Here is the character sheet for the 1992 film, Stay Tuned. Be forewarned, all spoilers are unmarked.
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The Knable Family
In General
L-R: Diane, Helen, Darryl, and Roy
"I guess you could call us a pretty normal family. That's if anything is ever normal."
—Darryl Knable
An ordinary surburban American family from Seattle, whose lives are forever changed when Roy signs up for a new TV service that sucks him and Helen in (literally), leaving their children, Darryl and Diane to try to get them home.
- Alliterative Family: The kids, Diane and Darryl.
- Awful Wedded Life: Roy and Helen's marriage at the beginning of the film. It didn't start out this way, but Roy's obsession with TV ended up putting a massive strain on their relationship.
- Happily Married: Their marriage prior to Roy becoming a couch potato. Implied to become this again by the end.
- Badass Family: If going through Hell (literally) and surviving with the aid of your children doesn't count, what will?
- Brother–Sister Team: Darryl and Diane, especially after the latter discovers what happened to their parents.
- Brought to You by the Letter "S": Roy and Helen's wrestling outfits both have a large K with angel wings on their chests.
- Deadpan Snarker: Each Knable gets at least one moment throughout the film, but Helen is the most prominent. For specific examples, please refer to their individual folders.
- Four-Philosophy Ensemble: In regards to the Hell Vision situation, Roy (The Optimist), Helen (The Cynic), Darryl (The Realist), and Diane (The Apathetic, at first).
- Gold and White Are Divine: Roy and Helen's wrestling gear sport these colors, reflecting their status as the good guys.
- Hollywood Genetics: How the hell can a brown-haired couple have a son with blonde hair and a daughter with black hair?
- Jaw Drop: All of them have done it at least once throughout the film.
- Jock Dad, Nerd Son: Downplayed. Roy is an avid fencer whereas his son, Darryl, is an electronics whiz-kid.
- Leotard of Power: Roy and Helen both wear white and gold ones in the wrestling segment.
- Losing a Shoe in the Struggle: Happens to Roy, Helen, and Darryl throughout the movie:
- Roy loses a boot while trying to escape a pack of wolves in the Northern Overexposure segment.
- Helen loses her watch in a scuffle while arguing with Roy before getting sucked in the dish (which Darryl finds later in the movie).
- Darryl loses his hat and his bike while trying to avoid being sucked into the dish.
- Mass "Oh, Crap!": All four of them when they see that the neighbor's dog found its way into their yard and is heading towards them.
- Non-Standard Character Design: While as a mouse, Helen pulls out a picture of Darryl and Diane, who are also mice. Strangely, their mouse forms have buck teeth, something that their parents' mouse selves lack.
- Nuclear Family: A married couple with two kids and live in a suburban house. 'Nuff said.
- Oh, Crap!: Each of them get at least one moment over the course of the movie, though Diane arguably gets these the most.
- Pink Girl, Blue Boy: Darryl wears a blue shirt at one point, while Diane spends a good chunk of the movie in a pink sweater. The photo of their mouse forms plays this even straighter, as they are depicted as wearing blue and pink T-Shirts, respectively.
- Red Oni, Blue Oni: In regards to the Hell Vision situation, Roy and Diane (Blue), Helen and Darryl (Red).
- While Roy (Blue) is generally calm and rarely loses his cool throughout their time in Hell Vision, Helen (Red), angry with Roy after he signs the contract with Spike, does not hesitate to call him out, and generally tends to flip out if pushed far enough.
- Darryl (Red) repeatedly and urgently tries to alert Diane about the whereabouts of their parents. Until she discovers for herself, Diane (Blue) doesn't believe him and has little patience for her brother's antics, brushing off his warnings, and even outright telling him to leave her and her friends alone at one point.
- Screw This, I'm Outta Here: Roy, Helen and Darryl each pull this at least once.
- Roy does this twice while in Hell Vision. First when he's accidentally freed from his restraints in Duane's Underworld, and again in the climax when he stumbles onto the set of Three's Company.
- Helen tries this twice. First when she packs her bags after seeing the new TV Roy got, and does it again while in the cartoon segment when Roy refuses to come back down after threatening to leave him.
- Darryl attempts to get away on his bike when the dish activates...and nearly gets sucked in himself.
- Toon Transformation: Technically speaking, all four Knables become mice in the animated segment. Since only Roy and Helen end up in Hell Vision, Darryl and Diane's mouse forms only appear in a photo.
- Ugly Guy, Hot Wife: Downplayed. While Roy is by no means ugly, he does look a bit homely compared to his wife, Helen.
Roy Knable
"I didn't know this was part of the deal, I thought I was getting a new TV!"
As a mouse
Portrayed by: John Ritter
"Wherever it leads can't be any worse than this!"
Plumbing equipment salesman by day, couch potato by night, Roy spends his time on the chair watching TV, much to the ire and frustration of his wife, Helen (and to a lesser extent, his children). When he is approached by Spike about signing up for a free trial for a new TV service, he happily signs the contract. Little did he know, he sold the devil his soul in the process.
- Accidental Misnaming: Not in the film itself, but the movie's UK poster
erroneously spells his name as "Ray." note - Actually Pretty Funny: At the beginning of the film, his son, Darryl hacks into TV signals to profit off of footage involving his sister making out with her boyfriend. After Darryl loses his signal, Roy (who was watching on a small TV in the bathroom while shaving) can briefly be seen shaking his head with an amused smile.
- Berserk Button: Do not threaten his wife. He also gets defensive when Helen accuses him of being jealous of her success.
- Big Eater: Implied, as part of Roy's Establishing Character Moment, the table in front of him as he watches TV is adorned with copious amounts of junk food, ranging from opened bags of chips to a partially eaten Twinkie. And let's not forget his love of donuts.
