Line #21 Heartwarming/Gorillaz


1	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/2d_murdoc.png]]
2	[[caption-width-right:350: NoOneGetsLeftBehind, even if that someone is [[{{Jerkass}} Murdoc]].]]
3
4	Despite all the kidnappings, [[DealWithTheDevil deals with the Devil]] and general abuse, the Music/{{Gorillaz}} are capable of some heartwarming moments.
5	----
6	[[hardline]]
7	* "On Melancholy Hill". "'Cause you are my medicine, when you're close to me..." The music video that goes with it is a CMOH in itself: Noodle's under attack by pirates, Murdoc has a PetTheDog moment and takes 2D and the cyborg to save her, and ''everyone'' who collaborated on the album goes with them. [[TearJerker Sadly they don't find her, and they fail to save the manatee]].
8	** At least Russell was able to find Noodle, though.
9	** However, the only thing more heartwarming than the original song is the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lAjs75dkho acoustic cover by Damon Albarn himself]]. Quite possibly the [[SugarWiki/SweetDreamsFuel sweetest of Sweet Dreams Fuel]] ever.
10	* Also, "To Binge." He loves a drug addict... but loves her... just loves her. "But I just have to tell you that I love you so much these days... have to tell you that I love you so much these days, it's true."
11	* "Every Planet We Reach is Dead" from ''Music/DemonDaysAlbum'' also gives the warm fuzzies...
12	* "Some Kind of Nature" (it's Music/LouReed and he sounds ''happy!'') and "Don't Get Lost In Heaven" and "Demon Days" from ''Music/DemonDaysAlbum'' definitely count.
13	* In the otherwise unsettling "Rock It" video, there can be a moment of heartwarming found in that a sleepy Noodle [[PiggybackCute rides on 2D's back]] the entire video. It really shows the bond between the band members despite [[IntergenerationalFriendship the ages gap.]]
14	* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdP6-NiRoPw This clip]] with Murdoc and 2D. For once, they're actually getting along; Murdoc doesn't attack or even insult 2D. He even compliments him, and the two just happily work together on a song. It's a nice change from the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wnq3nm6ZtNc usual]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhsLyOnsToM hell]] 2D gets in interviews, and pretty heartwarming.
15	* In the story, there's something sweet about how 2D's dad had the family name [[UnfortunateNames "Tusspot"]] legally shortened to "Pot" before 2D's birth. Why? So that his son wouldn't go through the same crap that he did because of it.
16	* 2D checking up on Noodle in ''[="DoYaThing"=]'', especially the little smile they both get.
17	** It should also be noted that ever since the "El Mañana" incident, Noodle's life has been pure hell (figuratively and [[{{Pun}} literally.]]) After she had escaped from there, she was almost always violent, angry, hurt, or a combination of all three throughout the ''Plastic Beach'' saga. Fast forward to 2012, when we see what the Gorillaz are up to in their new (temporary) home. Noodle only appears briefly in "[=DoYaThing=]," but when we see her, she's taking a [[EarnYourHappyEnding long-deserved rest]] and looks content for the first time in [[ThrowTheDogABone years.]]
18	** Also, on a related note, the floating island returns.
19	** It's the first time we see 2D smile since ''Plastic Beach'' too. Pity Murdoc hits him with a shoe later.
20	** Also, the sign on her door. Way back in "DARE" she had a "Noodle's Room Keep Out" sign on her room, but in "[=DoYaThing=]" she now has one that reads "Keep In". They're not letting that girl get taken away again.
21	* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jvs1sPl67Tg "Highway (Under Construction)"]] from ''D-Sides''. A surprisingly soft and gentle song that sounds like a promise.
22	* "Empire Ants" off of ''Plastic Beach'' is [[SugarWiki/SweetDreamsFuel absolutely beautiful]].
