Frieda’s Fabulous Slow Motion Hair - An Analysis (Adventure Time: Islands)

After receiving some great comments in my Islands Miniseries Megareview, I decided Frieda’s hair was worth a revisit. While I still have some criticisms and personal gripes, there’s definitely more to Frieda having her hat removed and her slow motion hair spill out in the episode “Hide and Seek” than I initially gave credit for.
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Music:
"To Be Spoken" - Time Kiefer (staypuft)
“Cool Vibes” - Kevin MacLeod
“Nervous Piano” - Kevin MacLeod
“Classic Horror 3” - Kevin MacLeod
"Ye Olde Raided Towne" - Adventure Time: Hey Ice King! Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?!! OST
“Echoes of Time” - Kevin MacLeod
"Adventure Time Island Song" - ThePandaTooth (Instrumental Piano Cover)

[@JunkyardBreadfruit]

This is kind of killing me: I haven't seen anyone acknowledge that Susan's second appearance had her questing for the restoration of the "Red Flower," and later her darkest moment is shown when she suppresses Frieda, who's slow motion moment is indicative of a red flower blooming. You could imply that her subconscious desire to restore Frieda's fire sparked her desire to restore Beautopia's after the Hyoomans had gone without for some unknown period, awakening her Hero's Heart, leading her back to Frieda. So, yeah, thematically, the slow motion shot was essential and beautiful.

[@sarahgreen238]

Underrated comment

[@formersamonellaclone]

@@sarahgreen238 bro it is LITERALLY PINNED

[@kylerosenberg2508]

It seems as though the animal hats are chosen by those who wear them from a young age and although are restricted in terms of color and variety by profession, seem to serve as a form of self expression as well as identifying those of particular professions. Maybe Frieda's losing her hat was symbolic of Frieda being stripped of her individuality as she was forced back into society against her will.

[@friendbreakfast]

Humans in Adventure Time are furries, confirmed (?)

[@kylerosenberg2508]

lol

[@markotuna]

Kyle Rosenberg Oooooooooor its just a bunch of furries being furries ;P

[@ozzie7412]

It kinda reminds me of how female Muslims react when someone pulls their hijab off.

[@owenbingham6491]

They wear them because of vampires

[@Meowblivion]

WHY DOES EVERYBODY IN THIS SHOW LOOK LIKE THEY DOING A LOREAL COMMERCIAL???

[@shinymilotic778]

Kyubey when I look up and I shihihinnnnnnnne

[@MrWojo0014]

Kyubey maybe it's maybelline

[@Meowblivion]

My comment got hearted!! Yuuusss!!!

[@Gooberwares]

Kyubey I woulda said maybeline

[@Meowblivion]

Lmao like a Pantene or some shit

[@frankvilla4298]

I'm sorry but for me the meaning is clear: long hair represents freedom and adventure, and a certain amount of rebeldy. The slowmo scene represents a complete unveiling of Freeda's spirit at the same time as Kara holds her. I mean, the scene is the moment when the adventurer spirit of Freda is completely crushed. And of course the crew wanted to remark that moment since is so important to freeda's character.

[@sapphicseas0451]

exactly, it's also a so close yet so far sort of thing

[@iTzNikkitty]

With that in mind, it makes sense why Finn's hair is so insanely long and glorious. Nobody's got more passion for adventure than he does.

[@austintrahan7362]

I looked at the scene as the hair itself representing the desire for adventure, with the red color showing the pent-up-ness of the desire. Fin's on the other hand is blonde, showing the desire for adventure as active, bright, and accepted. Also, the way the hair is shaped is reminiscent of a lion's mane, making her desire seem like a dying lion unleashing a final, but proud and hopeful roar, before it flattens out as a sense of dread and fear wash over her.

[@maskedkittyMC]

Austin Trahan i completely agree with your comment dude.

[@headphonesguy5812]

English Teachers be like:

[@peapinull]

She is one of the Uzumaki clan

[@avivastudios2311]

You should be a writer.

[@purplepoint9357]

I want to live in the world of AT just cause nearly everyone has good hair there.

[@purplepoint9357]

She got peach fuzz

[@thehealerofagroupp4nd422]

Im late, but also that one Nature Witch when Finn revealed his hair for the first time

[@jonathan899]

Also nearly everyone dies

[@Maced_with_Nightmares]

Okay Adora

[@janehowlett5158]

ha ha envy upon my luscious locks

[@theroamingtofu9628]

I'm a tad bit late but I think that the hat is symbolism for identity. The most distinguishable and striking part of human characters in the show is their animal hat- for example, we all instantly recognise Finn when we see his bear hat, or Susan's cat hat. Therefore, Frieda's hat could be a symbol of her identity and self. 1. The hat being teared off is an allegory for the destruction of Frieda's identity, and her dreams about running free. It implies that she is stripped of her identity and is forced to conform with the system/establishment in the island. 2. The hat then being buried in the sand further emphasises about Frieda's loss of identity. Sand could be used to represent time, because sand is usually used in hourglasses. Therefore, the sand burying Frieda's hat implies that her identity is slowly eroded through time, and she to the personality that Susan met in the toy store.

