Kenny's heroism
CathalOHara
Moderator
Kenny has always been known around here as a very flawed man. I've seen my fair share of people who love Kenny (myself included in that category) and the other category of people who hate Kenny. Most of the time when I heard people's reasons of not liking Kenny they're normally that he takes his word as gold and he does irrational things to protect people. Granted, I always found some of these true to some extent but flawed characters are oftentimes my favourite characters. Another prime example? Lee Everett. My favourite Walking Dead character. No matter how you play Lee in the first Season he will always have that flaw of the horrible thing he done in his past.
Anyway, this about Kenny. And I thought this would be a good time to say it... Kenny is a pretty damn good guy. Why? He took the wrap for Clementine in regards to the talkie and where did that lead him? With a permanently damaged eye. And how did Kenny take it? Like a boss.
Basically, I saw great character development in Kenny in this episode. Season-One Kenny would not have been this ok with losing an eye, he'd snap like hell. But I'll admit, I don't think he would take the wrap for the radio unless it was either Clem or Sarita who had it. And when he killed Carver, that was the only time where I didn't say "What the hell Kenny!?" For his action. Granted if I was given the choice I would not kill Carver. But there's no point in saying the obvious here, Carver was a horrible person. Whether he deserved what he got from this or not I'll leave it up to you.
Generally I was wondering if anyone sees Kenny in a new light now? Or, if you're someone who didn't like him before what do you think of him now? I felt like he finally had some proper heroism shown in some scenes. Even reminding me of Lee, sacrificing himself to make sure Clementine stays safe. And I think this is probably the first episode since the first episode in Season One that I sided with him. Bit weird too since he's one of my favourite TWD characters. Plus, I almost dropped a tear when he got up and Clem hugged him.
Anyway, this about Kenny. And I thought this would be a good time to say it... Kenny is a pretty damn good guy. Why? He took the wrap for Clementine in regards to the talkie and where did that lead him? With a permanently damaged eye. And how did Kenny take it? Like a boss.
Basically, I saw great character development in Kenny in this episode. Season-One Kenny would not have been this ok with losing an eye, he'd snap like hell. But I'll admit, I don't think he would take the wrap for the radio unless it was either Clem or Sarita who had it. And when he killed Carver, that was the only time where I didn't say "What the hell Kenny!?" For his action. Granted if I was given the choice I would not kill Carver. But there's no point in saying the obvious here, Carver was a horrible person. Whether he deserved what he got from this or not I'll leave it up to you.
Generally I was wondering if anyone sees Kenny in a new light now? Or, if you're someone who didn't like him before what do you think of him now? I felt like he finally had some proper heroism shown in some scenes. Even reminding me of Lee, sacrificing himself to make sure Clementine stays safe. And I think this is probably the first episode since the first episode in Season One that I sided with him. Bit weird too since he's one of my favourite TWD characters. Plus, I almost dropped a tear when he got up and Clem hugged him.
Sign in to comment in this discussion.
Comments
Rick be biting necks = Kenny be smashing faces
Hell, he even seems to have found some common ground with Luke and Nick. Maybe losing his eye will allow him to see things from a different point of view.
But if I know Telltale, they're going to use this to tear my heart out and laugh as they make snow angels in our money.
Yeah I had the feeling that even the strongest of Kenny-haters would have to at least go; "Oh.. okay, well that's something heavily redeems his character."
Oh, and I had to point this out from your post:
"Maybe losing his eye will allow him to see things from a different point of view"
Literally. *budum tsss*
And as for that last sentence, that pun was completely intentional. I have no regrets.
I think... he's different now, for sure, and I see him as a guy capable of a lot more than he used to be. He's also maybe not the best for Clem - but he's all she's got now. I think if I could I might pick Luke over him, but it's too late for that now. And at least Kenny does seem to care about Clementine - he protected her, and I definitely won't forget that.
This episode, however, made me respect him quite a bit more. He actually seems to have grown as a character, I felt almost safer around him and I was shocked when he took the blame for the radio. He is still an idiot in many ways, but for the first time I got the feeling that he was actually trying to do the right thing, not just for himself but everyone.
I think most people who thought he was selfish and hated you if you didn't agree with him in Season 1, are going to change their minds after this episode.
In Season 1 he did what he thought was right for his family. In Season 2 you the player are his family, Clementine and Sarita and to a lesser extent the rest of the group i guess. It is nice that we get to see now how Kenny thought and understand why he did the things he did in Season 1. We got this more personal relationship with him now, the same kind Lee had with Clementine in S1.
It really was a true testament to the survival of human spirit despite hardships.