#scoutguest

[deenabeck]

Scoutguest

I want to talk about an episode of Craig of the Creek that I’m so so thankful and proud to have been able to do: “Scout Guest”

I’m just gonna go through bits and pieces of the process, and I apologize if it’s a little disjointed or messy as I do.

Back in 2020 I made these tweets:

I was so simultaneously happy and saddened to read how much this resonated with so many people. But also I’ve been thinking about these things… my whole life! Trying to navigate the messiness of childhood, family dynamics, love, nurture, care and self worth. Everyone on Craig of the Creek has always been open to listening and exploring people’s stories that they wanted to tell and this was a topic I wanted to talk about, it just took a while to figure out a way to do it that made sense for the show and our characters. I think I pitched a couple ideas here and there but nothing was quite working out yet.

Then I finally pitched an idea revolving Jason, one of our characters I got to play around a lot with in previous seasons. They liked it, and asked me to write up a little run down of what I envisioned the story would be. This is what I sent them:

The amazing writers took this idea and ran with it and when the time came for the outline to be handed out, I was so thankful I also got to board this story as well. They brought in the super talented Danny Cragg which I was so thankful for, too ‘cause I really felt like he’d be able to handle this kind of story with care.

Here are my original boards from that episode most things stayed the same but it’s fun to see the little bits that got changed or cut.

Boards_ScoutGuest_part1.pdf

from

DeenaBeck

Boards_ScoutGuest_part2.pdf

from

DeenaBeck

It took me a while to figure out how to frame a story like this while also maintaining the POV being with one of our main characters. So I thought about a time in my life from the perspective of a kid outside looking in and having to interact with the messiness. I shared a little bit of that over on twitter as well:

 So, in a way, through Jason, I got to tell a little bit of my story. I know when we did the first pitch of the boards one of the things that came up was the question of what IS the reason Jason can’t be at home that night? And I purposely wanted it to be unanswered. I wanted to cast as wide of a net as possible for anyone that maybe didn’t have the same story as me, or someone else, but that we all could understand the FEELINGS that Jason has. I wanted as many people as possible to be able to see themselves in Jason in that moment. 

Again, I am so glad and yet so saddened to know so many of you resonated with this story. I’m sorry it’s a story that needs to be told, but I’m so very thankful we got to tell it.

[xivvany]

"what else are friends for?"

[saccharinescorpion]

me watching The Champion's Hike: haha Craig of the Creek is so funny

me watching Bored Games: haha Craig of the Creek is so funny

me watching ScoutGuest: [stunned, serious silence]

me watching My Stare Lady: ahaHA Craig of the Creek is REALLY funny

me watching Silver Fist Returns: haha Craig of the Creek is so funny

[calciumcryptid]

Warnings: Spoilers for Craig of the Creek Scoutguest, Discussions of Child Abuse

I recently watched the twenty-third episode in season four of Craig of the Creek, and I've noticed a lot of discussion around Craig's attitude in it being described as meanspirited or rude.

While I do agree that the episodes placement feels wrong, I find Craig's behavior to be a realistic reflection of a child's reaction to hosting another child they don't really know well.

Let me explain.

In Scoutguest, the audience learns Jason undergoing child abuse in the form of neglect. While this fact isn't outright stated, the audience is able to infer this information throughout. Not to mention, this revelation has been alluded to many times in the series. Particularly in the episodes The Great Fossil Rush, The End Was Here, and in Alternate Creekiverse.

As Craig of the Creek is meant to be viewed episodically, I do not blame anyone who did not see this revelation coming as it is a drop in an ocean of content.

That being said, the writers clearly thought out this episode if the interactions between Jason and the other characters are anything to go by such as him flinching at Craig and Bernard's arguing, apologizing to Nicole Williams, and his confusion about the family eating together.

The beauty of these interactions is how each of the Williams show real world reactions to a child who is undergoing abuse.

Bernard and Jessica are blissfully unaware, noting how mature a person is compared to the rest of their age group due to their survival instincts in different ways. Jessica takes a shine to Jason's knowledge, and Bernard to Jason's obedience.

