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Theatre / Freewill in 2112

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They had no choice.
Freewill was not an option.
Until they came...

Imagine America a century into the future, as a world controlled by tradition and obedience. Everyone is forced to have one destiny, and one destiny only. There are no cars- or any vehicles- in the world, and thus trade with other countries is prohibited. There is no such thing as freewill. And worst of all, you're part of a family who believes in it (for the most part, anyway), but you are seen as an outcast in society because of your beliefs.

That's the universe of Freewill in 2112, a fanmade musical based on the music of the Canadian rock band Rush. The year is... well, 2112, in the fictional city of Hilltop, Connecticut. Everyone in Hilltop has lived and worked on the same principles for years... except for the Genalsikoffs, who support democracy and freewill. Most rebellious of all is Thomas Genalsikoff, a ploughman who works from 9-to-5 for a living and every Sunday escapes his life of drudgery to go out on a forbidden drive with his carefree uncle Benjamin (better known as "Barchy"). Despite his parents wanting him to take a more traditional path in life, Thomas is all for the idea of democracy. However, when the monarchy decides to enslave the citizens of Hilltop and capture all the Genalsikoffs, Thomas and Barchy must convince the crowd to do something that they haven't done since before the monarchy: assert their freewill. Along the way, they discover multiple revelations about the monarchy, and realize they're not all they seem...

Oh, and did we mention that Barchy's an android car?


Freewill in 2112 provides examples of:

  • Abusive Parents: Despite their family name, Samuel and Amanda Genalsikoff do not support freewill, and practically force their son into obeying society's traditions of obedience towards all. Samuel is especially abusive. Don't worry, they get better, especially once we see how much of an Extreme Doormat Amanda is.
  • Action Girl: Despite her outwardly shy demeanor, Marcia is actually a skilled alien fighter, and knows all the weaknesses of the aliens in the Solar Federation. She doesn't, however, realize that there are aliens on American soil, and manages to beat NETECROF and KOKGNAB to a pulp when the BNK race's weakness- the title virtue- is used for the first time.
  • An Aesop:
    • You don't get something for nothing/You can't have freedom for free...
    • While obedience is important, blind obedience towards all authority can end up having some devastating consequences, especially if that authority is tyrannical and wants to treat everyone like a slave.
    • People are people, not robots (well, except Barchy, but Androids Are People, Too). They have voices, and they should not be prevented from using them. In addition, they can't be confined to just one destiny.
  • Aliens Are Bastards: NETECROF, the alien leader of the BNK race disguised as the monarch of the USA, serves as the Big Bad, and his entire race not only enslaves the citizens of Hilltop, but also exploits their traditions in order to do so.
  • Alien Invasion: The BNK race invading America is what ends up kickstarting the entire musical. Let's just be grateful that the Solar Fed race that invaded wasn't the Syrinx.
  • Aliens Speaking English: The BNK race mostly speaks perfect English, with the exception of NETECROF, who is an arrogant Third-Person Person.
  • All of the Other Reindeer: All of the Genalsikoffs in society (except for Samuel and Amanda) are seen as this due to their rebellious ways and their belief in democracy. It gets to the point where the monarchy flat-out tortures them in order to force them into obedience.
    • Thomas has it especially bad, to the point where he is looked down upon by even his own parents and is practically forced into submission. Barchy also suffers from this, especially when it comes to his brother Samuel.
  • Always with You: Samuel tells Barchy this following his Heel–Face Turn- by quoting the page quote, no less!
    • Later on, Barchy says this to Thomas just as he is starting to fade away after being taken down by NETECROF. This soon leads into "Red Barchetta."
  • Androids Are People, Too: Despite the Reveal that Barchy was unknowingly an android, Thomas still loves him just the same as if he really were his uncle.
  • Anti-Villain: KOKGNAB, the awkward, somewhat shy, Genius Ditz second-in-command to NETECROF, who secretly believes that America is worse off under his leader's rule. Eventually, he becomes a Defector from Decadence in the climax.
  • Apathetic Citizens: Practically everyone in America by 2112.
  • Appeal to Tradition: Practiced by every member of Hilltop, as well as everyone in America, with the exception of the Genalsikoffs.
    • The opening number, "Closer to the Heart," revolves around Hilltop's traditional beliefs and their parts in society.