- Butt-Monkey: Roy endures a lot of abuse, especially while in Hell Vision. From getting his ass handed to him by a professional wrestler to having a camera slammed in his face twice and nearly losing an eye. Even before that, we see a montage of him doing his job, where he goes up to an office, only to see that the business moved to another office, twice. Also, he tries to get his suitcase out of his car, only to have it fly out and land in the street...and immediately get run over by a semi-truck!
- Character Development: Goes from a down on his luck couch potato selling plumbing equipment to a heroic family man running a fencing school.
- Chekhov's Skill: His fencing skills become very important in the climax.
- Deadpan Snarker: Has his moments:Neighbor: Hey, Knable! Your kid's messing up my TV reception again!Roy: And your dog's messing up my dichondra!Neighbor: Rivets didn't do that!
- And while in the cartoon segment:
Helen: How can you even think of eating donuts at a time like this?!Roy: What should I do, look for some oat bran? I'm starved!Helen: If you don't come down here this instant, I'm leaving!Roy: Where are you gonna go, your cartoon mother's house? - Dramatically Missing the Point: When Helen screams in shock after seeing the new TV set Roy got, he (assuming that Helen screamed because of how expensive it must have been) tries to assure her that he got it on a free trial and there's no obligation. This despite the fact that she screamed because he even got a new TV at all, resulting in Helen deciding she's had enough, storming up to her room and furiously packing her bags.
- Establishing Character Moment: His introduction has him sitting in his chair watching TV in the middle of the night, and plays with one of his fencing swords when a swordfight plays on TV.
- Fake Boobs: Dons a pair (unwillingly) as part of his disguise to avoid the guillotine in Off With His Head!
- Forgotten Anniversary: While in the game show segment, it's revealed in the form of a trivia question, that Roy once skipped an anniversary dinner with Helen, in favor of watching baseball in bar, and covered it up by saying he had car trouble. Helen is understandably upset upon finding that out.
- Genre Savvy: When you've spent a decent chunk of your life watching TV, this comes in handy after being sucked into Hell Vision. This is most prominent in the cartoon segment where he MacGyvers a trap that forces Robo-Cat into a bathtub and electrocutes it by pushing a hairdryer into the tub, and invokes Instant Home Delivery.
- Wrong Genre Savvy: However, in the wrestling segment, he thinks that wrestling is fake and nobody gets hurt. Immediately winds up on the recieving end of a No-Holds-Barred Beatdown from Mr. Gorgon.
- Heroes Prefer Swords: Was a co-captain in his junior college fencing team, and has two fencing swords on display in the living room. He uses one of them in a swordfight against Spike (courtesy of Darryl).
- Hollywood Mid-Life Crisis: According to Darryl, Roy has been accused by Helen of going through a mid-life crisis. He said he wasn't.
- Lazy Husband: Spends more time watching TV than with his wife. He sheds this by the end.
- Loser Protagonist: He's a Butt-Monkey of a down-on-his-luck couch potato who initially finds escapism in watching TV all day long, something that Spike tries to exploit to claim his soul. Roy however, eventually grows out of it.
- Made of Iron: Despite the abuse he endures while in Hell Vision, Roy suffers no injuries and escapes looking no worse for wear.
- Martial Arts Headband: Wears one in the wrestling segment.
- Mr. Vice Guy: Television. Need we say more?
- My God, What Have I Done?: A mild example, but when Helen coldly dismisses his compliments of being sexy (for a mouse) in the cartoon segment, he looks down in remorse, possibly realizing the damage his TV habits has caused to their marriage.
- Nice Job Breaking It, Hero: Him signing the contract is what kicks the plot in motion.
- Off with His Head!: Almost happens to him in a show about the French Revolution (aptly titled Off With His Head!) Fortunately, Darryl intervenes before it happens.
- "Oh, Crap!" Smile: Dons one upon seeing Robo-Cat for the first time.
- O.O.C. Is Serious Business: Throughout his ordeal in the TV world, Roy remains optimistic about escaping Hell Vision. However, while in the cartoon world, his resolve briefly cracks when he's unable to open the mouse hole to the conduit after it was bolted shut by Robo-Cat. Thankfully, this doesn't last long.(in an anguished tone) "I'll never get out of here!"
- Papa Wolf: Downplayed to the point of being almost negligible, but while in the Duane's Underworld segment, Roy is disgusted over Duane and Garf ogling at (obviously not shown) pictures of his daughter in a magazine.Roy: You creeps!
- Pop-Cultured Badass: Unavoidable given the amount of TV he's watched, but Roy puts his extensive knowledge of TV to good use on several occasions, and even namedrops MacGyver and The Maltese Falcon.
- Private Detective: Briefly becomes one during the Roy Knable: Private Dick segment. He even gets a Private Eye Monologue.
- Red Oni, Blue Oni: The Blue to Helen's Red. While he is generally calm and rarely loses his cool throughout their time in Hell Vision, Helen, angry with Roy after he signs the contract with Spike, does not hesitate to call him out, and generally tends to flip out if pushed far enough.
- Screams Like a Little Girl: Considering the crap Hell Vision subjects him to, can you blame him?
- Screw This, I'm Outta Here: While trying to avoid Spike killing him in the climax, he winds up on the set of Three's Company and two women appear and ask him "Where have you been?" Upon realizing where he is, he screams at the camera and immediately changes the channel.
- Skewed Priorities: While in the animated sequence, Roy gets distracted from trying to find a way out of Hell Vision and goes to get some donuts. Helen calls him out on this.
- Sold His Soul for a Donut: He sold his soul just so he could get a new TV. Played with in that he initially declined to sign the contract, only to change his mind when Spike tells him about a free trial.
- Soul-Crushing Desk Job: Works as a salesman for plumbing equipment at the beginning of the film, which Darryl describes as a "suck job." Thankfully at the end, he gets a new job running a fencing school.
- Took a Level in Badass: When he discovers after being released that Helen is still in Hell Vision and a train is going to run her over, Roy immediately takes action and goes back in Hell Vision to save her.
