Line #11 CentralTheme/WesternAnimation


1	Remember, a CentralTheme is not the same as AnAesop; a theme is a question, idea, topic or concept that the text explores, while an Aesop is a conclusion the author reaches about the theme or a lesson they wish to impart to the reader. As such, you should avoid phrasing your examples as conclusions.
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5	[[folder:A-F]]
6	* ''WesternAnimation/AdventureTime'': Constancy and change. What continues to exist in the world after other things end.
7	* ''WesternAnimation/AllGrownUp'': The joys and struggles of adolescense.
8	* ''WesternAnimation/TheAmazingWorldOfGumball'':
9	** Everyone is "weird" in their own way, and this should be celebrated as what makes them and the world "amazing". Society will try to suppress you and your uniqueness, but there are always people who will love you for all your imperfections.
10	** Your friends and loved ones aren't perfect, and their flaws can make your life very difficult sometimes, but that doesn't mean the love between you all isn't there.
11	** The world can be a surprisingly harsh, unfair, and miserable place, [[WorldHalfFull but it can still be a beautiful and amazing place]].
12	** The importance of balancing one's idealism and cynicism and the dangers and issues that a person can be forced to deal with when leaning towards one side too much.
13	* ''WesternAnimation/AmericanDad'': How one should deal with being confronted with new ideas.
14	* ''{{WesternAnimation/Amphibia}}'':
15	** Knowing who your real friends are and mutually respecting one another's needs.
16	** Things change, and it's healthier to accept that than to obsessively cling to how things were.
17	* ''WesternAnimation/{{Arcane}}'':
18	** "Corruption". The main cast all face it, whether in society or in themselves. The show hammers down the truth that nothing is ever pure, and that can often be for the best. However, for those willing and able to take a good look at themselves and admit their mistakes, redemption is within reach.
19	** "Parenthood". The difficulties, personal sacrifices and imperfect decisions that come along with being a parent casts a long shadow over the show. Everyone wants to do right by their kids no matter who they are but the consequences of their actions, intentional or not, haunt the next generation.
20	* ''{{WesternAnimation/Archer}}'':
21	** We're all ruled by our vices, and will always make poor decisions because of them.
22	** Listening when other people are talking pays off.
23	* ''{{Franchise/Avatar\|TheLastAirbender}}'' saga:
24	** Both shows:
25	*** The flaws and capability of growth of humanity.
26	%% *** "If you look for the light, you can often find it. But if you look for the dark, that is all you will ever see."
27	*** MiseryBuildsCharacter. Life is tough, and sometimes it's gonna kick the crap out of you (physically or mentally), but feeling pain makes you better understand others' situations. Zuko and Korra, in particular, learn this.
28	*** When watched side by side, and taking Aang and Korra as deliberate {{Foil}}s, it's clear that ''The Last Airbender'' is about a human learning to become a god, whilst ''The Legend of Korra'' is about a god learning to become a human, relating to the {{UsefulNotes/Taois\|m}}t balance between heaven and earth.
29	** ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'':
30	*** Destiny and choice.
31	*** Friendship and enemies becoming friends.
32	*** Open-mindedness and how it affects one's character.
33	*** WarIsHell. But {{forgiveness}}, [[ThePowerOfLove love]], [[ThePowerOfFriendship friendship]], and compassion win out over spite, hatred, and fear in the end.
34	** ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'':
35	*** Attaining balance, whether it be in an individual, a city, or the world.
36	*** Recognizing one's own strengths and weaknesses, and by doing so, adapting to your personal environment and situation.
37	*** Extremism of any sort is bad. All the villains have legitimate points and are [[WellIntentionedExtremist well-intentioned]], but are all willing to go way too far to achieve what they want, as pointed out to Korra by Toph.
38	* ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheBraveAndTheBold'':
39	** What does it mean to be a hero?
40	** Even brooding loners (like Batman) still need ThePowerOfFriendship sometimes.
41	* ''WesternAnimation/BeastMachines'': Bringing life back to earth; like the life cycle of a plant.
42	* ''WesternAnimation/Ben10'':
43	** Make the best out of the cards you are dealt.
44	** You shouldn't be a hero for the thrill of it and the praise afterwards. You should be a hero because it's the right thing to do.
45	* ''WesternAnimation/BigMouth'':
46	** GrowingUpSucks but at least we have our loved ones.
47	** Being young doesn't excuse you from toxic behavior, in particular toxic behavior done by males towards females.
48	* ''WesternAnimation/BobsBurgers'': Life may be hard and awkward, but at least you have your family. Even if they are hard and awkward.
49	* ''WesternAnimation/BojackHorseman'': Family, friendship, love, regret, sadness, depression, escapism, and the human experience. More specifically:
50	** [[AimlesslySeekingHappiness The endless pursuit of personal happiness]]; attempting to conquer {{UsefulNotes/depression}}, with mixed results.
51	** Can people really change themselves for the better? Or are they always doomed by [[FatalFlaw their self-destructive behaviors]]?
52	** If you treat someone in your life badly, that ''will'' have lasting negative consequences on your relationship with them.
53	** [[CelebrityIsOverrated Fame]] and [[LonelyAtTheTop fortune]] ''cannot'' buy happiness, because of [[HorribleHollywood the destructive nature of Hollywood and celebrity culture]].
