It has been a few months since EPF agents saved the island from Herbert's devious blackout plot. But scars go back even further than that.
Herbert first wrecked havoc on the island during PSA Mission Three when he made us penguins scratch our heads during an attempted heist on the Clothes Shop (then known as the Gift Shop). In the next missions he endangers penguins lives, tries to chop up our Ski Lodge, and breaks Gary's clock. He then proceeds to cause earthquakes, attempts to steal a puffle and blows up the PSA HQ and Sports Shop, leading to the demise of the original secret agency and (on the bright side) giving us a popcorn buffet.
After that he gets a video game named after himself - Club Penguin Elite Penguin Force: Herbert's Revenge (for the Nintendo DS) - but is still not happy. He attempts to warm up the island but ends up flooding it - and saving it in a rather interesting plot twist. In the next two years we send him into hibernation (followed by an unfortunate escape), try to get some idea of his whereabouts through Field Ops, and finally thwart his plans during Operation Blackout. His website (www.clubherbert.com) indicates that he'll be back - but when is the question.
So now that I've reviewed Herbert's devious plots what is that redemption part about? Well, let me start by saying I don't believe Herbert is a bad guy at heart. In fact I feel a bit sorry for him. He's a man who left his homeland to find a happier life and had the misfortune of landing on an island even colder than his previous dwelling. He just wants to be warm and isolated. In my opinion, the EPF should put him in a sound proof room with a bunch of blankets and a space heater. They obviously have enough money for it (they are in the process of rebuilding their facility for a second time and pay us 350 coins per month even though there is no work for us to do). That would be a rather simple resolution.
You also have to feel sorry for him in another department - friendship. Based on the fact Klutzy is the only creature featured in pictures at his place of residency, it can be assumed that Klutzy is the only friend he has ever had which you have to be sympathetic for. This may not be true, but until Club Penguin tells us otherwise, it's what I believe.
But what are some good qualities about him? Well, he is rather skilled. You don't just build a gigantic drill without some expertise. He is also resourceful. If you look at his inventions you can tell that he creates them with anything he can find (which brings up a point - where does he find that stuff)? He is almost good enough to be in the PSA if you base his eligibility on the phrase - "Be Resourceful, Be Responsible, Be Ready". As mentioned before, he is very resourceful. He is also ready most of the time - he is pretty well prepared when agents come a knock in'. He just needs to work on the responsible thing.
He also obviously cares about others even if it is very deep down. As mentioned earlier in this piece, the most apparent example is his care for Klutzy. During the many instances we see his hideouts we always see pictures of Klutzy speckled throughout the interior. He even made pushpins of Klutzy for his desk. This is obviously done for laughs but is worth bringing up. Additionally, Herbert provides food and shelter for Klutzy so there has to be some care between them.
Another example would be towards the end of PSA Mission 8 (The Mysterious Tremors) when the boiler in the room of the same name is about to blow up. He tells you (the agent) that you should flee the premises before things get messy. While the quote is presumably still said in a hostile tone it proves that he doesn't want you to get hurt (or worse ) even though he doesn't particularly care for you (why did he add me to his friends list anyway)? ;)
Finally, Herbert became a hero during the aforementioned Nintendo DS game. He sacrificed his own statue to plug a hole and therefore stop the flood. This statue can be seen in the online game next to The Mine. This is rather significant because he had a hot air balloon at his disposal - he could have left the island, sealing the island's fate. While he says he'll never do again, I think if his villainous days ever end he could be a hero.
So there you have it - what I think redeems Herbert. Feel free to leave a comment below with what you think and thank you for reading.
- Chillin43
No comments:
Post a Comment