Nicole understands fully what is going on, and tries to provide a comforting environment and support system as temporary escapism. Duane is similar in this way, even if he was confused at first.

That leads us to Craig's reaction, which is the most interesting due to how realistic it is. Craig knows Jason as an antagonistic force, and suddenly he has to start treating him nicely without a reason why.

This is emphasized constantly with Craig insisting the two are simply acquaintances for most of the episode, and being grumpy about having to host Jason despite knowing his antagonistic side.

Cause Craig doesn't pick up on what the audience knows, so he doesn't know that his parents trying to get him to play nice with Jason are from a place of genuine concern for the boy.

After all, children are a lot smarter then we give them credit for but they speak in the truth. Children are brutally honest, so without explicit reason Craig is left confused.

TL;DR: Scoutguest showcases realistic reactions to a child who is undergoing abuse, and Craig is realistic in the sense he has to play nice with someone he has viewed as an antagonistic force essentially solely experiencing the negative sides of Jason's mental health.

[citrusella-flugpucker]

((Craig of the Creek Scoutguest spoilers

What if the number Jason gave Nicole was his mom (that is, his biological mom I mean, the one who gave birth to him) rather than, say, his dad or stepmom who he lives with?

What if he specifically did that because he sees her as more approachable despite her not living with him? (And despite potentially witnessing arguments between her and his dad prior to a divorce, given the way he seems to flinch when an argument crops up between Bernard and Craig.)

And what if she actually is more approachable but can’t do much about what’s going on without, like, going to court over it because she doesn’t hold main custody (or maybe even lives far away)? But she can still talk with Nicole and technically give the go-ahead regarding giving permission/asking the favor of Jason staying the night?

Like, IDK, I just get the vibe he didn’t give his dad or stepmom’s number.))

[crewofthecreek]

Scoutguest - Title Card

Designed & painted by W. Scott Forbes

Craig finds himself with an unlikely house guest when Jason the Junior Forest Scout sleeps over.

Premieres on July 13th at 6pm on Cartoon Network!

[stinkgh]

Okay 2 things from your local child abuse survivor (scout guest spoilers):

1) the way so many people have noticed Jason flinching while Craig & Bernard argue is seriously making me cry. I had a good friend that I used to work with for 3 years & one day at work she reached past me to grab something & my reflexes kicked in & I flinched. She asked me about it & I said 'i thought you were going to hit me." When I look back at how long it took me to tell her I was abused & the fact that she didn't believe me, this interaction always floods my mind. People don't just flinch/visibly defend themselves unless they truly believe they are in danger. One of the cruelest memories of that friendship I have is how little she paid attention to me & to see so many people recognize that while discussing a character that has been neglected honestly makes me cry.

2) I'll admit I hate the way Craig treats Jason throughout the episode. There are plenty of posts that explain why Craig acts this way & I know it makes sense, but it still angers me (not mad at the writing decision though). I just want to say that in my 30 years of C-PTSD life I have been met with more blame & misunderstanding by the people in my life, than I have had support. I've lived with my aunt & uncle for 10 years & when I finally told them I had been abused they decided to harass & bully me through an online game we all played together bc I was unable to work & contribute to paying for food/rent for 6 years & they cared more about that then the fact that I needed medication & therapy (and found out I qualified for disability proving the fact that I physically & emotionally cannot work). Sometimes people just... don't care. I've had complete strangers tell me I shouldn't be complaining about my abusive mother, just because she is my mother. I've had people comment on my TikTok videos where I explain how my mother controlled my finances even after I went to college, telling me I was to blame bc I "allowed" her to act that way. & Sometimes people just don't notice. Like I said I spent 6 years locked in my room not talking to anyone unless I was spoken to first. my dad says he knew something was wrong but didn't know how to ask. My aunt & uncle never noticed. My cousin called me "weird" behind my back. people have all sorts of different reactions, even if they know something is wrong sometimes it gets ignored or made fun of. So I gotta be honest, watching Craig act that way is super triggering. However, I am overall pleased with this episode. Someone mentioned this will help kids recognize when their friends are being abused & neglected, and I say not only kids but adults as well. There is such a HUGE disconnect between survivors & people who have never endured a toxic relationship. PTSD is REAL. I'm glad to see so many people talking about it.