54	** There is a huge difference between reality and fiction, even if [[LifeImitatesArt life has a tendency]] [[ArtImitatesLife to blur them both]].
55	** The media consumed by the public plays at least a partial role in shaping the values of our culture, and those making movies and TV shows with harmful messages need to be held accountable for said messages.
56	** As for particular seasons:
57	*** Season 1 focuses on trying to be a good person and doing the right thing.
58	*** Season 2 focuses on eternal happiness vs immediate pleasure.
59	*** Season 3 focuses on reputation and impact.
60	*** Season 4 focuses on TheChainOfHarm over the course of generations and the long-term damage of harmful expectations, particularly those placed on women.
61	*** Season 5 focuses on accountability for your own actions, for the actions of those in your life, and for the art you put out.
62	*** Season 6 focuses on accepting the past, making peace with it, and looking towards the future, whatever good or bad it might hold.
63	* ''WesternAnimation/TheBoondocks'':
64	** The positive ([[StopBeingStereotypical and negative]]) aspects of African-American culture, and how the latter can sometimes veer into outright ModernMinstrelsy.
65	** The latent racism and corruption of American society, and the sheer absurdity and unfairness of it all.
66	** ToughLove and the proper way to use it. When your advice is [[CassandraTruth constantly ignored]], is all you can do let people learn things the hard way?
67	** Double consciousness; being one's self versus the pressure to conform in a mostly white environment (especially pronounced in the first episode, with Huey/Riley and Granddad respectively). According to WordOfGod, this is what [[TitleDrop the title of the show itself is in reference too]]; The Boondocks being the scenario of a person of color navigating spaces where they're seen as a minority (like the Freemans in Woodcrest).
68	* ''WesternAnimation/CaptainPlanetAndThePlaneteers'':
69	** [[GreenAesop Respect the environment and help the planet (Earth).]]
70	** Nature vs Industry.
71	* ''WesternAnimation/CarmenSandiego'':
72	** Rediscovering and maintaining the truth while overcoming lies and conspiracies.
73	** Earth is full of amazing countries and their treasures must be protected at all costs.
74	** Season 3 specifically is themed around masks both in the metaphorical and literal sense.
75	* ''WesternAnimation/Castlevania2017'':
76	** Nihilism vs Humanism. Does a [[CrapsackWorld miserable world]] full of [[HumansAreBastards bad people]] deserve to be destroyed, or is it still worth saving regardless?
77	** Knowledge is power. Learning new and useful information is the best method for finding solutions to any problems.
78	** Season 3 adds a theme of trust, how easily can it be broken or abused, and how having your trust betrayed damages your future relationships.
79	* ''WesternAnimation/{{Centaurworld}}'': The transformative power of love vs the self-destructive power of hate.
80	* ''WesternAnimation/CentralPark'': Protecting your community.
81	* ''WesternAnimation/ChinaIL'': College is chaotic and wild.
82	* ''WesternAnimation/CityOfGhosts'': Learning and embracing California's rich past.
83	* ''{{WesternAnimation/Clarence}}'': It's possible to find fun and excitement in the boring and mundane.
84	* ''WesternAnimation/ClassOf3000'': The role music plays within our lives.
85	* ''WesternAnimation/TheClevelandShow'': The perils and pitfalls of fatherhood, and the joys and challenges of life in a blended family.
86	* ''WesternAnimation/CloneHigh'': The folly of life as a teenager, particularly high school romance.
87	* ''WesternAnimation/CloseEnough'': Clinging to your youth while also figuring out how to become a responsible adult.
88	* ''WesternAnimation/CodeLyoko'': Making the most of second chances.
89	* ''WesternAnimation/CodenameKidsNextDoor'': Protecting childhood and accepting that one day you're going to have to grow up, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy your childhood while you still have it.
90	* ''WesternAnimation/CourageTheCowardlyDog'':
91	** Protecting the people you love, even when it means going up against the things you fear most.
92	** Fear and cowardice aren't necessarily the same thing (which makes the show's title somewhat ironic).
93	** Courage is ''not'' necessarily the absence of fear, but rather [[{{Determinator}} the willingness to]] [[CowardlyLion confront one's fears]] even despite being afraid.
94	* ''WesternAnimation/CraigOfTheCreek'':
95	** Childhood and Friendship.
96	** Nature and its importance for kids.
97	* ''{{WesternAnimation/Cybersix}}'': What does it mean to be human?
98	* ''{{WesternAnimation/Daria}}'':
99	** The High School Experience and Teenage Years as {{rite of passage}} for everyone, and how it impacts everyone.
100	** Shallowness versus depth: the conflict between keeping the peace and never changing, even if it's mind-numbing or unfulfilling, or owning up to your flaws and imperfections, even at the risk of creating turmoil and strife.
101	** Maturity, and what people think that looks like. Being an adult doesn't necessarily make you mature, but even a teenager with a realistic take on the world around them isn't ready to handle its complexities.
102	* ''Franchise/DCAnimatedUniverse'':
103	** ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'':
104	*** What do you do when you lose something sacred?
105	*** How much of yourself are you willing to give in the name of justice? [[BeingGoodSucks Is it truly worth it]] [[LonelyAtTheTop in the end]]? If not, [[TakeAThirdOption are there healthier ways to go about it]]?