[@GAwildflower]

The Roaming Tofu Yes. It was deeply instilled that their hats were a big part of their identity and protection.

[@huddo92]

Your not late, I’m late!

[@owlflight961]

The colors of her hat are very similar to fins design. She also has similarly fabulous hair. Perhaps it's to draw sone parallels between her and fin, what he may have become if he had grown up on this island

[@silvertongue.242_99]

Her hair is beautiful, her hair slow motion motion seen may also signifying that her dream of adventure, her passion is gone. Her spirit was trampled or went out when her hair fell back, like it was symobolic attemp of freedom flowing in the air in mere seconds ceased

[@twogsplaygames7622]

Canaan_Crystal wing Jesus Christ

[@redwreckless2727]

Canaan_Crystal wing I think the hair represents the blood of her dreams spilling out slowly and painfully, yet almost instantaneously

[@michaldoruch2737]

'Frida' sounds kinda like 'Freedom', with the hair colour showing her desire for it. Also, Kara having blonde hair and Frida wearing a dog(?) hat can relate to Finn and Jake. Both pairs have great friendships.

[@jewswami]

I know I'm super late to this video, but anyway... There are a lot of reasons this shot is really well done and important.: 1) Because we haven't seen Frieda's hair already, seeing it in a violating moment is voyeuristic. It makes us uncomfortable because we recognize that we're seeing something we weren't freely given permission to. In a cartoon, it's a really effective way to communicate the sense of violation without going into realms of more adult violation. 2) It allows the animators to convey a really strong sense of violent motion while still framing Frieda without moving. You could have a shot where she gets tossed around the frame, or you can move the background around her to convey the motion. By having her hair move so distinctly, it shows the force, direction, and reaction of Susan's attack. Again, in a children's show, this is a really easy way to suggest how forceful the act was without getting violent (Think about Gwen Stacey snapping at the end of the web. 3) Taking away her white hat and replacing it with the red hair is color symbolic of injury and losing innocence. Her dream of escaping is ruined. Her trust in her friend is ruined. She is metaphorically very bloodied by the encounter. 4) There is an incredible dramatic irony in how the act of her capture frees her hair. If her hair (especially within Adventure Time lore) is symbolic of freedom, it's because we are seeing it in the stark contrast of how she almost got freedom.

[@user-lk4lt4vm3t]

You're so right imo its really ironic. Like the scene is telling us "You could've seen her take off her hat in the wind and watch her hair glisten in the moonlight right after the sunset, after escaping but no, this is the sick truth."

[@uncivilizedelk]

So because Cartoon Network is deadset on screwing Adventure Time and frustrating its creators as much as possible before the series concludes, they decided to release all 5 new episodes on their app early (today actually) again, with even less of a warning this time (the creators had to edit their official announcement for when the episodes would be available as a result). However, please DO NOT POST SPOILERS in the comment section until AFTER the episodes actually air on TV. Especially since the topic of this video doesn't relate to the new episodes. Thanks!

[@citrusblast4372]

why tho :0

[@CombatSportsNerd]

Seriously what did Adventure Time do to deserve this?

[@CabbageTheMan]

This actually makes me sad

[@nahheio]

Man CN is tripping mad hard idk why they treat some of their best shows with such little respect

[@obsith]

Uncivilized Elk there is an app?

[@kevinwetherell1748]

Im pretty sure the hat is supposed to link Frida and Finn. This is the fate Finn would have found had he lived in their society, always wanting freedom, being bored

[@YormanGina]

I really hope that when Adventure Time ends, you'll make a video about Finn's character growth throughout the series, because he's been through a lot of physical and emotional stuff. Edit: I watched the latest episodes and holy heck will you have something else to talk about in the character video, if you do one.

[@Wawagirl17]

Damn, I'll say!

[@ingloriousMachina]

He's definitely matured, and appears to value relationships a lot more.

[@CombatSportsNerd]

Can Adventure Time wrap up all its important plot points before its inevitable end? Will Adventure Time managed to do what Regular Show did and go out just as awesome as it was when it first showed up? Find out on the last season of Adventure Time!!!

[@toontrooper4103]

The Otaku Dragon Slayer And if it does end gracefully no one will see it because apparently this show doesn't even exist anymore in those cold, dark eyes of the CN executives.