  • Arc Symbol: Chains and hearts, as well as the star of the Solar Federation.
  • Arc Words: The phrase "closer to the heart." It first shows up in (no surprise here) "Closer to the Heart," the opening number, which uses the title phrase twice: first, it refers to the fact that the citizens must be "closer to the heart" of the monarchy, and second, Barchy declares that despite the monarchy, he will follow his own destiny- "closer to the heart" of himself. The last words of "A Farewell to Kings" are "closer to the heart," and in Marcia's performance, she is referring to the heart of the Founding Fathers and their desires. And finally, there are the last words of the musical:
    Barchy: Thanks to us, we're no longer thinking closer to their heart. [shows a picture of King George III] We're thinking closer to their heart.'[shows a picture of the Founding Fathers, namely Washington, Jefferson, and Hamilton]''
  • Armor-Piercing Question:
    Thomas: [to Samuel] I mean, do you like doing this? I know Hilltop does plenty of work nowadays, but do you actually like doing this backbreaking labor?
    [Samuel is promptly whipped by NETECROF]
    Amanda: Do you really think that always following the law all the time is... really worth it?
  • Artificial Human: B-CYGNUS-68, an android from the past, is better known as Barchy Genalsikoff.
  • As the Good Book Says...: It's used with the Hilltopian book of laws a lot, with many characters (especially Thomas and Samuel) quoting it often, as well as the ORIGINAL Good Book.
  • Berserk Button:
    • Do not mess with Thomas' family. Especially his uncle Barchy. Even if he's secretly an android.
    • Do not speak about breaking the Motor Law anywhere in Samuel's direction. Thomas learned this the hard way in the middle of "Working Man," and again prior to "Limelight."
    • As mentioned in "Tom Sawyer": "Though his mind is not for rent/Don't put him down as arrogant..."
    • And another one for NETECROF: it's "net-eh-KROFF," not "neh-tre-KOFF."
  • Beware the Nice Ones:
    • As NETECROF found out in the final battle, Barchy may appear to be a friendly and carefree android car. That said, he is still an android, and he will take you down if you hurt anyone he is close to.
    • Marcia may appear to be shy and demure, but in fact, she is a skilled alien fighter, and knows many alien weaknesses.
  • Beware the Silly Ones: Barchy, again.
  • Big Bad: NETECROF, the monarch of the United States and the leader of the BNK race.
  • Big Damn Heroes: The New World Army breaking free and rescuing Thomas from his Darkest Hour by giving him a guitar to stop the aliens.
  • Big "NO!": NETECROF delivers this once Thomas and Marcia use his weakness- any expression of freewill- against him. He has another one once he's defeated.
  • Big SHUTUP: From Amanda, of all people, once she finally stands up to her domineering husband. It leads directly into "The Pass" and Samuel's Heel Realization.
    Amanda: Can you just pretend, for once in your life, that the Motor Law doesn't exist?!
  • Big "YES!": Thomas has one of these during the title track, after the citizens of Hilltop finally see how important freewill is.
  • Blatant Lies: "Tom Sawyer" is full of them, as NETECROF believes himself to be a hero. He obviously isn't. In fact, there is only one true line in the song:
    Though his mind is not for rent
    Don't put him down as arrogant
  • Blind Obedience: This is practically the modus operandi of everyone in Hilltop who isn't Thomas or Barchy.
  • Blob Monster: During the scene where Marcia is explaining the five alien planets of the Solar Federation, a picture of each one is shown. The Geerps are portrayed as giant green slug-like monsters.
  • Book Burning: One of the many things that the Motor Law forbids is creativity or leisure of any kind: no music, no games, no books that are not the Chruddist Bible or book of laws. In short, no one is allowed to have any fun here.
  • Bookends: The first thing we see in the show is the red star of the Solar Federation, followed by a timeline displaying various events in American history, ending with 2062 (in which the monarchy takes over) and 2068 (in which the Motor Law is signed). At the end of the show, the red star appears again, but it is graffitied over with the words 2112: DEMOCRACY REESTABLISHED AND MONARCHY OVERTHROWN, echoing the timeline seen at the start of the show.
  • Bread and Circuses: 100% averted. The monarchy provides zero citizens with their needs. In fact, leisure of any kind is outlawed.