106	** ''WesternAnimation/BatmanBeyond'':
107	*** [[LegacyCharacter Taking on the roles and responsibilities of your predecessor]], but doing it in your own way. Related to that is the theme of learning from your predecessor's mistakes.
108	*** The logical conclusion of being as aloof and dedicated to the cause as [[WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries the original Batman]] was: ending up [[LonelyAtTheTop old and alone]], with very few friends left. Terry puts a lot of effort in making sure he doesn't end up the same way, [[spoiler:[[EarnYourHappyEnding and ultimately succeeds]]]].
109	*** It's the man ''under'' the mask that counts. Or as Bruce himself puts it, "It's not Batman that makes you worthwhile, it's the other way around."
110	** ''WesternAnimation/SupermanTheAnimatedSeries'':
111	*** Remaining optimistic in a cynical world, even when it tries to break you.
112	*** EvilCannotComprehendGood.
113	** ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague'':
114	*** Even the greatest heroes are only human.[[note]](A central theme for the DCAU as a whole.)[[/note]]
115	*** WhoWatchesTheWatchmen Are people right to BewareTheSuperman?
116	*** Doing what it takes to protect the world from the bad guys [[HeWhoFightsMonsters without stooping to their level]].
117	* ''WesternAnimation/DextersLaboratory'': In any pursuit, you're going to fail in small ways, maybe even in big ones. The important thing is learning the right lessons from failure.
118	* ''{{WesternAnimation/Disenchantment}}'': Growth, understanding, and knowing who you truly are.
119	* ''WesternAnimation/TheDragonPrince'': Every morally questionable action, no matter how good the intention it was taken with, is ultimately self-serving, will have serious consequences, or both.
120	* ''WesternAnimation/{{Duckman}}'': The raw, ugly, and offensive side of life is oftentimes the most sincere.
121	* ''Franchise/DuckTales'':
122	** ''WesternAnimation/DuckTales1987'': The spirit of {{adventure}} and ThePowerOfFamily (both biological and found).
123	** ''WesternAnimation/DuckTales2017'' has the central themes of its predecessor, but adds more:
124	*** Hard work is its own treasure.
125	*** It is a parent's duty to raise their children right.
126	*** Lies, greed and deception can break apart family and friends.
127	* ''WesternAnimation/EdEddNEddy'':
128	** KidsAreCruel, and [[GrowingUpSucks childhood can be rough]].
129	** BeingEvilSucks; if you screw people over and [[{{Greed}} love money more than friendship]], [[LaserGuidedKarma it will bite you in the ass]].
130	* ''WesternAnimation/FIsForFamily'':
131	** The {{values\|Dissonance}} of TheSeventies, and how they influenced those living in that time.
132	** The "ButterflyEffect" of living in a DysfunctionalFamily.
133	** A man's fear of being rendered obsolete by his wife.
134	** Everyone goes through their own form of trauma and abuse. Although it's tragic and pitiful, it's no excuse for how you treat others. What truly matters is that you try to move forward from it and be better than the person who hurt you so you can end the cycle of harm.
135	* ''WesternAnimation/TheFairlyOddparents'': BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor.
136	* ''WesternAnimation/FamilyGuy'':
137	** Family sticking together despite their differences.
138	** In earlier seasons, the overall theme seems to be that {{television}} has an immutable place in American consciousness, for better or for worse, so we should try to take our inspiration from the better.
139	** In later seasons, the overall theme seems to be that [[CrapsackWorld the world]] will drive you crazy, and [[BigScrewedUpFamily family will drive you even crazier]].
140	* ''{{WesternAnimation/Fillmore}}'': There's always MoreThanMeetsTheEye.
141	* ''WesternAnimation/FinalSpace'': No one's beyond redemption, and anyone, even if they're the lowest of the low, can be a hero.
142	-->'''Gary:''' All of us are broken. Just a question of how much and how far we're willing to go to fix it.
143	* ''{{WesternAnimation/Futurama}}'':
144	** Everyone's a little weird. And that's okay.
145	** No matter how much time passes, or how much our technology and world evolves, humanity is always basically the same, for better or worse.
146	** Loneliness. Difference. Some ideas remain familiar even after the world has changed enough to become unrecognizable. No matter how different and isolated you are, you can always find common ground with people if you look for it.
147	** There is always more to people than you would presume, and no matter how small and insignificant you think you are, how weak and stupid you are, life always has some value and meaning to the people around you.
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150	[[folder:G-L]]
151	* ''{{WesternAnimation/Gargoyles}}'':
152	** The values of [[ThePowerOfLove love]], [[ThePowerOfFriendship friendship]], and [[ThePowerOfFamily family]]; protecting one's home and loved ones at all costs.
153	** The evils of [[FantasticRacism bigotry]] and {{prejudice\|Tropes}}, and the importance of acceptance and tolerance.
154	** If you [[RevengeBeforeReason dedicate your life to hatred and revenge]], [[VengeanceFeelsEmpty you will bring nothing but pain]], [[CycleOfRevenge both to yourself and to those around you]].
155	* ''WesternAnimation/TheGhostAndMollyMcGee'':
156	** You should look at the bright side of things, even when they are awful.
157	** The humanity of those believed to have been lost is given another chance to be brought back to life thanks to others and newfound courage.