[@adeebseyed8606]

I see you on every frikin AT vid I watch

[@CombatSportsNerd]

Toon Trooper WRONG! *We* will! We are few but we are loyal and we will see this through to the end

[@Shambles-sq6yb]

The Otaku Dragon Slayer I would like that important parts of the adventure time plot would finish in a pleasant way to satisfy majority of adventure time fans. I would also like it if an important character would die in a crazy bad ass battle with the lich to make a great impact on fans and make them remember what an awesome show it was

[@Oban2006]

LOL I DROPPED THIS SHOW 3 YEARS AGO

[@2001roserose]

i thought the hair just made it show that she was vulnerable

[@gortis1104]

ootfifabear some

[@gortis1104]

same

[@SuperSylar]

Despite not being common and somewhat contradictory, I believe Frieda's hat DOES HAVE this two meanings, but they intertwine and overlap according with the situation. For Frieda, the island was both a prison and a safehaven, meaning, it prevents her from exploring the dangerous world but at same time protect her from those said dangers. She recognize that, even if she doesn't admit it, but her desire to go out is stronger to the point she actually tries to do so. The moment when her hat was removed represented all those aspects: she is no longer a member of the island society she's an outcast, and although she felt somewhat safe, this security sense was removed with her hat. She would risk herself with the dangers of the world beyond the island (you may compare her with Finn's desire for adventure, as he rather fight monster than stay safe at home). But removing her hat still in the island make a bigger impact on her, same as saying: you are not safe anywhere; neither outside and neither IN the island you thought was safe.

[@SuperPandaKisser]

Upon seeing the scene I felt like the very act of removing her hat was violating so it made sense to have a dramatic slowmo pause.

[@DearPacificDay3]

5:04 you used my comment!!! Thanks man i was hoping to get some feedback from other commenters at least & it's awesome that u saw it too!

[@rdnry]

maybe they just wanted to show us Cara's girlfriend's beautiful hair

[@ccggenius]

I think it's also a matter of consistency. The first time Finn's hat comes off, we get a slow-mo of his hair. Pretty sure it does it again the first time Susan's hat comes off. By contrast, it does NOT when the hat comes off that "lub-glub", or whatever they're called. Not sure what the exact symbolism would be, but it might be meant, in part to emphasize their humanity, or something. I'unno, not great at baseless speculation.

[@_NIKOS9_NIKOS]

But by God her hair is beautifull

[@makaniistorm8664]

I felt it to be a sort of exposure. Removing the hat reveals their true self as a human, or unlocks the entirety of the person. What's underneath the hat is a mystery. As seen with Finn's removal of long golden locks or even the covering of fish people that Finn presumed human (actually was that ever explained why there is fish people and Susan was among them?) The hats conceals something about the character. When Susan allowed Finn to feel under her hat, she's slowly reveling her vulnerable state, who she really is under that hat. It takes a lot of trust to show that. When forced to take of the hat. You've been violated and trust has broken between Kara and Frieda. The fixation on her hair may not been big but it's exposed, vulnerable state, reveal of the full person ect.

[@bigteo90]

my thought was maybe they used it to transition us from horror to the next emotional scene

[@imaginaryobserver]

Teodulo Guerrero Yeah. Like, when a horror film's monster gets them, there is this gratuitous spray of blood. Kara didn't kill Frieda, so we get the hair scene.

[@theredpearll777]

do u think the fish humans in ooo are evolved hiders

[@purplepoint9357]

Maybe they're just humans who didn't leave Ooo in the first place. Though they definitely did come in contact with the human settlers due to them sharing the animal hat tradition.

[@theredpearll777]

LordOfCombat u have a point in fact that's what I think happened to tiffany or more accurately it is genetic

[@squadlevi709]

I really do wanna believe they're hiders that successfully got away without being caught and evolved while hiding underneath the ground near water. It would make sense why susan was with them and why their sanctuary was so human like (meaning the island they were on). they would've thought she was a hider also and shouldn't be able to deny it because she forgot her memories after crashing. BUT THEN AGAIN it's just my theory who am i girl who am i

[@theredpearll777]

squad levi thank u

[@imaginaryobserver]

squad levi That fantastic. I can't believe I actually forgot about the fish people! Thanks for tying it all in so neatly.

[@ShinigamiRae]

O think the hair itself was like a throw back to the first time we saw Finns hair (when he took off his hat and it just kept going!)to give to the tree witch. Also there was the first time when we saw Ferns hair too and the flowers growing out of it..... I don't know what it means cause I've not seen every single episode of AT but I think the creators have made hair into a thing about people showing their true self ......or something........

[@Serena13]

NOT THE BEES!!! NOT THE BEES!!! NOT THE BEES!!!

[@THATGuy5654]

Is no one going to mention that the second time we saw Susan she was on a quest to reignite the "Red Flower," which Frida obviously resembles in this slowed down moment?

[@hellenle16]

So...her hair and hat metaphor is that the community and her friend wasn’t there to support or protect her. It was oppression of freedom and creativity under an illusion of safety and softness.

[@chifffy]

I always thought her hair was red to connote blood to show that removing it is violent, like removing a second skin that leaves her blood red hair to pour out

[@TJ-hm8tg]

You should make a backup channel called Civilized Elk

[@dwangnoderbora]

He should talk backwards, and instead of reviewing Cartoon Network shows he reviews jazz fusion albums.

[@devilsadvocate2726]

The slow motion does fit, very well actually. ‼️rape mention do not read if not okay with reading anything about it‼️As you said cara is being violated and often movies do use slow motion during rape scenes, rape is a psychological and physical violation in simplistic terms.

[@ClashBluelight]

you might want to look into why finn wears an animal hat. that aspect of society was never taught to him.