- Trademark Favorite Food: Donuts seem to be this, if the cartoon segment and these two lines of dialogue are any indication:"My doctor was right. Donuts will be the death of me!" note"Now I want you both to stay inside. You make sure those donuts are ready. I'm gonna be very hungry when I get back." note
- Unplanned Crossdressing: He finds himself disguised as a woman in the French Revolution mini-series ''Off With His Head!"
- What the Hell, Hero?: Helen berates him for getting them trapped into Hell Vision, and is understandably pissed when she found out that he missed their last anniversary dinner to watch baseball.
- You Are Grounded!: After he rescues Helen and return to the real world, he threatens this to Darryl and Diane when they see the neighbor's dog in the backyard. He immediately takes it back after the dog ends up beamed into the satellite dish.Roy: Check that. Whoever left the gate open gets double their allowance.
Helen Knable
"I want a man who would rather touch me than his remote control!"
As a mouse
Portrayed by: Pam Dawber
"Oh, you'll get us out? Your leadership skills couldn't get us out of a T-shirt!"
Roy's more successful, but long-suffering wife. Helen is a senior product manager for a vitamin company who has been trying to get Roy away from the television, but to no avail. When she sees a new TV that Roy acquired, her patience reaches its breaking point and she decides to pack up and leave. However, when she decides to break the news to Roy in the backyard, she finds herself caught in the crosshairs of the nearby satellite dish.
- The Ace: She's had far greater success in her job compared to Roy, as she is a top-level executive for a vitamin company (She had recently been promoted to senior product manager) and with an MBAnote to go with it.
- Action Mom: A mother of two kids, and stood her own against two professional wrestlers.
- Actually Pretty Funny: A blink-and-you'll miss it moment, but when Darryl hacks into the TV airwaves at the beginning of the film, Helen (who is in her room doing exercises to a video) can be seen watching Darryl's "report" with an amused smirk.
- Adaptation Dye-Job: In-universe example. In the cartoon segment, she goes from a brunette to having bluish-gray fur as a mouse, as pictured above.
- Berserk Button: Messing with her hair is a very bad idea, as Mrs. Gorgon learned the hard way when she tore out a chunk of it.
- Big "NO!": Does one after Roy gets shot by Spike in a showdown. Luckily, his remote took the bullet.
- Chained to a Railway: Spike does this to her in the climax...Spike: What can I say? I'm a sucker for a big ending.
- From Bad to Worse: ...and she later discovers that the wagon behind her is full of dynamite.
- Damsel in Distress: Becomes one in the climax, thanks to Spike.
- Deadpan Snarker: She makes some pretty dry statements, particularly while in Hell Vision. To list some examples:
- "I'm thinking of renting out your side of the bed." Context
- "Couldn't be any worse, huh, Roy?" Context
- "Strange? I'm an animated rodent wearing high-heeled running shoes. The word "strange" is somehow lacking." Context
- "Too bad you didn't like the way I looked when I was human." Context
- "You weren't blonde then...and wore a lot less makeup." Context
- "Eureka!" Moment: When Darryl intervenes just as Roy is about to be decapitated, the latter remarks, "My God," prompting the executioners to believe that Darryl is God. Helen decides to take advantage of this...to Darryl's confusion.Helen: Yes! It's...God! Right, God? Tell the infidels to release him!Darryl: (to Diane) What's an infidel?Diane: I-I don't know.
- Grin of Audacity: Helen sports this expression on her face◊ moments before throwing Roy's fencing trophy at the TV.
- Jaw Drop: Is prone to doing this, as pictured above.
- Jerk with a Heart of Gold: The "jerk" part is downplayed, as she does have valid reasons for being frosty towards Roy, but even though she is very frustrated with Roy's obsession with TV (to the point where she tries to leave him), it's pretty clear she still loves her husband.
- Ms. Fanservice: Downplayed. During her time in Hell Vision, she undergoes many costume changes to fit whatever channel she's currently in. However, all of these outfits are rather conservative. The most skin she shows is the outfit she wears in the Western segment◊, and even then it only shows a little bit more of her neckline.
- There's also an In-Universe example as well. In Duane's Underworld, Duane and Garf look at a Devil Dolls magazine that she's (somehow) in a centerfold of. Roy is not amused.
Garf: She's a vixen, Mr. K!Duane: Beezle-Babe! Tentpole! Lady Knable, we salute you.Duane and Garf: (in unision) Schwing! - Nice Job Breaking It, Hero: If she hadn't hit on the satellite dish with a shovel, she wouldn't have gotten sucked into Hell Vision with Roy.
- Non-Standard Character Design: Relating to Adaptation Dye-Job above, her mouse form is the only one whose hair/fur color differs from their human form.
- "Oh, Crap!" Smile: In the wrestling segment, she angrily confronts a female wrestler for attacking Roy, only for the wrestler to roar at her, causing her to scream before sporting one of these.
- Post-Stress Overeating: A mild implied case of this. In one scene, she is seen eating cereal straight out of the box as she nods disapprovingly (likely watching her husband watching TV as she does this).
- Power Hair: Her primary outfit (pictured above) has her hair put-up in a French twist, perfectly complementing her status as a high-level executive. However, by the time she escapes Hell Vision, it's inexplicably loosened into an unkempt ponytail.
- Rage Breaking Point: After seeing the new TV Roy got after signing up with Hell Vision, she furiously packs her bags and prepares to leave him. When she sees him adjusting the dish, she picks up a nearby shovel and angrily beats on it, which activates it.(while angrily packing her suitcase) "I don't want this anymore!"
- Red Oni, Blue Oni: The Red to Roy's Blue. While Roy is generally calm and rarely loses his cool throughout their time in Hell Vision, Helen, angry with Roy after he signs the contract with Spike, does not hesitate to call him out, and generally tends to flip out if pushed far enough.
- The Scream: She lets out a big one when she sees Roy's new TV from Hell Vision.