[fencecollapsed]

yknow I have a thought about Scoutguest too actually. I do understand the idea that it was a little misplaced in the timeline, since Craig's warmed up to Jason a little in the past and trusted him enough to be a double agent in Capture the Flag. but considering this is probably the first time he's actually hung around Jason without his other friends there, his behavior does make a little more sense, I think

like, even if you have gotten on better terms with someone you've been at odds with in the past, that doesn't mean you're necessarily close, or even really friends. you can get along/learn to work well with someone without considering them a friend, and given their history calling Jason an acquaintance isn't entirely unreasonable. and it is a little awkward to host someone in situations like that without a friend you're more comfortable with present to act as a buffer. especially if you're a kid who doesn't understand what's really going on under the surface

obviously this doesn't justify Craig's behavior, that's the point of his growth in the episode. but with this in mind it's maybe not as out of nowhere as it might feel on first thought

[fluffy2002bunny]

Aughh cartoon network really hits hard at 9 a.m. while you're sick. The character development with Jason also definitely has something to do with it

5 minutes in and I'm already crying:(((

[iwannakillbobby]

This fucking show man. I swear. Just when you think you're safe. It comes and hits you

[spikeinthepunch]

the other thing i really wanted to mention about CotC in more detail, esp after watching new episodes, was the times the series tackles abusive family in a way thats heavily implied or straight up shown.

most obvious example of this was the episode "Scoutguest", where Craig allows Jason to come home after he says he lost his keys. What is actually most interesting about this episode is it focuses on how Craig is completely oblivious, and how Jason's home life shows his submissiveness in home environments. The first example was Craig and Bernard fighting about chores, and Jason just goes and does the chores for him, stating he wanted to save them the argument. I'm sure many who can immediately find this familiar- the act of doing something good in order to stop your parents from yelling at you or others in the house. You just want it to stop. But Craig not knowing any better, uses this behavior to his benefit. going through the episode, Craig's mom eventually calls the number shes given (which, we dont actually know was Jason's mom, and i think it probably wasnt- probably another source that knows jason's situation) and learns/understands whats up, and is kind to him as a guest. She doesnt tell Craig anything- he's a child, itd be hard to explain, and it may be invasive to Jason to explain it to Craig. regardless, she encourages Craig to be kind and when Craig hears Jason say somethings on his own he comes to realizing how different things are- and pieces together things. There is a lesson in realizing you should watch how you treat others, not presume about other's lives, and that some times someone seeking help may be doing so in a very discreet/not obvious way.

but (spoilers for newest episodes) i actually found this topic interesting to look at with Xavier. Xavier is a bully, hes mean. We learned that Xavier never had friends because he realized they just liked how he has cool stuff, and because of that, he just bullied people back, and felt that being King got him attention enough to feel good. hes a child, and Craig intervening right now is what he needs- Xavier can change. So onto my thought- The episode where Xavier explaining his story made me uncomfortable. We havent seen much of his family life. Things we do know: his oldest brother Kennith is at college, his oldest sister Cheyenne is in highschool, an unnamed/presumed mother. Unclear about another parent.

I shouldn't assume what i don't know about Xavier (his parent situation, mainly) but its interesting that we see so little of his family outside of his siblings, because the show has been very good at showing us entire family dynamics (we saw parents for characters that hardly show up!). His family is rich, his brother is distant as he is in college, and so Xavier is basically around his sister all the time. Previously I think I just took as her as the moody highschooler who thinks her little bro is annoying. But, in episode 2 of season 5, we get his story (which again, notably, does not show anything of his parents) where he eventually shows how he wanted to get stronger to i guess, beat up Craig. This is where i got uncomfy with the implications- his sister. Cheyenne works out, and the little we saw of her as the former queen did show she was also likely a bully, and i think it may be safe to say she is toxic and abusive towards Xavier as well tbh. Like, the way she start getting physical with him in that episode... getting angry, belittling him, hitting him. It made me anxious to see, feeling what is implied about her character. she does seem 'proud' of him improving but, i think its a situation of control (as she encourages in him too) and passed off like "tough love" when its actually really bad.

