Top 10 Cartoon Character Changes That Made Fans Rage Quit
#10: Principal W. Seymour Skinner (aka Armin Tamzarian)
“The Simpsons” (1989-)
Top 10 Principal Skinner Pranks on the Simpsons
After Ned Flanders went from friendly neighbor to an extremely religious man, this character arc helped create the phrase ‘Flanderization’, which is applied to characters who make extreme personality adjustments. However, even HIS change was nowhere near as infamous as one school official. In Season 9 we find out that Seymour Skinner –the long-established elementary school principal- is actually an…imposter? His name is actually Armin Tamazarian. He stole the identity of Seymour Skinner during the Vietnam war. Apparently, the staff decided they could make this sudden, unexpected change to a well-established character’s background, before telling us to “forget” it ever happened. Funnily enough, the exact opposite went down. This story became infamous in the eyes of fans –and the staff as well.
#9: Timothy "Timmy" Tiberius Turner
“The Fairly OddParents” (2001-17)
At first, who wouldn’t sympathize with Timmy Turner? He was just an average kid that no one understood, with negligent parents and a sadistic babysitter. Sure he had his selfish moments, but he usually meant well. However, as the series progressed, it seemed like all his good traits went poof, as he became even more selfish and entitled. Timmy gets a lot more careless with his wishes and will find some way to sneak around Da Rules to get what he wants. He even puts the fate of the universe at risk to get what he wants. How bad does it get? Well, Timmy halts everyone’s aging process so that he could keep his fairies forever! He truly is one the worst godkids ever.
#8: Edward the Blue Engine
“Thomas & Friends” (1984-2021)
Any fan of “Thomas & Friends” knows that Edward is a kind, wise old engine who always does his best no matter the odds. However, later seasons can’t seem to remember that, or figure out how to portray the old mixed-traffic engine. One day, he can be a feeble old-timer with confidence issues who can barely move a wheel. Another day, he could be an impatient, pompous windbag who easily brushes someone off just because they look different. Both portrayals have one thing in common: they make Edward look awful. Fortunately, the CGI series did its best to return him to what he originally was, though he appeared less.
#7: Benjamin Kirby "Ben" Tennyson
“Ben 10: Alien Force” (2008-10)
The first two seasons of “Alien Force” really showed how far young Ben Tennyson had grown since the original series. He started as a cocky, immature little kid before blossoming into a responsible young man and bona fide leader. Then season three came around and set him ten steps back. Suddenly, Ben reverts to a cocky and immature hero willing to boast about his accomplishments and who puts his loved ones at risk. Apparently, the writers forgot all about his character development. It felt like the slate was wiped clean of all the growth Ben experienced since getting the Omnitrix. Despite a few attempts to re-rail his character in “Ultimate Alien”, the damage was already done. And it only got worse in “Omniverse”.
#6: Rhombulus
“Star vs. the Forces of Evil” (2015-19)
Rhombulus was a member of the Magic High Commission. He was a little impulsive and kind of childish, but he usually meant well… at first. But as the series progressed, we saw a nastier side of the ‘time-out guy’ that turned him from a well-intentioned lug into a prejudiced meathead. Everyone in the Commission had an intense dislike for Eclipsa and all monsters, but Rhombulus takes his hatred way too far. He organizes a scheme that puts a lot of innocent citizens in danger JUST to prove that he was right. And what does Rhombulus do when tons of monsters lose their lives? … He throws a pizza party! Don’t you just love those who abuse their power?
#5: Courtney
“Total Drama” (2007-14)
Back in “Total Drama Island”, Courtney was an ambitious, bossy, know-it-all. But she still had a conscience and an exciting relationship with Duncan. However, when she was denied a chance to compete in Season 2, something inside her snapped. Courtney became spoiled, more violent, manipulative, and didn’t care who she had to go through to make it to the top. Even her boyfriend wasn’t safe. In fact, the only reason she eventually made it to Season 2 was that she filed a lawsuit and won. It just goes to show that competing on “Total Drama” really brings out the worst in people. Just look at what it did to Ezekiel.
#4: Blooregard Q. "Bloo" Kazoo
“Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends” (2004-09)
It’s amazing what can change between a pilot episode and the actual series. Take for example, Bloo, Mac’s imaginary friend. In the pilot, he was still mischievous, but he had a good heart and his loyalty to Mac was plain for all to see. Too bad that didn’t last long. When the actual series came out, we were introduced to an entirely new Bloo. He’s a rebellious, bratty, self-centered, narcissistic sociopath who constantly manipulates and hurts his so-called friends. Bloo also whines whenever he doesn't get his way, and is laughably bad at paddleball. His pilot self feels completely different from the being that showed up in the series. Honestly, it was probably for the best that Mac left him to be somebody else’s problem in the mansion.
#3: Patrick Star
“SpongeBob SquarePants” (1999-)
Top 10 Worst Things That Happened to Patrick Star
With friends like Patrick, who needs enemies? That wasn’t always the case, once upon a time. Patrick was originally just a lovable oaf whose loyalty to his best buddy SpongeBob was unquestioned. Along the way, he inspired some of the show’s funniest memes and quotes. However, down the line, Patrick devolved from a good-natured doofus into a selfish, mean-spirited dunce. He’s more of a self-centered brat whose only loyalty is to his stomach. He’s also prone to hurting his friends, especially SpongeBob, without a care in the world. There are times where Patrick does revert to his more likable personality. However, his big, pink jerk persona unfortunately still comes out more than it needs to.
#2: H. Brian Griffin
“Family Guy” (1999-)
Top 20 Family Guy Moments That Made Fans Rage Quit
To be honest, nearly every “Family Guy” character suffered from character derailment and flanderization. But who got the worst of it? We’re leaning towards the Griffin family dog, Brian. At first, he was just the wisecracking voice of reason in the family. Sure, he had his faults, but he was still likable –especially when paired up with Stewie. However, he slowly becomes more pretentious and scummy. Brian is suddenly willing to use and abuse whoever he can. He also becomes increasingly obsessed with pushing political views. Brian’s character didn’t even improve after he was brought back from the dead –making us wonder if his revival storyline was worth it.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Pamela "Pam" Poovey, “Archer” (2009-)
Around Season 5, Pam Develops a Addiction Problem
Roger, “American Dad!” (2005-)
Roger Becomes More of a Sociopath Over Time
Skarloey and Rheneas, “Thomas & Friends” (1984-2021)
Two of the Oldest and Wisest Engines on Sodor Are Reduced to Children
The Powerpuff Girls, “The Powerpuff Girls” (2016-19)
Reboot Turns Townsville’s Heroes Into Walking, Talking Memes
#1: The Titans
“Teen Titans Go!” (2013-)
Top 10 Cartoon Moments That Made Fans Rage Quit
It’s plain to see that “Teen Titans Go!” is a massive departure from the original “Teen Titans” series. It has a heavier emphasis on zany comedy than actual superheroism. Arguably the worst part of this tonal shift is the Titans’ new characterizations. The Titans became flanderized parodies of themselves. Not only are they incredibly immature, but they’re REALLY incompetent at their jobs. Most of the time, they barely even act as a team – choosing instead to act like jerks to everyone around them, and each other. Seriously, why are they even friends again? It’s especially cringy to hear the voices of the OG Titans come out of these obnoxious doppelgangers. Every time they speak, they remind us of how far the characters have fallen.