- Screw This, I'm Outta Here: Attempts this twice in the movie. The first time is when she saw Roy's new TV, and the second time is when they're both cartoon mice and Roy finds donuts. Neither attempt succeeds.
- She Cleans Up Nicely: Granted, she was never unattractive, this trope is definitely at play in the Noir segment (pictured here◊), which doesn't go unnoticed by Roy.Roy: Helen, you're all right! A-and you look terrific!Helen: (looks down at her outfit) Oh, really?
- Squashed Flat: Happens to her as a mouse during the cartoon segment.
- Tantrum Throwing: After failing to get Roy's attention, she grabs his fencing trophy and throws it at the TV, destroying it.
- Tertiary Sexual Characteristics: Her mouse form wears sneakers that inexplicably have heels, which she does not hesitate to lampshade.
- Tomboyish Ponytail: Sports one in the wrestling segment.
- Tranquil Fury: When she finds out that Roy skipped their anniversary dinner to watch the World Series, she asks him in disbelief, "You were watching baseball?". The tone indicates that while not frothing with rage, she was clearly upset and hurt.
- A more subtle case of this also happens earlier in the film when she calmly but firmly tells Diane (who is going away to stay with a friend for the night) to go straight to her friend's house and stay away from boys, after finding out that she was secretly making out with her boyfriend.
- Tsundere: Towards Roy, she switches back and forth between being cold and hostile and caring and concerned for his safety at the beginning of their time in Hell Vision. After Roy apologizes to her, she firmly stays in the latter.
- Verbal Backspace: Does this while confronting Mrs. Gorgon for attacking Roy.Helen: Leave him alone, you bitch!(Mrs. Gorgon roars at Helen, causing her to scream before smiling at her sheepishly)Helen: I apologize, you're probably not really a bitch. Roy, get up!
- You're Just Jealous: She has accused Roy of being jealous of her success, to which he has vehemently denied.
Darryl Knable
"That's what I've been trying to tell you. Our parents are trapped in television!"
As a mouse (Photo only)
Portrayed by: David Tom
"My name is Darryl Knable. I'm a pretty normal kid who had a pretty normal life...until that night."
Roy and Helen's youngest child and the narrator of the film, Darryl is an electronics whiz-kid who is the first to discover his parents trapped in the TV world.
- Annoying Younger Sibling: Is considered this at points by Diane, but it's really downplayed, since the only thing he did to evoke this trope was recording her french-kissing her boyfriend. And while he does spray water at her and her friends with a garden hose in the backyard, it was only to get them away from the satellite dish, which had activated and would've sucked them in if he hadn't done so.Diane: (after Darryl chases off her friends with a garden hose) Guys, wait! It's not my fault my brother's a creep!
- Batman Gambit: He and Diane planned to go away for the night so their parents can be alone, hoping to save their failing marriage. It ultimately works in the end.Darryl: Mom, you know my friend, Billy Stephen?Helen: (nods her head) Mmm-hmm?Darryl: Well, his dad moved out for a while, then his parents went away and sat in a hot tub all weekend. When they got back, Billy's dad moved back in and things were all better.Helen: Did you and your sister plan this? So that your dad and I could be alone?(Darryl lowers his head with a smile on his face.)
- Big Damn Heroes: Does this just as his father is about to lose his head to the guillotine.
- Character Narrator: The beginning and end of the film is tied together with him narrating about his parents. The beginning is where he talks about his parents (particularly his father) and their failing marriage. The end has him talking about how their marriage improved and his dad cut down on TV and got a new job.
- Chekhov's Gun: The machine he uses to hack into television airwaves at the beginning. He uses it to stall the execution of his father just long enough to let the timer run out.
- Cold Ham: His performance as "God" is this, since it involves him speaking in a low and commanding voice.
- Cool Bike: Rides a custom green 1991 Dyno Detour...which he loses and winds up in Hell Vision in the hands of a child version of Charles Manson.
- Deadpan Snarker: While not as prominent as the rest of his family, he does get a moment of this during his opening narration."They say the average American watches seven-and-a-half hours of TV a day. If that's true, there are two guys who never watch, and my dad took their times."
- Establishing Character Moment: His first on-screen appearance shows him hacking into television airwaves, establishing his knack of tinkering, which becomes crucial later on.
- Everyone Has Standards: While he's not against television (believing that there's more to do with it than just watching it...such as profiting from it), he isn't fond of his father's excessive TV habits, enough for him to plan with his sister to go away so his parents can spend time together."Don't get me wrong, I like TV just as much as the next person. It's just there are more things you can do with it than only watch it. For instance, you can also make money with it."
- God Guise: Invokes this at his mother's behest, to rescue his father from the guillotine."You! The weenie in black! (one of the executioners points at himself) You, dork: The one at the wheel. (The other executioner points at himself) Yeah, you! Release him!"
- Jaw Drop: Does a small one upon discovering his parents in Hell Vision.
- Karma Houdini: Despite the massive fine he would have gotten for committing broadcast signal intrusion, Darryl faces no consequences for the stunt he pulled, aside from a neighbor threatening Roy to call the FCC. Downplayed in that his motivation for doing it wasn't exactly malicious (he was doing so to sell tapes of Diane making out with her boyfriend).
- Nerd Glasses: Wears a pair of red horn-rimmed glasses, and is very smart to boot. Amusingly, the photo of him as a mouse (see above) has him wearing a black pair that appears to be too big for his face.
- Non-Standard Character Design: In addition to the aforementioned buck teeth note , his mouse form is also the only one with colored irises (in his case, blue), as opposed to the black eyes on the other Knables.
- Pink Girl, Blue Boy: The blue to Diane's pink.
- Playful Hacker: Hacks into TV airwaves to advertise tapes of his sister French-kissing her boyfriend. A line from a neighbor implies that this isn't the first time he's done this.Neighbor: "Hey, Knable! Your kid's messing up my TV reception again!"