  • BSoD Song:
    • "Red Sector A," sung immediately after the Downer Ending of the first act where the monarchy, led by NETECROF, has completely taken over America.
    • There's also "The Body Electric," which is sung when Barchy finds out he's an android.
  • Busby Berkeley Number: "New World Man," in which Thomas is hailed as "The Third Man of the Peacilion" due to his rebellious, Screw the Rules, I'm Doing What's Right! nature.
  • Butt-Monkey: KOKGNAB, the second-in-command of NETECROF.
  • Calling the Old Man Out: The number of times Thomas does this to Samuel due to his blindly obedient nature cannot be counted on one hand. "Something for Nothing" even serves as the musical number version of this.
  • Car Song: Guess. Then again, the context it's used in is absolutely heart-wrenching...
  • Chekhov's Gun: Barchy's hard drive initially appears during the "Spirit of Radio" scene and is used to play music. By the end, it helps to defeat NETECROF and the BNK race during the "YYZ" battle.
  • Chekhov's Gunman: During their first visit to the New World, Thomas and Barchy are informed of the existence of the BNK race, led by NETECROF and KOKGNAB, who appear to have ties to the monarchy. The audience, of course, knows what Thomas and Barchy do not: NETECROF and KOKGNAB are the monarchy.
  • Cloudcuckoolander: Barchy can sometimes be this, especially during his moments of hilarity.
  • Cool Car: Barchy, of course. Same goes for the Barchetta itself.
  • Cool Old Guy: Barchy, in his human form.
  • The Cover Changes the Meaning:
    • "Limelight" as originally written: "Fame comes at a cost to celebrities." "Limelight" here: "Our citizens are blinded by tradition and obedience in the same way that actors are blinded by fame, and once in a while, they need to step out of this metaphorical limelight and respect the importance of democracy and freewill." Yep, "Limelight" is a metaphor in this musical.
    • Not to mention "Tom Sawyer", which goes from a song about an idealistic rebel to a Villain Song in which NETECROF strokes his ego and decides to enslave everyone.
    • Also: "The Pass." The original song was about someone who was Driven to Suicide. Here, it's Samuel's My God, What Have I Done? moment towards not seeing the truth behind the BNK race's horrendous ways, which is started when his Extreme Doormat wife finally takes a stand.
    • Finally, there's "Red Barchetta," and the context it's used in is absolutely heart-wrenching. As a result of being struck by NETECROF in his final act of revenge before his ultimate defeat, Barchy's android hard drive is shattered. It doesn't kill him, but he suffers a Death of Personality and begins to lose all memories of his time as a human and Barchetta, as well as his passion for democracy. Heartbroken, Thomas sadly sings "Red Barchetta" as a ballad, desperately trying to remind Barchy of his passion for the return of democracy and freewill. It works in both ways- Barchy regains his memories, and NETECROF disintegrates, because love (and the song) is an expression of freewill.
  • Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass: Barchy. He may be the comic relief of the musical, but as seen during the "YYZ" fight scene against NETECROF, he can sure put up a fight.
  • Crowd Song: "New World Man," as well as the title track.
  • Darkest Hour: And it's a big one. Thomas and all of the Genalsikoffs are captured, with the former on the brink of giving up and submitting himself to NETECROF's reign, the New World Army are being deported, Hilltop's citizens and Thomas' parents are enslaved, and Barchy has just found out he's an android and has also fallen into despair. It's not until after "The Body Electric," when the New World army manages to escape and hand Thomas a guitar, that Thomas finally breaks out of it. "The Pass" and "Freewill" happen a few minutes later.
  • Death Glare: Samuel gives plenty throughout the course of the musical, usually directed at Thomas or Barchy. Some, however, can be directed at Amanda, most notably during "Working Man."
  • Defector from Decadence: After being pushed around and mocked by his superior throughout the whole musical, KOKGNAB becomes this during the final battle, deciding to fight on the side of the Americans. By the time of the epilogue, he is working- and succeeding- at trying to rekindle relationships between the BNK race and the humans.
  • Defiant to the End: Thomas is this is regards to NETECROF. Right before Thomas reaches his Darkest Hour, NETECROF offers Thomas a place in history as "one of his activists of slavery and oppression." Thomas' response?
    Thomas (in defiance): Not in a million years.
