That One Static Shock Christmas Episode About Homelessness

No, not a good time. Never a good time.

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[ShadyDoorags]

The Bootstraps comment is causing some confusion, so let me clarify because, admittedly, I didn't use the best diction. What I was trying to say in that section is that charity should be given to those who are willing to do what it takes to improve their situation. A person with a bootstraps mentality is that type of person. In fact, I think people who don't demand/expect help are the ones who deserve charity the most. Hope that clarifies things.

[Jedda]

Shout out to Richie's dad for sitting with Vergil's family during the service and looking HAPPY. Dude really learned his lesson and grew as a person and didn't relapse. Little details like that are very good.

[blackfox]

I love how the show isn't afraid to have Virgil admit that he's guilty of something. Brushing off homeless people is sadly one of those things that everyone is guilty of regardless of how good natured they are. This is because, for the most part, we physically aren't responsible for their issues, and facing them when we have nothing we're willing to give is an incredibly uncomfortable situation. I like how the show doesn't blame Static for his treatment of her, rather Static takes it as a sign to just be better.

[kittenpounce]

My mom was a homeless child. One night, it was so cold that her friend had to keep slapping her awake otherwise she would fall asleep and freeze to death. Situations like this actually happen to people and they happen everyday. My mom is safe and happy now :)

[kaimagnus]

I like the implication when she said "The Voices in The Dark Call me Permafrost" that Marine could have encountered Ebon at some point OR could be having a mental health crisis. And that either, or both, are completely valid possibilities.

[TheRetroReplay]

I think the reason why Permafrost wasn't known until now is because her powers only manifest in winter or when she's cold. Like when she's at the church talked to the reverend she's warm so her powers aren't active, but when she's outside they are because she's cold.

The episode also shows that Static's greatest power is his empathy

[fictiontheorizer]

Less because she's homeless and more because she's not a cackling maniac.

Static was looking for a stereotype, not a economic bracket.

[snowstorm]

No comment on how Richie's dad is at a church, sitting next to the black family, with a black pastor?

That's character development!

or inconsistency depending on when this show happens.

[radicalpasta]

Static has the power of electromagnetic manipulation. He can do everything from shoot electric blasts to magnetically fly to control electronics. Personally, I like how inventive he is with his powers. He can do so many things with them because he is a smart guy who knows a fair amount about science. Logically other characters with similar electromagnetic powers should be able to do some of the many things he can do bit they don't because they don't even consider using their powers that way. His power use adds to his character.

[alexandriacollins]

Technically, Static's powers are not 'electricity', per-say, but 'Electromagnetism', and 'Microwaves' are on the Electromagnetic Spectrum; ergo, yes, Static *can* melt ice with his powers (and cook meat his sister, Sharon, undercooks).

[PsiPrimeProductions]

Couple things:
1) The reverend is played by Michael Dorn, Worf from Star Trek. Fun fact, and it's impossible to miss his voice.
2) Interfaith services are a thing. 'Interfaith' usually means 'Anyone of any denomination of Christianity can attend, ' but I've seen other ones that just focus on like, togetherness and spiritual well-being. They aren't terribly popular because most people like going to their own churches/temples/mosques, but I've seen a few advertised.

[mattsandgren]

One of the things I love about Static Shock is episodes like this where the “villains” aren’t actually villains. They’re someone with powers who either can’t control them or is being manipulated by someone else to use their powers for evil.

[ivanbluecool]

Wish we could have seen her more. Like helping out in crime fighting or getting a family and structure. It was a great episode

[battlesheep]

Virgil is a literal superhero, i think he's entitled to be a little selfish during the holidays considering he's doing way more than his fair share of community service the rest of the year.

[bdhhsgbyddhggg]

You know I’m beginning to think maybe I should watch Static Shock

[Degamer]

There’s just something about someone crying and then desperately hugging a superhero that always just gets to me.

[girl]

The homeless people don't fear Primafrost/Marueen and are actually somewhat protective, showing that they are more than just in the same boat. They likely were more nice to her then those who are in better positions then them. They are well aware of her powers and Bang Baby status, but she's still allowed a space in the depo. I like to think the homeless mother that showed Static her space wants better for Primafrost since she has two kids, who are clearly younger than Primafrost. As much as Primafrost hates "happy families" she clearly doesn't want to cause more suffering to those who already suffering, like herself. And yet despite that, it doesn't make her feel any better.
Really shows how homelessness and lack of human kindness can harm you mentally especially as a young kid.

[stephysteph]

It shows how timely this episode is that I thought Permafrost/Marine in the jewelry store was the beginning of a heist. But she's just admiring a figurine that reminds her of a good moment from her childhood.

I think the pastor asking Marine whether she's ready to be helped could also be interpreted as eliciting her consent before sending her away with the lady. I guess that also implies that Marine's rehabilitation will need to be a mutual effort she participates in, but that's part of consent--that this is something she's doing with the help of others, not something she's being forced into.

[rhymenoceros]

Btw it’s implied that the “Voices in the Dark” are voices Marie hears in her head. Schizophrenia and hallucinating voices is sadly very common amongst homeless people often due to poor nutrition, stress and preexisting traumas that go untreated. It’s part of why you see Marie and many homeless people talk and mumble to themselves, it’s a way of trying to cope with the voices.

[nickjoffe]

One thing I think is underappreciated about this episode is its portrayal of religion being a force of good for communities. I'm raised christian and it warms my heart to see this show portray how many churches provide charity for homeless folk. And the ending speech is a great message that I believe we need now more than ever: No matter what we believe in, we should show compassion and love to others.