- Red Oni, Blue Oni: The Red to Diane's Blue. He repeatedly and urgently tries to alert his sister about the whereabouts of their parents. Until she discovers for herself, Diane doesn't believe him and has little patience for her brother's antics, brushing off his warnings, and even outright telling him to leave her and her friends alone at one point.
- The Short Guy with Glasses: He's a smart kid who wears glasses and he's also the youngest and shortest member of the family.
- Spanner in the Works: By pulling the above-mentioned Big Damn Heroes moment just as Roy's about to be beheaded, he ends up being this for Spike.Spike: What's happening? WHO'S MESSING WITH MY PROGRAMMING?!
- Teen Genius: In case the above tropes didn't make it obvious. note
- Totally Radical: Remarks "Totally wicked!" upon seeing the giant satellite dish for the first time.
- Vocal Evolution: A strange case. His voice during the opening and closing narrations seems a bit deeper compared to how he sounds during the film proper.
Diane Knable
"You're pizza topping!"
As a mouse (Photo only)
Portrayed by: Heather McComb
"Look, I'm sure it's nothing to worry about, okay? Now leave us alone!"
The oldest of Roy and Helen's children. She initially doesn't believe Darryl when he discovers their parents are in television, but she contributes to their rescue when she sees for herself.
- Aloof Big Sister: Doubles as Aloof Dark-Haired Girl. She has dark hair and many friends, but treats her brother harshly. It's downplayed but justified, as while she does come off as abrasive towards her younger brother, it's only out of annoyance with his constant urgings about Hell Vision and their parents' whereabouts, as she does soften up a bit once she discovers the truth for herself.
- Big Sister Bully: Downplayed. While she never antagonizes Darryl in the movie (aside from a teasing remark after he tells her he lost his bike to the dish), Diane overall has a rather unpleasant attitude towards her brother prior to discovering her parents on TV. The worst she does is call him names, but that's really about it.Darryl: They did it. They went away just like Billy's mom and dad did.Diane: Yeah? And now it's your turn to go away, dweeb-nik.
- Bratty Teenage Daughter: A very mild case. When she goes away to spend the night with her friend, Helen tells her "No boys." Her response?Diane: Mother, I am not a child.Helen: (speaking in a stern tone) Mmm-hmm. Well, you go directly to Tracy's, you understand me?Diane: (walking away) Right.
- Deadpan Snarker: Has her share of these moments.Diane: What are you doing?Darryl: Did you see that? (points at dish) That dish, it ate my BMX.Diane: Is this some kind of male puberty thing?
- Everyone Has Standards: It's implied that she's not fond of her father's obsessive TV watching any more than her mother or brother. She and Darryl planned to stay with their friends so their parents could try to have alone time.
- Implied Death Threat: Tells Darryl he's pizza topping after he sprays her and friends with a hose in to get them away from the dish that sucked in their parents.
- Jerk with a Heart of Gold: At several points throughout the film, Diane is shown to be very rude to Darryl, who keeps trying to warn her about what happened to their parents. She calls him names like dipstick, dweebnik, and pus-head, and abrasively ignores Darryl's warnings to stay away from the satellite dish. Though this does lessen once she discovers her parents inside and helps Darryl out. Also, she clearly cares for her parents Trapped in TV Land after heeding Darryl's warnings.
- Oh, Crap!: Several times throughout the movie.
- Pink Girl, Blue Boy: The pink to Darryl's blue.
- Red Oni, Blue Oni: The Blue to Darryl's Red. Darryl repeatedly and urgently tries to alert her about the whereabouts of their parents. Until she discovers for herself, she doesn't believe him and has little patience for her brother's antics, brushing off his warnings, and even outright telling him to leave her and her friends alone at one point.
- Took a Level in Kindness: Downplayed, but after discovering her parents inside the TV, she becomes less of a jerk to her brother and assists him in saving them (though she does briefly take issue with Darryl dismantling her stereo for parts to fix his transmitter).
- Unlimited Wardrobe: Wears no less than four outfits over the course of the film.
Hell Vision Personnel
In General
Spike's the one in the center. Crowley and Pierce are in the background on Spike's left.
"Here at Hell Vision, we've turned the process of soul acquisition into an entertainment extravaganza, and all for the benefit of one very demanding viewer below."
—Spike
A Satanic television system filled with 666 channels not available anywhere else. Its staff is tasked with collecting souls and entertainment for the Devil, sucking customers in (literally) with a giant satellite dish. Anyone who ends up in Hell Vision must survive in there for 24 hours. If they do, they go home. If they fail, their soul becomes property of Satan.
- Binding Ancient Treaty: According to Crowley, this is why the 24 hour stipulation is in place. As part of a treaty with "the other side", they must release anyone in the system who survives for that long.
- Even Evil Has Standards: Both Pierce and Ducker, the contract specialist who revealed the protest filed on the Knables' case, object to leaving Helen trapped in the system while Roy gets to go home, with the latter suggesting to get an authorization (presumably to release her despite not being under contract).
- Evil, Inc.: Would you expect anything else from a Satanic television service called Hell Vision?
- The Ghost: Their ultimate boss, the Devil, is never seen or heard from, only mentioned.
- It's Not Supposed to Win Oscars: Invoked. When Pierce voices his displeasure at the graphic death that befell Mrs. Seidenbaum, not for their disturbing nature, but a lack of subtext, Spike casts him aside and calmly explains to him that HVTV's purpose is to provide Satan with cheap entertainment, nothing more.Spike: He has an enormous appetite for misfortune and it is our job to provide him with an eclectic offering of light amusements...NOT SUBTEXT!
- Only One Name: The few named members of Hell Vision (Spike, Crowley, Pierce, Wetzel, and Ducker) only go by what can only be assumed are their last names, leaving their full names (if any) a complete mystery.
- Satan: Their sole audience.
- Token Good Teammate: Crowley and Pierce are the most prominent members of Hell Vision who fit this category. The former actively helping the Knables survive while the latter voices concern on Helen being stuck inside.