158	** The power of joy is more effective than the power of misery.
159	* ''WesternAnimation/GravityFalls'':
160	** Dealing with how [[MoreThanMeetsTheEye things aren't always what they seem]].
161	** The ones who love you and you love are people you can trust.
162	** [[GrowingUpSucks Growing up can be rough]] somedays, but the people who love you can help you get through it.
163	** It’s never too late to change yourself or rebuild broken relationships.
164	* ''WesternAnimation/{{Green Eggs and Ham\|2019}}'': Do not take things at face-value, ranging from Michelee and her thinking that Mr. Jenkins the Chickaraffe is dangerous to [[spoiler:the audience knowing the truth about Sam and BADGUYS.]] The extended lyrics to the show's opening "Backflip" adds onto it: "But take any advice with a grain of salt" which reflects that you shouldn't 100% believe everything you see/hear.
165	* ''WesternAnimation/HarleyQuinn2019'': Overcoming DomesticAbuse and finding success as a woman in a male-dominated field, even if that field is being a supervillain.
166	* ''WesternAnimation/HazbinHotel'': Redemption. Is it possible for [[HeelFaceTurn truly bad people to change their ways]]? [[LastSecondChance Should they be given a chance in the first place]]? And at what point should you [[BeyondRedemption stop giving people another chance]]?
167	* ''WesternAnimation/HereComesPeterCottontail'': Undoing the wrongs you committed to carve a better future.
168	* ''WesternAnimation/HeyArnold'': RousseauWasRight. People in poor circumstances are definitely able to find happiness in their circumstance.
169	* ''{{WesternAnimation/Hilda}}'':
170	** Overall, the show is themed around growing up and rediscovering/maintaining the magic of childhood innocence.
171	** Friends can come from unlikely places.
172	** The struggles and importance of motherhood.
173	** Season 1 is about leaving a part of your childhood behind to adjust into adolescence, which is represented mainly through Hilda leaving her secluded home in the woods and adapting to living in Trollberg.
174	** Season 2 is about setting up proper boundaries between being independent and taking account of others' feelings, which is represented mainly through Hilda's conflicting relationship with her mother.
175	* ''WesternAnimation/IAmWeasel'': Friends can be polar opposites and an OddFriendship is OK, and those who ''seem'' evil are TheBooRadley sometimes.
176	* ''WesternAnimation/IHeartArlo'': Understanding people's needs and building a community where everyone can be accepted.
177	* ''WesternAnimation/InfinityTrain'':
178	** In gerneral, the cartoon and point of the train itself is about working through your problems.
179	** How GenerationalTrauma bleeds into the future and the actions have consequences.
180	** Each season tends to focus on one theme over others:
181	** According to Owen, each season has a central theme and if it were to be continued it would have gone as followed:
182	*** Book 1: Reality. Learning how to heal from the past trauma. Things won't always go your way and that's fine.
183	*** Book 2: Identity. Learning about yourself, what you identify as and how to maintain/respect it.
184	*** Book 3: Empathy. Learning to care about others, especially those different than you and that while anyone can change, they need to actively want to change to do so.
185	*** Book 4: Communication. Learning how to properly talk about what you want and need and trying to repair a broken bond.
186	*** Book 5: Grief.
187	*** Book 6: Guilt.
188	*** Book 7: Vengeance.
189	*** Book 8: Acceptance.
190	* ''WesternAnimation/InsideJob2021'': Learning to cooperate, understand and work well with others [[CrapsackWorld in a world where the manipulation and lies of others puts said ideals down]].
191	* ''WesternAnimation/InvaderZim'':
192	** Progress is never inevitable in ''any'' civilization (human or otherwise). Technology can hinder society's development as easily as it can advance it, since it often frees people from needing to ''think'' or ''pay attention'' to what's happening around them.
193	** The inherently flawed nature of ''all'' societies and cultures, and the people within them. The "enemy at the gates" is often every bit as clueless and ignorant as the civilization that he's trying to bring down, and rebellious nonconformists are often just as messed-up as the culture that they're at odds with.
194	* ''WesternAnimation/Invincible2021'':
195	** What does it mean and take to be a superhero?
196	** [[BeingGoodSucks Being a hero is far from easy or enjoyable]]; it requires surviving all kinds of very serious risks not only to one's life and safety, but also their overall mental/physical health and their personal relationships with others.
197	* ''WesternAnimation/JackieChanAdventures'': [[MagicMustDefeatMagic X must defeat X]]; [[TakesOneToKillOne fighting fire with fire]].
198	* ''WesternAnimation/JohnnyBravo'': Creeps never prosper.
199	* ''WesternAnimation/KidCosmic'': Being a hero isn't about being the strongest or defeating the most villains. It's about being compassionate and helping others in their time of need. Each season is also catered to an aspect of growing up to become a better person.
200	** Season 1: Reconstructing childhood idealism and self-centeredness to adapt with reality (Kid)
201	** Season 2: Learning how to be a good leader during your adolescence (Jo)
202	** Season 3: The importance of sacrifice and how to incorporate into adulthood (Papa G)
203	* ''WesternAnimation/KingOfTheHill'': The GoodOldWays will always have a place in a modern world, even if they have to adapt somewhat.
