When Recess was originally released, it had all the right elements for an amazing kids’
show – a fun plot, great characters and stories that any child could relate to.
Heck, it even had very telling satirical representation of government, leadership, and social expression.
Because of the show’s subliminal-yet-highly-critical-content, it comes as no surprise that several dark
and downright bizarre theories have surfaced, offering some interesting points of view on
what we may have missed.
Just make sure Randall doesn’t find out…
I’m Kylewith WickedBinge.
And these are Dark Theories about Recess That Change Everything.
The Students & Teachers Are Part Of A Social Experiment
Because Recess is a show that features some pretty dense content, one can’t help but
wonder just how a group of kids could possibly display such advanced analytical thinking
and have such critical views regarding political leadership, tribalism and governance.
Because of their youthfulness and inexperience in life, even in the realm of fictitious cartoons
where conventional rules are bent and the impossible becomes possible, it seems highly
improbable that the central characters developed such a strong understanding of politics and
administration on their own.
It is upon this very line of thinking that the following theory was born, one which,
if true, potentially jeopardizes the perception that most people have of the show – that
the kids are so politically ‘woke’, so to speak, because they’re all part of a
major, undercover social experiment approved by the State.
Initially shared by a user on reddit, the kids’ forward-thinking and rather-mature
outlooks on life are all the by-product of a drug which is administered to them, one
which forces them to think beyond their years, specifically, on systems of governance.
Hypothetically speaking, there are two possible scenarios which give this theory credence
– firstly, the drug could be taken only once, henceforth psychologically trapping
them in this social experiment, or secondly (and most likely) it is mixed with the food
they eat at the school cafeteria, being slipped in by the Lunchlady Irma.
This would make sense – the timeline of all the show’s episodes center around recess,
the period where the kids get to relax, play, and most importantly, eat.
By inadvertently consuming the drug daily, the kids’ minds become hardwired to the
virtual reality in which they exist, so much so that the world that they’re simulating
is really a reality to them and not the other way around.
This drug grants the children advanced thought, something which causes them to view even the
most simplistic and childish things (no pun intended) with a highly imaginative and critical
eye.
To us, as viewers, the setting of the show’s plot is nothing but a mere playground.
However, to them, they see the playground as more than that – they attach societal
values and norms to it, transforming it into a makeshift society in which not only do they
have a ruler, but they also negotiate concepts such as political justice (or lack thereof),
social order, and the right to individual freedom and expression.
Based on the events which happen in this simulation, the results are subsequently sent to the State
who then analyzes it.
Their findings are then used to help them determine governmental policies that should
be implemented in the real world.
What’s more, they also confirm either the success or failure of trial or theoretical
forms of governance, thereby saving time, energy, and resources in the real world when
it comes to the decision-making process.
While this theory is extremely interesting, one can’t help but sense that the hidden
and secretive nature of the entire operation does mirror very much some of the top-secret
missions done by organizations such as the FBI and CIA.
It also does relegate the kids seen in the show to mere pawns used for the governments’
own devices, stripping them of their individuality and dehumanizing them in the process.
The Real Reason Why T.J And Menlo Stopped Being Friends
Among the mysterious occurrences in the show stands T.J and Menlo’s friendship, one which
saddens many just as much as it leaves other’s baffled.
You see, although T.J claims that he doesn’t want to see the friendship with his former
best friend completely disappear, it doesn’t seem as if he’s making a true effort to
do anything more than just that.
This, obviously, leads us to the million-dollar question – what really happened between
T.J and Menlo?
According to one theory, it may have a lot to do with when Menlo was selected as “Principal
for a Day.”
While there have been claims that Menlo was an extremely mischievous troublemaker, very
much like T.J, following his temporary promotion to principal, he became very well organized
and started to respect law and order.
As you can imagine, this must have put quite a strain on his relationship with T.J, the
latter of who is clearly seen as an emblem for social expression, rule-breaking, and
everything in-between.