- Your Soul Is Mine!: Their goal is to collect souls for the sole purpose for entertaining the Boss himself.
Spike
"Fasten your seatbelts, folks! It's gonna be a bumpy ride!"
Portrayed by: Jeffrey Jones
"I've taken loads of souls... and none more pathetic than yours, Roy. Say good night, Gracie!"
A high-ranking executive at Hell Vision, and the main antagonist of the film. He is tasked with luring suckers into Hell Vision with the intention of killing them, all to provide entertainment for the Boss himself.
- Bad Boss: He banishes Crowley to field work for letting a past customer escape and indirectly blaming him for it.
- Big Bad: He's the main villain of the film.
- Berserk Button: Crowley reminding him of that Peruvian chap who survived and implying that it was his fault seemed to piss Spike off.
- Card-Carrying Villain: According to his actor, Spike is definitely this.Jeffrey Jones: Spike relishes being the bad guy. He's bad and he likes it.
- Corrupt Corporate Executive: Seems to come with the territory of working for the Devil.
- Couldn't Find a Lighter: In one scene, he lights a cigarette with a blowtorch.
- Enemy Eats Your Lunch: Downplayed. When Spike visits Murray Seidenbaum at his house at the beginning of the film, he snatches a piece of popcorn from the latter's bowl.
- "Eureka!" Moment: Upon Roy and Helen surviving all 24 hours in Hell Vision, Spike has a Villainous Breakdown, and strangles Pierce for condescendingly wishing him farewell. However, Ducker, Hell Vision's contract specialist, reveals a snag in the Knables' contract (or more accurately, Roy's contract).Ducker: As I suspected, there was a protest filed on the Knable case. A verbal contract binds only those parties personally making the agreement. Therefore, the contract can only be for one person... you took two.
(Spike lifts his head up, lets go of Pierce, and walks over to Ducker)
Spike: Yes. Yes. Yes! Yes! (smooches Ducker on the lips) Oh, you're the ugliest bitch in perdition, but you gave me a beautiful idea. - Evil Wears Black: Wears predominately black clothing, and is evil to go with it.
- In-Series Nickname: According to Crowley, he calls himself the Mephistopheles of the Cathode Ray.
- Irony: After banishing Crowley, Spike warns Pierce that he's dead meat if he screws up in Hell Vision. By the end of the film, it's Spike who screws up and becomes dead meat as he (implicitly) gets devoured by a dog, while Pierce takes up his position as the head honcho.
- Kick the Dog: Taunts Roy in the climax about his wife as he prepares to kill him."Right about now, your wife is probably catching that train...right between the eyes...and you let it happen."
- Laser-Guided Karma: The last we see of Spike is him stuck in a chandelier with Rivets, the Knables' neighbor's dog (he was sucked into Hell Vision), right below him. Just when things couldn't get any worse, Crowley, the very man he demoted to field work earlier, emerges and cuts the rope with an axe, causing Spike to plummet to the ground and become dog chow.
- Make an Example of Them: Demotes Crowley to field work by banishing him to a channel for pissing him off, and says this to Pierce:
- Mephistopheles: Crowley calls him "the Mephistopheles of the cathode ray", in reference to his attempts to trick mortals out of the ownership of their souls.
- Never My Fault: When Crowley brings up the "Peruvian chap" that escaped Hell Vision, Spike dismisses it as a fluke, and banishes Crowley when the former implicity accuses him of it.
- Suddenly Shouting: Does this to Pierce when he complains about a lack of subtext in the gruesome deaths.Spike: Here at Hell Vision, we've turned the process of soul acquisition into an entertainment extravaganza, and all for the benefit of one very demanding viewer below.
Crowley: The Boss himself, and I don't mean Springsteen.
Spike: He has an enormous appetite for misfortune and it is our job to provide him with an eclectic offering of light amusements...NOT SUBTEXT! - Villainous Breakdown: Has one as the Knables become progressively closer to the end.
- We Can Rule Together: Offers this to Roy in the climax. Roy has none of it.Spike: Wait! Okay, okay, you got the remote, you win. But how about-and uh, I'm just pitching here, how about you and me working together? We could come up with some dynamite programming. Chairman'd love it, knock him off his hooves. We'd be number one! Of course, we are the only one, but...(Roy glares at Spike) Wait a minute. You don't get it, do you? Without me, you don't get out of here.
- You Have No Chance to Survive: Holds this attitude towards those who end up in Hell Vision."Whether they go quickly or not, in the end, they always join us."
- You Monster!: Helen calls him a sadistic bastard for tying her up to get her hit by a train. His response?
Crowley
"Part of our treaty with the other side. Kind of like a Geneva Convention in the war for souls."
Portrayed by: Eugene Levy
"Trust me, babe. You walked into the right place. Very cushy down here. I mean, you can cool your heels in here for the rest of eternity, if you kiss the right ass. And let me tell ya, these lips ain't calloused for nothin'!"
An executive at Hell Vision who likes to crack jokes. He gets demoted to field work by Spike, and becomes an ally to Roy and Helen.
- An Arm and a Leg: He loses an arm and leg to a pack of wolves.
- Butt-Monkey: Possibly moreso than Roy. He gets banished into field work by Spike when he (implicitly) accuses him of screwing up, accidentally breaks off a finger, and gets attacked by wolves, losing an arm and a leg in the process.
- The Dog Bites Back: He gets his revenge on Spike for banishing him into field work.
- Fingore: He accidentally breaks off a finger in the Northern Overexposure segment while explaining the odds of surviving Hell Vision to Roy and Helen.
- Four Eyes, Zero Soul: Subverted. He wears glasses and works for the Devil, but there's nothing remotely evil about him.
- Half-Hearted Henchman: Seems more interested in making wisecracks than doing anything evil.
- Heel–Face Turn: He went from an executive in Hell Vision working for Spike to helping the Knables survive their 24 hours.
- Laughing at Your Own Jokes: He seems to be only one who finds his own jokes funny.