204	* ''WesternAnimation/KipoAndTheAgeOfWonderbeasts:'' The world is better than it may appear, so kindness and trust will take you further than prejudice and secrecy.
205	* ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfTarzan'': Balancing responsibilities.
206	* ''WesternAnimation/LittleEinsteins'': The value of art and music.
207	* ''WesternAnimation/TheLoudHouse'': The ups and downs of living in a large family.
208	[[/folder]]
209
210	[[folder:M-S]]
211	* ''WesternAnimation/TheMagicSchoolBus'': Learning about nature and the world is even more fun with your friends.
212	* ''WesternAnimation/TheMidnightGospel'': Talking about enlightenment is not the same thing as being enlightened.
213	* ''WesternAnimation/MiloMurphysLaw'': Maintaining a positive attitude when everything goes wrong, because things going wrong often opens new doors and makes thing more exciting.
214	* ''{{WesternAnimation/Mixels}}'':
215	** Creativity is an important aspect of life.
216	** Teamwork can help solve problems.
217	* ''WesternAnimation/MoralOrel'':
218	** Just because kids are prone to mistakes doesn't mean adults are any better.
219	** People will often misinterpret Literature/TheBible in order to serve themselves and exploit others, instead of staying true to [[ThePowerOfLove its teachings]], and that will make monster out of them.
220	** Doing the right thing, even if it means going against traditional values espoused by your community.
221	** Staying optimistic in a CrapsackWorld.
222	** The path to hell is always paved with good intentions.
223	* ''WesternAnimation/MyGymPartnersAMonkey'': Surviving the harsh and absurd environment that is middle school as an outsider.
224	* ''WesternAnimation/MyLifeAsATeenageRobot'': Balancing the responsibility of being a robot superheroine and the desires of being a teenage girl.
225	* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'':
226	** Overall: Friendship is a powerful force that can connect all of us, and lets us accomplish far more then we can achieve on our own.
227	** Season two: Maintaining friendship isn't easy.
228	** Season three: Everyone is special in their own way, and everyone has an important part to play.
229	** Season four: Maintaining a friendship after life begins to separate you, and growing into a position of responsibility.
230	** Season five: You may have trouble moving on from a past mishap or leaving a dilemma in your life behind, but having friends is key to breaking those chains.
231	** Season six: Becoming a better friend and atoning for your mistakes is something that anyone can do.
232	** Season seven: Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. You should value talking things out and listening over trying to force your opinions.
233	** Season eight: There's more to each and every individual than meets the eye.
234	** Season nine: Preparing for change and understanding that friends may drift apart one day.
235	* ''WesternAnimation/OKKOLetsBeHeroes'': Learning how to be the best version of yourself by accepting and reconstructing both good and bad character traits.
236	* ''WesternAnimation/OverTheGardenWall'': Things aren't always what they seem.
237	* ''WesternAnimation/TheOwlHouse'':
238	** Embracing and loving the weird and unconventional parts of yourself, and finding a community with other weird and unconventional people.
239	** Judgment, labels, and how other people perceive you.
240	** Guilt, responsibility, and how best to move on from the mistakes you've made in the past.
241	* ''WesternAnimation/PhineasAndFerb'':
242	** Make the most out of every day you've got.
243	** The importance and greatness of idealism and creativity.
244	* ''WesternAnimation/PinkyAndTheBrain'': The impracticality of supposed intelligence, the wisdom of supposed stupidity, the subjectivity of intelligence.
245	* ''WesternAnimation/ThePJs'': Making the most of what you have, [[PovertyForComedy however little it may be.]]
246	* ''WesternAnimation/Primal2019'':
247	** Surviving in a savage world.
248	** There are things that connect us all - things like survival, love, loss and grief - which can connect strangers, species... and enemies.
249	** No matter how civilized we appear, all of us can descend into savagery when backed into a corner.
250	** The world may be savage, but it is still beautiful, and that is worth preserving.
251	* ''[[Creator/RankinBassProductions Rankin Bass]]'' Christmas Specials
252	** ''[[WesternAnimation/RudolphTheRedNosedReindeer1964 Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer]]'': Being the odd one out, the ways people discriminate against you because of your oddities, and finding solace among those who are also nonconforming. The possibility that your unique traits will actually come in handy.
253	** ''WesternAnimation/TheLittleDrummerBoy'': However justified your spite toward everyone else is, you'll have to forego it at some point. Is it possible to bear gifts you can't give?
254	** ''WesternAnimation/FrostyTheSnowman'':
255	*** For the first half, adult disbelief in the face of magic contrasting with the children's genuine fascination with it.
256	*** The remainder of the special is about the contrasting requisites of Frosty and human beings regarding their survival, and how these needs present an obstacle in their friendship.
257	*** For Professor Hinkle, chasing things that were once yours but now belong to someone else will bring out the worst in you.
258	** ''WesternAnimation/SantaClausIsCominToTown'':
259	*** [[ScrewTheRulesImDoingWhatsRight Doing the morally superior thing, even when the law treats you harshly for your fairness]], and how the good-willed can persist when the odds are stacked against them.
260	*** How do childhood relics bring out our most wholesome selves?
261	** ''WesternAnimation/TheYearWithoutASantaClaus'': Effecting change amongst others to return everything to normal, even if you have to go the extra mile for that to happen.
