Unveiling Cartman's Evolution: How a Dark Joke Altered South Park's Infamous Character (And the Potential Reversal in Season 27)

While South Park’s Cartman was never much of a hero, the show’s darkest gag made him a villain in a way that the series still hasn’t reversed. Although the early seasons of South Park are still funny, the first three outings of the long-running animated comedy have a distinctly different tone and style compared to subsequent seasons. In its first three years, South Park rarely used current events as the basis for its storylines since the show was more focused on gory slapstick, shock value, and crude humor than political satire. This makes early South Park feel edgier, disjointed, and more directionless.

As South Park season 27 approaches, the show has become almost unrecognizable. The humor is still as foul-mouthed as ever, but South Park now rarely releases episodes or specials that don’t focus on specific timely events, be they cultural, political, or social. Nowadays, South Park’s formula centers around mocking real-life events via the show’s cast of colorful characters, whereas early seasons focused on alien abductions, zombie attacks, and other outlandish storylines. However, this isn’t the biggest change that South Park made to its reliable early formula. The show’s characters have also transformed, none more notably than its infamous antihero, Eric Cartman.

“Scott Tenorman Must Die” Made Cartman South Park’s Villain

This infamous episode represented a major shift in Cartman’s character

Scott Tenorman and Cartman in in South Park - This infamous episode represented a major shift in Cartman’s character - “Scott Tenorman Must Die” Made Cartman South Park’s Villain

When South Park first aired, Cartman was just like the other main characters in the show. Though he was always a bit more annoying than the rest of the boys, he wasn't necessarily a worse person than Kyle or Kenny. However, everything changed in season 5, episode 4, "Scott Tenorman Must Die." This episode marked a turning point for Cartman's character as he was deceived into purchasing an older child's pubic hair in a misguided attempt to speed up his own puberty. This moment not only showcased Cartman's gullibility but also set the stage for the show to delve deeper into storytelling and character development.

Cartman’s Character Change Altered South Park

After the eponymous Scott Tenorman humiliated Cartman and burned his money, Cartman hatched a revenge plan. This ploy involved training a donkey to bite Scott’s penis off, a goofy gag that would have fit in earlier seasons of the series. However, the episode’s disquieting twist ending changed this storyline entirely. Cartman revealed that he got Scott’s parents killed, ground their corpses into chili, and tricked Scott into eating them, a horrific reveal that saw him become the sociopathic monster that fans now know and love. The depravity of this twist came as a shock to viewers and the show’s characters alike.

Cartman becoming a full-blown villain made South Park more consistent

Nanny 911 disciplining Eric Cartman in South Park - Cartman becoming a full-blown villain made South Park more consistent - Cartman’s Character Change Altered South Park

"Scott Tenorman Must Die" is considered one of the best episodes of South Park, despite being controversial. Co-creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone even named it as one of their favorite episodes twice. The episode marked a shift in the show's humor from random to more topical between seasons 4 and 6, allowing for a focus on Cartman's increasingly twisted actions. Cartman's transformation into a full-blown villain opened the door to many classic storylines, expanding the show's narrative scope.

Prior to "Scott Tenorman Must Die," the main characters in South Park were relatively static, reacting to the chaos around them. This episode shifted the spotlight onto Cartman, making him the center of the show's wild antics. In later seasons, Cartman's villainous behavior became a crucial element in grounding the show's plots. Episodes like "Kenny Dies," "Tonsil Trouble," and "Crack Baby Athletic Association" relied heavily on Cartman's outrageous actions to drive the story forward. This reliance on Cartman's character culminated in seasons 20 and 21 as the show explored serialization.

South Park Needed Cartman’s Villainy

Cartman’s amoral antics drove some of South Park’s best stories

Cartman wearing a prison uniform and looking surprised in South Park - Cartman’s amoral antics drove some of South Park’s best stories - South Park Needed Cartman’s Villainy

Cartman’s role as a villain in South Park seasons 20 and 21 has become essential for driving the show's action. In the earlier seasons, the lack of a consistent major villain resulted in a looser feel and muddled plotting. However, episodes post “Scott Tenorman Must Die” relied on Cartman as the antagonist, leading to more effective storytelling. As a character who is both an amoral monster and a lead, viewers are able to laugh at his awful actions while also feeling appalled at the same time.

South Park’s Later Seasons Altered Cartman’s Persona

Cartman hasn’t remained a one-dimensional South Park villain

Cartman holds up a bottle of Cred in the busy school hallway in South Park Not Suitable for Children - Cartman hasn’t remained a one-dimensional South Park villain - South Park’s Later Seasons Altered Cartman’s Persona

Cartman's role as South Park's antagonist may have added excitement to many episodes, but over time, this dynamic grew stale, much like the show's original concept. However, in 2023, the specials and the 26th season took a different approach by showcasing a more nuanced side of Cartman. In episodes like "Joining the Panderverse" and "Cupid Ye," Cartman is portrayed as a somewhat heroic character, helping Cupid Ye with his medication and aiding Kathleen Kennedy in resolving a multiverse crisis. This gradual evolution marks a significant departure from the earlier seasons of the show.

South Park Season 27 Could Transform Cartman’s Character

South Park’s later seasons making Cartman more complicated works for the same reason that his initial villainous turn did, as it makes the show’s storytelling less predictable. When “Scott Tenorman Must Die” was first released, much of the episode’s acclaim was rooted in how shocking and unexpected its blackly comic twist ending was. However, a few years later, viewers were familiar with Cartman’s dark side and all too aware of what he was capable of doing. As such, when recent outings depict him as less monstrous, this leaves viewers unsure whether to trust him and adds much-needed tension to the narrative.

Cartman is overdue another character shift in season 27

Cartman with a gun in South Park. - Cartman is overdue another character shift in season 27 - South Park Season 27 Could Transform Cartman’s Character

South Park season 27 has the opportunity to shake things up by potentially changing Cartman's character once again. Throughout the show's long history, Cartman has been known as the villain, but now there is a chance for South Park to show a different side of him. Despite his years of misdeeds, viewers are surprised to see a kinder, more compassionate Cartman. This new development could add a fresh dynamic to the show and keep audiences guessing about whether this change is genuine or just another scheme.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the evolution of Eric Cartman's character in "South Park," highlighting the pivotal episode "Scott Tenorman Must Die" as a turning point that transformed him into the show's villain. While Cartman's villainous antics have driven some of the show's most memorable stories, the article argues that recent seasons have showcased a more nuanced and complex side to him. This shift has added unpredictability and tension to the narrative, leaving viewers unsure whether to trust Cartman's newfound compassion or expect another sinister twist.

As "South Park" approaches its 27th season, the article speculates on potential character changes for Cartman. It suggests that the show could shake things up by further exploring his evolving persona, leaving viewers guessing about his true intentions. Whether Cartman remains a villain or undergoes another transformation, the article emphasizes the importance of character development in keeping the show fresh and engaging for its long-time audience.