  • Defrosting Ice King: Samuel. At the start of the show, he is an extremely strict fundamentalist. Post- "The Pass," however, he's more accepting towards the idea of democracy, and is even elected president.
  • Despair Event Horizon: This has occurred to all the slaves by the end of Act One, after the monarchy, led by NETECROF, has taken over America.
  • Death of Personality: Happens to Barchy. After his hard drive containing his memories and personality is crushed, he completely forgets Thomas, his life as a human and Barchetta, and his entire fight for freewill. Thankfully, he gets better due to "Red Barchetta."
  • Did You Think I Can't Feel?: All throughout the musical, Amanda goes along with everything her husband does or says in regards to the Motor Law. In "Something For Nothing," she begins to consider the use of freewill, but one Death Glare from her husband subdues her back into obedience. Then "The Pass" happens. And she's had enough. She finally stands up to her husband, reveals her I Want My Beloved to Be Happy beliefs that she's kept hidden for so long, and asks her husband if always following the law all the time is worth it. This ultimately leads to Samuel's Heel Realization and My God, What Have I Done? moment.
  • Downer Ending: Act One ends this way, with NETECROF and his alien lackeys haven taken everyone in America over and forced into slavery. Capped off with the 2112 finale playing in the background, and NETECROF declaring "We have assumed total control!"
  • Driven to Suicide: It's implied that after "The Pass," Samuel is having some thoughts of this.
    Samuel (in agony): Christ, what have I done?!
  • Dystopian Edict: Take a lucky guess! note 
  • The Eleven O'Clock Number: The title track, "Freewill."
  • Eldritch Abomination: The By-Tors, one of the alien races in the Solar Federation, is portrayed as a giant devil-like creature made of fire and brimstone. By contrast, their counterpart, the Rot-ybs, are people who look like they are in Fluffy Cloud Heaven.
  • Establishing Character Moment: The first thing we see NETECROF do in the show is suspiciously look out from a telescope, soon followed by him declaring that he will enslave all of Hilltop and capture all the Genalsikoffs. He also continually refers to himself in the third person.
    • Thomas is introduced being late to his workbase, justifying himself by saying he was out dreaming about the life he wants to live, then proceeds to defend his family when the other plowmen mock him for being a Genalsikoff. This shows that Thomas is a Rebellious Spirit with great dreams, both for himself and America, yet is very protective of his family, because even though they look down on him, he knows they mean well, and that without them he wouldn't be alive. (That and he has an android uncle.)
    • Speaking of Barchy, the first thing we see him do in the show (besides the opening narration) is praise his nephew for his rebellious spirit and reassure him that he always will have his back.
    • The first thing we see Samuel and Amanda do, in turn: Samuel scolds his son for trying to sneak out to Barchy's farm, throws him a Chruddist Bible despite his son's protests, and tells him to his face that he will never amount to more than a "working man, as the gods command." Meanwhile, Amanda tries to interrupt her husband and get him to listen to her son, but Samuel glares at her, and all she does is meekly turn away, intimidated and submissive. Poor, poor Amanda.
  • "Eureka!" Moment: Thomas, Barchy, Marcia, and the entire New World army collectively have this after they realize that their monarchy is a bunch of aliens.
  • Evil Is Hammy: Does NETECROF even need to say it?
  • Evil Is Petty: Again, does NETECROF even need to say it?!
  • The Evils of Free Will: The most famous aspect of the Motor Law, by far, is the complete and total banning of freewill or democracy of any kind (including creativity, individuality, direct or indirect rebellion- peaceful or not- or even an expression of platonic love), and the promotion of pure Blind Obedience towards all authority, whether tyrannical or not. Yeah, America's come a long way from "land of the free." And it only gets worse from there.
  • Extreme Doormat: As mentioned above, Amanda is this, feeling constantly intimidated by her husband Samuel. Due to this, she goes along with the "Blind Obedience towards all" mantra that everyone in Hilltop goes by, though in reality she wants Thomas to be happy and her husband to stop being such a buzzkill. This is eventually shown when she is the first one to consider supporting freewill in "Something For Nothing."
  • Fallen States of America: The United States in 2112 has the tech of the 1700's, thanks to the Motor Law.
  • Fascists' Bed Time: By word of the Motor Law, all citizens must go to bed at 8:00 PM on the dot.