Considering that their two personalities now began to clash, it eventually drove them and
their friendship apart.
Despite their differences, T.J, either out of respect for Menlo or just sheer guilt that
he allowed their friendship to go sour, tries to maintain friendly relations with him.
While friends will come and go in life, to know that both characters lost their best
friend over something so trivial is truly a hard blow.
Elementary school is a period where having a strong support system is extremely important
– both characters lost that and probably had a rough time emotionally because of it.
T.J Will Eventually Become “King”, Although At A Heavy Cost
Although cartoon shows do feature some really mind-boggling twists that make you go “really?”
we’re pretty sure of one thing in this show – when T.J gets to sixth grade, his pranking-habits
and troublemaking escapades will most likely make him King.
In as much as the title might very well befit T.J, it may not be a bed of roses for the
future king.
As king, it’s quite likely that T.J may begin to suffer from severe bouts of depression
from being constantly alone.
T.J., despite his radical viewpoints and general disposition is nothing but a regular kid at
heart.
What brings him joy and happiness is being on the playground and spending time with his
friends, something that the title of “King” would strip away from him.
Therefore, we can imagine the following situation – unhappy and miserable with his new title,
T.J will relinquish the title of king, something which shall not auger well among his friends.
To his friends, he is the ideal candidate for the position, second-to-none.
For that reason, they will convince him to remain as King, bribing him into believing
that they shall all bear the weight of the terrible responsibility of “King” through
the formation of their own government.
Still, this is nothing but an illusion.
Irrespective of whether they all try to share the burden with T.J, only one person can be
king.
His friends might not be able to carry the weight that T.J will have to carry as leader,
something that might very well end up leading to his own demise.
This is a sad outlook on the future of the gang as it suggests that their friendship
and bond don’t manage to conquer the adversities of life.
What’s more, it could also destabilize the very fabric of their relationship and lead
to a very nasty breakdown within the group.
Talk about friends forever.
The Kids Are All Dead
If you thought that the previous theory was a bit dark, we’re about to take you on a
train ride straight to the grave!
Now, at some point or another in our lives, we’ve all heard mysterious, scary stories
about ghost sightings and hauntings, so much so that they’ve become a major part of popular
culture and also the driving force behind many popular series today.
While the novelty of alleged supernatural phenomena might already be long-gone, it might
not be as strange as it may sound to explore the possibility that Recess was one of the
first popular shows which brought such a concept to the forefront of daytime television: namely,
if you consider that the characters seen are all dead.
Bearing in mind, this theory goes into some strange territory.
Mainly suggesting that the show is anchored on the backdrop of the national events, political
tensions and travesties associated with the Cold War.
If that were the case, it’s not hard to believe that these kids suffered some form
of tragedy in their lives, even if it does mean that their very lives were taken in the
ongoing conflict.
Although these kids are dead, their spirits are attached to the playground, causing them
to transgress their once-physical state and attain true immortality, although they end
up being trapped there in the process.
Because they died as kids, they assume the looks and general features that they had when
they were alive.
However, the development and maturity of their thoughts is a true indication of the wealth
of experience they have as ghosts for having seen the troubles of the world for years.
The ghosts remain on the playground and interact with the other kids in an effort to teach
them about the importance of democracy and freedom of expression.
For the ghosts who have seen the trials of man throughout the years, they opt to share
with the kids there what they believe to be the way to achieving world peace and better
living.
After all, children are the future generation and leaders of the world – what better group
to start with?
In as much as this theory does add credulity to the significance of the show’s overriding
statements on governance and policy, knowing that the main characters are all dead isn’t
an easy pill to swallow.
What’s more, the fact that they are trapped in the human realm because of the horrible
acts of war committed by man does tug at your heart-string, albeit just for a moment.
But what do you think?
Do any of these theories hold up?
And do you have any dark Recess theories of your own?
Let us know in the comment section below.
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But most importantly, stay wicked.