[@funfoxvlad7309]

Becouse of vampires

[@hobbylover7675]

I thought that Frieda and Susan are more than friends because it seems that they are in love with eachother just my opinion can you do a review on that?

[@lemontree9518]

ikr! I got vibes the whole episode that Kara and her were attracted. Maybe Friedas dreams of leaving got in the way of that?

[@TheMysteryCrow]

I believe the slo-mo hair emphasises the feeling of violation. She didn't want to show off her hair, not even to her best friend. And that secret, that personal information, was taken from her without consent

[@auroral3337]

I’m sure this has been said before, but I don’t know if it was mentioned in either video; Adventure Time seems to have a recurring theme of revealing hair from removed hats, for various reasons, at intentional moments. Finn’s hair was first revealed when he donated his hair to the Tree Witch. Fern’s hair was first revealed when he stole Starchy’s motorcycle and left to find his own way. Frieda’s hair was revealed against her will when she was betrayed by her closest friend. They were all (relatively) poignant moments that spoke to each characters... character. Maybe that was too obvious to even reference, and doesn’t answer the underlying questions addressed here, but it seems relevant.

[@kaylasecrest5032]

Thank you!! I was worried no one else noticed

[@juliepileofash]

I think contradictory symbolism that you mentioned could work well in this scenario, as the hat could represent the contradicting feelings of wanting to fit in with society and wanting to escape it, and losing the hat is representative of failing to achieve either while trying to obtain both, due to the inherent inability to get both.

[@arttasticnight8637]

i also found that maybe why her hair was so bold and fiery, call me out if im wrong, but all the main, society conforming characters(the ones not in control of what was going on) had blond hair or light hair. all the major characters that rebelled against the society had darker and bolder hair making them stand out more from the crowd. just a small observation from watching this.

[@melanie7678]

I have 2 theories: 1.) Since the episode "Elements Part 8: Skyhooks ll" when all magic become undone, everyone and everything returns back to their original and true form (considering Jake returned to his true alien shapeshifter form), could this mean that the magic used to turn the Lich into Sweet Pea will also become undone?? (considering that Sweet Pea's horn grew back which probably gives the Lich a chance to restore his full potential ).... I'm thinking that we aren't done with the Lich yet and that he will arise again as the show begins to wrap up its story. Perhaps on the final episodes of A.T, there will be one last major historic battle between life and death of the whole world. This may be a stretch however but I have a feeling that everyone will die except for Jake. Or that Finn will have to sacrifice himself to save the lives of everyone and end the Lich once and for all. 2.) Does anyone else notice that the producers keep bringing up Flame Princess and her's and Finn's bits of relationship even after the breakup and recreated "friendship"?? I feel like it's foreshadowing that they will slowly get back together as Flame Princess sees that Finn is becoming more mature, wiser, and changing for the better. Their earlier relationship was just to give a taste of the fun and mistakes within a first relationship. Their breakup gives a chance for both kids to mature, get stronger within, and see the realities of the world. Their bond was just too real and cute for them to stay separated. Like this comment for him to see 😁

[@YormanGina]

puppycandyluver I'd rather have Finn end up with Huntress Wizard. They just get each other.

[@denverfan3005]

puppycandyluver no spoilers but the thing with the lich and sweet pea does come up in one of the new episodes

[@smartsport]

I'm sorry, but I don't think Finn and Flame Princess will get back together. Their love was very immature and worked when they were both still immature kids, but Flame Princess now runs a Kingdom and is with Cinnamon Bun, and Finn is around 17 and has greatly matured in several ways. But even though their romantic relationship worked when they were younger, it doesn't work now. They have other responsibilities, and Flame Princess still doesn't trust Finn as much as she needs to for a deeper relationship to work. I think they keep bringing it up to show that even if Finn still has some leftover feelings, it won't happen again, because Flame Princess *is* over him.

[@melanie7678]

smartsport that does make sense :( guess we will see 🤷🏻‍♀️ thanks for sharing :)

[@kbyebleha2978]

And then season 10 came and said "NOPE"

[@nathanwest2304]

it's details like these that make you really appreciate all the love going in to the making of the show. it's simply amazing that, althou the show has a simplistic artstyle, the animators pay attention to a lot of details. that's also why I like Steven universe so much, watching an episode well within season 5 might make you recall an episode from season 1 where some stuff was hinted, it's just incredible to see that there really is a consistant plot right from the start.

[@killerweasel]

The way her hair flows out, and the way her hat was snatched, reminds me of a visual metaphor as well. The quickness of the hat snatching with the subsequent slow mo makes it look like a literal back stab from her friend. Cara quickly nabs the hat, but the pull of the hat is slower, like a quick knife plunge after which the knife is slowly pulled out. The fluid movement of her hair could easily be representative of blood spray. I feel it was a way to make it seem more violent than it really is.

[@ShilohJanowick]

I love the casting choice for Frida. Jasika Nicole is an amazing actress.

