Follow TV Tropes

Following

History Main / EliteMooks

Go To

OR

Added: 622

Changed: 320

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* ''Anime/SailorMoon1992'': The DD Girls are a squad of five female Youma, but they're far more dangerous than any Youma that preceded them. Despite only showing up in one episode, their teamwork and illusionary powers make them effective {{Hero Killer}}s, killing four of the five Sailor Senshi in the penultimate episode of the first season.

to:

* ''Anime/SailorMoon1992'': ''Anime/SailorMoon'':
** The Dark Kingdom arc:
The DD Girls are a squad of five female Youma, but they're far more dangerous than any Youma that preceded them. Despite only showing up in one episode, their teamwork and illusionary powers make them effective {{Hero Killer}}s, killing four of the five Sailor Senshi in the penultimate episode of the first season.season.
** The Dead Moon Circus arc: Mr. Magic Pierrot is a MonsterOfTheWeek sent by the Amazon Quartet to deal with the Amazon Trio. Not only does he beat them easily and mortally wounds Hawk's Eye, but he also manages to temporarily kill the main character by destroying her Dream Mirror.

Added: 382

Changed: 383

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:


* In episodes 7 and 8 of ''Series/TheMandalorian'', [[spoiler:[[Film/RogueOne Death Troopers]]]] fulfill this role again, gunning down [[spoiler:The Client]] and his men in seconds and giving the title character of the show much more difficulty than the rank-and-file goons. As a visual lampshading of sorts, in wide shots they're clearly shown ''[[EvilIsBigger towering]]'' over the rest of the stormtroopers.

to:

* ''Series/TheMandalorian'':
**
In episodes 7 and 8 of ''Series/TheMandalorian'', 8, [[spoiler:[[Film/RogueOne Death Troopers]]]] fulfill this role again, gunning down [[spoiler:The Client]] and his men in seconds and giving the title character of the show much more difficulty than the rank-and-file goons. As a visual lampshading of sorts, in wide shots they're clearly shown ''[[EvilIsBigger towering]]'' over the rest of the stormtroopers.

Added: 277

Changed: 133

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
General clarification on work content


* In episodes 7 and 8 of ''Series/TheMandalorian'', [[spoiler:[[Film/RogueOne Death Troopers]]]] fulfill this role again, gunning down [[spoiler:The Client]] and his men in seconds and giving the title character of the show much more difficulty than the rank-and-file goons. As a visual lampshading of sorts, in wide shots they're clearly shown ''[[EvilIsBigger towering]]'' over the rest of the stormtroopers. [[spoiler:Luke Skywalker defeating a whole bunch of them just show what's the difference between a Master Jedi and normal soldiers.]]

to:

* In episodes 7 and 8 of ''Series/TheMandalorian'', [[spoiler:[[Film/RogueOne Death Troopers]]]] fulfill this role again, gunning down [[spoiler:The Client]] and his men in seconds and giving the title character of the show much more difficulty than the rank-and-file goons. As a visual lampshading of sorts, in wide shots they're clearly shown ''[[EvilIsBigger towering]]'' over the rest of the stormtroopers.
** The later half of season 2 introduces the [[MechaMook Dark Troopers]], just one of which is nearly enough to defeat the titular Mandalorian.
[[spoiler:Luke Skywalker defeating a whole bunch of them just show what's the difference between a Master Jedi and normal soldiers.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* ''Anime/SailorMoon1992'': The DD Girls are a squad of five female Youma, but they're far more dangerous than any Youma that preceded them. Despite only showing up in one episode, their teamwork and illusionary powers make them effective {{Hero Killer}}s, killing four of the five Sailor Senshi in the penultimate episode of the first season.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


*** In Book 4, the metalbenders and mecha suit pilots of Kuvira's Earth Empire are able to hold their own against the heroes even when the numbers on both sides are the same.

to:

*** In Book 4, the metalbenders and mecha suit pilots of Kuvira's Earth Empire are able to hold their own against the heroes even when the numbers on both sides are the same. A flashback shows Kuvira referring to the Zhao Fu metalbenders as "Some of the best fighters in the world," when she urged Suyin to use them to stabilize the Earth Kingdom following [[spoiler:the Earth Queen's death and the disintegration of the Kingdom]]. Years of fighting and battle hardening didn't do anything to lessen their skills, so they form a challenge for anyone who faces them.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* ''Film/TheDevilsMirror'' features the Bloody Ghould Clan, whose higher-ranked mooks fights bare-chested and can be identified by their long, red hair.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


** In [[Recap/DoctorWhoS38E10TheTimelessChildren "The Timeless Children"]], The Master gets his hands on some Cyberman conversion tech and uses it to resurrect the corpses of some Galifreyans. The resulting Cybermen, dubbed "Cyber-Masters", combine the threat posed by regular Cybermen with a Time-Lord's ability to regenerate from fatal damage.

to:

** In [[Recap/DoctorWhoS38E10TheTimelessChildren "The Timeless Children"]], The Master gets his hands on some Cyberman conversion tech and uses it to resurrect the corpses of some Galifreyans.Gallifreyans. The resulting Cybermen, dubbed "Cyber-Masters", combine the threat posed by regular Cybermen with a Time-Lord's ability to regenerate from fatal damage.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

** In [[Recap/DoctorWhoS38E10TheTimelessChildren "The Timeless Children"]], The Master gets his hands on some Cyberman conversion tech and uses it to resurrect the corpses of some Galifreyans. The resulting Cybermen, dubbed "Cyber-Masters", combine the threat posed by regular Cybermen with a Time-Lord's ability to regenerate from fatal damage.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* In ''WesternAnimation/{{Ark}}'', EvilChancellor Baramanda has a platoon of human-sized CyberCyclops who's far more dangerous than regular Storrian soldiers, due to being vulnerable only to a MoeGreeneSpecial.


Added DiffLines:

* The common Bregnan soldiers in ''Film/AeonFlux'' wears black uniforms with red markings, and helmets that exposes their eyes. The Special Forces, however, are clad in armour, wears face-concealing masks, are armed to the teeth with heavy weaponry and explosives and ''knows'' how to use them, inflicting a near-mortal injury on Trevor. Even Aeon has a hard time when fighting these guys.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Updating Links


** For more conventional criminals like [[Characters/SpiderManPeterParker Spider-Man]] and Characters/{{Daredevil|MattMurdock}} archfoe [[Characters/MarvelComicsTheKingpin The Kingpin]], [[Characters/MarvelComicsTheHand the Hand]] frequently serves as a group of killers and enforcers a cut above the average mob wiseguy. The Hand usually [[HiddenAgendaVillain has its own plans]], though. Unsurprisingly, the Hand and HYDRA share a history and have alternately served as elite mooks for one another on separate occasions.
** After years of BadassDecay, this has been done on a cosmic scale to the Celestials. Unlike other CosmicEntity types, Celestials are not unique so that's one notch against them and they can suffer from HelmetsAreHardlyHeroic or FacelessGoons tropes (sometimes they congregate in a massive herd and outside a named few like Arishem the Judge, they kinda have no identity except being a big Creator/JackKirby-style metal space giant). If you need to show a menace is a threat to the universe, chances are it'll get to kill a Celestial (such as the Many-Angled Ones slaughtering Celestials in ComicBook/{{Annihilation}}). It's gotten to the point where [[Characters/TheMightyThorThorOdinson Thor]] kills an extra-powerful Celestial named Exetar the Executioner with nothing more than a cursed axe.

to:

