#perfect!puzzles

As much as he pursuit to become perfect/views perfection as something to make him whole, he's still imperfect and his eyes reflected that just as 4's does. Which btw did appear when whatever he perceived to be within his control is slipping out, frustrated whenever something doesn't go his way. PV Puzzles surely detested that for sure. But knowing how malice as a parasite works, that being the more aggressive of the two types, Puzzles' true self was in there deep down. We've seen it ourselves in WOTFI '24, a neglected child who only dreamed. It also fits well with the whole "creative vision" concept; it's what he chased after and what malice offered but he really had it all along. It just took some time to realize that.

was it intentional by the Team? Probably not. But that's what theories are for, we can just have stuff for the shits and giggles.

Who would've thought? Once evolved from the original Goop!SMG4, the Perfection Theory is truly a deep-dive into perfectionism, what it means to be oneself, and goo parasites. Yup, parasites. It all began after the episode, "I Put Mario In Danger For Views", on June 8th and it has been a wild ride theorizing as co-CEO with my moot Funkii.

Did theory ever become canon? Well, not exactly. In my belief, I don't think any theory can be canon, bc "hey, it's just a theory" and meant to be for fun. A theory isn't a prediction. That said, by the end of the series, PT got as close to canon as it could possibly get with the numerous clues collected. But full canon? I wouldn't know until I pull a MatPat and met with Luke and the Team to see all the truths of the universe myself. (Perhaps one day, a theorist can dream.)

But this theory meant so much more than "being canon/right"; as someone dealing with perfectionism, I feel represented seeing not one but three characters dealing with it too. We all have that messy or unflattering side of ourselves, sometimes it can get in the way in our lives and/or feel ashamed for it. Even then, it's still us; we just have to find ways to manage it without damage ourselves in the process. It's not that we're incapable or weak or untrusting, it just takes a lot to accept this side of ourselves. For a better life, for the people we care for. And that fits for our imperfect trio. It isn't an easy journey, pfft ofc not, but they figured it out. So can we. That's the beauty of this theory, for that I cheer for these two years.

I've talked about it before, just briefly. But I can say it with certainty that 4, Puzzles, and Peach are all victims of the cursed keyboard, each part is based on how they perceived the goo parasites/what the keyboard took advantage of.

perfect!puzzles—saw his perfectionism as a strength and believed that it would take him to the path he wanted; the keyboard promised to make his dreams come true, something his neglectful father couldn't give, not only to prove he had vision but to be beloved too; the price was essentially becoming his obsession, a TV for a head

malice!peach—had a perfect life before the SMGs interfered with her Kingdom, especially at 4; the keyboard promised that the princess would no longer need a savior and let her anger out to the people who left her "intentionally"; the price was becoming a beast with incredible strength, fueled by anger/revenge

goop!4—saw his perfectionism as a weakness and terrified of turning into a monster; the keyboard promising to help with his perfect video to fulfill his wish to spread joy to the world and prove his worth to his friends; is the only exception of a host from the others (not just bc he had the black goo instead of malice), he's more frustrated with himself than the others lashing out to whoever stops them; the price was losing his friends and og home if it weren't for the Crew

The three in common? the biggest price they had to pay, their humanity. The more they leaned to perfection, the more of their humanity is drained by the keyboard. They go on without fear but they lack consideration for others. Whenever something stops them of their goal, their corresponding goo come out for offensive. Parasites, that's what the goo's are. The host can't be anyone, only what aligns to what's beneficial to them, and in turn they'll do whatever it takes to keep the host safe both emotionally and physically. The real enemy being the keyboard, manipulating the selected hosts with empty promises for a huge price. But ofc it's manageable as perfectionism is, by acts of empathy and having a support system, which all 3 got to have.

the series, no doubt, mentioned the 4th wall before but I like to think the goo amplifies that even further without it needing to be physically present. Think of a light switch; every character can somewhat sense the 4th wall, but if the imperfect trio tried hard enough, they could see actual eyes staring back at them. Those eyes are the loudest in the silence, eager for the smallest of uncertainty. Any mistake. In every nook and cranny, there they are. Worse if they’re alone or they suppress it. yup, you can imagine how it drives them crazy.

Outside the imperfect trio, possibly 3 and WPNZ would believe them, having a stronger sense than the others but can’t see them like the hosts. 3 for IGBP, and WPNZ for Toomp (from OG theory, the keyboard is a byproduct of Toomp).

WOTFI 2024 was the first official conformation that he was directly linked to the goop itself (outside of giving 4 the demonic keyboard). Which was so exciting because "Yes! More backstory potential! Surely now we'll learn more about the goop and it's origins after this." And then it was never brought up in the show again...

Man I wish we got to learn more. Being pretty much the catalyst to goop!4 and mallice!peach becoming a possessed in the first place, it would have been nice.

RIGHT, those few seconds changed everything for us

*head in hands* we could've had it all, we wish

When I first saw it, I was like "ok 4 saying "perfect", sure. Some eye imagery, yes yes. Pink, naturally.... MALICE IS BACK???" I mean I would've loved to see that relationship