Battle For The Best Daddy

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Quick Read

Smosh hosts engage in a spirited 'Battle Brackets' to determine the ultimate 'daddy' among fictional characters, defining the archetype through a blend of sex appeal, confidence, and nurturing energy.
The 'daddy' archetype is defined by a blend of sex appeal, confidence, and nurturing, with sex appeal being over 50% of the criteria.
Characters like Gregorio Cortez and Uncle Phil were strong contenders, praised for their charisma and supportive nature.
Mufasa ultimately won the 'Battle for the Best Daddy' due to his power, 'hung smile,' and iconic presence, proving that even animated lions can embody peak 'daddy energy.'

Summary

The Smosh crew hosts a 'Battle Brackets' episode dedicated to ranking fictional 'daddies,' a concept they define as a blend of sex appeal, confidence, responsibility, and nurturing energy, distinct from mere 'fatherhood.' They emphasize that 'sex appeal' accounts for over 50% of the 'daddy' criteria. Throughout several rounds, characters like Gregorio Cortez from Spy Kids, Uncle Phil from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Mufasa from The Lion King, and even animated figures like Gru and Bowser are pitted against each other. The discussions are highly subjective, often humorous, and involve detailed debates on character traits, physical appearance, and perceived 'daddy energy.' Ultimately, Mufasa is crowned the 'ultimate daddy' due to his power, 'hung smile,' and enduring presence, overcoming strong contenders like Gregorio Cortez.
This episode offers a humorous and culturally relevant exploration of the 'daddy' archetype in pop culture, showcasing how subjective criteria like 'sex appeal' and 'nurturing energy' are applied to fictional characters. It highlights the playful and often irreverent nature of fan-driven rankings and provides insight into the Smosh crew's dynamic and comedic style.

Takeaways

  • The definition of 'daddy' encompasses swag, sex appeal, confidence, and the ability to be a 'rock' who also 'holds you tight.'
  • Parenting skills are considered, but 'daddy energy' is paramount, focusing on experience and responsibility.
  • Gregorio Cortez (Spy Kids) was lauded for his sex appeal, humor, and overall perfection as a 'daddy.'
  • Gru (Despicable Me) was dismissed as 'too soft' and 'too arrogant' despite being a good father.
  • Anthony Bridgerton was deemed a 'rookie daddy' who needed more time to develop the full 'daddy' persona.
  • Uncle Phil (Fresh Prince) was recognized as an 'exemplary father' and 'ultimate TV dad,' embodying richness, care, and support.
  • Cass (Legend of Zelda) was initially considered hot and a 'girl dad,' but later disqualified due to reports of being a 'deadbeat dad.'
  • Mufasa (The Lion King) was a top contender due to his power, 'hung smile,' and enduring presence, ultimately winning the bracket.
  • Joel Miller (The Last of Us) was appreciated for his dedication but penalized for lying to his surrogate daughter, indicating that moral complexity can detract from 'daddy' status.
  • The final decision between Gregorio Cortez and Mufasa hinged on Mufasa's overall iconic status and 'hung smile' versus Gregorio's kidnapping plot point.

Insights

1Defining the 'Daddy' Archetype in Pop Culture

The Smosh crew established a specific, subjective definition for 'daddy' that goes beyond mere fatherhood. It includes 'swag, sex appeal, confidence,' the ability to 'hold their own' and be 'a rock,' but also to 'get a little teary-eyed' and 'hold me.' Crucially, 'sex appeal is more than 50%' of the criteria, emphasizing a blend of physical attractiveness and nurturing responsibility.

To me, a daddy is a daddy, a father, but also someone who just has like swag, sex appeal, confidence, but also is like holds their own. They can also be a rock, but they're not afraid to get a little tearyeyed. Holds their own and also holds me. To me, sex appeal is more than 50%.

2The 'Hung Smile' as a Key 'Daddy' Trait

A recurring and highly valued trait in the 'daddy' ranking was the 'hung smile,' which refers to a specific type of attractive, confident smile. Mufasa's image was repeatedly praised for embodying this, significantly contributing to his high ranking and eventual victory, while characters like Charlie Swan were noted for their lack of one.

Have you heard of hung smile? Oh my god. I have. Look at that. That's all. That smile got me. It's Mufasa. Yeah. Like that's a hung frown. There's one hung smile here.

3Mufasa Crowned the Ultimate 'Daddy'

Mufasa from The Lion King was declared the ultimate 'daddy,' triumphing over all other contenders. His victory was attributed to his inherent power, regal status ('literal crown on his name'), the iconic voice of James Earl Jones, and his ability to embody the 'hung smile' and a powerful, protective presence, despite his tragic fate.

It is James Earl Jones. It's Darth Vader. It's Mufasa. It's Mufasa. Look, I'm sacrificing one of my favorite characters ever for Mufasa. It is James Earl Jones. It's Darth Vader. Has a literal crown on his name. Like, come on. I mean, the king and this like that's a hung smile right there. Basa is the ultimate dad.

Lessons

  • Reflect on your personal criteria for what constitutes a 'daddy' archetype in pop culture, considering traits beyond traditional fatherhood.
  • Engage in playful, subjective rankings with friends or online communities to explore cultural archetypes and shared comedic perspectives.
  • Analyze how fictional characters embody or subvert popular archetypes, paying attention to visual cues, personality traits, and narrative roles.

Notable Moments

The hosts debate whether 'daddy' status requires actual children or if it's purely an 'energy thing,' ultimately deciding on the latter for some celebrities but requiring fictional characters to have kids.

This discussion clarifies the flexible and evolving nature of the 'daddy' term in pop culture, distinguishing between literal fatherhood and a perceived 'vibe' or 'energy.'

Joseph Joestar is eliminated from contention despite his heroic deeds because he 'cheats on his wife,' highlighting that moral failings, even in a fictional context, can disqualify a character from 'daddy' status.

This moment reveals a moral boundary within the subjective 'daddy' criteria, emphasizing that loyalty and integrity are considered important, even amidst other desirable traits like strength and heroism.

The hosts jokingly suggest that Gregorio Cortez's kidnapping in Spy Kids makes him 'not very daddy,' contrasting it with Mufasa's betrayal by Scar as a more 'daddy' form of demise.

This humorous distinction underscores the subjective and often absurd criteria used in the ranking, where even the circumstances of a character's misfortune are weighed against their 'daddy' credentials.

Quotes

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"We're not talking about their parenting skills. We're talking about the energy, what they wear. We're sexualizing them."

Host
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"I'd say you could be a bad father and a good daddy."

Host
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"Anthony Bridgetgerton, he is fine. Sexy. He's not really giving daddy to me. He's giving I think I think it's a little too like he's giving baby girl."

Host
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"He cheats on his wife. OH, DADDY. GOOD NIGHT. GOODBYE. Honorable mention."

Host
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"If you're going to choose a daddy, you got to be able to like want to put your lips on their lips."

Host

Q&A

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