[@samb3209]

I think it’s much simpler than all of these. Frida’s hair reveal calls back to the most iconic hair reveal in the series, Finn’s. I think it’s meant to show that Frida, like Finn, was just a kid who wanted to go on adventures. It connects the viewers to her more despite knowing her for only a short while, to make us further dislike the society that took adventure away from these kids. It may also add more emotion to the relationship between ‘Susan’ and Finn; Finn may subconsciously remind her of the friend she lost.

[@reallyc00lgamer]

Ik why it's in slow mo.....its because when cara took of fritas hat, that moment in time was when there friend ship ended....so to indicate that they put that part in slow mo...atleast that's what I think

[@IamJenJen101]

It's the setting sun, a transition into a cold, dark, long night.

[@49rbajr]

When you spoke on how the hat can not pose as both the symbol of "place in society" and "dreams and ideals" it made me feel that the writers were trying to convey that, according to the island society, Frieda's place in society is supposed to encompass and constitute her dreams and ideals. I do feel that the writers missed their mark in conveying this information to the audience. I also share the view that because of this, the reveal of Frieda's hair felt more distracting than impactful. I believe that is why we see a contradiction in the show when it comes to the hats. The hats are supposed to be part of these peoples' identity as a means for island government to control and protect them, to limit their thinking and aspirations. I also believe that is why we see people of authority, represent authority, and/or are a professional or represent advancement wear hats and why we see people in hats in the informational material. To an extent, it's propaganda, if not a reenforcement of the idea that you are your hat and your hat is everything you are. However, in practice, we see that the humans of the island don't see themselves to be so limited or adapt the hat to how they view their person hood and to an extent their place in society. I believe that the impact of the removal of the hat and its subsequent trampling was supposed to signify the singling out, humiliation, and removal of a personality type that did not conform to the model that island society demanded. Seeing Frieda with the same style of the hat later was supposed to signify that now Frieda does conform to island society despite a small part of her wanting still wanting to leave.

[@danielsimmich1858]

Honestly her hair to me sort of looked like a lion's mane so to me It always symbolised how bold she was too I guess

[@keithcarlton2008]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed that lmao

[@KlingonCaptain]

The hat can represent two contradictory things. It's called doublethink. It's from the original dystopian novel 1984... I highly recommend it, especially in how it pertains to this episode.

[@ethanveach8451]

Dude, your videos are awesome, I've only seen two so far but I can tell you have a great understanding of literature and a passion to learn more about this show and share that knowledge with others. That's really cool, and with a series as rich as Adventure Time to delve into I can't wait to learn more from future videos! Keep up the great work my man!

[@dustytailstudios]

What I get from this scene: The animal skin hat in the lore was used to help protect humans from vampires..aka threats.. To me at least to this scene, Frieda's hat being removed is a symbolism of her protection being removed. Without the animal hat, she is symbolically in danger

[@julioi.3166]

Frida has a dog hat and Chara has a cat hat. Both hats are kind of complementary, so having Frida's hat removed and trampled can also show that the two are no longer compatible

[@thomashart22]

Personally I thought that the reveal of Frita's hair was meant to highlight the loss of Cara's control over her actions. Cara and Frita have had this romantic moment robbed from them. The reveal of Frita's hair should have awed Cara. However, becauss of Dr Gross's control, Cara emotionlessly removed Frita's hat without showing any remorse or responce to Frita's hair. The slomo is meant to evoke the same reaction as the slomo reveal of Finn's hair, however the reaction to Finn and Frita's hair is quite different.

[@osky529]

I feel like she was exposed and made her feel vulnerable and defenseless against someone she trusted and loved.

[@s3shs3s]

Excuse me, I don't know if anyone else commented on this before. I read the first page of the comments and it doesn't seem like anyone else did so I will say it. I had no idea this video is going to deal with horror, and I don't have a problem with the level it is shown in adventure time, but with discussing the shining and specifically showing and comparing it to scenes to actual horror movies? I was not prepared. It would have been nice to have some sort of warning next time you will discuss horror in your videos. I understand if you choose to not do so, this is your channel and it is up to you! Regardless, I love you channel and you videos and theories! Keep up the good work

[@youropinionsareshitandsoar1954]

I can understand how most people didn't get this scene because it just seems so Random but yet it seemed like it was important because of the shade and the detail (good thing I found this video lol)