23	* After Jamie Hewlett posted new artwork on his instagram officially confirming the band's return, the fanbase noted how [[http://instagram.com/p/ytqJHWyvn-/?modal=true everyone]] [[http://instagram.com/p/yfXSDVyvgX/?modal=true appears to be]] [[http://instagram.com/p/ym3KZ-Svl8/?modal=true much]] [[http://instagram.com/p/yfPEvwSvjH/?modal=true happier]] in said artwork. Though we have no idea what the band might be in for, it's a nice thing to see after all they went through in phase 3.
24	** Seems to have been ''proven true'', as the music video "Saturnz Barz (Spirit House)" showed all four members ''getting along'' and trying to find a new home (possibly after the events of "[=DoYaThing=]"[[note]]The end of that video saw them get an eviction notice.[[/note]]) and even after the [[MushroomSamba weirdness]] they all endure, they're out of the house and '''''Murdoc''''' of all people asks if [[ThrowTheDogABone anybody wants breakfast]]. Guess aside the ''usual'' weirdness, the lives of the Gorillaz are going back to the simple times of the ''first album!''
25	** Makes it a lot more heartwarming the official Gorillaz instagram ''and'' Noodle's own instagram shows the band a lot more happier these days! ThrowTheDogABone indeed.
26	* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmJZRt3I9D4 The video played with the live performance of Broken]] has some low-key sweet moments of Noodle and Russel smiling at each other.
27	* In the "We Are the Dury" interview CD, Russel begins to describe the loss of Del and the struggle he went through trying to make his own album during his own misadventures. But then ''[[JerkAss Murdoc]]'' gets him to calm down, as he was getting a bit too deep, which even ''he'' felt would not help Russel's mental state. He even says [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold "It's best not to dig too deep, dark place this one"]]. Not bad for the satanist who chloroformed 2D, and ''especially'' when you consider that Murdoc and Russel [[TeethClenchedTeamwork genuinely don't like each other]].
28	** Similairly there's a part later in the interview where they're talking about Dirty Harry and Noodle and Russel begin talking about the themes of child abuse/loss of innocence. Murdoc, who'd spent the entire interview being [[{{Jerkass}} himself]], suddenly becomes [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness uncharacteristically sullen and serious]] as he agrees. Before the interview goes on, Russel immediately cuts back in in defense of abused children, apparently with a hand placed on Murdoc's leg for comfort. Murdoc just replies with mild annoyance that Russel keeps touching him, but it's sweet to see Russ returning the favor above.
29	** Later in the interview, 2D, Noodle, and even [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Murdoc]] compliment Russel's drumming skills, calling him the best live drummer they've ever heard.[[note]]This becomes rather funny when you find out that [[ButHeSoundsHandsome Cass Browne, the live band's drummer at the time, also wrote the dialogue for the characters' interviews.]][[/note]]
30	* Also from "We Are the Dury", [[EruditeStoner 2D's]] input for the title track of Demon Days is... rather beautiful.
31	-->'''2D:''' Remember when you were a little kid and you would look at the clouds in the sky as the sunlight bounced off them? And something that simple would make you feel a part of everything, and all alone at the same time. And the feeling's not something you can ever put into words, so you spend your whole life chasing it. Making music, taking pictures, painting, whatever. In the hope that other people will understand that sense or... feeling. As creative entities, we look for signs of life outside ourselves for a connection to alleviate the sense of solitude. That's why we all do what we do. Whether we know it ourselves or not.
32	* In his interview with Highsnobiety, 2D notes that during a tour, Murdoc had him to come back to his trailer. According to 2D, Murdoc [[HoYay drunkenly poured his heart out to 2D, and the two ended the talk with a hug.]]
33	* [[https://youtu.be/HSivlaSVk1k "We Got The Power"]], the closing track to ''Humanz'' has to be one of the most uplifting things they've ever recorded. It's a song about how amazing humans can be with ThePowerOfLove. In light of recent world events, some of which were even addressed by the band in "Hallelujah Money", the song that it follows on the album, seeing them come out with a message like this is all the sweeter.