262	** ''WesternAnimation/RudolphsShinyNewYear'': Laughter; is it always the mocking kind? A missing person who keeps running away from everyone only makes it harder to bring them home.
263	** ''WesternAnimation/NestorTheLongEaredChristmasDonkey'': The one who finds their way to greatness is also the one who [[EarnYourHappyEnding started off experiencing grave tragedy]].
264	** ''WesternAnimation/RudolphAndFrostysChristmasInJuly'':
265	*** Lying, trusting strangers, and betraying your wisdom to save your skin will not benefit you in the long run. If you're willing to undo your errors and mend the cracks in your friendships, you can return to being your best self.
266	*** For the villains, resorting to duplicity to earn something, whether or not they've gotten their hands on it before.
267	* ''WesternAnimation/ReadyJetGo'':
268	** No matter what happens, keep a positive attitude and persevere through obstacles, no matter how impossible they may seem.
269	** Another overarching theme of the show is that Earth is a beautiful planet that is worth protecting.
270	** Nobody's perfect and it's okay to make mistakes. The show emphasizes that making mistakes is part of the learning process, while also emphasizing each character's flaws by having them act unkind, arrogant, overconfident, jealous, selfish, etc and having them make rash decisions at times. They all go through character development to become better friends and people overall. Sean particularly gets hit hard with this theme. He sets very high standards for himself and is distressed when things don't go exactly as he planned, but he learns that it's okay to try and fail.
271	** Imagination. While science facts are important, it's also beneficial to let your imagination roam wild and create new ideas. Sydney helps to promote this theme, being the MsImagination. Imagination and creativity help the kids a lot, and represent innocence in that Sean wants to grow up already and become a professional astronaut, but he realizes he should enjoy his childhood while he can. Mitchell, who repeatedly fails to expose Jet's alien identity, constantly [[CassandraTruth gets told]] that he has a "great imagination", which he denies. While true to [[AgentScully some extent]], Mitchell ''does'' have an imagination but his low self-esteem causes him to push it away. In "Moon Face", he sees a face on the moon and realizes he does have an imagination after all.
272	* ''{{WesternAnimation/Recess}}'': Authority, and fighting it when those with authority abuse their power, [[ThePowerOfFriendship especially with the help of your friends]].
273	* ''WesternAnimation/RegularShow'':
274	** What aspects of life should and [[MundaneMadeAwesome should not]] [[SeriousBusiness be taken seriously]].
275	** The importance of maintaining good relationships with your friends, lovers, and family, and resolving all your petty conflicts with them.
276	** Goofing around and slacking off to avoid taking responsibility for your job or duties often only makes things harder for you, rather than just doing whatever needs to be done in the first place.
277	* ''WesternAnimation/RickAndMorty'': Embracing the inherent chaos, unpredictability, and cosmic meaninglessness of the universe and finding something to keep yourself tethered to the mortal plane rather than succumbing to nihilism.
278	** The mental conflict between intelligence and human connection.
279	** Sometimes, ignorance really is bliss. Rick's intelligence and need to be seen as smarter than everyone else with no need for other people only keeps him miserable at the end of the day, while Morty, Summer, Beth, and Jerry, at least post-CharacterDevelopment, are able to find some degree of happiness as a family because they're able to trust what makes them happy and don't try to force the world to bend to their fleeting whims.
280	* ''WesternAnimation/RiseOfTheTeenageMutantNinjaTurtles'': [[ThePowerOfFamily Family in all its forms, and the importance of familial love]].
281	* ''WesternAnimation/RobotChicken'': The absurd humor between pop culture icons and the nostalgia we place on them through [[PlayingWithATrope playing with their respective tropes]].
282	* ''WesternAnimation/RockosModernLife'': The struggles of modern life of the 90's.
283	* ''WesternAnimation/RudolphTheRedNosedReindeerAndTheIslandOfMisfitToys'': If we think of ourselves as broken, is "fixing" the things that make us who we are really the best choice?
284	* ''{{WesternAnimation/Rugrats}}'' The carefree and wildly imaginative life of baby/toddlerhood, and the importance of friendship.
285	* ''WesternAnimation/SamuraiJack'':
286	** The lengths that [[TheHero one man]] will go to try and fight for peace and justice, [[{{Determinator}} no matter how many obstacles are in his way]].
287	** Trying to maintain hope and perseverance against a [[StatusQuoIsGod seemingly endless series]] of [[TraumaCongaLine failures and tragedies]].
288	* ''Franchise/ScoobyDoo'':
289	** ''WesternAnimation/ScoobyDooWhereAreYou'': No matter how supernatural it may seem, there's always a scientific and logical explanation for everything.
290	** ''WesternAnimation/ScoobyDooMysteryIncorporated'': Living in the shadow of the past, and how ThePowerOfFriendship can help us move forward and undo the mistakes of those who came before us.
291	* ''WesternAnimation/SheRaAndThePrincessesOfPower'':
292	** Love, friendship, acceptance, and a place to belong are vital to a happy life.
293	** Past traumas can hinder you, if you let them.
294	** No matter how many hardships you have endured, you are still responsible for your own choices.
295	** Trying to win the love and acceptance of one's abusers is a futile effort, and will only lead to more heartache.
296	** Sometimes it is necessary to defy the expectations of family, leaders, etc. in order to do what's right.