** For more conventional criminals like [[Characters/SpiderManPeterParker [[Characters/MarvelComicsPeterParker Spider-Man]] and Characters/{{Daredevil|MattMurdock}} [[Characters/MarvelComicsMattMurdock Daredevil]] archfoe [[Characters/MarvelComicsTheKingpin The Kingpin]], [[Characters/MarvelComicsTheHand the Hand]] frequently serves as a group of killers and enforcers a cut above the average mob wiseguy. The Hand usually [[HiddenAgendaVillain has its own plans]], though. Unsurprisingly, the Hand and HYDRA share a history and have alternately served as elite mooks for one another on separate occasions.
** After years of BadassDecay, this has been done on a cosmic scale to the Celestials. Unlike other CosmicEntity types, Celestials are not unique so that's one notch against them and they can suffer from HelmetsAreHardlyHeroic or FacelessGoons tropes (sometimes they congregate in a massive herd and outside a named few like Arishem the Judge, they kinda have no identity except being a big Creator/JackKirby-style metal space giant). If you need to show a menace is a threat to the universe, chances are it'll get to kill a Celestial (such as the Many-Angled Ones slaughtering Celestials in ComicBook/{{Annihilation}}). It's gotten to the point where [[Characters/TheMightyThorThorOdinson [[Characters/MarvelComicsThorOdinson Thor]] kills an extra-powerful Celestial named Exetar the Executioner with nothing more than a cursed axe.

Added: 1021

Changed: 2747

Removed: 1309

Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


*** With the introduction of the brand-new ''Vincent Ward'' as a 7th Generation [[{{Mooks}} mook]] Knightmare, the ''Vincent Commander Model'' is introduced as an elite Knightmare for any notable pilot who isn't a Knight of the Round. They resemble the original ''Vincent'' model owned by [[TykeBomb Rolo Haliburton]], but lack some of the specs that made the ''Vincent'' such a high-performance model. To wit, they more or less replace the ''Gloucester'' as the elite Royal Guard [=KMF=], and many Commander Models [[ColorCodedForYourConvenience bear unique paintjobs to denote their status]].

to:

*** With the introduction of the brand-new ''Vincent Ward'' as a 7th Generation [[{{Mooks}} mook]] {{mook|s}} Knightmare, the ''Vincent Commander Model'' is introduced as an elite Knightmare for any notable pilot who isn't a Knight of the Round. They resemble the original ''Vincent'' model owned by [[TykeBomb Rolo Haliburton]], but lack some of the specs that made the ''Vincent'' such a high-performance model. To wit, they more or less replace the ''Gloucester'' as the elite Royal Guard [=KMF=], and many Commander Models [[ColorCodedForYourConvenience [[ColourCodedForYourConvenience bear unique paintjobs to denote their status]].



** Considering the semi-episodic MonsterOfTheWeek format used in ''Anime/DigimonGhostGame'', most, if not all hostile Digimon are going to be {{Mook}}s. But it's the Ultimate/Mega-levels that can really call themselves this, being {{Physical God}}s capable of world-wide feats and are outright impervious to attacks from lower-level Digimon. There are also some ''truly nasty'' foes in that roster like Piemon, Lilithmon and even '''[=ZeedMillenniumon=]'''.

to:

** Considering the semi-episodic MonsterOfTheWeek format used in ''Anime/DigimonGhostGame'', most, if not all hostile Digimon are going to be {{Mook}}s.mooks. But it's the Ultimate/Mega-levels that can really call themselves this, being {{Physical God}}s capable of world-wide feats and are outright impervious to attacks from lower-level Digimon. There are also some ''truly nasty'' foes in that roster like Piemon, Lilithmon and even '''[=ZeedMillenniumon=]'''.



** In King Cold and Frieza's universe-spanning empire, the Saiyans were this, being their strongest enslaved race based on quantity ''and'' quality. {{Deconstructed}} in that this trope is partly why Frieza decides to wipe them out in the first place: ''because'' they were apparently increasing in strength and numbers, the tyrant ([[CreateYourOwnHero correctly]]) assumed that they, or at least a ChosenOne, would eventually be able to challenge him.

to:

** In King Cold and Frieza's universe-spanning empire, the Saiyans were this, being their strongest enslaved race based on quantity ''and'' quality. {{Deconstructed}} {{Deconstructed|Trope}} in that this trope is partly why Frieza decides to wipe them out in the first place: ''because'' they were apparently increasing in strength and numbers, the tyrant ([[CreateYourOwnHero correctly]]) assumed that they, or at least a ChosenOne, would eventually be able to challenge him.



* ''Manga/FairyTail'' has Yomazu and Kowazu. The dark guild, Grimoire Heart, is lead by Hades alongside the Seven Kin of Purgatory, established lesser bosses who oversee the many Mooks of the guild. Yomazu and Kowazu, however, are in between. They're strong enough to be classified higher then a Mook, even having established names, but not strong enough to be standing alongside the leaders. They beat up Gajeel and Levy before they are defeated by them. However, Gajeel is so injured that he's PutOnABus until Hades' defeat.

to:

* ''Manga/FairyTail'' has Yomazu and Kowazu. The dark guild, Grimoire Heart, is lead by Hades alongside the Seven Kin of Purgatory, established lesser bosses who oversee the many Mooks of the guild. Yomazu and Kowazu, however, are in between. They're strong enough to be classified higher then than a Mook, even having established names, but not strong enough to be standing alongside the leaders. They beat up Gajeel and Levy before they are defeated by them. However, Gajeel is so injured that he's PutOnABus until Hades' defeat.



* The Type IV [[MechaMooks Gadget Drones]] in ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaStrikerS'', which guarded the path towards the engine of the [[TheVeryDefinitelyFinalDungeon Saint's Cradle]] and managed to critically injure two main characters over the course of the season.

to:

* The Type IV [[MechaMooks Gadget Drones]] in ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaStrikerS'', ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaStrikers'', which guarded the path towards the engine of the [[TheVeryDefinitelyFinalDungeon Saint's Cradle]] and managed to critically injure two main characters over the course of the season.



* In ''Manga/VinlandSaga'', the viking kings call upon the Jomsvikings, a mercenary band for hire made up of war veterans, for elite muscle. Outside of fighting named characters with CharacterShields, they're pretty much unstoppable and manage to combine an unusual mix of being [[BloodKnight bloodthirsty warriors]] and [[ConsummateProfessional super diciplined]] demonstrated by them hacking a larger peasant militia to threads while laughing with joy while maintaining an ordered formation.

to:

* In ''Manga/VinlandSaga'', the viking kings call upon the Jomsvikings, a mercenary band for hire made up of war veterans, for elite muscle. Outside of fighting named characters with CharacterShields, they're pretty much unstoppable and manage to combine an unusual mix of being [[BloodKnight bloodthirsty warriors]] and [[ConsummateProfessional super diciplined]] disciplined]] demonstrated by them hacking a larger peasant militia to threads while laughing with joy while maintaining an ordered formation.



