Troop Zero — “Here” the Misfits

SPOILER ALERT! — Examining the Misfits

“Zero’s the number of infinity.” — Christmas Flint

Troop Zero as a Whole

Some misfits don’t have “normal” or proper names — Does that also hint that they do not have a proper identity/position in society?

1. Christmas Flint

“My name is Christmas Flint. I am a human female. Sometimes I pee myself when I get nervous. I don’t know why. I don’t want to. I just want to tell you… I hope… …hope you live a good life. And I hope you have a friend. I hope you got everything I got.” — Christmas Flint

The Connection between Christmas and ALIENS
- Aliens are often referred to as outcasts in society. By calling out to them, does it mean the kids are finding recognition from other misfits?
- Are the kids telling other misfits to join in too?

2. Joseph

As we all know, Joseph’s character represents the LGBTQ+ community. He and Christmas often makes pop culture references to Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin and Freddie Mercury multiple times, and even uses David Bowie’s Space Oddity as the background music for the dance in the Jamboree.

3. Hell-No

Out of the 5 children, the one who drew The Film Post’s attention most is Hell-No. Here’s why:

Hell-No’s Introduction

“How we’re all headed for the boneyard, so what’s the difference? Burning everything down so I don’t have to look at nothing pretty, ’cause none of that for me.” — Hell-No

At first, Christmas describes her as a “human volcano” and she doesn’t know what Hell-No thinks about. She responds by stating no good things are ever left for her. Christmas then successfully persuades her to join by saying, winning the Jamboree is like “burning their whole nasty operation right to the ground.” Could it be that Hell-No is defying her own existence, but at the same time LONGING for it?

The “Scary Story”

“One night, in the pouring rain, a girl hears on the radio, “Lock the doors. There’s a maniac!” And all that was left of her… was her hand, scratching at the door. And when she came out, she never spoke again, and her hair was bright white.” — Hell-No

What catches our attention even more is the horror story she tells Christmas. Could it be that Hell-no’s biggest fear is growing old and being confined without anyone hearing her out? What or ho does the “maniac” represent? That explains point 1 as well. (See Smash part for more)

The Endurance Badge

“What Mr. Dwayne is saying is life ain’t about winning. I mean, it is for some — for those who win. But for the rest of y’all… the trick is to endure. Not let the kicks and the nasty words keep you down. Then you wake up one day, and you’ll be the last one standing.” — Ramsey Flint

After Ramsey Flint makes his “good-for-nothing” speech before the task, Hell-No seems to be the ONLY one smiling and nodding, as if she is the only one who understands. Afterwards, she is the only one who passes the test. Again, who would have totally understood and respected that speech at that age?

Hell-No and Smash

“Smash gets to come, too… Smash get all the cookies she wants.” — Hell-No

It’s interesting to see how Hell-No and Smash’ have the closest relationship amongst the girls. It’s obvious that Hell-No acts as the “boss” here and takes care of Smash. But is it possible she’s protecting Smash? Does she see similarities between Smash and herself? (See Smash part)

“I never wanted anything, and I was fine!”

“I never wanted anything, and I was fine! Why’d you do this to me? I was happy before this. I was happy before I thought I could talk to anyone or be permanent. Why’d you make me so unsatisfied?” — Hell-No

All of the above encounters are mysterious, curious, and even spine-chilling. After all, what kind of experiences does a girl of this young age have to go through to be able to talk and act this way?

4. Smash

Smash gains the badge of fixing things, as she fixes a radio. Now, the radio is a strong symbol. Christmas believes that “sound waves travel out into the universe”. That’s right. Radios produce sound waves. (In fact, Dr. Persad records the messages by using a radio cassette) In other words, radios in this film might represent the bridge of communication as a whole.

“Smash, I figure you take things apart, you might be able to put ’em back together.”

The fact that Smash is able to fix it is significant, and perhaps carries the message that children with special educational needs can do well communicating, but perhaps in a different manner.
[Now back to the horror story Hell-No told involving the radio. What do you think of that?]

5. Anne-Claire

One-eyed Anne-Claire symbolises the physically disabled. Ever wondered why she is characterized as the visually impaired? Perhaps it’s because they have been TURNED A BLIND EYE TO. In recent years, feminism and the LGBTQ+ communities have been popular topics talked about, but not the physically disabled.

At one point, Christmas states, “If there is wild animals, I funna spit scuppernong seeds in their eyes and blind them. And then… then they’ll run off and be scared,” not only implying that being blind is frightening, but it may also mean turning a blind eye to the misfits is a terrifying thing to do.

6. Miss Massey and Rayleen’s Friendship in a Glance

Symbols Summary

1. Aliens (See Christmas Flint)
2. Birdie Rule Book ( Rayleen and Massey)
3. Radio (See and Hell-No & Smash)
4. Eye (See Anne-Claire)

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Photo Source: Troop Zero. Bert & Bertie. Amazon Studios, 2020. Film.

Disclaimer: Any views and opinions expressed are personal and solely belong to the authors. They are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club organisation, company, individual or anyone or anything.