  • Foil: Barchy is this to Samuel- the former is cheerful, fun-loving, carefree, and rebellious, and the latter is strict, uptight, and one heck of a fundamentalist.
  • A Form You Are Comfortable With: B-CYGNUS-68/Barchy's preferred form- or at least, the one he's always remembered having- is a human, and later, after the destruction of his human form, his Barchetta.
  • Foreshadowing: We see the Solar Federation star be associated with the monarchy multiple times- it's on their main desk, and is the main symbol for the monarchy. And as it turns out, the monarchy is actually a group of shapeshifting aliens from the Solar Federation.
  • Friendship Song: "Entre Nous," which is sung by Barchy and Thomas. In it, the former assures the latter that he will always be there for him, despite their differences. Counts as a Friendship Song since Barchy is unknowingly an android.
  • Full-Name Ultimatum: Thomas, after "Working Man," decides to go to Barchy's farm and talk to him about the monarchy; however, no sooner has the conversation started than Samuel bursts through the barn door...
    Samuel: Thomas Albrich Genalsikoff!
    Thomas (panicked): Father! I'm sorry, Barchy. I need to go.
  • The Fundamentalist: Samuel. Heaven almighty, Samuel. He is so obsessed with following tradition that he emotionally abuses his own son for going against the Motor Law every Sunday. He gets better, though.
  • Fun Personified: Barchy. He's in love with parties, music, and pretty much loves having a good time.
  • Hair-Trigger Temper: Both Samuel and NETECROF have this (moreso the former).
  • Hakuna Matata: "The Spirit of Radio," in which Barchy explains to Thomas the treasures of the radio. This becomes important later on, because interdimensional music is a type of freewill, which is NETECROF's weakness.
  • Hated by All: Every single Genalsikoff in society is looked down upon by the citizens of Hilltop, but Thomas and Barchy have it especially bad.
  • Heel–Face Turn: Samuel, the secondary antagonist in the show, gets this- twice. The first time, it's after "The Pass," where he regrets not seeing the BNK race for who they really are, and not considering his son's point of view. The second time, it's during the title number, in which Samuel fully completes his turn by finally supporting freewill and democracy, helping to restore America to its former glory.
    • Later on, KOKGNAB gets this as well, when he asserts his freewill and breaks away from NETECROF.
  • Heel Realization:
    Samuel: No. He's right. I thought these aliens were trusting authority. But what I didn't realize... was how they were infringing on my rights. And all of yours, too! They took you from your families and put you in a position that I bet none of you truly wanted to be in! The monarchy lied to us! There is such a thing as freewill in 2112, and Thomas has brought me to my senses! I don't want to be a slave anymore! I want to be with my son! I want to be with my brother! They infringed on my life, my liberty, my pursuit of happiness! Well, I say no more! I CHOOSE FREEWILL!
    • He also has another one earlier on during "The Pass," when he cries out, "Christ, what have I done?"
  • Hidden Depths: Amanda. At first, she may seem like a blindly obedient servant of her husband, but later on, she proves she has a spine.
    • There's also Barchy. He may be the comic relief, but he is still an android and can kick serious butt against NETECROF and the alien invaders.
  • Hot-Blooded: Both Thomas and Samuel are this.
  • "I Am Becoming" Song: I will choose a path that's clear/I will choose FREEWILL!
    • The aforementioned title track counts as one for every single Hilltop citizen, as they finally decide to overthrow the monarchy. Again.
  • "I Am Great!" Song: "Tom Sawyer" counts as one for NETECROF, who boasts about how he should be seen as the hero for enslaving the entire population.
  • "I Am" Song: "Working Man" for Thomas (which doubles as an "I Want" Song), and "The Body Electric" for Barchy (again, doubling as an "I Want" Song).
  • Icon of Rebellion: The American flag becomes this, towards both the oppressive monarchy and the alien monarchy.
  • I Do Not Like Green Eggs and Ham: The entire point of the "Spirit of Radio" music number.
  • Illegal Religion: Any religion that is not Christian Buddhism. If you do not follow Chruddism and are caught by the monarchy, you die.
