From mishaps to downfalls to utter despair, luck is rarely on the side of one Thomas “Tom” Cat.

Occasionally, he manages to brush it all off, manages to continue the quest to capture that archenemy of his, Jerry Mouse. More often than not, however, him at his absolute lowest is the only closure we are given at the end of an episode.

Granted, only a fool would even imply that Tom has ever been a saint. Tom has time and again, in the name of following his instincts and catching that mouse, jeopardized everything from other’s homes to his own health and relationships. Actions undeniably deserving of some form of retribution.

However, the imposed punishments, even the severest, are often served with a light-hearted, almost humorous sauce which distances the audience from the cat’s suffering. So when an episode ends with Tom in absolute shambles, the tragedy never hits as hard as it should.

Thus, I have taken it upon myself to, after roughly half a century, at long last spotlight his pain. And I invite you along, to finally bid the cat the respect he deserves and to marvel at exactly how dark a seemingly family-friendly cartoon can in actuality be.

- thedarksideoftomandjerry@gmail.com