297	* ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'':
298	** Family will always stand by you and accept you for who you are; no matter how different you are, how much you fight, or how crazy you drive each other.
299	** For Springfield in general: Everyone in the world is unique and seems a little weird or crazy to everyone else. You won't make them change. Get used to it.
300	*** Everyone is the [[HeroOfAnotherStory hero of their own story]] no matter how simple and one-note they come off as.
301	** For Springfield Elementary School: The education system is flawed and so are the people in it.
302	** The Springfield Nuclear Power Plant and its effects on the town are one big GreenAesop.
303	** For the ''WesternAnimation/TreehouseOfHorror'' episodes: [[TooDumbToLive Ignorance can cause your own demise]].
304	* ''WesternAnimation/SolarOpposites'': Making the best of a new life in an unfamiliar society and coming to terms with its imperfections (a theme present in both the plots with the Schlorpians and the plots with the citizens of the Wall).
305	* ''WesternAnimation/SouthPark'':
306	** Learning how to live in a [[CrapsackWorld morally bankrupt world]].
307	** Don't take everything too seriously.
308	** Don't be ''[[AntiRoleModel that]]'' [[AntiRoleModel guy]].
309	** KidsAreCruel, TeensAreMonsters, and AdultsAreUseless. More generally, HumansAreBastards and [[HumansAreMorons Morons]].
310	** Every fad, cultural trend, political movement, religion, philosophy or popular celebrity, film, TV show, video game, et cetera, is ridiculous in some way. Don't arrogantly assume the one you follow is flawless and others are stupid for not following it.
311	** Taking personal responsibility for your actions.
312	** Season 19: just because something looks nicer doesn't mean it's better, tolerance is good but it is wrong to bully others into it, and people who go overboard with political correctness and those who go out of their way to reject it are superficially different but fundamentally the same.
313	** Season 20: Obsessing over the good things in the past will lead you to forget the bad.
314	** Season 21: [[NeverMyFault Blaming everything that goes wrong in your life on something or someone else]] is not a way to grow as a person.
315	** Season 22: [[ConditionedToAcceptHorror Living in a crapsack world can eventually make you indifferent to everything]].
316	** Season 23:
317	*** How do we keep our integrity in the modern world? Is it even possible?
318	*** What to do when your freedoms interfere with someone else's?
319	* ''WesternAnimation/TheSpectacularSpiderMan'':
320	** Just like the comics, WithGreatPowerComesGreatResponsibility; what it means to have power and to use it in a socially and morally responsible way. This theme can be said to apply, to varying degrees, to almost any {{superhero}} story in some shape or form.
321	** Along with, Everybody makes mistakes. it's important to acknowledge when you did wrong and learn from it.
322	** With Spider-Man, it's being a hero even when [[DudeWheresMyReward there is no reward for being one,]] [[HeroismWontPayTheBills it won't get bills paid,]] [[TheMasqueradeWillKillYourDatingLife it won't help your love life]] and [[DudeWheresMyRespect it won't get you fame and respect]], but it's still the right thing to do.
323	* ''WesternAnimation/SpongeBobSquarePants'': It's worthwhile to have a positive attitude and BeYourself, even if the world may look down on you for it.
324	* ''WesternAnimation/StarTrekLowerDecks'': Acknowledging the contributions of seemingly-unimportant people.
325	* ''WesternAnimation/StarVsTheForcesOfEvil'': Love makes your life better, while hatred and bigotry do the most damage to oneself.
326	* ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsRebels'':
327	** Fight for the right thing even if it's you against the Galaxy, because the truth is, [[YouAreNotAlone you're not alone in your struggle, and your allies be there to back you up]].
328	** If you find that you are hurting, reconcile with your past so that you and the people around you can have a brighter future.
329	** It's never too late to start changing yourself for the better.
330	* ''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse'': [[ThePowerOfLove Love]], and its infinite amount of forms, including [[ThePowerOfFriendship platonic and familial]]. Every mini-theme traces back to this:
331	** Accepting or embracing imperfection, and/or finding beauty in the ugly. Rebecca describes the show as "reverse-escapism," as magical beings are fascinated with the mundane. Steven is the epitome of the magic-and-reality theme, as he is half-human (normal) and half Crystal Gem (magic). In early episodes before GrowingTheBeard, characters mix magic with reality to solve a magic problem in a mundane way, sticking to the theme that nothing should be overlooked.
332	** Putting in all your effort in everything you do for others, and not giving up on them.
333	** The importance of communication and consent in your relationships.