** Both [[TheMafia Intergang]] and [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast the Secret Society of Super-Villains]] were secretly organized by ComicBook/{{Darkseid}} to act as his elite mooks on Earth in various 1970s comics, with the latter intended to replace the former. The Secret Society was reformed by Darkseid's pawn Libra for this reason in ''ComicBook/FinalCrisis'' [[ContinuityNod as well]]. Darkseid also has his own Elite on Apokolips, who stand above and beyond his Dog Soldiers and Parademons, though they're more of a QuirkyMinibossSquad.

to:

** Both [[TheMafia Intergang]] and [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast the Secret Society of Super-Villains]] were secretly organized by ComicBook/{{Darkseid}} [[Characters/NewGodsDarkseid Darkseid]] to act as his elite mooks on Earth in various 1970s comics, with the latter intended to replace the former. The Secret Society was reformed by Darkseid's pawn Libra for this reason in ''ComicBook/FinalCrisis'' [[ContinuityNod as well]]. Darkseid also has his own Elite on Apokolips, who stand above and beyond his Dog Soldiers and Parademons, though they're more of a QuirkyMinibossSquad.



** Another Marvel subversive group, Advanced Idea Mechanics, started as the Elite Mooks of HYDRA (aka THEM), being its super-science division; AIM itself mass-produced synthetic soldiers like its "chemical androids" and Adaptoids. ComicBook/{{HYDRA}} itself developed robotic soldiers called Dreadnoughts for this purpose, and in some continuities HYDRA itself started out as or becomes the Elite Mook organization working for the ComicBook/RedSkull.
** For more conventional criminals like ComicBook/SpiderMan and ComicBook/{{Daredevil}} archfoe ComicBook/TheKingpin, [[{{Ninja}} the Hand]] frequently serves as a group of killers and enforcers a cut above the average mob wiseguy. The Hand usually [[HiddenAgendaVillain has its own plans]], though. Unsurprisingly, the Hand and HYDRA share a history and have alternately served as elite mooks for one another on separate occasions.
** After years of BadassDecay, this has been done on a cosmic scale to the Celestials. Unlike other CosmicEntity types, Celestials are not unique so that's one notch against them and they can suffer from HelmetsAreHardlyHeroic or FacelessGoons tropes (sometimes they congregate in a massive herd and outside a named few like Arishem the Judge, they kinda have no identity except being a big Creator/JackKirby-style metal space giant). If you need to show a menace is a threat to the universe, chances are it'll get to kill a Celestial (such as the Many-Angled Ones slaughtering Celestials in ComicBook/{{Annihilation}}). It's gotten to the point where ComicBook/TheMightyThor kills an extra-powerful Celestial named Exetar the Executioner with nothing more than a cursed axe.

to:

** Another Marvel subversive group, Advanced Idea Mechanics, started as the Elite Mooks of HYDRA (aka THEM), being its super-science division; AIM itself mass-produced synthetic soldiers like its "chemical androids" and Adaptoids. ComicBook/{{HYDRA}} [[Characters/MarvelComicsHydra HYDRA]] itself developed robotic soldiers called Dreadnoughts for this purpose, and in some continuities HYDRA itself started out as or becomes the Elite Mook organization working for the ComicBook/RedSkull.
[[Characters/MarvelComicsRedSkull Red Skull]].
** For more conventional criminals like ComicBook/SpiderMan [[Characters/SpiderManPeterParker Spider-Man]] and ComicBook/{{Daredevil}} Characters/{{Daredevil|MattMurdock}} archfoe ComicBook/TheKingpin, [[{{Ninja}} [[Characters/MarvelComicsTheKingpin The Kingpin]], [[Characters/MarvelComicsTheHand the Hand]] frequently serves as a group of killers and enforcers a cut above the average mob wiseguy. The Hand usually [[HiddenAgendaVillain has its own plans]], though. Unsurprisingly, the Hand and HYDRA share a history and have alternately served as elite mooks for one another on separate occasions.
** After years of BadassDecay, this has been done on a cosmic scale to the Celestials. Unlike other CosmicEntity types, Celestials are not unique so that's one notch against them and they can suffer from HelmetsAreHardlyHeroic or FacelessGoons tropes (sometimes they congregate in a massive herd and outside a named few like Arishem the Judge, they kinda have no identity except being a big Creator/JackKirby-style metal space giant). If you need to show a menace is a threat to the universe, chances are it'll get to kill a Celestial (such as the Many-Angled Ones slaughtering Celestials in ComicBook/{{Annihilation}}). It's gotten to the point where ComicBook/TheMightyThor [[Characters/TheMightyThorThorOdinson Thor]] kills an extra-powerful Celestial named Exetar the Executioner with nothing more than a cursed axe.



* Near the end of ''Film/BatmanBegins'', ComicBook/RasAlGhul sends 4 serious-looking ninjas in full metal body armor to fight Batman. They do marginally better than everyone else who's tried to fight Batman up to this point until they pushed him into a mob.

to:

* Near the end of ''Film/BatmanBegins'', ComicBook/RasAlGhul [[Characters/BatmanRasAlGhul Ra's Al-Ghul]] sends 4 serious-looking ninjas in full metal body armor to fight Batman. They do marginally better than everyone else who's tried to fight Batman up to this point until they pushed him into a mob.



* In ''Film/Dune2021'' we have the Sardaukar, who show themselves to be far more skills than the rank-and-file House Harkonnen troops. A small phalanx of Atreides soldiers are able to hold against an entire Harkonnen unit before the Sardaukar arrive and effortlessly mow them down. [[spoiler:They are also able to kill two major characters: Dr. Kynes and Duncan Idaho. They later meet their match in the Fremen, who are able to ambush and fight them ''without shields'']].

to:

* In ''Film/Dune2021'' we have the Sardaukar, who show themselves to be far more skills than the rank-and-file House Harkonnen troops. A small phalanx of Atreides soldiers are able to hold against an entire Harkonnen unit before the Sardaukar arrive and effortlessly mow them down. [[spoiler:They are also able to kill two major characters: Dr. Kynes and Duncan Idaho. They later meet their match in the Fremen, who are able to ambush and fight them ''without shields'']].shields''.]]



* Zull and Vinz Clortho from ''Film/Ghostbusters1984'' . They are intimidating and frightening by themselves, but ultimately they are not the the main villain .

to:

* Zull and Vinz Clortho from ''Film/Ghostbusters1984'' . They are intimidating and frightening by themselves, but ultimately they are not the the main villain .villain.



* Near the climax of ''Film/TheHeroicOnes'', when Li Chun-Hsiao and his army are winning the penultimate battle, the enemy forces parts way for the Bladesman Unit - twenty highly-trained halberd-wielding experts, who puts up a far more competent fighht than the regular soldiers. They manage to kill many of Li's men until Li takes on the twenty in an extended spear-vs-halberd duel.

to:

* Near the climax of ''Film/TheHeroicOnes'', when Li Chun-Hsiao and his army are winning the penultimate battle, the enemy forces parts way for the Bladesman Unit - twenty highly-trained halberd-wielding experts, who puts up a far more competent fighht fight than the regular soldiers. They manage to kill many of Li's men until Li takes on the twenty in an extended spear-vs-halberd duel.



