Overanalyzing Princess Kenny

Okay, so I know I just released my definitive “Evolution of Kenny” video a few weeks ago, and I’m still really proud of how it turned out! But I also sort of brushed over the Black Friday trilogy and all of the Princess Kenny storyline, chalking it up to escapism. And while I do think that’s still right, I actually got a great comment from YouTube user “seachantie” with their take on the escapism of Princess Kenny, and I loved it so much it made me want to revisit the entire Black Friday trilogy AND Stick of Truth with these ideas in mind, and do a little supplementary Princess Kenny analysis to go alongside my bigger Kenny video. So, that’s what this is! Join me as we explore the Escapism of Princess Kenny.

Edited by @NicoAnimation

Music:
Johnny 2 Cellos Theme Music - Norman Marston
@lofigeek

Video Used:
South Park (1996-2023)
South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut (1999)

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted.

[deptusmechanikus]

I love how all of his friends don't make fun of it or even question Kenny wearing a dress and playing female role.
_"Don't ask why Kenny wanted to be a chick, it's just how he seems to be rolling right now"_ - the living paragon of hate and intolerance Eric Theodore Cartman

[KittyKat-dius]

Finally some princess Kenny appreciation

[spencerreid]

I absolutely love how when the kids play their fantasy games Kenny chooses to be the princess and isn't at all embarrassed about it nor is he made fun of by the other kids plus Kenny is a completely straight kid who just enjoys playing the role of the princess I just find that very positive and adorable.

[crumblyairship]

i'm glad Matt and Trey acknowledged how cute Kenny is and made that his superpower in Princess form

[frankunodostres]

8:54 seeing wizard cartman being depicted as a wise anime gandalf while kenny reads his letter is one of my favourite moments of the trilogy.
always makes me laugh

[meghanburgess]

I love the fact that his "power" as princess Kenny is just being so cute people do whatever he wants. Best super power ever.

[bemasaberwyn]

1 thing I ALWAYS loved about Kenny being made an anime princess, is that she's given the broach of Sailor Moon( aka one of Anime's most powerful magical girl princesses. Also Kenny having the power of cute makes the charm ability in Stick Of Truth SO MUCH more hilarious.

[Jen]

I love the idea of Kenny getting the chance to relax and have fun through the character of Princess Kenny. 🙂

[ArnLPs]

I think it does make a lot of sense. After all they are just playing a game, maybe the others take it more seriously, but to Kenny who has died in real life multiple times before, non of this actually matters. So it makes sense that this would be the perfect setting in which he could play out a counter persona. The difference to Mysterion is, that Kenny never sees himself as only playing a superhero, he knows he actually has abilities and it's still part of reality to him. But Princess Kenny is nothing more than a roleplay game. Idk if that fits into Stick of Truth tho, I don't remember much about how that betray went down.

[VintageToilet]

I’m hollering I was about to make a peanut butter sandwich and was like “😟 why I’m getting a notification?”

Only to see you went through with the analysis! 😭 Thanks for crediting me and I love how you expanded on this, this exactly what I was thinking!

[toastypeter]

A Princess Kenny video essay at 3AM. Exactly what I need.

[RandyButternubbs]

its interesting that cartmen gave princess kenny a yellow rose when they were walking through the garden. Cuz in flower code its meant to signify warmth and friendship but it can also mean greed and jealousy.

[kiwikiwi]

Also, princess Kenny can't die. But people still recognize her near death moments.

[Crab-people-overlord]

We stan Kenny’s non toxic masculinity. Hes probably the only one in South Park who can dress like a princess and not be ridiculed for it. Also, one thing that kills me about Kenny is I really think he just wants a close friend to know about his deaths but as evidenced in the Mysterion trilogy, he is the only one aware of it. That’s got to be so isolating, especially since we learn that his deaths do hurt him and that he remembers them all. He doesn’t care that anyone knows of his sacrifices; he just wants a close friend who knows the real him and I really hope we can get future episodes exploring that idea. And while I absolutely love Cartman and Kyles classic rivalry, I think that Kenny getting upset with Cartman episodes are so underrated and I’d love to see more of that as well. The NASCAR episode gets me every time, and Mysterions more patient yet brutal undermining of Cartman is hilarious and a hilarious contrast to Kyle’s emotional outbursts with Cartman.
Anyways, sorry for the long comment. I just love Kenny so much and love the dialogue you give for his character.

[zacherytaylor]

You know, I saw this upload and thought “Ugh more Kenny?” But honestly, I think this is the best one. It touches on a side of the character that is constantly overlooked

[a_ninja]

Wow you actually changed my outlook on the ending of the stick of truth. Never thought too deeply about princess kenny and there’s much more to her than I thought

[Flower_Mom]

So Princess Kenny is kinda to Kenny what Professor Chaos is to Butters?

[bluefirekid]

In a way, you can argue both personas eventually led out to how Kenny turned out in the future. Him being a rich scientist, he has the publicity, influence and is now able to live life how he wants. But, never forgot his selfless and doting roots; being a philanthropist.

[MightyMewtron]

I made an analysis a while ago about how Mysterion is sort of like Kenny's superego and Princess Kenny is his self-indulgent id. They are so opposite personas it really is fascinating.

[PK-Radio]

Man Kenny has a dark brooding superhero alter ego and a cheery princess alter ego

Guess being game ended every episode takes it’s toll