34	* After the events of ''Plastic Beach,'' seeing Noodle smiling and happily skipping in the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSqPj3gdBBw Jaguar Racing commerical]] feels extremely satisfying. It's nice to know that even after [[BreakTheCutie everything that happened to her]], Noodle hasn't forgotten how to act like a [[PluckyGirl happy, carefree young woman]].
35	* During Murdoc's [[https://www.vice.com/en/article/exva3m/murdocs-guide-to-britain interview with Noisey]], when asked who should play the next {{Film/James Bond}}, who does he pick? [[ActionGirl Noodle]].
36	-->'''Murdoc:''' What's that, Murdoc? But she's a woman? Yeah, deal with it. [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold I'm a feminist now]].
37	* In an [[http://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/35725/1/we-skyped-every-member-of-gorillaz interview with Dazed]], Noodle says that she comforts "2D when he has a bad dream, Murdoc when he has a bad trip, and I calm Russel down when he gets paranoid about the world's problems." Awwww. She's also clearly taken the El Mañana incident in stride, merely making a quip about how she hasn't had to make her own tea in ages because Murdoc's still groveling over it.
38	** In this [[https://justapassingnoodle.tumblr.com/image/160024285056 Phase 1 interview]], when Noodle is asked if the guys pick on her because she's ten years old and a girl, she replies no, and that they take care of her ''because'' [[TheBabyOfTheBunch she's ten years old and a girl]]. She also talks about how she loves the guys because Russel is a {{Nice Guy}}, 2D smells nice and [[PlatonicLifePartners shares a Zen bond with her]], and Murdoc [[HonoraryUncle makes her laugh]].
39	--->'''Question:''' If you weren't in Gorillaz, what band would you like to be in?\
40	'''Noodle:''' I like playing with other people but [[TrueCompanions I really don't want to be in any other band]].
41	* Noodle posted a message to 2D on Instagram for his 39th birthday. Aside from all the other comments filled with birthday wishes, there's this response from 2D himself:
42	-->'''2D:''' [[CallBack Thanks for the present inside the UPS box several years ago]].
43	* "We Got the Power" and some of the Humanz promotional performances feature singing and guitar from [[Music/{{Oasis}} Noel Gallagher]] of all people, indicating that their bitterness from the blur vs Oasis rivalry is well and truly over.
44	* The new music video, "Strobelite", shows us something we never thought we'd see the band do - relaxing. Despite the video briefly spending time on Russel and Murdoc, the primary focus is on 2D and Noodle simply dancing in a club and having a good time, perhaps one of the few times they've had to even ''take a breather'' since the El Manana incident.
45	* When Ace was revealed to have been recruited by Gorillaz following Murdoc's arrest and incarceration, [[https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/kong/images/b/bd/700ad1f8-f89f-4bd5-bc4f-6634a8ec58e7.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20180514111023 this picture]] was posted on their Twitter, showing a happy Noodle hanging out with Ace. It's a bit nostalgic, calling back to Noodle's relationship with [[HonoraryUncle Murdoc]] in the early Phases.
46	* The entirety of "Humility" is spent with each band member just having some fun in a coastal area, 2D in particular happily rollerskating. At one point, 2D's actually the one to offer a helping hand to a struggling skater! The skater refuses and continues stumbling around, but 2D just shrugs it off. [[DownerEnding Then Russel]] [[KickTheDog for some reason]] [[DownerEnding decided to trip 2D, causing his eyes to go black again, severely hurting his vision]]. That is, unless the theory that 2D was possessed during the music video is true. Then Russel was just giving him an impromptu exorcism.
47	** Also, Creator/JackBlack having the time of his life in the background.
48	*** That said, it's fairly obvious Black is somewhat annoyed by 2D [[GreenEyedMonster upstaging him]]. It culminates in him [[UnsportsmanlikeGloating taunting 2D after Russel trips him]].
49	* "How Far?" was released much earlier than schedule due to one of its features, Tony Allen -- {{Afrobeat}} innovator, longtime collaborator and friend to Damon Albarn -- having passed away in April 2020. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiWduWEtma4 The video]] displays artwork of the Gorillaz bandmates [[ToAbsentFriends giving their own heartfelt reactions to Allen]]: 2D is heartbroken from the loss, Noodle highlights his spirituality in passing on, Russel commends his drumming skills, and [[PetTheDog even Murdoc]] raises a shot glass to bid him farewell.
