ThunderCats Episode 19 "The Pit" OFFICIAL TALKBACK THREAD!

[Michael]

Originally Posted by srebak

I just realized, in a way, this episode made a lot of allusions to real life nature

1. It makes sense why the Dogs would value loyalty, since it's widely believed that dogs are naturally loyal creatures.

2. The general relationship between the Cats and the Dogs is understandable. In nature, the two species are generally enemies, but they can be made to get along when put in certain conditions (living with the same owner under the same roof)

3. Technically, Dobo had a point when he said the Cats had no sense of loyalty. In nature, cats are generally solitary and unless they're parents, the usually only do things for themselves. True, Lions are the obvious exception, but even then, male lions could care less about their cubs, and if their relationship with hyenas and jackals are any indication, they could also care less about what happens to other animals. Point is, Dobo was right, loyalty is not really a Feline quality.

4. Even Pumyra's behavior is understandable, now that i think about. I once heard somewhere that pumas tend to attack without warning

You're not wrong there! Cats can be loyal, but it isn't overt in the same way it is with dogs. There are a lot of subtle things like this in the writing.

[Felinious Monk]

Originally Posted by Michael

You're not wrong there! Cats can be loyal, but it isn't overt in the same way it is with dogs. There are a lot of subtle things like this in the writing.

Exactly - it isn't unconditional loyalty, as dogs tend to have. Cats demand reciprocity and a level of common respect and understanding.

You're right on about the subtlety in the writing - Pumyra won't follow Lion-O without an assurance of his loyalty, while Dobo remains loyal even after he believes Panthro abandoned him.