often devolves into absolute toxicity to the point of asinine insanity. "Oh, you didn't hear about the social taboo du jour? You're being cringe on main? I should get to doxx you." "Ew, you wrote a bad piece of art that didn't 100% reflect my lived experience? Jail for 1000 years. You're a terrible ally and I hope nobody ever consumes your art because it doesn't do queer rep the way I want it to." People have completely conflated "harm" with "thing I don't like " or "thing that bothers me or mildly inconveniences me." It is insane how much people will conflate, like, creators that do actual harm with creators that have a bad take or creators that make a joke in poor taste and treat them like they're the same level of "evil." So "Loser, Baby" honestly hit me directly with the feels. Because when you find your people, when you find the little "freaks" like yourself that like all your "cringe" interests and are willing to try to understand your bad takes and correct you instead of attacking you for not being born with the right ideas, it's extremely liberating. Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss are so important. Their messages are sometimes ham-fisted or too on the nose, but with how bad-faith some people are and with the declining media literacy going on online lately (willful or not) I think these are messages that we really need right now. People need to be given not only the space to get better, but they need to be given the support to get better. That includes the worst person you can think of. Everyone deserves a chance to get better. Everyone. Because once you start believing otherwise, you will find any excuse to put as many people as you can into that same rotten box where you decide that it's okay to attack them, to not care about them, or in Adam's case, to literally erase them from existence, because you don't like them. And finding someone distasteful is as big a sin for you as finding someone actually harmful. TL;DR: "Loser Baby" Is extremely important and one of the tightest bits of writing in Hazbin Hotel, to the point where even the surface-level interpretation needs to be said loud and proud until people internalize it. People, all people, even and ESPECIALLY sinners need the support and time to learn and grow and heal. It is not a moral wrong to be broken. But it is a moral wrong to deny people the chance to become better.

[@Nisa4444-h1v]

This single 30 minute video has been more impactful and effective than all of the therapy I’ve ever had. Great job!

[@milkflavored]

Angel is the character I felt I was “supposed” to like but walked away feeling irritated by - totally Husk, except I wouldn’t bother to call them out, just avoid completely. I sought out a video like this for exactly that reason. Thank you for providing such thoughtful perspective.

[@Imtrashbutimfree]

Thank you for covering this, I love your deep dives on media. Its always hard to find videos that will tackle this topic with tact and grace while still analyzing the show.

[@nykole1963]

"Good acting isn't fake." Immediately, the scene from Prince of Bel Aire comes to mind.

[@FengNirothar]

Episode 4 was something special... I had heard all the music before watching the show, and adored Poison from the first moment I heard it, but now... Every time I hear it, I tear up, because of how it was actually shown in the episode it self.

[@IndrasChildDeepAsleep]

This is why Angel is my favorite character

[@stormmakesrobinson2191]

Same

[@ilikeyoutube7224]

Yes, being diagnosed was extremely helpful for me because "if there r others like me..i can be helped" It also said "ur struggles, the things uve been feeling, theyre real" So just like u said, knowing ur not the only one is so incredibly validating

[@LesRymbaBymba]

Dude this gave me a whole new perspective of Angel and Husk beside from "you're not alone, so why not suffer with me"

[@noxusmukuz0620]

Everytime when I tell people that angel is relatable they are just saying ARE YA GAY?? (yes. and it is a big thing apperently) this video left me crying dude! Ilove your contents

[@lionsgamers592]

Someone just said "No Husk, gambling and addictions are not comparable to SA" about this song. Are people fucking stupid 😭

[@Cakeontheroof]

This is the only episode I watched twice back to back because I felt what you expressed to concisely - it really went a level much more profound than the rest of the show. Subscribed

[@cartoonhyperfixated]

Dude, I love how much detail and depth you talked about in Angel, I really enjoyed watching this

[@vasgolyo2005]

This analysis vocalized my feelings and unworded thoughts about the episode perfectly. Thank you for making it

[@SannidhiDeshpande]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS ANALYSIS! Angel dust is probably one of my favorite characters in the show and the way you analyzed him is just SO WELL DONE! Everything down to the abuse and the way he copes and how husk helps angel, I just love all of it and the way you analyzed it made me love it even more! Also, if you want a show with complex (and traumatized) characters and good storytelling, I’d say you should check out She-ra and the Princesses of Power, yes ik the title sounds like a shallow kids show, but it’s rly not, some of the characters are very complex, and it has a lot of mature themes, like trauma, abuse, social isolation, racism, and all that stuff, and even tho it’s not perfect (there’s also war, and I don’t rly think it handles it all that well), it’s probably one of my favorite shows of all time, and the characters are just so relatable bro! I’d rly appreciate it if you checked out the show, and possibly even do an analysis video on it, if I had to say which show to compare it to, I’d say avatar, just to give u an idea, ofc it’s just a suggestion and u don’t have to do it, btw the show’s on Netflix

[@nerdyfruitcosplay9547]

While Charlie is advertised as the main character, its very clearly centered around Angel. He's gonna have the most character development especially once he is eventually redeemed. The whole story is essentially gonna follow his journey to a better life- man's IS the main character

[@ItsZeOwl]

I feel like Hazbin Hotel suffered greatly having to be shoved into 8 20-30 minute episodes. You can tell there was so much that had to be left out due to the time crunch and the whole season suffers because of it. really hoping season two (and maybe three🤞) gets to be longer and expand more

[@Ollieberrry]

13:51 I entirely agree with this. I'm not an actor or theater person, but as someone who grew up in an emotionally abusive, manipulative, and neglectful environment there were so many things that I had to lie about-so many times I had to put on an act that I never even realized that's what I was doing, and it has taken years and years of therapy, self reflection, and loving friends to help me unravel what is truly me from what *had* to be me in that situation simply to survive.