* In ''Film/RedDawn1984'', the town of Columette, Colorado is quickly taken over by a crack unit of [[ItsRainingMen Red Army para-troopers]] in a vicious battle. However, once the front lines of WorldWarIII stabilize, the town is relegated as a back water outpost, and patroled by rear echelon Red Army troops, supplemented by units of the Cuban and Nicaraguan armies. However, once [[LaResistance The Wolverines]] carry out a successful guerrilla campaign, and after summary executions don't get the Soviets closer to capturing the Wolverines, Col. Strelnikov and his elite Spetnaz unit is brought in. Strelnikov's first act is to ask General Bratchenko to stop the executions, [[AttackBackfire as they only show weakness and desperation]] and [[OccupiersOutOfOurCountry encourages the conquered population to aid the rebellion]]. Second, rather than sending out soldiers to be inevitably ambushed, Strelnikov carries out more proactive counter insurgency operations, such as [[spoiler:making one of the teens [[UnwittingPawn swallow a homing device]] in order to track down the Wolverines' hidding place, and then forcing them out of hiding by tempting them with food]]. In the end, these tactics do [[spoiler:end the Wolverines' guerilla campaign, but both Strelnikov and Bratchenko are killed during a SuicideMission]].

to:

* In ''Film/RedDawn1984'', the town of Columette, Colorado is quickly taken over by a crack unit of [[ItsRainingMen Red Army para-troopers]] in a vicious battle. However, once the front lines of WorldWarIII stabilize, the town is relegated as a back water outpost, and patroled by rear echelon Red Army troops, supplemented by units of the Cuban and Nicaraguan armies. However, once [[LaResistance The Wolverines]] carry out a successful guerrilla campaign, and after summary executions don't get the Soviets closer to capturing the Wolverines, Col. Strelnikov and his elite Spetnaz unit is brought in. Strelnikov's first act is to ask General Bratchenko to stop the executions, [[AttackBackfire as they only show weakness and desperation]] and [[OccupiersOutOfOurCountry encourages the conquered population to aid the rebellion]]. Second, rather than sending out soldiers to be inevitably ambushed, Strelnikov carries out more proactive counter insurgency operations, such as [[spoiler:making one of the teens [[UnwittingPawn swallow a homing device]] in order to track down the Wolverines' hidding hiding place, and then forcing them out of hiding by tempting them with food]]. In the end, these tactics do [[spoiler:end the Wolverines' guerilla campaign, but both Strelnikov and Bratchenko are killed during a SuicideMission]].



* For ''Literature/FightingFantasy'', your adventurers will be killing hordes of goblins, trolls and orcs that make up the forces of the Dark Gods. Their [[PowerLevel skill score]] runs around 6 or 7, the minimum. Adventurers often get some variety in bloodletting by shanking tougher skill 8 or 9 monsters. But whenever an enemy with skill in the double digits shows up, like Chaos Warriors, Chaos Knights, Greater Demons or Spectres, you can expect some of the hardest fights in the book outside of the story's FinalBoss. Some are even mightier than plot-relevant villains!

to:

* For ''Literature/FightingFantasy'', your adventurers will be killing hordes of goblins, trolls and orcs that make up the forces of the Dark Gods. Their [[PowerLevel [[PowerLevels skill score]] runs around 6 or 7, the minimum. Adventurers often get some variety in bloodletting by shanking tougher skill 8 or 9 monsters. But whenever an enemy with skill in the double digits shows up, like Chaos Warriors, Chaos Knights, Greater Demons or Spectres, you can expect some of the hardest fights in the book outside of the story's FinalBoss. Some are even mightier than plot-relevant villains!



* [[BigBad Arawn]] employs two main varieties in the ''Literature/TheChroniclesOfPrydain'', each with their own particular twist. The Cauldron-Born are undead, [[ImplacableMan implacable]], and virtually impervious to injury, but they're also progressively weakened the further they get from [[{{Mordor}} Annuvin]], making them more useful as elite guards than as an assault force. The Huntsmen of Annuvin, in contrast, are mortal men, but are magically bound to have UndyingLoyalty to Arawn and also have the ConservationOfNinjutsu as a superpower, with every surviving Huntsman becoming stronger whenever one is killed. They're more often used as fast moving strike forces and skirmishers.



* In ''Literature/HarryPotter'', not that the Death Eaters in general aren't a force to be reckoned with, but every once in awhile we meet one who proves to be more dangerous to the heroes and takes more to defeat. Examples include Antonin Dolohov, Thorfinn Rowle, and Bellatrix Lestrange (though she's closer to being TheDragon).



* In ''Literature/HarryPotter'', not that the Death Eaters in general aren't a force to be reckoned with, but every once in awhile we meet one who proves to be more dangerous to the heroes and takes more to defeat. Examples include Antonin Dolohov, Thorfinn Rowle, and Bellatrix Lestrange (though she's closer to being TheDragon).



* [[BigBad Arawn]] employs two main varieties in the ''Literature/TheChroniclesOfPrydain'', each with their own particular twist. The Cauldron-Born are undead, [[ImplacableMan implacable]], and virtually impervious to injury, but they're also progressively weakened the further they get from [[{{Mordor}} Annuvin]], making them more useful as elite guards than as an assault force. The Huntsmen of Annuvin, in contrast, are mortal men, but are magically bound to have UndyingLoyalty to Arawn and also have the ConservationOfNinjutsu as a superpower, with every surviving Huntsman becoming stronger whenever one is killed. They're more often used as fast moving strike forces and skirmishers.



* ''Literature/TheWheelOfTime'' has the Myrddraal, also known as the Eyeless. They use spirit vision of a sort to transcend being physically blind and their melee skills are implied to be in part due to being "out of sync with time".
* ''Film/TheKeep'' has the SS Einsatzkommando, led by Major Kaempffer, sent in after the regular German soldiers keep falling to an unseen menace. They're a subversion, though. Although they have better weaponry, more authority due to being SS, and flashier uniforms, in practice they fare no better against Rasalom than the regular soldiers did.

to:

* ''Literature/TheWheelOfTime'' has Wardens from ''Literature/ThePowderMageTrilogy'' serve as this for the Myrddraal, also known as the Eyeless. Kez army. They use spirit vision are ordinary people warped with sorcery into nigh- invulnerable juggernauts of a sort destruction which can take on entire squads of infantry and are designed specifically to transcend combat the titular Powder Mages. They are however not very intelligent and can still be taken down by a lucky shot to the eye or just by being physically blind swarmed and stabbed to death. The later books also give us black wardens, who were instead created from Powder Mages and possess much of their abilities, making them even deadlier.
* ''Literature/{{Skyward}}'': The lifebuster bombers
and their melee skills escort flyers are implied to be in part due to being "out of sync with time".
* ''Film/TheKeep'' has the SS Einsatzkommando, led by Major Kaempffer, sent in after the
faster and more reactive than regular German soldiers keep falling to an unseen menace. They're a subversion, though. Although Krell interceptors. [[spoiler:They are also the only ships Spensa can't "hear", suggesting that they have better weaponry, more authority due to being SS, and flashier uniforms, in practice they fare no better against Rasalom are piloted by actual Krell rather than the regular soldiers did.by cytonic remote-control.]]



* Wardens from ''Literature/ThePowderMageTrilogy'' serve as this for the Kez army. They are ordinary people warped with sorcery into nigh- invulnerable juggernauts of destruction which can take on entire squads of infantry and are designed specifically to combat the titular Powder Mages. They are however not very intelligent and can still be taken down by a lucky shot to the eye or just by being swarmed and stabbed to death. The later books also give us black wardens, who were instead created from Powder Mages and possess much of their abilities, making them even deadlier.
* ''Literature/{{Skyward}}'': The lifebuster bombers and their escort flyers are faster and more reactive than regular Krell interceptors. [[spoiler:They are also the only ships Spensa can't "hear", suggesting that they are piloted by actual Krell rather than by cytonic remote-control.]]

to:

* Wardens from ''Literature/ThePowderMageTrilogy'' serve as this for ''Literature/TheStormlightArchive'' has the Kez army. They are ordinary people warped Regals, singers who have bonded with sorcery into nigh- invulnerable juggernauts of destruction which can take on entire squads of infantry and are designed specifically to combat the titular Powder Mages. They are however not very intelligent and can still be taken down by a lucky shot to the eye or just by being swarmed and stabbed to death. The later books also give us black wardens, who were instead created from Powder Mages Voidspren and possess much limited supernatural powers. While not anywhere near as dangerous as the [[OurDemonsAreDifferent Fused]] (who possess Surgebinding nearly as effective as that of the [[ThePaladin Knights Radiant]] and millennia of combat experience from their abilities, making them even deadlier.
* ''Literature/{{Skyward}}'': The lifebuster bombers and
repeated resurrections), their escort flyers are faster and limited powers still make them far more reactive dangerous than regular Krell interceptors. [[spoiler:They are also the only ships Spensa can't "hear", suggesting that they are piloted by actual Krell rather than by cytonic remote-control.]]singer soldiers.



