It’s safe to say that the writers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are a talented bunch of people. While the actors get praised for bringing these characters to life, this wouldn’t be possible without the amazing scripts and carefully thought out plans the writers came up with.
With the MCU containing 75 characters, the writers have had their work cut out for them. However, they have managed to create some great character development. Especially if one considers Guardians of The Galaxy’s Rocket Raccoon, who was one of the most flawed but irritating creatures ever. Don’t believe it? Let’s remind ourselves of the emotional rollercoaster he’s taken us on…
Hated: First Impressions
When the audience first met Rocket, it wasn’t hard for them to hate him. He was loud, aggressive, and very rude. Since Quill had been the established protagonist, it was also easy for fans to believe Rocket was the villain since he attacked him. Especially when they realized that the halfworlder was just after the bounty on Quill’s head.
Rocket ended up digging himself into a grave further when he was seen to mistreat Groot. Considering how harmless Groot appeared, it just made him look like a huge jerk.
Heartbroken: His Origin Story
While Rocket’s attitude towards his friends got on everyone’s nerves, they sympathized with the halfworlder when they discovered why he acts the way he does. In vol. 1, the audience could see numerous scars littering Rocket’s body, resulting from the experiments he underwent on Halfworld.
They also witnessed the deep insecurities Rocket holds over his creation, emphasizing how painful it is for him when people call him “vermin” or “rodent.” It allowed everyone to realize his tough-guy facade was just a defense mechanism.
Hated: His Awkward Sense Of Humor
Rocket may be the mastermind behind the Guardians’ plans but he was also seen to be the most reckless when he chooses inopportune moments to play pranks. During the prison break sequence, Rocket is seen to allocate several tasks to each member of the group, which includes one person retrieving a prosthetic leg from an inmate.
After a riot breaks out, Peter manages to retrieve the leg for 30,000 units. However, it turned out Rocket was pulling a prank and didn’t need it. So not only did he put Quill’s life at risk but he also cost them a chunk of money…
Heartbroken: Watching Groot Die (1)
One of the more heartbreaking moments in Rocket’s life had to be when he was forced to watch Groot die. Everyone knows that Rocket was very attached to Groot, with the two sharing an unbreakable connection. However, no one realized how deep their bond ran until the closing moments of the first film.
After being knocked out, Rocket awoke to see Groot sacrificing himself. Despite begging his best friend to reconsider, Groot went ahead with his plan and they shared an emotional farewell. It pulled at everyone’s heartstrings to see Rocket crying over his death…
Hated: Going Rogue
By Guardians of The Galaxy, vol. 2, it looked as if Rocket was back to his annoying and reckless self. In the opening moments, the Guardians had been tasked with destroying the Abilisk, a creature that had been destroying the Sovereigns. While the mission was a success, Rocket ended up ruining it when he stole the batteries for himself.
As a result, the Sovereign fleet chased and almost killed them. To make matters worse, Rocket reveals he did it out of pettiness. No one would have blamed the crew if they would have kicked him off the ship. He was a total liability…
Heartbroken: When He Lost Yondu
Everyone knows that Rocket isn’t the easiest person to get along with but there was one person who didn’t mind his company – Yondu. Despite a brief animosity between the two, Rocket warmed up to the smuggler after the pair bonded over their past and similarities.
However, this friendship wasn’t meant to last as Yondu sacrificed himself to save Quill – devastating Rocket. Still, Rocket made one final gesture when he called the other Ravages and told them of Yondu’s heroic actions. It’s just sad that this was the second time he had to sit by as another one of his friends died.
Hated: Leaving Quill Behind
…Then again, Rocket didn’t exactly do anything to save the both of them. When Yondu told Rocket that he had to get back to the ship, he didn’t really put up much of a fight. He didn’t even try to come up with an alternative way, Rocket just flew back to the ship and told Kraglin to fly off.
What was worse was that he refused to tell Drax and Gamora where Quill was. Considering how he was always defying orders, it was frustrating that this was the one moment where he decided to comply…
Heartbroken: Groot Dies (2)
When Avengers: Infinity War was released, no one expected this to be the film that changed the whole MCU. The Guardians have faced some tough opponents in their time but none of them were as threatening as Thanos. Despite putting up a fight, the Guardians, sans Rocket, were wiped from existence.
While Rocket didn’t see Quill, Drax, or Mantis disintegrate, he was there when Groot was erased. It was absolutely crushing when you realize this is the third time Rocket helplessly watched someone else he loved die…
Hated: Teasing Ant-Man
Despite Avengers: Endgame occurring five years after ‘The Snap,’ it didn’t appear to have changed Rocket much as he was still shown to be as arrogant and rude as ever. Although Rocket had joined forces with The Avengers, he let them know that this was only going to be temporary as he acted condescending and rude towards them.
Especially towards poor Scott, who was only trying to get caught up to speed after being trapped in the Quantum Realm for five years. Every time Scott asked a question, Rocket was always there to offer him a sarcastic comment or patronizing remark. He could have at least been a bit more compassionate…
Heartbroken: Admitting The Guardians Are His Family
After years of fighting and pushing people away, it was heartbreaking to see the impact loneliness had on Rocket’s mental state. After Thanos wiped out half the world, Rocket discovered Nebula was the only person he had left. He had lost everyone he held dear.
However, what made his loss even more tragic was the fact that this was the first time the audience saw how much he cared for them. In fact, this was the first time fans had heard him call them his “family.” If they hadn’t managed to bring them back, the Guardians would have never known how much he cared or fought for them…
