The Thing About Cole | Ninjago Discussion/Rant 

Amazing video, agree with everything. I believe the reason why cole's internal conflicts are usually ignored is because cole sets don't sell, so lego wouldn't like many seasons about him because the sets wouldn't sell. That's why it took so long to have the first cole season, and they even had to slap Kai onto a cole mech to sell better. But that's just my theory.

The "Lloyd favouritism" is more of a Mary-sue problem, which Kai also had in the early stages of Ninjago. where the character was focussed on so much, that he took away chances of development for other characters. (hence why his screen time was nerfed slightly in s8) Its a common thing for writers when they've set up a character for so long, for it to develop into that. Crystalized being such an example, where characters like Harumi, are stuck to the side, and their only lines end up being the Mary sue's name. (that situation will sound familiar to people who have watched the star wars sequels) with the ninja who could easily do more, are put to the side, and are nerfed heavily in favour of the mary sue.

I am so glad I found this. Cole’s character is a lot more depressing than the show is willing to explain. This video describes it perfectly

It's only now that I understand what Cole went through. He continued to struggle in Season 5 when he became a ghost, it was just a setback. I think the ones who best help him in these situations are Jay Master Wu and Vania. Only with the three he opens correctly.Forhim, ninja never quit fits best. We Love you Cole 🖤

I honestly interpreted Cole’s personality change making a lot of sense to me and here is why: I think the main reason why he was so stuck up (and leader like) was because in the pilots (although we didn’t know it yet until much later) he lost his mom and he had to juggle the stuff with his dad, Lou. He probably wanted to hide his grief cause he wasn’t ready to tell about his loss but when he met the other ninja (Kai, Zane, and Jay. Plus Wu, Pixal, and Nya a bit later on in the pilot season) he started to loosen up and became more laid back because his new friends (well family if you want to call it that) made him feel a bit better. Sorry for the long comment but Cole is my favorite character and that’s how I always interpreted the personality change.

Cole is the Mom friend, his problems get pushed aside to assist the other's development.

I've always liked Cole, since the first season, until today I don't know why he's my favorite character.

When I watched the show as a kid, Jay was instantly my favourite I related to him a lot, especially since I used to get in trouble for talking out of term or for being way too hyper But then I started watching as a young teen, and Cole really started to grow on me I especially loved Possession, which is still my favourite season, because Ghost Cole’s depression reminded me of my own, which I’d started struggling with and was currently deep in the middle of It’s been like 8 years since then, and I still really enjoy rewatching the series, specifically Possession and MOTM To summarize what I’m trying to say, you’re video explained perfectly just why I connected to much with Cole as I grew up Thanks for making this video, you’ve definitely earned a subscriber :3

WAIT ALSO i just watched "Day of the departed" and now it even makes MORE sense!! like he felts abandoned, forgotten and dissociated from the team it was sad to watch

cole has always been my favourite character since i first got into Ninjago in 2011. i liked him as the tough leader type, especially with early canon trivia like cole frequently staying up all night making strategies for missions. the shift to having him be goofier i didn't particularly appreciate, but it's a justifiable character choice for someone learning to relax and actually have friends for the first time in his life. (especially learning his early life was very much defined by his mom's illness, followed by his crumbling relationship with his dad). possession was my favourite season because of how it gave cole a chance to struggle with losing everything that defined him on the team. being steady as the earth. cole's ghost arc was one of my favourite things in the whole show, and still i feel as if he was really snubbed. dotd was only a short special. motm was very good, and added a lot of context and retrospective to early cole, but even still. in most seasons, even in most scenes, cole is sidelined probably the most out of anyone. he's the butt of jokes more often than not, and some of his character traits seem to have been completely forgotten. (his leadership skills, even his dancing) the food jokes get annoying after a while. i just want cole to be appreciated by the showrunners as much as i have always appreciated him. anyway- sorry for the rant i love cole a normal amount

I genuinely love Cole, and everything you said about him is what makes me love him so much in the first place. He's very gentle and kindhearted, and it really speaks to me that even the creator of the show confirmed that his favorite thing about Cole was his compassion. Have you seen the Honest Trailer for Ninjago? You should check it out!