- Major Injury Underreaction: After accidentally breaking off a finger, Roy and Helen understandably react with disgust and shock, respectively. Crowley's reaction, however, is far more subdued.(picks up his broken finger) "The cold's no place for a stiff.
- Noble Demon: Since he's already dead, he tells Roy to focus on saving Helen instead."I'm already dead! Save her!"
- Open Mouth, Insert Foot: This is what gets him in trouble with Spike, and subsequently sent to field work. He even lampshades his situation.Spike: Whether they go quickly or not, in the end, they always join us.Crowley: Well, not always, sir. You're forgetting that one wiry little Peruvian chap.Spike: A mistake, Mr. Crowley, that will not happen again.Crowley: Hey, it wasn't me that loused up. Jeez.Crowley: (realizing what he just said) I'm kidding. You know me, always joking.Crowley: Uh...Spike...(gets out of chair)...sir...why don't I take you to lunch. We can sit down, we can- (places his hands on Spike's shoulders, who summons his remote) Oh, boy. Hey, Spike, come on. You know me. (chuckles nervously) Chronic Foot-In-The-Mouth Disease. (Spike points his remote at him) I don't wanna do field work. I'm executive material, I belong in here with you.(Spike presses a button and zaps Crowley, who gets banished to another channel)
- Our Zombies Are Different: He looks pretty lively for someone who's a corpse. In fact, because he's already dead, he's able to lose limbs without consequence.
- Pet the Dog: He solemnly apologizes to Helen as Roy's about to be executed in the French Revolution."Looks like Spike's gonna meet his quota after all. I'm sorry, Mrs. Knable."
- Professional Butt-Kisser: He starts out as a kissass for Spike. His first scene even has him tell Pierce about kissing the right ass and joking about how his lips aren't calloused for nothing. He grows out of it after Spike banishes him from the control room.
- Token Good Teammate: The least evil employee of Hell Vision, to the point where he helps the Knables survive.
Pierce
"It's not the blood I find distressing. It's your lack of subtext."
Portrayed by: Erik King
"Personally, I think he's losing it. A pathetic thing to watch."
A film school graduate at USC who is an intern at Hell Vision.
- '90s Hair: He sports a notable flat-top.
- Audience Surrogate: He mainly exists for Spike and Crowley to exposit to him (and the audience) the mechanations of Hellvision.
- Deadpan Snarker: Definitely has his moments.(After Helen knocks out the Gorgons in a wrestling match) "Looks like that pathetic loser isn't going to be as easy as we thought."
- Everyone Has Standards:
- He's appalled by the deaths that happen to those trapped in Hell Vision, though it has more to do with the lack of subtext than the violent nature of them.
- He also objects to Spike releasing Roy without releasing Helen as well.
Spike: My obligation is limited to those I have a contract with. I have fulfilled my end by discharging Mr. Knable.Pierce: But his wife is still-!Spike: (interrupting Pierce) Those who trespass into the system without permission are on their own. - If You Die, I Call Your Stuff: After he takes over Hell Vision following Spike's death."I get his parking space."
- The Intern: Of course. He even wears a name tag that says "Trainee."
- Klingon Promotion: He takes over Spike's position after Spike gets killed.
- The Starscream: Downplayed. While he's not actively plotting to usurp Spike, he has made a remark about it that rubs him the wrong way.Wetzel: Sir, great news. Your new class of recruits? We've taken possession of all of them...except...two, sir.Spike: (groans, in an irritated tone) I know that, you postulating putz! They've just been lucky, that's all.Pierce: Have they? You know, the strain of your job must be tremendous. You ever think about taking a vacation? Just kickin' back, letting someone else take the burden off your shoulders for a while?Spike: Someone else...you?Pierce: (speaking in a surprised tone) I'm flattered that you'd even think I could fill your shoes. But I'm ready to try, sir.
- Token Good Teammate: He shares this with Crowley. He's shown to be disgusted by seeing people getting murdered in Hell Vision, and voices concern to Spike about Helen being still in there.
- Token Minority: The only major black character in the movie.
Ducker
"As I suspected, there was a protest filed on the Knable case."
Portrayed by: Susan Blommaert
"A verbal contract binds only those parties personally making the agreement. Therefore, the contract can only be for one person...you took two."
Hell Vision's contract specialist.
- Diabolus ex Machina: She doesn't reveal to Spike about the snafu in Roy's contract until after the Knables' 24-hour period already expired.
- Everyone Has Standards: Suggests getting an authorization to release Helen from Hell Vision despite being the one that reveals that she wasn't under contract.
- Knew It All Along: She knew something was up when the Knables was sucked into Hell Vision and that "the other side" would file a protest on their case.
- Rules Lawyer: She's the one who points out that the contracts should only apply to those who actually signed it. Justified, since her job has her looking over contracts in Hell Vision.
- Small Role, Big Impact: Doesn't get much screentime, but she does deliver the Wham Line that sets up the third act of the film.
- Smooch of Victory: Ends up on the receiving end of one by Spike when she reveals to him to snag in the Knables' contract, causing an idea to spark in his head.Spike: "Oh, you're the ugliest bitch in perdition, but you gave me a beautiful idea."
- The Smurfette Principle: The only prominent female in Hell Vision.
Other Characters
Murray Seidenbaum
"Well, look who showed up."
Click here to see him in Hell Vision
Portrayed by: Bob Dishy
"I ditched my wife five channels ago. She happened to meet the business end of a fifty-ton reptile. And I can tell you, I don't exactly miss dried meatloaf."
A neighbor of the Knables. He was under the thumb of his wife Sarah until Spike knocked on his door and offered him escape. Needless to say, he doesn't regret it.
- Damn, It Feels Good to Be a Gangster!: Relishes in being a crime lord and the owner of a nightclub after being sucked in."Outside, I was Murray the Doormat. In here...Boss Seidenbaum."
- The Don: Becomes one in Hell Vision, even sending two thugs to kidnap Helen and bring her to his club.