50	* The music video for "Aries" consists of Murdoc and 2-D taking a peaceful motorcycle ride together, with both of them genuinely seeming to be ''enjoying it.'' It seems like the two of them are actually getting along for once, and that [[TemptingFate maybe they're beginning to make peace with one another...]] [[SuddenDownerEnding Too bad Murdoc had to go and inject 2-D with truth serum immediately afterwards.]]
51	* The ending of "The Lost Chord". When it looks like the band is about to abandon Murdoc on Plastic Beach as it's being destroyed by Poseidon, the portal suddenly reopens and [[TakeMyHand 2-D extends a hand to Murdoc to save him.]] No matter what he's put everyone else through, he's still part of the band, and 2-D isn't about to just leave him alone. Murdoc's look of disbelief and joy in response is notably one of the few times he's ever genuinely ''smiled'' about something, and this is ''also'' notably one of the few times that 2-D doing something kind for Murdoc hasn't come back [[NoGoodDeedGoesUnpunished to bite him in the ass.]]
52	** Even before that moment [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Murdoc]] can be seen pulling the other members of the band to safety as the tower they’re standing on slowly sinks. With 2D he has to [[PetTheDog hoist him up]] onto the top of the tower!
53	** As the band explore the beach, one of the things they find is the submarine Murdoc used to escape the island, with none other than [[TheBusCameBack Cyborg Noodle]] inside. Upon seeing it, Murdoc [[NotSoStoic starts crying]]. Even if Murdoc initially created Cyborg Noodle to simply be a {{Replacement Goldfish}}, it seems that he did end up growing attached to her as well.
54	** The fact that Murdoc appears visibly uncomfortable about being back on Plastic Beach throughout the video could imply that he has come to regret the things he did throughout Phase 3, or at the very least see it as a low point for himself.
55	* There is a small but brief moment in the Dirty Harry music video. When Bootie Brown raps the lyrics, "Your water's from a bottle. Mine's from a canteen." look behind him. There is an animated child doing his movements as he's rapping.
56	* Ace in the Tranz music video. He's just...having the time of his life playing in the band. And also Russell is just smiling throughout the entire thing as well.
57	* During the holiday season in 2021, Murdoc [[https://www.instagram.com/p/CXtyb2NLvaQ/ decided to write a]] "Christmas Address" for the fans. In the letter, Murdoc describes being visited by [[Literature/AChristmasCarol three ghosts]] while acting miserable during the holidays, but later decides to try to get into the spirit of things after they leave. Murdoc proceeds to buy his bandmates some genuinely nice gifts, [[MakesJustAsMuchSenseInContext puts up a Christmas Tree decorated with whipped cream and hair spray]], and admits that doing those things made him feel genuinely warm and happy for once. Considering how unempathetic Murdoc usually is, him wholeheartedly wishing the fans love for the holidays is genuinely heartwarming.
58	* In the commentary for ''Clint Eastwood'', Murdoc has only nice things to say about the dance troupe of zombie gorillas and remembers them each by name.
59	-->'''Murdoc:''' Anna, Keith, Florence... they still send us a Christmas card every year!
60	** He also expresses genuine remorse at the passing of the oldest member, Gordon.
61	* There's something rather sweet about Moonflower clearly growing fond enough of 2D that seeing him teary-eyed as she's about to sacrifice him is enough for her to realize ''MyGodWhatHaveIDone'' and choose instead to save him in the Silent Running video. Even if stopping the ritual means [[HeroicSacrifice her own death.]]
62	** The rest of the band running in to save 2D as well in the same video. Even [[JerkWithAHeartOfJerk Murdoc]] runs in to help Moonflower try to pull 2D from the pit he's been lowered into- even if a part of it was likely him trying to show off.

Context Heartwarming / Gorillaz