This was a really awesome Cole analysis, it never even crossed my mind that Cole could be depressed but there's enough evidence to make a solid case for it! It's really inspiring to see how Cole manages to overcome his insecurities and how he copes with grief

Peak video! When you were kind of stalling I just sort of said to myself "depression.." and then when you said it I was like "I KNEW IT!" brilliant analysis I love to see someone discuss a serious topic like this that's been overlooked 👏

I initially liked Cole because I thought of him as the underdog, but as the show went on, I started liking him a lot because he's so relatable. He went through a lot of struggles, and you thoroughly and excellently explained his struggles and how he overcame them throughout the show. The aforementioned struggles led to his season, Master of the Mountain, then to fulfilling the legacy his mother left him. Am I not making sense and just wanted to ramble about my favorite character? Possibly I will say though, Master of the Mountain is an amazing season, it gave Cole the arc he didn't just deserve, but needed, gave loveable side characters (Vania and all of the Upply are my favorites), awesome music, great story and like you said, it's a cinematic Masterpiece (and don't get me started on the Spinjitzu Burst scene). I guess you can say that the season is... A Masterpiece of the Mountain? I'll take my leave now.

About time we talk about Cole!! I LOVE ninjago essays and this video? Instantly made me fall in love with it! Thank you so much for making a video about Ninjago's best ninja, liked and subbed to see more 💕 One thing i want to add in terms of "running away to solve the problem by himself" is that in Way of the Departed (a can-be-canon spin-off written by former writer Tommy Andreasen), Cole basically left the monastery without telling anyone because the green scar in his forehead is the rift itself. This made me think that Cole tends to go solo despite valuing his friends sometimes even more than himself. Crystalized gave his character justice in terms of dealing with grief and i'm so happy to see that! Despite everything, he remained to be emotionally mature and sympathic towards the other ninja who's grieving. I can't wait to see what future stuff is going to bring to Cole's character 😊🙌

I thought Cole was the least developed and most sidelined character in the main cast besides Pixel (but seriously Pixel needs more development) Luckily I was wrong and this wonderful video has opened my eyes.

Ok, let me talk a bit about why I started to like Cole and why after Zane became my favorite ninja: When I was a kid and started watching ninjago Cole seemed indifferent to me, just a strong character who liked to eat cakes nothing else. After season 7, I haven't watched ninjago for a long time, I just got bored of this series, only when my younger sister started watching it somehow I returned to the fandom. I decided to see the Oni Trilogy myself and I saw that Cole as a "substitute father" for Wu I really liked him and after that I did a rewatch of almost all ninjago seasons. Only then did I see the potential of how and who Cole really is. It's really a pity that the writers didn't pay more attention to him and his problems, but either Lloyd (Lloyd is ok for me unfortunately not so much as his character irritates me as his "main character complex" as he is constantly exposed after other ninjas. This annoyed me the most in season 11 where I think it should be a season all about Kai but in the second half of this season it's Lloyd again who is pushing the whole thing) or some sudden twists happen. Maybe United will fix it?

Cole is the heart of the team

7:32 he just like me

I barely know anything about Ninjago (Outside of what little of the series I watched in elementary school), but man was I captivated throughout the entire thing! You present info in such an engaging manner and use humor in such a way where it's not overbearing on the content or stealing the show entirely, but instead compliments it nicely. Excited to see what you make next!

I've always liked Cole. I never knew why. All i knew was that he was thw most relatable and now I know why he was so relatable. Because ge was the most raw and realistic. Lloyd's storyline is just outrageous.

DUDE!! I cannot put into words how amazing this video is!! Most of this never even occurred to me and you’ve got me on board with everything you just said! I’ll be honest, I had similar feelings about Jay in the earlier seasons (especially Skybound, that whole thing felt like one big mental health analogy and I can’t stop thinking about it). I’ve wanted to talk about it for ages but haven’t worked myself up to it so major props to you for having the guts dhsjds But yeah, you brought up SO many great points! Cole’s ghost arc stand out for so many reasons. It’s interesting how the thing that caused him to become a ghost in the first place was him taking it upon himself to go back for the scroll (and it felt kinda symbolic, him literally untethering himself from his friends to go back). AND S11!! I’ve always focused on Kai during the Never Realm, you just made me consider a whole bunch of new things Cole seems to be a victim of very ambiguous writing. Things are implied but never explicitly said (*coughs in royal blacksmiths*) so I LOVE when people make these types of videos. And now I shall proceed to enter an existential crisis because I have l literally been ranting to my brother for months about how much I relate to Cole, sooo skdhsksh but anyways awesome video, great work pal :D -“LAVA DIVORCE”- pfft yes