334	** Every major character has ''some'' deep-seated fear that they are not everything they could and/or should be. (E.g. [[TagAlongKid Steven]] is afraid he'll [[IJustWantToBeSpecial never fill the hole Rose Quartz left]], [[TeamMom Pearl]] feels [[DesperatelyLookingForAPurposeInLife lost without Rose]] [[spoiler: partly due to her [[ServantRace former life as a slave and liberation given to her by Rose]]]], [[CoolBigSis Amethyst]] ''does'' [[WellDoneSonGuy take Pearl and Garnet's criticism to heart more than she shows]] [[spoiler: and [[IAmAMonster must rid herself of the hatred she has for herself for being created at Earth's expense]]]], [[TheStoic Garnet]] is under ''constant'' stress to [[TheLeader carry the team]] [[spoiler: and [[{{Seers}} her Sapphire half can see each and every future where her leadership fails]]]], [[BumblingDad Greg]] and [[MuggleBestFriend Connie]] [[TheTeamNormal struggle to keep up]], Peridot believes her worth is only defined by how useful she is, Lapis has a hard time fighting for her friends in fear of becoming a prisoner again). Of course, the show goes to great lengths to portray how [[SelfFulfillingProphecy this insecurity is toxic]] and [[BeYourself how each character needs to love themself for who they are and not who they think they should be]]. It's also a [[SubvertedTrope subversion]] to the usual dichotomy of having either [[CantArgueWithElves smugly perfect aliens]] or [[HumansAreSpecial scrappy indomitable humans]] since members of both races share insecurities about their worth and capability.
335	** Dealing with the loss of a loved one, as the inner-turmoil The Crystal Gems ''and'' [[BigBad The Diamonds]] have as a result of losing Rose Quartz/Pink Diamond respectively is a major driving force behind many of their actions.
336	** Those you idealize are still flawed people and treating them as if they are perfect, and them trying to live up to that image will cause [[BrokenPedestal a lot of heartache when they fail to measure up to the flawless being you thought they were]].
337	** Although it isn't always easy and isn't guaranteed to work, trying to offer a hand in friendship, even to your enemies, is worth trying.
338	* ''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverseFuture'':
339	** The importance of mental health, and finding healthy ways to process trauma.
340	** It's okay to have negative emotions. It doesn't make you a bad person, and it's something you have to deal with, instead of bottling it up and letting it fester into something worse.
341	** It's good to help others, but your own well being is important too.
342	[[/folder]]
343
344	[[folder:T-Z]]
345	* ''Franchise/TalesOfArcadia'': [[ThePowerOfLove Love]], [[ThePowerOfFriendship friendship]], and [[ThePowerOfFamily family]] can help one defeat the forces of evil.
346	* ''WesternAnimation/TearAlongTheDottedLine'':
347	** Egocentrism.
348	** Life not being what anybody expected or planned and what to do with it.
349	* ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans2003'': The central theme of the whole show is ThePowerOfFriendship. Several of the season arcs are centered around the theme that you may be not so different from a villain, be it by blood, abilities, or personality, but you can always choose to be a better person. The Terra arc also has the central theme of taking responsibility for one's actions, and the Raven arc says yes, you ''can'' ScrewDestiny.
350	* ''WesternAnimation/ThunderCats2011'': RightMakesMight. Being a proud badass doesn't make you a good leader. Seeing the big picture, having clarity, doing what's right, and showing kindness, selflessness and mercy towards all does make a good leader, and is the best way to combat the evil in the world that would exploit people's hatred and selfishness.
351	* ''WesternAnimation/TomAndJerry'': The trials and tribulations between predator and prey.
352	* ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}'': How constructive and deconstructive it is to live by your principles. Every Autobot and Decepticon have personal mottos that they define themselves by, as well as the principles of the two main factions of the cybertronian war - the Autobots stand for freedom and autonomy, while the Decepticons promote tyranny and deception - and all involved must accept the consequences of their ideologies, whether glorious or tragic.
353	* ''WesternAnimation/TucaAndBertie'': The struggles women face, while also accepting that women aren't perfect.
354	** There is no right or wrong way to be an adult.
355	* ''WesternAnimation/TwelveForever'': The pressures of growing up and escapism.
356	* ''WesternAnimation/UncleGrandpa'': Always embrace weirdness, imagination, and idealism.
357	* ''WesternAnimation/{{Undone}}'': Being mentally ill doesn't mean being stupid. What some consider mental illness might actually be just a new way of looking at the world.
358	* ''WesternAnimation/TheVentureBros'': ''Failure'' and ''Identity''. The series is about failure, and failed expectations in particular. The setting is a failed UsedFuture take on the Space Age ideals, Rusty Venture and Billy Quizboy are failed child geniuses, and almost every episode is about how some experiment crashed and burned. More on the show's page.
359	* ''WesternAnimation/VoltronLegendaryDefender'': FamilyOfChoice
360	* ''{{WesternAnimation/Wakfu}}'': If you have the power to help somebody in need, then you should, that's what makes a hero.
361	* ''WesternAnimation/WanderOverYonder'':
362	** Never give up on hope because there is always a silver lining in even the darkest of moments.
363	** ThePowerOfLove is stronger than ThePowerOfHate.
364	** TheWorldIsJustAwesome and you should appreciate it.
365	* ''WesternAnimation/WeBareBears'': The need to fit in and belong in modern society, no matter how awkwardly we try.
366	* ''WesternAnimation/WhatIf2021'': The smallest of actions and changes can lead towards large-scaled, unexpected consequences. Yet even so, some things may never change.
367	* ''WesternAnimation/WildKratts'': All creatures are amazing and should be living free and in the wild.
368	* ''WesternAnimation/YogiBear'': The call of the wild vs. the laws of man.
369	* ''WesternAnimation/YoungJustice2010''
370	** What does it mean to be a hero?
371	** The next generation taking over where their predecessors left off.
372	** How far can a hero go to save the world, without destroying who they are in the process?
373	[[/folder]]

Context CentralTheme / WesternAnimation