* ''Literature/TheStormlightArchive'' has the Regals, singers who have bonded with a Voidspren and possess limited supernatural powers. While not anywhere near as dangerous as the [[OurDemonsAreDifferent Fused]] (who possess Surgebinding nearly as effective as that of the [[ThePaladin Knights Radiant]] and millennia of combat experience from their repeated ressurrections), their limited powers still make them far more dangerous than regular singer soldiers.

to:

* ''Literature/TheStormlightArchive'' ''Literature/TheWheelOfTime'' has the Regals, singers who have bonded with a Voidspren and possess limited supernatural powers. While not anywhere near as dangerous Myrddraal, also known as the [[OurDemonsAreDifferent Fused]] (who possess Surgebinding nearly as effective as that Eyeless. They use spirit vision of the [[ThePaladin Knights Radiant]] a sort to transcend being physically blind and millennia of combat experience from their repeated ressurrections), their limited powers still make them far more dangerous than regular singer soldiers. melee skills are implied to be in part due to being "out of sync with time".



** The "Zordon Era" of ''Power Rangers'', lasting from ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'' to ''Series/PowerRangersInSpace'', did this regularly, with SoLastSeason existing before the changing-teams-every-year phenomenon, with each set of {{Mooks}} being considered "elite" as compared to the last, until reaching the standard {{Mook|s}} success rate about five episodes in. Z-putties are elite until the Rangers find out they can just hit the ''big giant Lord Zedd Z symbol'' on their chests and the Putties will lose power and shatter (though the fights still last a while because it has to be a hard direct hit). Then Tengas were elite until...they weren't. Series/PowerRangersZeo's MechaMooks, the Cogs, were equally hyped and actually tougher than Putties or Tengas...but that just meant the Rangers had to actually suit up to fight them. Rita also had a short-lived line of Super Putties who were tougher, stronger, and would pull a starfish and regenerate into two Super Putties if smashed, which forced the Rangers to retrieve special blasters in order to break them. These were not used again because Rita had only so much of the special clay used to make them.
* ''Series/SevenStarFightingGodGuyferd'' has an interesting example where a set of {{Mooks}} retroactively become this. The Guyborgs were originally [[NebulousEvilOrganization Crown]]'s sole Mook force, and are actually show to be able to put up a decent fight agaisnt Guyferd. After the develop of the Fangs, which are less strong than Guyborgs but easier to mass produce, the Guyborgs begin being used as elite units, with one even acting as the MonsterOfTheWeek in an episode.

to:

** The "Zordon Era" of ''Power Rangers'', lasting from ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'' to ''Series/PowerRangersInSpace'', did this regularly, with SoLastSeason existing before the changing-teams-every-year phenomenon, with each set of {{Mooks}} being considered "elite" as compared to the last, until reaching the standard {{Mook|s}} Mook success rate about five episodes in. Z-putties are elite until the Rangers find out they can just hit the ''big giant Lord Zedd Z symbol'' on their chests and the Putties will lose power and shatter (though the fights still last a while because it has to be a hard direct hit). Then Tengas were elite until...they weren't. Series/PowerRangersZeo's MechaMooks, the Cogs, were equally hyped and actually tougher than Putties or Tengas...but that just meant the Rangers had to actually suit up to fight them. Rita also had a short-lived line of Super Putties who were tougher, stronger, and would pull a starfish and regenerate into two Super Putties if smashed, which forced the Rangers to retrieve special blasters in order to break them. These were not used again because Rita had only so much of the special clay used to make them.
* ''Series/SevenStarFightingGodGuyferd'' has an interesting example where a set of {{Mooks}} retroactively become this. The Guyborgs were originally [[NebulousEvilOrganization [[NebulousEvilOrganisation Crown]]'s sole Mook force, and are actually show to be able to put up a decent fight agaisnt Guyferd. After the develop of the Fangs, which are less strong than Guyborgs but easier to mass produce, the Guyborgs begin being used as elite units, with one even acting as the MonsterOfTheWeek in an episode.



** In ''Series/KaitouSentaiLupinrangerVsKeisatsuSentaiPatranger'', the MonstersOfTheWeek have safes built into them that allow them to harness the power of the Lupin Collection piece contained within. The Lupinrangers, who are collecting the Collection pieces, can open these safes with their [[TransformationTrinket Dial Fighter]]. Stronger variations can have two safes, allowing them to harness two powers, or have a gold safe, which requires two Dial Fighters in order to open. The lieutenants all have gold safes, and two of them have two gold safes. The BigBad has a special gold safe surrounded with chains which is not only indestructable and unopenable by anyone except himself, but also [[spoiler:contains an entire pocket dimension that stores multiple Lupin Collection pieces, allowing him to use multiple powers.]]

to:

** In ''Series/KaitouSentaiLupinrangerVsKeisatsuSentaiPatranger'', the MonstersOfTheWeek have safes built into them that allow them to harness the power of the Lupin Collection piece contained within. The Lupinrangers, who are collecting the Collection pieces, can open these safes with their [[TransformationTrinket Dial Fighter]]. Stronger variations can have two safes, allowing them to harness two powers, or have a gold safe, which requires two Dial Fighters in order to open. The lieutenants all have gold safes, and two of them have two gold safes. The BigBad has a special gold safe surrounded with chains which is not only indestructable indestructible and unopenable by anyone except himself, but also [[spoiler:contains an entire pocket dimension that stores multiple Lupin Collection pieces, allowing him to use multiple powers.]]



** Henchman 1, another Monarch follower, appears to be one; he's better-equipped and notably more skilled than the other henchmen. 21 and 24, {{Mauve Shirt}}s and savvy to this trope, immediately agree he's going to get taken down. Ironically, 21 himself would graduate to elite mook status once he TookALevelInBadass [[spoiler:after 24's death and eventually became the Monarch's new Dragon.]]

to:

** Henchman 1, another Monarch follower, appears to be one; he's better-equipped and notably more skilled than the other henchmen. 21 and 24, {{Mauve Shirt}}s and savvy to this trope, immediately agree he's going to get taken down. Ironically, 21 himself would graduate to elite mook status once he TookALevelInBadass [[spoiler:after 24's death and eventually became the Monarch's new Dragon.]]Dragon]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Chained Sinkhole.