[@TheLastHylianTitan]

i think it was supposed to focus on the color of her hair. Frieda has dark skin, and dark skin and red hair isn't a combo often seen naturally. It's a very striking look, something very individualistic and unique. out of all the skin types and hair colors and possible combinations of the two all around the world, red hair and dark skin is just...kind of rare. it would really make a person stand out. I think the color reveal of Frieda's hair was supposed to highlight Frieda as a unique individual wanting to separate from the whole and be her own, while also highlighting her as someone who is ALL ALONE in her views and desires for escape. it reflects on how, like a person with a rare hair/skin combo can feel isolated in a sea of people with more conventional appearances (especially with modern beauty standards), Frieda had grown up isolated and alone internally because of her beliefs. additionally, she is ALL ALONE because her best friend, Cara, was forced to betray her and abandon her (in a sense) by Dr. Gross. in that moment, when her best friend destroyed her one chance at the life she wanted, Frieda had probably never felt more alone. i also think that the color relates to how unexpected Frieda's desires were to everyone else. how many of us watching that episode were expecting her hair to be red? i'm willing to bet the person reading this was expecting brown, or black. MAYBE blonde, probably not. but red? no, you didn't see that coming at all. yet her red hair is undeniable and cannot be hidden or changed. just like Frieda's desire to escape. no one, not Dr Gross, not Cara, no one in this society saw Frieda's escape attempt coming. but that doesn't make it any less real, and no matter how they try to mold her back into their society and make her less of a "troublemaker" by wearing down her dreams until they're dust....they cannot change Frieda's inner desires for her own freedom, anymore than they could change her natural hair color.

[@delfini4965]

I quite like how Frieda's and Kara's animals are polar opposites (Frieda's being a dog and Kara's being a cat) I think it could say a lot about their personalities. I've never heard anyone talk about the symbolism of the hats in that way and I'm not sure what it could mean but yeah idk

[@mateogonzalez5678]

9:00 "The hat gets trampled by Kara just like their friendship!" Sorry but that sentence made me laugh😂

[@cyssyk2472]

great analysis, i appreciate you integrating the speculations and observations of your commenters. i only feel bad you had to spend so much time clarifying the reasoning for your feelings, lol. i understood why you felt that the scene was out of place in your first video that brought up this topic, i too felt as if it was a little bit jarring, and didnt really understand why it was given the amount of significance it was. BUT with all the facts and theories you provided, it makes a lot more sense. when i first saw the scene i immediately assumed that the bright, bright red of her hair was to represent her inner passion and adventurousness. knowing that hats being (forcibly) removed is a punishment, it makes all the more sense why that specific part of the scene was given so much focus. i think it would have been easier to understand if they had implemented the whole punishment thing in a more verbal, or at least more obviously visual, way at some point earlier on in the episode. just something minor to tip the viewers off that it was a thing. i think the fact that it was a punishment, combined with the concept that something is being taken from her - something representing safety - to expose something vibrant and secret, makes it all the more degrading and unsettling. i very much so appreciate that you pointed out susan was a victim in this situation as well. i dont think the show did a good enough job acknowledging that. susan sort of implied to bmo that she had felt like what happened was her fault, and i was expecting for them to address that but it didnt happen. also, GREAT insight on the lighting. i had really only focused on the way it changed on her face, i didnt realize that the sun was starting to go down in that particular shot! thanks again for putting so much time into your videos. i already told you this on tumblr but im extremely excited to hear your thoughts on the most recent episodes!

[@davidcogdill300]

I believe the Scene also is trying to highlight the fact that she does not have an implant. Up to this point the viewer may be disappointed, because it seems that all of humanity is under the control of Dr. Gross, but this scene illustrates that there are many who don’t have implants, and puts the viewers on her side, because the viewer is realizing that Frieda is Free, and that it’s not a bad or abnormal thing for someone to want to leave

[@lexibyday9504]

taking off the hat is like snapping the wooden part of a hammer. It says "this was a tool and now it serves no perpose"

[@uniquename.funnyyt7721]

the hair is representative of blood, and removing the hat is symbolism of decapitation, so the slow mo is supposed to represent some one ripping of her head in slow mo

[@uniquename.funnyyt7721]

bam

[@twogsplaygames7622]

uniquename.funny yt No

[@uniquename.funnyyt7721]

Yes

[@balls3858]

@HeadHunter17 A.l danggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg it's also untrue it is her adventure and security dying

[@rafaeljuarbe5448]

Well it can represent her Own ideal of being capable of exploring but still being acepted into the island society

[@honeysweet4804]

i don’t know the correct word for it but i think it’s ironic symbolism typically the pulling off of a hat and your hair flowing through the wind can be seen as an act of freedom. but in this case it represents her almost freedom but stripped away.

[@4nnih6]

The 9:30 mark makes me think that maybe what the hat symbolizes of Frieda instead of just the system and/or her yearning for adventure, is her identity, both as someone from the islands and someone who wants to adventure. It can be a symbol of status too but I think the "adventuring" part of that hat puts her in parallel with Finn for us viewers. We've been used to seeing Finn as the only one with a unique animal hat so far and associating him with... adventure. So the hat being taken from her and trampled shows like a different situation for a similarly adventure-hearted character. So I dunno, for me there was also that. Nice video and it really made me think of the scene in a different way! That last point especially drives the analysis home and it was really cool to hear it come to and end like that.

[@babygorilla4233]

hay nice job getting sponsored hope this means we can see more content from you in the feature

[@uncivilizedelk]

No it's just a one-time shout-out, haha. Has an insignificant effect on my financial situation in the long run.

[@babygorilla4233]

:( well i hope you get more things like that in the feature love your videos

[@minsklit5811]

I think that we were meant to take it as a sign of danger of sorts, since the first real explanation about animal hats was about safety. Love your videos, you are a real resource!