  • Individuality Is Illegal: According to the Motor Law, all citizens must be Blind Obedience followers and obey all authority. The only book they can read is the Bible. They cannot go anywhere or do anything fun. They have only one destiny- become a ploughman, blacksmith, artist or philosopher if male (and even with a job such as an artist or philosopher, you can only do or say what the monarchy tells you), and if female, you can only stay at home and care for your family. Freewill and democracy? Out of the question. You can only do what the monarchy tells you and work "closer to the heart." If you go against any of these laws, you are labeled as a "Genalsikoff" and are seen as a pariah in society, and must be forced into obedience by either your parents or the monarchy. In short, conformity is applauded, and individuality hated. Land of the free and home of the brave, ladies and gentlemen!
  • I Never Said It Was Poison:
    NETECROF: KOKGNAB! Quit it!
    Thomas (in a sudden moment of realization): KOKGNAB?
    KOKGNAB: Master NETECROF, please, I...
    Barchy: NETECROF?!
    (NETECROF and KOKGNAB gain Oh, Crap! looks)
  • Invaded States of America: In 2062, an oppressive alien monarchy took over America and ripped the Constitution to shreds. In 2068, the Motor Law was signed. By 2112, America is a fully obedient dictatorship, thanks to the invasion of the monarchy.
  • Ironic Name: Thomas' father is an extreme fundamentalist.
  • Pronouncing My Name for You: NETECROF's name is pronounced "net-a-KROFF," not "net-tre-KOFF." As he himself explains it, you can net a kroff. You can't net a tree cough. note  Played for Laughs when "YYZ" comes around:
    Barchy: Hey, NETECROF. We have a song we want to play for you. It's called "Y-Y- pronounce that last letter however the heck you want!"
  • It's All About Me: The arrogant NETECROF, the modern-day warrior himself.
  • "I Want" Song: Dear God.
    • First, there's "Working Man," which doubles as Thomas' "I Am" Song. In it, he expresses his desire to be seen as more than just a rebel and outcast in society.
    • Then, there's Thomas' other, more direct "I Want" song, "Limelight," which is changed greatly from its original meaning. Here, Thomas wants the people of Hilltop to step out of the metaphorical limelight that is tradition and learn to recognize the importance of freewill, comparing it to a rock star who feels WAY better off when he is out of the limelight.
    • Barchy's is a bit more subtle, but "The Body Electric" displays his desire to stop going on the run from the monarchy and live for freedom. It also doubles as a BSoD Song, since by that point, he's discovered he's an android.
      • He also has "Closer to the Heart"- the opening number.
    • For Marcia, there's "A Farewell to Kings," in which she sings about her desire to rid the world of oppressive monarchies for good.
    • Finally, "The Pass" is more subtle, but the line "Christ, what have I done?" conveys Samuel's desire to atone not seeing his son's point of view, and his desire to escape the bonds of slavery.
  • I Want My Beloved to Be Happy: Amanda reveals this during her What the Hell, Hero? speech to Samuel prior to "The Pass".
    Amanda (in tears): All this time... I just wanted Thomas to be happy... But you kept insisting that he follow the Motor Law, since that's the only thing you seem to do. And you insisted that I follow the Motor Law, so I did. But I wanted to be free! I wanted Thomas to be free! And you've made me hold in these feelings for so long...
    (Samuel looks on in shock)
  • Jerk with a Heart of Gold: Samuel. He may be a major follower of the Motor Law, but he still has a heart underneath it all, as seen prior to "The Pass," when Amanda asks him if his constant following of the oppressive Motor Law is worth it. Samuel's face during that scene just screams "...Is it really?"
  • Jukebox Musical: A fan-made musical based on the songs of Rush.
  • Knight Templar: NETECROF, who believes himself to be a hero for enslaving the entire population of Hilltop. "Tom Sawyer," his Villain Song, exemplifies this.
  • Large Ham: NETECROF, of course.
  • Let's Get Dangerous!: The "YYZ" battle which takes place soon after "Freewill."
  • Massive Multiplayer Ensemble Number: The title track and "New World Man."
  • Meaningful Echo: During her What the Hell, Hero? speech to Samuel, Amanda mentions that the Motor Law, "with all those oppressive laws, is ridiculous. We have nowhere to go, nothing to do... what are we supposed to do when we're done our work?" By the end of the show, after NETECROF is defeated by The Power of Love, Samuel admits this.