* From ''Manga/{{Trigun}}'', the three masked Punisher-carrying members of the Eye of Michael, who seem to act as Chapel's elite mooks. [[spoiler:Then it turns out they are actually Razlo's elite mooks, and their Punishers are meant for him. And they keep helping him even after he [[ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill utterly annihilates]] one of them with his triple Punishers [[ForTheEvulz just for the heck of it]].]] Overall, they put up a better fight than many of the mooks in the story, and in the end, [[spoiler: they willingly take a deadly body-enhancing drug to keep Vash busy while Razlo recovers from his wounds, in a sort of villainous heroic sacrifice]].

to:

* From ''Manga/{{Trigun}}'', the three masked Punisher-carrying members of the Eye of Michael, who seem to act as Chapel's elite mooks. [[spoiler:Then it turns out they are actually Razlo's elite mooks, and their Punishers are meant for him. And they keep helping him even after he [[ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill utterly annihilates]] one of them with his triple Punishers [[ForTheEvulz just for the heck of it]].]] Overall, they put up a better fight than many of the mooks in the story, and in the end, [[spoiler: they [[spoiler:they willingly take a deadly body-enhancing drug to keep Vash busy while Razlo recovers from his wounds, in a sort of villainous heroic sacrifice]].



** Max Cash, one of the two [[BigBadEnsemble Big Bads]], had been mostly relying on hired--and occasionally brainwashed--thugs to do his bidding, sans his [[TheDragon Dragon]] and personal bodyguard. But when it's time to raid the estate of a politician with a lot of security, he brings out a small army of top dollar mercenaries [[spoiler:(who are brainwashed into being completely loyal and willing to die for him)]] with him. [[spoiler: Unfortunately for him, a now fully grown Spike, makes sure they never get to show their true ability.]]

to:

** Max Cash, one of the two [[BigBadEnsemble Big Bads]], had been mostly relying on hired--and occasionally brainwashed--thugs to do his bidding, sans his [[TheDragon Dragon]] and personal bodyguard. But when it's time to raid the estate of a politician with a lot of security, he brings out a small army of top dollar mercenaries [[spoiler:(who are brainwashed into being completely loyal and willing to die for him)]] with him. [[spoiler: Unfortunately [[spoiler:Unfortunately for him, a now fully grown Spike, Spike makes sure they never get to show their true ability.]]



* In the ''Fanfic/TamersForeverSeries'', Armaggedemon, Diaboramon, Infermon, [=LadyDevimon=] and [=SkullSatamon=] all serve this role in [[spoiler: Daemon]]'s army.

to:

* In the ''Fanfic/TamersForeverSeries'', Armaggedemon, Diaboramon, Infermon, [=LadyDevimon=] and [=SkullSatamon=] all serve this role in [[spoiler: Daemon]]'s [[spoiler:Daemon]]'s army.



** Vulcan eventually gains a second group of minions in the form of the Crimson Guard, [[spoiler: a group of Changelings recruited from Chrysalis]], who are far more powerful (and competent) than his standard Diamond Dog soldiers.

to:

** Vulcan eventually gains a second group of minions in the form of the Crimson Guard, [[spoiler: a [[spoiler:a group of Changelings recruited from Chrysalis]], who are far more powerful (and competent) than his standard Diamond Dog soldiers.



* In ''Fanfic/EarthsAlienHistory'', the Reapers eventually make particularly effective Husks out of captured Pokemon, and on an even grander level, [[spoiler: a group of Kryptonians (nicknamed Kryptohusks)]].
* ''Fanfic/TheUnabridgedMemoirsOfDarthPlagueisTheWise'' has the Thunderclap Commandos serving as this for the [[YourTerroristsAreOurFreedomFighters Rim Liberation Front]], being clones created from [[spoiler: Yuuzhan Vong DNA]] in order to serve as {{Hero Killer}}s against Jedi.

to:

* In ''Fanfic/EarthsAlienHistory'', the Reapers eventually make particularly effective Husks out of captured Pokemon, and on an even grander level, [[spoiler: a [[spoiler:a group of Kryptonians (nicknamed Kryptohusks)]].
* ''Fanfic/TheUnabridgedMemoirsOfDarthPlagueisTheWise'' has the Thunderclap Commandos serving as this for the [[YourTerroristsAreOurFreedomFighters Rim Liberation Front]], being clones created from [[spoiler: Yuuzhan [[spoiler:Yuuzhan Vong DNA]] in order to serve as {{Hero Killer}}s against Jedi.



* In ''Film/{{Dredd}}'' we have the [[spoiler: four dirty Judges]] hired by Ma-Ma late in the film.

to:

* In ''Film/{{Dredd}}'' we have the [[spoiler: four [[spoiler:four dirty Judges]] hired by Ma-Ma late in the film.film, who prove to be a lot more dangerous than the assorted thugs faced thus far.



** ''Film/JohnWickChapter3Parabellum'' has the High Table soldiers that [[TheHeavy the Adjudicator]] sends to [[spoiler: assault the Continental]] at the climax. They are [[HeavilyArmoredMook covered head-to-toe in heavy body armor]], making it near impossible to take them down with Wick's usual GunFu, and which enable them to [[CurbStompBattle slaughter]] [[spoiler: [[RedShirtArmy Continental security]]]].

to:

** ''Film/JohnWickChapter3Parabellum'' has the High Table soldiers that [[TheHeavy the Adjudicator]] sends to [[spoiler: assault [[spoiler:assault the Continental]] at the climax. They are [[HeavilyArmoredMook covered head-to-toe in heavy body armor]], making it near impossible to take them down with Wick's usual GunFu, and which enable them to [[CurbStompBattle slaughter]] [[spoiler: slaughter]] [[spoiler:the [[RedShirtArmy Continental security]]]].



* In ''Film/RedDawn1984'', the town of Columette, Colorado is quickly taken over by a crack unit of [[ItsRainingMen Red Army para-troopers]] in a vicious battle. However, once the front lines of WorldWarIII stabilize, the town is relegated as a back water outpost, and patroled by rear echelon Red Army troops, supplemented by units of the Cuban and Nicaraguan armies. However, once [[LaResistance The Wolverines]] carry out a successful guerrilla campaign, and after summary executions don't get the Soviets closer to capturing the Wolverines, Col. Strelnikov and his elite Spetnaz unit is brought in. Strelnikov's first act is to ask General Bratchenko to stop the executions, [[AttackBackfire as they only show weakness and desperation]] and [[OccupiersOutOfOurCountry encourages the conquered population to aid the rebellion]]. Second, rather than sending out soldiers to be inevitably ambushed, Strelnikov carries out more proactive counter insurgency operations, such as [[spoiler: making one of the teens [[UnwittingPawn swallow a homing device]] in order to track down the Wolverines' hidding place, and then forcing them out of hiding by tempting them with food]]. In the end, these tactics do [[spoiler: end the Wolverines' guerilla campaign, but both Strelnikov and Bratchenko are killed during a SuicideMission]].

to:

* In ''Film/RedDawn1984'', the town of Columette, Colorado is quickly taken over by a crack unit of [[ItsRainingMen Red Army para-troopers]] in a vicious battle. However, once the front lines of WorldWarIII stabilize, the town is relegated as a back water outpost, and patroled by rear echelon Red Army troops, supplemented by units of the Cuban and Nicaraguan armies. However, once [[LaResistance The Wolverines]] carry out a successful guerrilla campaign, and after summary executions don't get the Soviets closer to capturing the Wolverines, Col. Strelnikov and his elite Spetnaz unit is brought in. Strelnikov's first act is to ask General Bratchenko to stop the executions, [[AttackBackfire as they only show weakness and desperation]] and [[OccupiersOutOfOurCountry encourages the conquered population to aid the rebellion]]. Second, rather than sending out soldiers to be inevitably ambushed, Strelnikov carries out more proactive counter insurgency operations, such as [[spoiler: making [[spoiler:making one of the teens [[UnwittingPawn swallow a homing device]] in order to track down the Wolverines' hidding place, and then forcing them out of hiding by tempting them with food]]. In the end, these tactics do [[spoiler: end [[spoiler:end the Wolverines' guerilla campaign, but both Strelnikov and Bratchenko are killed during a SuicideMission]].



