Undisputedly the Finest TV Character of 2023

The Big Picture

Bullfrog is the best TV character of 2023 from the show Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix due to his moral center, empathy, and wisdom that impacts the stories of others.

Bullfrog's smaller stature belies his impressive combat skills and unwavering bravery, making him a true force to be reckoned with. What sets Bullfrog apart is his ability to seamlessly transition between moments of humor and adorableness, as showcased through delightful animations, further enhancing his charisma and endearment.

There is an abundance of characters in TV shows, including a plethora of outstanding ones. However, every now and then, a character surpasses the others and elevates your enjoyment of the entire show simply by existing. This recently happened to me while watching Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix. Specifically, that remarkable character is Bullfrog (Balak), who undeniably reigns as the supreme TV character of 2023, and nothing can persuade me otherwise.

Image via NetflixCaptain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix

Set in a dystopian society plagued by manipulation and deceit, Dolph Laserhawk, a formidable super-soldier, takes charge of a group of renegade misfits, embarking on perilous covert operations in order to endure.

Scheduled for release on October 19, 2023, the film features an ensemble cast including Nathaniel Curtis, Caroline Ford, Balak, Boris Hiestand, David Menkin, Mark Ebulue, and Nigel Barber. Falling under the main genre of science fiction, the movie will be distributed by Netflix.

What is 'Captain Laserhawk' About?

In order to fully appreciate the greatness of Bullfrog, it is important to provide some context. Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix is a unique reimagining of Ubisoft's extensive collection of video game franchises, set in a dystopian cyberpunk version of 1992. Drawing inspiration from different Ubisoft games such as Assassin's Creed, WATCH_DOGS, Rayman, and Rabbids, this game takes its name from a 2013 expansion of Far Cry 3. The storyline primarily revolves around the protagonist Dolph Laserhawk (Nathaniel Curtis) who experiences betrayal from his boyfriend and partner, Alex Taylor (Boris Hiestand), during a heist. Laserhawk finds himself in the clutches of Eden, a villainous technocracy that has replaced the United States of America, and is imprisoned in the highly secure black site prison known as Supermaxx. The prison's Warden (Caroline Ford), utilizing Laserhawk and other prisoners with special talents, forms a covert task force called the Ghosts. These covert missions ultimately lead to a fateful reunion between Laserhawk and Alex, as Alex embarks on a violent and destructive revolution to bring down Eden.

The content of the show presents a misleading perception, as it is far more complex than initially thought. While Laserhawk remains the primary focus, the show incorporates a diverse array of characters from Ubisoft's renowned games. Surprisingly, the Warden, a character from Splinter Cell, is revealed as part of the story, while the operators from Rainbow Six Siege are reimagined as a team similar to Power Rangers, serving as enforcers for Eden. Additionally, Rayman, the beloved hero from the platformer series, assumes the role of the Voice of Eden, propagating the villainous motives of the Board of Directors. Other characters are also taken from games like The Crew and Beyond Good & Evil, resulting in an unexpected blend of different styles and tones that may surprise those familiar with these games.

Strangely enough, this combination of elements successfully meshes together. Although the show's pace may be inconsistent and its plot may fluctuate, the crossover occurring before your eyes is too captivating to ignore. One wouldn't expect all these elements to align and feel like a cohesive whole, but somehow they do. Captain Laserhawk skillfully utilizes the cyberpunk elements from Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon to seamlessly unite everything, paying homage to Ubisoft's rich history of publications. The epitome of this accomplishment can be witnessed through the character of Bullfrog the Assassin.

Who Is Bullfrog in 'Captain Laserhawk'?

Image via Netflix

Bullfrog, a member of the Ghosts alongside Dolph Laserhawk, is an anthropomorphic frog and French Assassin. He is the last living member of the Assassin Brotherhood from the Assassin's Creed games and proudly embraces the Creed's principles. Inspired by the game's protagonists, particularly Ezio, Bullfrog wears a costume resembling theirs. He is known for performing the iconic Leap of Faith maneuver, symbolizing the connection to the Assassin's Creed franchise. Surprisingly, Bullfrog possesses a unique ability to blow bubbles, through which he can witness images from the past or even glimpse into the future. This talent, unrelated to his Assassin persona, adds an intriguing dimension to his character. Throughout the show, Bullfrog plays a significant supporting role, utilizing his talents at the request of the Warden, while also undermining the oppressive forces of Eden.