  • Meaningful Name: In-Universe, the name "Genalsikoff" literally means "rebelling against tradition."
  • Minor Character, Major Song: The Mayor of the New World gets "New World Man," in which Thomas is hailed for his rebellious nature.
  • Misfit Mobilization Moment: The citizens of Hilltop finally coming together and asserting their freewill.
  • Mood Whiplash: A big one happens towards the end of Act One. We have just seen "The Spirit of Radio," the Hakuna Matata number in the show, and one of the most cheerful, upbeat songs. This is then almost immediately followed by the return to Hilltop and the reveal that NETECROF and the monarchy have enslaved everybody. Cue intermission.
    NETECROF: We have assumed TOTAL control!
  • Motor Mouth: Barchy, who gives the most monologues in the entire show.
  • Musicalis Interruptus: Happens at the end of "Entre Nous," when the end of the song is interrupted by a giant explosion coming from outside. Turns out, NETECROF has entered his true form and has gotten together groups of BNK aliens, and soon afterward, Thomas and Barchy are captured.
  • My God, What Have I Done?: Samuel has a big one during "The Pass," regretting not seeing his son's point of view. He even sings the trope name almost verbatim:
    Samuel: Christ, what have I DONE?!
  • Mythology Gag: During the scene where Thomas receives his guitar from the New Worlders, the Mayor mentions how the New Worlders got it:
    Mayor of the New World: Straight from the planet of the Syrinx. It was taken from one of its inhabitants who just committed suicide recently. I hear at this moment invaders are on their way, coming straight for Megadon.
    • The star of the Solar Federation is also seen multiple times over the course of the show, and serves as the musical's main Arc Symbol.
    • One of the planets of the Solar Federation is called Rot-yb- "By-Tor" spelled backwards. There is also a race on that planet called the By-Tors, with their leader being the Centurion of Evil himself. Which also explains why the weakness of the By-Tors is ice- By-Tor's nemesis is the Snow Dog...
    • NETECROF's name spelled backwards? "FORCE TEN"- the title of a RUSH song.
  • Now What?: Said at the end of the musical, after NETECROF's defeat. The answer? End the Motor Law, and restore democracy to America. Which they start doing over the course of six months. Of course, they still have a lot of work to do before democracy is fully restored, but it's still a far cry from the Oppressive States of America.
  • Oh, Crap!: NETECROF and KOKGNAB both get this once Thomas and Barchy have their "Eureka!" Moment.
    • And then, Thomas soon gets one afterward once he realizes he'll be captured by NETECROF, with no escape.
  • O.O.C. Is Serious Business: Hoo boy. Where to even begin?
    • To start, America as a whole goes through this after the takeover by the monarchy. In only 50 years, the country goes from the land of the free and the home of the brave to the Oppressive States of America. Effectively. This political 180 is what leads to the existence of the Genalsikoffs. It even gets lampshaded in the form of a song- "Beneath, Between and Behind," a solo sung by KOKGNAB in which he laments how America didn't use to be this way.
    • NETECROF is known for being an arrogant Third-Person Person who thinks very highly of himself and shows barely any outward signs of fear. So you know things have gotten serious when NETECROF not only shows outright fear in the final battle, he even uses a first-person pronoun as he's begging for mercy.
      • Speaking of NETECROF using a personal pronoun, there's also this line, said when he's had just about enough of KOKGNAB's foolishness:
      NETECROF (barking): I SAID TAKE THEM! note 
      KOKGNAB: I had to take you- NETECROF used a personal pronoun, and when that happens… he means business.
    • His lackey KOKGNAB also gets a particularly notable one during the final battle, when he finally asserts himself and his freewill and stands up to NETECROF after a whole play of being an awkward Butt-Monkey.
    • Once the Darkest Hour arrives, both Thomas and Barchy get this in spades. Thomas, the most Rebellious Spirit of the Genalsikoffs, all but gives up once Barchy is taken from him, and it takes a pep talk from the New World army to allow him to come back to his senses. Meanwhile, the normally happy-go-lucky Barchy falls into despair after his Robotic Reveal and subsequent Tomato in the Mirror moment, leading up to "The Body Electric."
    • And, of course, there's Amanda finally getting the nerve to call out her husband for his Blind Obedience towards a literal alien monarchy.

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