Xavier is 12 years old, we cannot and should not hate him like he is unredeemable. He turned into what he is for reasons a child likely would- be it the lack of people wanting to be his friend, or the implication that his older sibling pushed him around and bullied him herself. i did not really expect to see that in these new episodes honestly- it would have been easy to just say its how Xavier didnt make friends, but i think looking harder, you can again see how abuse affects kids, in ways that are very different but both bad.

[techycatartist]

Craig Of The Creek Watch Guide

People seemed to like my guide for Summer Camp Island, so here’s a similarly-truncated episode list for “Craig Of The Creek”. While I see a bit more love for COTC, I feel that it still gets less in comparison to shows like AT and SU. With COTC in it’s final season, I feel that it’s a great time to catch up and support the show as it reaches its end. Like with my SCI list, I do encourage people to watch the entire series if they have the time/desire to. Included in this list are episodes that feature the main storyline(s) of the show (as denoted by an asterisk [*] next to the episode title) and/or introduce/feature recurring characters, locations, and storylines.

Season One

Itch To Explore

Jessica Goes To The Creek

Too Many Treasures

The Final Book

Wildernessa

The Curse

Dog Decider

Bring Out Your Beast

Lost In The Sewers

The Future Is Cardboard

Under The Overpass*

The Invitation

Kelsey Quest

JPony

Ace of Squares

The Kid From 3030

Secret Book Club

Dinner At The Creek

Jessica’s Trail*

The Mystery of The Timekeeper

Season Two

Return of the Honeysuckle Rangers*

Kelsey The Elder

The Other Side*

Kelsey The Author

Council Of The Creek

Sparkle Cadet

Cousin Of The Creek

The Evolution Of Craig

Sugar Smugglers*

Tea Timer’s Ball

The Cardboard Identity

Ancients Of The Creek*

The End Was Here*

Into The Overpast*

Season Three

The Other Side: The Tournament*

Council Of The Creek: Operation Hive-Mind

The Ice Pop Trio

The Last Game Of Summer*

King of Camping

The Rise And Fall Of The Green Poncho*

Snow Day

Winter Break

Breaking The Ice

Fan Or Foe*

Copycat Carter

All of the “Capture The Flag” Arc*

Season Four

Beyond The Overpass*

Sink or Swim Team

The Sparkle Solution

Better Than You

The Dream Team

Fire And Ice

Chrono Moss*

In Search Of Lore*

Adventures In Baby Casino*

Dodgy Decisions

Hyde And Zeke*

Lost And Found*

Grandma Smugglers

The Champions’ Hike

Scoutguest

My Stare Lady*

Craig Into The Future*

Craig of The Street

Puppy Love

Galactic Goodbyes

The Cow-Boy And Marie

Craiggy And The Slime Factory*

Craig Of The Campus*

Bernard Of The Creek (Part 1,2)*

Left In The Dark*

Season Five

All of the “Heart Of The Forest” Arc*

Prequel Movie (Aired During Season Five)

Craig Before The Creek: An Original Movie

(This list will be updated as new episodes air up until the series finale)

[snowybookwyrm]

smth i noticed when rewatching scoutguest

jason seems to actually be pretty hungry when craig offers a granola bar, but wont accept it for some reason. is it just because he feels weird as a guest?

[dailyhoneysalt]

July 3rd something something scoutguest and its consequences

[icepoptrio]

I had wondered why Jason’s family never showed up when Craig "visited” their house in The End Was Here, but I figured it was just to keep focus on the story. Scoutguest also provides better context to Jason’s behavior in The Great Fossil Rush and also why it’s so easy for him to panic or cry.

[letoatreides]

how does craig of the creek manage to create a character for literally everyone and every walk of life. also why did I start crying at the end of Scoutguest cause me and Jason are the same 😭😭😭