Unlike other prominent characters such as Alex, the Warden, or Marcus Holloway, Bullfrog is not directly taken from a Ubisoft game. He is a Hybrid, a creature possessing both human and animal traits, resembling the likes of Rayman, who is a bird-like hybrid. This connection to the lighter games like Rayman and the inclusion of more serious characters from games such as WATCH_DOGS or Splinter Cell serves to bridge the gap in both plot and tone. Bullfrog's Hybrid nature aligns him with characters like Rayman or Pey'j as they navigate the oppressive system within Eden. However, his role as an Assassin grants him more agency than other Hybrid characters, directly linking him to the main plot. In a surprising twist, the final episode unveils that Eden is the current iteration of the Templar Order, the primary antagonists of the Assassin's Creed franchise. It is not only his presence within this crucial narrative space that makes Bullfrog stand out, but also his unique blend of characteristics and his significant role in the storyline.

Bullfrog Is the Best Television Character of 2023. Period.

Image via Netflix

Bullfrog serves as the moral compass in Captain Laserhawk, impacting the lives of those he interacts with. While Dolph and Rayman have character arcs, Bullfrog plays a vital role in their narratives. When Pey'j contemplates violence, Bullfrog intervenes to prevent any remorseful actions. During Dolph's lowest points, Bullfrog's unwavering loyalty and commitment to friendship and ideals inspire him to keep fighting. Furthermore, one encounter with Bullfrog significantly alters Rayman's character in the final episodes. Throughout the show, Bullfrog's immense empathy and generosity become increasingly evident. Even in the face of imminent death, he remains focused on the friends he couldn't save, regretting not doing more to assist them. Bullfrog's emotional maturity surpasses that of others on the show, offering wisdom and solace to those around him.

However, Bullfrog's endearing qualities coexist with his comedic nature. Despite being capable of walking, he often sits like a frog. He is noticeably smaller in stature, barely reaching the other characters' waists. His desire to eliminate villains is met with disappointment if hindered. Bullfrog embraces optimism in any situation, whether it be lightening the atmosphere after a difficult mission by turning on the radio or finding joy in simple pleasures like juice boxes during imprisonment. The charming animation seamlessly transitions between serious and humorous moments, with the character's humor never detracting from the show's poignant scenes.

Image via Netflix

Moreover, Bullfrog is an absolute force to be reckoned with. He possesses exceptional skills as an Assassin, excelling in both stealth and combat. One particularly remarkable moment occurs halfway through the show when he effortlessly overcomes a towering and intimidating adversary. After effortlessly dodging his opponent's attacks, Bullfrog takes a pause to demonstrate the deadly potential of his unique bubbles. Assertively, he questions his opponents, "Would you care to know who among you shall meet their demise first?" This statement alone exudes an incredible level of coolness given the circumstances. Astonishingly, in less than 20 seconds, he triumphantly eliminates all three foes, even though they possess their own otherworldly and technological capabilities. Throughout the remainder of the show, Bullfrog remains composed and level-headed during crises, distinguishing himself as the sole Ghost who never succumbs to pressure during their inaugural mission. In a cast brimming with highly skilled and powerful combatants, Bullfrog undoubtedly holds his ground alongside the very best, all without relying on a laser cannon.

It's impressive how Bullfrog manages to effortlessly balance humor, coolness, and authenticity without any discord. He embodies the best characteristics of iconic figures like Yoda, Paddington, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Though he could have easily been a mere comical character, he instead becomes the heart of the entire show. Unfortunately, Captain Laserhawk falls short of being the best content released in 2023. It's messy and occasionally contradictory, rushing a bit too fast and failing to give all its characters equal respect. However, Bullfrog is able to surpass these obstacles and uplift the show in remarkable ways. He truly deserves his own series, or even better, his own Assassin's Creed game. Bullfrog is simply that exceptional.

You can now stream Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix on Netflix in the U.S.

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