[@Bentus0000]

Sooooooooo no mention of the lighting around her ear when her hats off resembling a keyhole???

[@v.0scar]

Each scene that a humans(&fern) hair is shown, its always a show of freedom. Im rewatching islands and just saw this episode with frieda. In her case, it was Frieda's freedom being taken away. In the other ones its embracing that freedom. Maybe not that first first scene in that bald witch episode. I don't remember exactly off the top of my head

[@SovereignAure]

Looking at it in a way that relates to the horrific way the scene is presented, and accounting for the fact that hats is so important to their society, the removing of the hair with the following fan of hair could also be used to parallel blood, which is commonly found in such moments of horror like this scene is evoking. The color could also be viewed as significant for this idea, whcih further makes the tinting of the rest of the scene by it significant. The blood parallel is what I wanted to point out because it not only matches up with the themes I just described, but also many of the themes you brought up in the video when talking able the choice of color and I thought it was worth bringing up. Great video.

[@Pheep5671]

very late - but red hair is often seen as a wild trait or implies rebellion, it also is a very *bloody* red... so to me it felt like her rebellion being fully exposed, and doubled down on how this tearing away of her hat was an act of violence. I guess that fits with one of the interpretations you have but I just felt more specifically that the imagery might be more simple.

[@Greeneyes666666]

I had no idea animal hats were used by humans to protect themselves from vampires... I watch Adventure without subtitles and english isn't my first language so sometimes I'm scared that I'm missing some important lore, and once again it was the case. That's why I love your videos, not only are they super interesting, they also sometimes bring up the important stuff I missed. I can enjoy the show even more because of you, thank you Uncivilized Elk ! (and sorry for bad english)

[@JackOfNone97]

I always thought the choice of her hair being an almost blood red was important. It makes the violence of her animal hat being ripped off seem more visceral as what looks to be blood spills out of it as it’s torn away, an open wound on their friendship that would take years to fully heal

[@RheaStorm]

Going to comment before I watch the video but one of the things I actually like about adventure time is they do a lot of emotional work with hair, of all things. Most shows the hair is just there, but in Adventure Time Hair has been used in multiple plot reveals, to signify a change of character, etc that other shows would never tackle with hair. Another facet of the show that makes it unique. Also with their more simplistic style they put a lot of effort into hair in many situations which contrasts rather nicely.

[@cjlcomics]

I would add one other thing that I think should be noted, and that's Freida's fabulous hair itself. Her hair is just as fabulous as you said. That means she either doesn't know about the chips because only seekers have them, or she specifically doesn't have one. If it's the first than that transformation came out of nowhere from her best friend; if she does know about them and she's special for not having one that means that she not only has no idea how they feel, but she's also always been different because she has free will. That was the first thing I thought when I saw her hair, that she's not chipped.

[@mightydeathlash2867]

Freda reminds me of Marcy's mom. O_o

[@brigayne]

7:47 In the classroom scene a seeker has an elephant hat

[@Tyrac235]

7:14 Dat statue remind ya of something

[@Chibi-Fisch]

I personally saw the scene as Frieda being violated. Susan forcefully grabbed her and removed her hat without permission. Her hair was bright with hopes, dreams, and naivety. Then in the scene it turns darker, showing the loss of innocence. Showing that the world is dark and even your friends with turn on you. It makes me think of the word "deflowered."

[@tini.quadra]

Ya’ll talking about Frieda’s hair and then a hair commercial came up. LMAO

[@icetiger-4760]

Personally I think it would have been better if it did a slow mo with drowned out sounds on the smashing of the boat, really drag that out so we are forced to live with how crushing that action was. Way better feels than slow mo on hair that is only 10% as fabulous as Finn’s glorious golden locks.

[@emmahuug4212]

Cant believe someone made a whole video about a scene with just hair

[@soodonim6109]

I replayed that scene 10 times and took screenshots because I felt like I needed to

[@emperoralexander5954]

More than a year late,but I personally really loved this scene. Tearing off Frieda's hat made it feel more personal to me.Her hair was a detail that we didn't have before and could now connect her to,and one that she hypothetically didn't want other people immediately knowing.The actual slow motion does seem weird on rewatching,but I think this could've been fixed with a few extra frames to make it seem smoother. I may be biased though because Susan's backstory was my favorite part of the island episodes.

[@Silly_Sulky_Seli]

her feeling safe with the hat is what I believe it to be the reason now and that safety being pulled away is like her being free of the society and free to go, revealing her big and bright desire to leave but also could make her realise the comfort of that safety being lost, that comfort lost means the adventuring would be more scary, but she still wants it, but she can't because her friend pulls is all away from her she can realise it all in a brief moment that feels slowed down, like a slowmotion in a movie I hope this was a bit understandably, I'm not the best in wording my thoughts but I wanted to share it

[@user-qn1ht8vl5x]

Personally, the scene made a huge impression on me, I had not thought about what it meant before, but it is quite possible that this something symbolizes the deprivation of her innocence. Like she believed in friendship, transformations and herself- things often associated with childlike spontaneity, the innocence of their souls who had not seen cruelty. And the scene literally shows the deprivation of this, as something soft as a hat is being ripped off. Forcibly, the cocoon of childhood / innocence in which she grew up all her life is torn off and we are shown scarlet - the color of danger and blood. The pain that she feels from the act of tearing off the hat for us is emphasized by both the color and brightness as the peeling of her skin and the scarlet fountain that follows. And after that, the world fades. Monstrously cool.