- Henpecked Husband: Sarah definitely wore the pants in their marriage. It's because of this that he enjoys being in Hell Vision.
- I Just Want to Be Special: Or rather wanted, but after being shot, Murray basically says this to Roy and Helen with his dying breath."All I wanted was to be the big shot for once. Take my remote. Get out of here. You two still got a chance of making it together."
- I'm Dying, Please Take My MacGuffin: After getting shot by a gangster, he gives Roy his remote just before he dies.
- Pet the Dog: Despite having kidnapped his wife in Hell Vision, he hands Roy his remote and wishes them well before dying.
- Small Role, Big Impact: While he doesn't have a lot of screentime, he is the character that sets the plot in motion, first by being the first one to get sucked into Hell Vision in the cold opening, then to establish the Anyone Can Die nature of Hell Vision (by having Sarah get crushed by a Not-Zilla's foot), and finally by giving his remote to Roy after being gunned down.
- Walking Spoiler: It's kind of hard to talk about him without spoiling the movie.
Sarah Seidenbaum
"Murray!"
Portrayed by: Joyce Gordon
"Murray, what are you doing back there? Murray!"
Murray's domineering wife.
- And There Was Much Rejoicing: Downplayed. While Murray doesn't celebrate Sarah's death, his remarks to Helen about her indicate that he doesn't exactly miss her.
- Fat Bitch: Okay, she's not exceptionally fat, but she is rather stout and is generally unpleasant towards her husband.
- Flat Character: Has very little character outside of being a jerk to her husband.
- Giant Foot of Stomping: How she dies. After being sucked into Hell Vision, the Seidenbaums find themselves in Japan, with the latter sitting in a chariot. Suddenly, a giant monster rampages through the city. Murray manages to escape. Sarah, however, wasn't so lucky.
- Jerkass: At the beginning of the film, she demands Murray to put more butter in the popcorn (he put too much salt in it), after he just sat down. Then when the doorbell rings, she yells at Murray to get the door while he's in the middle of getting butter for the popcorn. All while she's sitting in her chair.
- Lethal Chef: Implied. While talking about her death, Murray quips to Helen that he doesn't exactly miss dried meatloaf, implying she wasn't a very good cook.
- No Name Given: Averted: although she is referred to as Mrs. Seidenbaum (especially in the credits), her dropping time gauge shows her first name.
- Small Role, Big Impact: While she's only present in two scenes, her death establishes the Anyone Can Die nature of Hell Vision.
- We Hardly Knew Ye: Has only two scenes before being killed off in the second one.
The Gorgons
L-R: Mrs. Gorgon and Mr. Gorgon
Portrayed by: George Gray (Mr. Gorgon), Faith Minton (Mrs. Gorgon)
"The vilest and evilest duo ever to disgrace a wrestling ring! That ogre and ogress...The Gorgons!"
—Ring Announcer
A duo of professional wrestlers in the Underworld Wrestling Federation.
- '80s Hair: Both of their headgear sport large mohawks.
- Actor Allusion: Early in the match, Mr. Gorgon performs a running body splash on a grounded Roy. His actor, George Gray note , used this exact same move as his finisher.
- Battle Couple: Goes without saying, since they're both wrestlers.
- Beard of Evil: Mr. Gorgon sports one.
- By the Hair: Mrs. Gorgon grabs Helen by her hair and even tears a chunk of it out. Needless to say, it doesn't end well for the Gorgons.
- Facial Markings: Both of them wear facepaint, which helps make them appear more intimidating.
- Fat Bastard: Mr. Gorgon.
- Heel: To contrast the Knables' roles as babyfaces.
- Horned Humanoid: Their headgear each have large horns, giving them the appearance of this trope.
- Leotard of Power: Both of them wear a black one, but Mrs. Gorgon wears one that exposes her legs.
- One Head Taller: Downplayed. Mr. Gorgon is slightly taller than his female partner.
- Red and Black and Evil All Over: Their ring gear is red and black and are as vicious as they come.
- Statuesque Stunner: Mrs. Gorgon is impressively tall, as her actress, Faith Minton, is 6 feet, 1 inch tall.
- The Voiceless: Neither of them speak, only letting out roars.
- Wrestling Monster: Obviously, especially Mr. Gorgon, due to his actor, George Gray, being an actual pro wrestler.
Robo-Cat
"Warning! You are trespassing in a human habitation! The penalty is death!"
Voiced by: Uncredited Voice Actor
"This is one clever pussy."
—Roy Knable
A robotic cat that appears in the cartoon segment to hunt and kill the now mousified Roy and Helen.
- Anti-Villain: Yes, it does try to kill Roy and Helen when they're transformed into cartoon mice, but it's just doing its job as it was bought by its owners for that primary purpose.
- By the Lights of Their Eyes: Its introduction has him in a closet, only showing its glowing red eyes.
- Cats Are Mean: A very robotic one, at that.
- Creepy Monotone: The few times it speaks. Justified, since it's a robot.
- Death Glare: Seems to be its default expression.
- Kill It with Fire: Has a flamethrower as one of its weapons.
- Killer Robot: Of course.
- No Biological Sex: It's a robot, so this is to be expected. However, it can be inferred as male due to having a male-sounding voice, and Roy does refer to it with male pronouns a couple of times.
- Pulling Themselves Together: After being electrocuted and reduced to pieces by Roy and Helen, it immediately repairs itself.
- The Quiet One: Says only three lines through the entire segment.
- Red Eyes, Take Warning: Has glowing red eyes and is a murderous creature.
- Slasher Smile: Sports one several times while attempting to kill the Knables.
- Super-Persistent Predator: It's relentless in chasing Roy and Helen, even after being electrocuted.
- There Is No Kill Like Overkill: Has an assortment of weapons ranging from guns to a flamethrower.
- This Is Gonna Suck: Its reaction upon seeing the Robo-Dog Roy ordered.
