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remarkthecat · 4 years

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Cats Over-analyzed pt. 2: Old Deuteronomy

Another unnecessarily detailed analysis of Cats 1998, this time focusing on Munkustrap and Tugger’s interactions as they introduce Old Deuteronomy.

1. Mistofelees and the psychic twins (Coricopat and Tantomile) all sense something in the air. Misto is the first to identify that it might be the tribe’s leader questioning, “Old Deuteronomy?” 1. He defers to Munkustrap by reaching toward him and Munk shifts focus toward the twins who confirm that they believe it really is him.

(Sidenote: Jelly’s absolute star eyes looking at Misto to see if it really, really could be Deuteronomy are just!!! precious!!! We love an aunt!)

2. After the twins confirm the leader’s approach, Munkustrap closes his eyes and warmly shares his happiness with Jelly and Electra before gesturing for Misto to go and fetch their leader (off-stage). (Meanwhile, the cats start to flop around in contentment on the ground and it’s #cute.)

3. Munkustrap sings the first verse of Deuteronomy’s song to the kittens, his pride and love for them obvious as he shares the tribe’s traditions. (Old Deuteronomy’s lived a long time . . )

4. He seems surprised by Tugger’s entrance. Tugger picks up the song by discussing Deuteronomy’s wives. Munkustrap creeps over quickly, his body language low as if he’s unsure where Tugger is going with this.

5. He straightens up in a kind of alarm once Tugger adds the “99” wives comment and Tugger’s expressions are exaggerated almost to a sneer which seems to set Munkustrap on edge.

6. Tugger then begins the line about Deuteronomy’s numerous progeny and his gaze avoids Munkustrap entirely. It is only at the very last second, he points to Munkustrap, a glint in his eyes. This turns into the slightest of bows: as if expressing the benevolence of his intentions when he adds, “And the village is proud of him in his decline.”

(If you watch this in the video, you can actually see Munk scan Tugger after the “prospers and thrives” comment, like he can’t believe what he’s hearing).

7. Finally, with this moment passed, Munkustrap seems confident to turn back to the tribe and continue the song: his expression softened greatly, eyes almost glimmering with emotion. Tugger steps down closer to Munk’s level and watches him with a soft kind of pride or admiration.

(LOOK AT JOHN’S SOFT LITTLE SMILE I--!!!!!)

8. When he begins to sing with Munkustrap, the other seems genuinely yearning and joyful to have the support, turning from the tribe and stepping toward Tugger in a way that, for once, makes him seem younger than the other, as if he can’t contain his happiness. But Tugger simply shrugs off the thankfulness of the action with a smile and continues to sing.

Analysis: Munkustrap has been accepted for a while as the rightful protector and leader of the tribe (in Deuteronomy’s absence of course). The older and younger cats all defer to him in this moment and in all things. However, Tugger’s interruption and Munkustrap’s reaction to it suggest that at least Tugger has not always accepted this fact. (No other cats interrupt Munk throughout his official duties and Munk turning his back on the tribe to see what Tugger is up to seems big). Tugger’s discussion of Deuteronomy’s many wives seems to spark a reaction of alarm in Munkustrap. And, in fact, Tugger waits until the last minute to reveal his true intentions. He keeps Munkustrap in suspense up until he points to him and bows during the line about Deuteronomy’s progeny and the village’s pride. This acceptance seems to surprise and overjoy Munkustrap who then returns to his duties while also sharing the spotlight with Tugger.

Head-Canons: Munkustrap and Tugger have been at odds with each other in the past over claims to Deuteronomy’s lineage. Munkustrap is self-conscious over his apparent illegitimacy and Tugger used to hold on to some kind of resentment over the fact that Munkustrap had risen to such high ranks whereas he had not. (OR that Munkustrap broke up his family. See “Changes”below).

Yet here, in this moment, and for the first time, Tugger publicly expresses his support for Munkustrap in a way subtle enough that the kittens would not understand but that Munkustrap hears loud and clear: he is as much Deuteronomy’s son as anyone and a worthy successor of him, at that, if Tugger’s slight bow is any measure.

CHANGES: This changes my idea of Grizabella being Munk’s mother. Maybe instead Grizabella was Deuteronomy’s wife but Munkustrap is an illegitimate son from one of Deuteronomy’s unofficial wives (of the ‘‘99″ variety). Munkustrap is a constant reminder to Grizabella of her mate’s infidelity--an embarrassment (in her eyes) in front of the tribe--but even worse is that Deuteronomy seems to favor Munk over HER legitimate sons (Macavity and Tugger). Grizabella’s jealousy is twisted overtime and her whispers to Macavity about his future being stolen from him do not help matters. Of course, Grizabella wasn’t exactly the best mother and she wants the glamour of power more than the responsibility, so her obsession with appearances eventually lead to her leaving the tribe and Macavity’s turn to “the dark side.”

#cats 1998 #munkustrap #rum tum tugger #cats musical #old deuteronomy #listen i am extra soft for tugger & munk brotherly affections these two are stubborn but they are FAMILY!!!!!#also my head canons are in constant flux #and screw the logical explanations i am going DEEP for /no good reason/ on every micro expression lol

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remarkthecat · 4 years

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there are 2 cats inside of you. one of them is mungojerrie. one of them is rumpleteazer. you are a dumbass.

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remarkthecat · 4 years

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