** The Steel Inquisitors. A little more elite than most Elite Mooks; in the first book only [[BadassBookworm Sazed]] and [[MagnificentBastard Kelsier]] can take them on and live, and it's still not very advisable. [[spoiler: Kelsier killing one is treated like him snatching the sun out of the sky: everybody around falls still and can't believe their eyes.]] Oh, and they have literal SpikesOfVillainy...[[EyeScream through both of their eyes]].

to:

** The Steel Inquisitors. A little more elite than most Elite Mooks; in the first book only [[BadassBookworm Sazed]] and [[MagnificentBastard Kelsier]] can take them on and live, and it's still not very advisable. [[spoiler: Kelsier [[spoiler:Kelsier killing one is treated like him snatching the sun out of the sky: everybody around falls still and can't believe their eyes.]] Oh, and they have literal SpikesOfVillainy...[[EyeScream through both of their eyes]].



* ''Literature/{{Skyward}}'': The lifebuster bombers and their escort flyers are faster and more reactive than regular Krell interceptors. [[spoiler: They are also the only ships Spensa can't "hear", suggesting that they are piloted by actual Krell rather than by cytonic remote-control.]]
* The ''Literature/{{Tunnels}}'' series has the Limiters, an elite regiment of [[HumanAliens Styx]] soldiers who patrol the Deeps and conduct covert operations Topsoil. They differ from the [[{{Mooks}} Styx Division]] by wearing khaki and brown [[BadassLongcoat trenchcoats]] instead of green and gray, but are presented as much more fearsome. It is commonly believed that [[ImAHumanitarian they are cannibals]], although that only occurs if they run out of supplies [[spoiler: and the point is moot because they are not human. Later in the series they are superseded by the [[StarfishAliens Armagi]], shape-shifting monsters produced by the Phase.]]

to:

* ''Literature/{{Skyward}}'': The lifebuster bombers and their escort flyers are faster and more reactive than regular Krell interceptors. [[spoiler: They [[spoiler:They are also the only ships Spensa can't "hear", suggesting that they are piloted by actual Krell rather than by cytonic remote-control.]]
* The ''Literature/{{Tunnels}}'' series has the Limiters, an elite regiment of [[HumanAliens Styx]] soldiers who patrol the Deeps and conduct covert operations Topsoil. They differ from the [[{{Mooks}} Styx Division]] by wearing khaki and brown [[BadassLongcoat trenchcoats]] instead of green and gray, but are presented as much more fearsome. It is commonly believed that [[ImAHumanitarian they are cannibals]], although that only occurs if they run out of supplies [[spoiler: and [[spoiler:and the point is moot because they are not human. Later in the series they are superseded by the [[StarfishAliens Armagi]], shape-shifting monsters produced by the Phase.]]



** The [[StateSec Intelligence Directorate]] (aka "Blackjacks") which reports directly to the Global Authority and is able to operate outside the Colony and can call down strikes by the Drones [[spoiler: and oversees the [[FinalSolution total rendition]] of the Colony]].

to:

** The [[StateSec Intelligence Directorate]] (aka "Blackjacks") which reports directly to the Global Authority and is able to operate outside the Colony and can call down strikes by the Drones [[spoiler: and [[spoiler:and oversees the [[FinalSolution total rendition]] of the Colony]].



* In episodes 7 and 8 of ''Series/TheMandalorian'', [[spoiler:[[Film/RogueOne Death Troopers]]]] fulfill this role again, gunning down [[spoiler:The Client]] and his men in seconds and giving the title character of the show much more difficulty than the rank-and-file goons. As a visual lampshading of sorts, in wide shots they're clearly shown ''[[EvilIsBigger towering]]'' over the rest of the stormtroopers. [[spoiler: Luke Skywalker defeating a whole bunch of them just show what's the difference between a Master Jedi and normal soldiers.]]

to:

* In episodes 7 and 8 of ''Series/TheMandalorian'', [[spoiler:[[Film/RogueOne Death Troopers]]]] fulfill this role again, gunning down [[spoiler:The Client]] and his men in seconds and giving the title character of the show much more difficulty than the rank-and-file goons. As a visual lampshading of sorts, in wide shots they're clearly shown ''[[EvilIsBigger towering]]'' over the rest of the stormtroopers. [[spoiler: Luke [[spoiler:Luke Skywalker defeating a whole bunch of them just show what's the difference between a Master Jedi and normal soldiers.]]



* [[spoiler: The Shadow Priests]] from ''Series/MortalKombatConquest''. They are skilled in both [[KungFuWizard martial arts and magic]], [[NoSell can deflect or counter any attack with a mere wave of their hand]], can outfight anyone and [[spoiler: kill every single cast member except Raiden. Makes you wonder why Shao Kahn never used them prior to the series finale]].

to:

* [[spoiler: The [[spoiler:The Shadow Priests]] from ''Series/MortalKombatConquest''. They are skilled in both [[KungFuWizard martial arts and magic]], [[NoSell can deflect or counter any attack with a mere wave of their hand]], can outfight anyone and [[spoiler: [[spoiler:[[HeroKiller kill every single cast member except Raiden. Raiden.]] Makes you wonder why Shao Kahn never used them prior to the series finale]].



* ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'': Season 8 reveals the existence of the Knights of Hell, demonic super soldiers that served as [[{{Satan}} Lucifer]]'s chief enforcers. By the present, the Archangels have managed to wipe out all of them, [[LastOfHisKind save for]] [[FemmeFatale Abaddon]]. Season 9 reveals more about the Knights, including that they were founded, trained, and led by Cain (yes, ''[[Literature/TheBible that]]'' Cain) [[spoiler: until he -- not the Archangels, as it turns out -- killed them all for killing his wife, whose [[LoveRedeems love had redeemed him]]]].

to:

* ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'': Season 8 reveals the existence of the Knights of Hell, demonic super soldiers that served as [[{{Satan}} Lucifer]]'s chief enforcers. By the present, the Archangels have managed to wipe out all of them, [[LastOfHisKind save for]] [[FemmeFatale Abaddon]]. Season 9 reveals more about the Knights, including that they were founded, trained, and led by Cain (yes, ''[[Literature/TheBible that]]'' Cain) [[spoiler: until [[spoiler:until he -- not the Archangels, as it turns out -- killed them all for killing his wife, whose [[LoveRedeems love had redeemed him]]]].



