History TearJerker / ShovelKnight

** While at that point he [[LaserGuidedKarma thoroughly deserved it]], all of this makes his ending skit in the base game HarsherInHindsight. Every other member of the Order is shown to have reformed (more or less) and find a new calling in life, and seem much happier for it. Even Treasure Knight still managed to hold on to at least one coin of his ill gotten wealth. King Knight, by contrast, has ''nothing''. And it's entirely his own fault. Arguably, the only potential thing he has is a new stepfather who's giving him the one thing his mother couldn't... [[SpoiledBrat discipline.]]
* It is implied that King Knight's compulsion with becoming true royalty stemmed from being born and raised in a dingy, rat infested hovel, and that he allowed his dreams of a better life twist themselves into an obsession. Throughout the game (and even after [[MoralEventHorizon his betrayal]]), he's still just a sad little kid feebly trying to fool himself into believing that he's a greater man than he's allowed himself to be.

** Judging by all the eaten plates at the banquet table, it’s likely King Knight has started eating his feelings under the guise of not letting all that food go to waste.

** While at that point he [[LaserGuidedKarma thoroughly deserved it]], all of this makes his ending skit in the base game HarsherInHindsight. Every other member of the Order is shown to have reformed (more or less) and find a new calling in life, and seem much happier for it. Even Treasure Knight still managed to hold on to at least one coin of his ill gotten wealth. King Knight, by contrast, has ''nothing''. And it's entirely his own fault. [[spoiler:Arguably, the only potential thing he has is a new stepfather who's giving him the one thing his mother couldn't... [[SpoiledBrat discipline.]]]]

* The [[WhatCouldHaveBeen original ending]] of ''Shovel of Hope'' had Shield Knight [[KilledOffForReal die for good from her]] HeroicSacrifice and Shovel Knight using his trusty shovel to bury her. Quite depressing.

* [[CerberusRetcon In]] [[HarsherInHindsight hindsight]], TheStinger for the Lich Yard during ''Plague of Shadows'' qualifies after the release of ''Specter of Torment''. Specter Knight was given the Phase Locket as a memento from Luan before his demise before using its power to purify Reize at the cost of Specter Knight's own humanity. After becoming bound to the Enchantress' will, he decides to keep the locket hidden away in his secret room. After the events of the game, Specter Knight checks up on his keepsake only to realize it was stolen. In a fit of fury, Specter Knight slices the now emptied chest and clenches his fist in the sky.

* [[CerberusRetcon In]] [[HarsherInHindsighthindsight]], TheStinger for the Lich Yard during ''Plague of Shadows'' qualifies after the release of ''Specter of Torment''. Specter Knight was given the Phase Locket as a memento from Luan before his demise before using its power to purify Reize at the cost of Specter Knight's own humanity. After becoming bound to the Enchantress' will, he decides to keep the locket hidden away in his secret room. After the events of the game, Specter Knight checks up on his keepsake only to realize it was stolen. In a fit of fury, Specter Knight slices the now emptied chest and clenches his fist in the sky.

* ''King of Cards'' has one of the least ambiguous [[DownerEnding Downer Endings]] of the bunch because of ForegoneConclusion. King Knight is unable to resist the Enchantress's offer of his life goal: being a true king. He squanders the love and respect of his gathered friends -- ones he earned thanks to his own accomplishments -- just to be wilfully spoonfed an immediate, ultimately superficial reward. After the credits, despite becoming unanimously hated, he's pontificating on how he's achieved his dream of being a "King" in a gilded castle. It's difficult to tell how he truly feels, either trying to psych himself up or just depressingly unaware of how hollow his title really is... [[BookEnds Suddenly, Shovel Knight steps in to challenge him, knock him out and put King Pridemoor back on the throne]]. Add ''Shovel of Hope's'' credit montage, and it's very clear that King Knight lost '''''everything''''' to his greed.

** While at that point he [[LaserGuidedKarma thoroughly deserved it]], all of this makes his ending skit in the base game HarsherInHindsight. Every other member of the Order is shown to have reformed (more or less) and find a new calling in life, and seem much happier for it. Even Treasure Knight still managed to hold on to at least one coin of his ill gotten wealth. King Knight, by contrast, has ''nothing''. And its entirely his own fault.

** [[spoiler: In addition, we get to see Shield Knight's perspective on the events of the story through her campaign in ''Showdown.'' Even after defeating the Enchantress twice and breaking the mirror, [[AndIMustScream she still finds herself trapped by the curse of the amulet]]. All she can do is grit her teeth and refuse to give up, as she knows that Shovel Knight would never give up on her.]]

** Throughout the game, King Knight's mother never failed to call him as ''"son"'' no matter how much he protested. Her final words to him?
--> It looks like you finally got your kingdom, ''[[IHaveNoSon King Knight]]...'' [[YouBastard I hope it was all worth it]].

*** It gets worse when you realise two things: One, King Knight's mom has always had a crush on King Pridemoor before they ever met, as evidenced by her gushing about him when she appears on the airship, which probably means King Knight was probably so motivated to become a king because his mom wouldn't shut up about Pridemoor. Two, usurping the role of king was probably the only way King Knight could stop Pridemoor from marrying his mom. Considering King Knight betrays everyone after Pridemoor brings up his mother, it's very likely their romance motivated King Knight's betrayal more than anything!

--> It looks like you finally got your kingdom, ''King Knight...'' I hope it was all worth it.