In defense of Mick, a Teen Wolf analysis.
Mick, from Teen Wolf, a stereotypical, villainous 1980′s movie bully, that is the memory that sticks in most viewers minds of this character, with his jet black hair, confident swagger and aggressively red basketball jersey, he sure seems to pack a great deal of menace.
But, is this antagonistic reputation really warranted ? This viewer is not so sure.
Now granted, we all love Scott Howard, the humble, every-man hero of the 80s classic comedy Teen Wolf, with his enthusiastic, energetic charm and “aw shucks” Spider-Man crossed with Marty McFly style persona, it is impossible not to root for him.
But consider this, dear reader.
What if it is not so simple, what if we were wrong about Mick all along ?
Exhibit A:
For no apparent reason Scott Howard tries to steal Mick’s girlfriend, now, obviously we know, that everyone is responsible for their own lovelife and everyone is free to date whomever they please. But by the same token, surely another persons relationship should be respected ?
Scott Howard systematically does everything he can to be around Mick’s girlfriend, he joins the school play to try and seduce her with his newfound fame, he takes her bowling, then proceeds to make quite heavy overtures in front of Mick in his werewolf form. He also, I might add sleeps with Pamela, behind Mick’s back. This is of course no crime between two adults, but surely Mick deserves some sympathy.
Exhibit B:
The school dance, a defining moment in many a high schooler’s life, but for Mick this was not to be a pleasant evening. Incensed with rage, probably carrying suspicions of infidelity, Mick confronts Scott with some poorly chosen words and then Scott transforms into his savage bestial form, tearing Mick’s suit to shreds and I am sure, was very close to eviscerating the promising athlete.
Exhibit C:
The big game, now, in high school, a promising sport’s track record, can lead to such meritorious things as college scholarships, it is suggested that the town in which Teen Wolf is set is not a bustling metropolis, Scott Howard makes ends meet in his father’s store. It is safe to assume that a promising basketball record, is perhaps a way out for these teens into greater opportunities in life.
Mick was in the final game against Scott Howard’s Beavers, this is his big chance, to beat a winning team, get out of the town, get into a good college. He has one request, a fair match, in which the teams resident superhuman werewolf, does not play.
In the final seconds of the game, Mick’s Dragons lose, by one point.
Pamela, waits with open arms for Scott Howard, who then shuns her for the girl he originally did not have the time for, the girl next door archetype Boof. The look on Mick’s face tells the whole story, his dreams, his relationship, his life, torn to pieces, by a supernaturally powerful werewolf, who, in a final insult, does not care for either the victory, or the girl whose feelings he held in his claws.
The image above, is the face of crushed dreams and pure human disappointment, something that at one time or other I am sure we can all relate relate.
So while we love Scott Howard, while we cheer for the Teen Wolf, remember that “with great power comes great responsibility” and spare a thought for Mick.