** In ''Series/KaitouSentaiLupinrangerVsKeisatsuSentaiPatranger'', the MonstersOfTheWeek have safes built into them that allow them to harness the power of the Lupin Collection piece contained within. The Lupinrangers, who are collecting the Collection pieces, can open these safes with their [[TransformationTrinket Dial Fighter]]. Stronger variations can have two safes, allowing them to harness two powers, or have a gold safe, which requires two Dial Fighters in order to open. The lieutenants all have gold safes, and two of them have two gold safes. The BigBad has a special gold safe surrounded with chains which is not only indestructable and unopenable by anyone except himself, but also [[spoiler: contains an entire pocket dimension that stores multiple Lupin Collection pieces, allowing him to use multiple powers.]]

to:

** In ''Series/KaitouSentaiLupinrangerVsKeisatsuSentaiPatranger'', the MonstersOfTheWeek have safes built into them that allow them to harness the power of the Lupin Collection piece contained within. The Lupinrangers, who are collecting the Collection pieces, can open these safes with their [[TransformationTrinket Dial Fighter]]. Stronger variations can have two safes, allowing them to harness two powers, or have a gold safe, which requires two Dial Fighters in order to open. The lieutenants all have gold safes, and two of them have two gold safes. The BigBad has a special gold safe surrounded with chains which is not only indestructable and unopenable by anyone except himself, but also [[spoiler: contains [[spoiler:contains an entire pocket dimension that stores multiple Lupin Collection pieces, allowing him to use multiple powers.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


* In ''Film/RedDawn1984'', the town of Columette, Colorado is quickly taken over by a crack unit of [[ItsRainingMen Red Army para-troopers]] in a vicious battle. However, once the front lines of WorldWarIII stabilize, the town is relegated as a back water outpost, and patroled by rear echelon Red Army troops, supplemented by units of the Cuban and Nicaraguan armies. However, once [[LaResistance The Wolverines]] carry out a successful guerrilla campaign, and after summary execution, after summary execution does not get the Soviets closer to capturing the Wolverines, Col. Strelnikov and his elite Spetnaz unit is brought in. Strelnikov's first act is to ask General Bratchenko to stop the executions, [[AttackBackfire as they only show weakness and desperation]] and [[OccupiersOutOfOurCountry encourages the conquered population to aid the rebellion]]. Second, rather than sending out soldiers to be inevitably ambushed, Strelnikov carries out more proactive counter insurgency operations, such as [[spoiler: making one of the teens [[UnwittingPawn swallow a homing device]] in order to track down the Wolverines' hidding place, and then forcing them out of hiding by tempting them with food]]. In the end, these tactics do [[spoiler: end the Wolverines' guerilla campaign, but both Strelnikov and Bratchenko are killed during a SuicideMission]].

to:

* In ''Film/RedDawn1984'', the town of Columette, Colorado is quickly taken over by a crack unit of [[ItsRainingMen Red Army para-troopers]] in a vicious battle. However, once the front lines of WorldWarIII stabilize, the town is relegated as a back water outpost, and patroled by rear echelon Red Army troops, supplemented by units of the Cuban and Nicaraguan armies. However, once [[LaResistance The Wolverines]] carry out a successful guerrilla campaign, and after summary execution, after summary execution does not executions don't get the Soviets closer to capturing the Wolverines, Col. Strelnikov and his elite Spetnaz unit is brought in. Strelnikov's first act is to ask General Bratchenko to stop the executions, [[AttackBackfire as they only show weakness and desperation]] and [[OccupiersOutOfOurCountry encourages the conquered population to aid the rebellion]]. Second, rather than sending out soldiers to be inevitably ambushed, Strelnikov carries out more proactive counter insurgency operations, such as [[spoiler: making one of the teens [[UnwittingPawn swallow a homing device]] in order to track down the Wolverines' hidding place, and then forcing them out of hiding by tempting them with food]]. In the end, these tactics do [[spoiler: end the Wolverines' guerilla campaign, but both Strelnikov and Bratchenko are killed during a SuicideMission]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Updating Link


** For more conventional criminals like Franchise/SpiderMan and ComicBook/{{Daredevil}} archfoe ComicBook/TheKingpin, [[{{Ninja}} the Hand]] frequently serves as a group of killers and enforcers a cut above the average mob wiseguy. The Hand usually [[HiddenAgendaVillain has its own plans]], though. Unsurprisingly, the Hand and HYDRA share a history and have alternately served as elite mooks for one another on separate occasions.

to:

** For more conventional criminals like Franchise/SpiderMan ComicBook/SpiderMan and ComicBook/{{Daredevil}} archfoe ComicBook/TheKingpin, [[{{Ninja}} the Hand]] frequently serves as a group of killers and enforcers a cut above the average mob wiseguy. The Hand usually [[HiddenAgendaVillain has its own plans]], though. Unsurprisingly, the Hand and HYDRA share a history and have alternately served as elite mooks for one another on separate occasions.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* ''Fanfic/InvaderZimABadThingNeverEnds'': In Chapter 15, Lex creates a group of upgraded [[MechaMooks DIRs]] ([[CannonFodder Disposable]] Information Retrieval units) called [=SADIRs=] (Specialized Appliance Disposable Information Retrieval units), which are four times the size, much more durable, and specifically designed to be able to fight even Minimoose evenly.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


** In ''WesternAnimation/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles2003'', the Foot Clan has Elite Foot Ninjas (the guys in the red robes and coolie hats). Unlike many Elite Mooks, these guys actually ''were'' demonstrably better than the standard cannon fodder Mooks, able to fight evenly against the turtles and almost killing them in their first appearance. A big contributor to the Foot Elite always posing a threat would be that there's [[ConservationOfNinjutsu only four of them.]]

to:

** In ''WesternAnimation/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles2003'', the Foot Clan has Elite Foot Ninjas (the guys in the red robes and coolie conical hats). Unlike many Elite Mooks, these guys actually ''were'' demonstrably better than the standard cannon fodder Mooks, able to fight evenly against the turtles and almost killing them in their first appearance. A big contributor to the Foot Elite always posing a threat would be that there's [[ConservationOfNinjutsu only four of them.]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


** Towards the end of ''Series/HimitsuSentaiGoranger'', the Black Cross Army developed the Black Cross Ninja Team, comprised of elite Zolders trained in ninjitsu. They can walk through walls and teleport and are much more skilled in combat, so the Gorangers struggle a lot more when fighting them. Earlier in the series, Zolders dressed in officer uniforms would often be seen alongside the generals, but they were never actually fought. After the appearance of Golden Mask, the officer Zolders never appeared again and were replaced with Egyptian-themed Zolders that carry axes.

to:

** Towards the end of ''Series/HimitsuSentaiGoranger'', the Black Cross Army developed the Black Cross Ninja Team, comprised of elite Zolders trained in ninjitsu. They can walk through walls and teleport and are much more skilled in combat, so the Gorangers struggle a lot more when fighting them. Earlier in the series, Zolders dressed in officer uniforms would often be seen alongside the generals, but they were never actually fought. After the appearance of Golden Mask, the officer Zolders never appeared again and were replaced with Egyptian-themed Zolders that carry big axes, although they don't last very long when they finally fight in the last episode and end up hitting each other with their axes.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None


** Midway through ''Series/HimitsuSentaiGoranger'', the Black Cross Army developed the Black Cross Ninja Team, comprised of elite Zolders trained in ninjitsu.

to:

** Midway through Towards the end of ''Series/HimitsuSentaiGoranger'', the Black Cross Army developed the Black Cross Ninja Team, comprised of elite Zolders trained in ninjitsu.ninjitsu. They can walk through walls and teleport and are much more skilled in combat, so the Gorangers struggle a lot more when fighting them. Earlier in the series, Zolders dressed in officer uniforms would often be seen alongside the generals, but they were never actually fought. After the appearance of Golden Mask, the officer Zolders never appeared again and were replaced with Egyptian-themed Zolders that carry axes.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None

Added DiffLines:

* ''TabletopGame/SeventhSea'' splits all enemies into three categories. Brutes are regular {{Mooks}} and don't have a full character sheet. Villains are equal to the players, but with powerful Arcana unavailable to players. Henchmen are in the middle, and are this trope. They're typically made with fewer Hero Points than what players have and are essentially abbreviated Villains meant to have complex abilities like Swordsman Schools, but are less competent than Villains.

Top