[@fusionny7151]

hey, on the subject of what you said at the beggining, who didn't realize that Marceline's story for bmo in ketchup was the story of how pb was being elementaly supercharged.

[@Strawtebby]

Maybe I'm dumb, but up until Frieda's hat was removed I thought she was a boy, or at least masculine

[@ethanveach8451]

I feel like identity plays a huge role in this, as someone else said: the hats are chosen from a young age and then aren't altered, at all. Something as big as that would definitely affect how someone would view somebody else and thus defining the identity of whomever wore that hat. She's not completely striped of her identity seeing as later in life she is still wearing that hat, but in that moment how people saw her and how the audience saw her was changed. Physically and mentally.

[@inktofest9608]

When I first watch this I thought she was a fire elemental

[@mizcantybaby]

I thought it was a great foil to how fin usually reveals his hair in slow motion but it’s usually for good, in this instance with her hair being red and her life falling apart it was an exact parallel another way the show takes something from Finns past and makes it huge later on in his future

[@creganx83]

I Know it’s been awhile and maybe it’s already been said but I think the slow motion hair scene is Kara remembering how beautiful she was and her affection for her was possibly more then she ever realized at the time

[@misshazy1900]

I compared Frieda to Finn in this miniseries. The blue and white color palette that was chosen for her clothing ties the two together, same for the hair reveal. Finn rarely removes his hat, same goes for Fern. In the last episode where Fern removed his hat to let his hair flow freely, it made me realize the significance of Frieda's scene. She is supposed to be a comparison of Finn's character, somebody with an intense curiosity and sense of adventure. She had the potential to be a great hero but the society she lived in prevented her from doing so.

[@kaylasecrest5032]

I know at this point no one will probably even acknowledge my comment so it's mostly just so I can feel I tried to get this out there but did anyone else noticed all the other times in islands where someone takes off their hat? Finn takes off his hat I think in the first episode of islands when he's standing on the front of the boat and the wind blew through his hair, and later Susan takes off her, and there's a point where finns Mom takes off her hat. You'd have to watch the whole thing and look for the times people take their hats off but I feel like there's a common theme, I just don't fully understand it. I'm honestly very surprised this wasn't mentioned in this video. Anyway I hope at least one other person sees what I'm talking about. Much love to all the other adventure time extremists out there!! 💜💜💜

[@CPS747-8]

Something I just realized... Minny said that the event that Dr. Gross caused that killed off all of the Helpers was the worst event in 300 years. So what happened 300 years ago?

[@sharonspears-mandeville2369]

Hmm,I dunno..but,if it had occurred during the early years of the mushroom war-it probably was some sort of plague that was happening/occurring while it was going on I believe?

[@brianbrush5107]

the lich called himself the last scholar of golb in whispers wich is pure theory fuel

[@Nitzah]

The idea of Freida having a dog hat could be in terms of a dog being a hunter/searcher, sniffing out new trails looking for more, where as Kara's cat hat could be how cats are commonly known as house animals who typically don't usually leave home and are often indoor animals. Dogs are referred to as happy, chipper and ready to go for an adventure, but cats want to stay home and chill. So Kara by comparison she forces others home and could never imagine living anywhere else, where as Frieda wants to explore beyond. I simply believe the hat to be natural traditional form of fashion. Similar to how inspite whatever initial intentions behind the creation of a peice of attire, many societies/cultures caries bits of their own historical fashion choices throughout time. For example many women still choose to wear dresses casually even though if they decided to wear pants I highly doubt they'd be deemed immoral harlots. If I wear a skirt instead of pants, i'm neither conforming to society nor rejecting it outright, as it's just whatever I feel like wearing. The only people who would question me would be the homies who know i'm a shorts and knee socks gal, but more on the lines of asking if there's an occasion prompting me to dress differently.

[@candypurplecyanide5103]

I feel like the hair seen represented violation of trust a sense of safety and friendship, almost like in seven deadly sins where the fairies have there wings torn off being betrayed by the very people that signed a peace treaty with them.

[@pumpkinwitch5196]

i see the hat as kind of "past" version. she was stripped of her past and it was stomped on to tell her "This is unacceptable behavior". it's like a child slowly learning over time and discipline not to jump on a bed. Except it happened in an instant. like a band-aid was suddenly pulled off as harshly as possible. it was as if they were treating her as a rebellious child who needed to be punished. or that's how it looked to me.

[@TiredMoonRabbit]

Finns hair show his past and his wisdom but with Freda it show her sadness and her loss