THIS. THIS IS WHY I LOVE COLE SO MUCH ISTG. HES SO ME AND THIS IS SO REAL HOLY SHIT UGGGHHH IT ALL MAKES SENSE TO ME BOW JESUS OH GOD

Easily the best video essay I’ve ever seen on cole. He is my favorite character for a lot of reasons and you definitely did that justice. I’m glad MotM was so good and that he’s working on himself, unfortunately with the passing of Kirby Morrow his character gets a little messed up adjusting to the new voice actor. But in the end Cole is still great and I’m glad you put his character depth into perspective

this video made me realize why I always loved Cole so much! Seriously, that's amazing.... thank you!!!!

Great video!! Needs more views :D!! (The blacksmiths episode did heavilyyyyy felt like a kid coming out to their parents, maybe that's why it's one of my top favorite!)

this is a great video and perspective, and a perfect example to why ninjago isnt "just some kids show". cole being depressed is something i never realised myself, but i now realise it is most likely true. subbed!

I really appreciate you touching on this subject, I always thought all this about Cole but almost nobody pays attention to him, to the point that many believe he has no personality. Many of us found refuge in Cole because we suffer from depression or we don't have a very good relationship with our parents and he pushed us not to give up despite the problems. Also, he was the caretaker of baby Wu because of those wounds with his father, I think those of us who identify a lot with Cole have that paternal/maternal side that is activated when we have a child or a baby in our care. Excellent video :D !!!

Love this video! Ninjago was and still is my little brother's special interest but I was a bit too old for it when it came out (I vaguely remember reading one of the early books that covered the plot of the pilots, Lloyd didn't exist yet) and lately we've been watching the show from the beginning together. He immediately pegged that Cole would be my favorite, specifically that I'd really like his true potential episode and at first I watched it and it felt kind of superficial but as the show went on and I learned more about him, I starting seeing the similarities. I hardly ever relate to fictional characters, but Cole and I both lost a parent around the same age and spent the rest of our childhoods trying to process the grief. Both of us struggle to ask for help, believe that out self worth is somehow connected to how helpful or responsible we are, rarely complain, were more emotionally mature than our peers, and struggle to find common ground with our surviving parent. I actually relate to Cole more because his struggles are in the background, because we're determined to be there for the people around us without ever needing support in return. If the show had gone out of its way to portray Cole's struggles, it would have felt forced, in the way a lot of kid's shows beat you over the head with WE ARE TEACHING YOUR KIDS LIFE LESSONS and it wouldn't have felt very "Cole". I certainly wouldn't have found him relatable if his struggles were more explicit. As he is, I think the people who relate to Cole the most are able to pick up on it and he's reaching his maybe not target but ideal audience. That audience just so happens to be millineals struggling to pay rent who can't always drop $80 on Legos.

Great video! I'm glad you pointed it out. I myself never cared much about Cole... or any ninja other than Zane. Why? well because Zane is most definitely autism/Asperger coded and I could relate to him, and I was glad that it wasn't a controversial opinion. However because of how much I focused on Zane I might have missed the nuance of other characters (also I think that the emotionality of archs always seemed a bit mellowed out for sake of children's media), while Lloyd as the main character since S1 (or 2 depending on how you see it) so he clearly had a lot of dramatic and character building moments (everything with papa Garmadon, relationship with Harumi), Zane despite not being the most popular ninja still has (in my opinion) the most of these moments out of all the ninja (maybe because he is a robot so he can be sacrificed or sacrifice himself all the time) plus he gets the best relationship and girl in the show P.I.X.A.L. (fight me on it!), Kai weirdly enough despite being the "main ninja" never had anything truly important to do, Jay had a nice bit of development (especially in the sky-bound), but sadly Cole wasn't given a specific role as you said and never had an arch as strong as in the mountains. Cole having a depression might be reading too much into the little signs that are being confused for something more serious... or it was initially just that but by observing it we made it a conscious part of his character just like in the case of Zane. Thank you for pointing that out. Even if it wasn't intentional by the creators initially we can make it cannon by collective observation.

Finally someone talking about this Also thank you for making me realized I relate to him

When i was little, Cole was immediately my favorite, sure it’s because I loved the color black and strong characters but ever since it first came out he has continued to be my favorite. He had so much potential, he is a very in depth character that the writers never really explored. The very fact his mother died very slowly and of natural causes and not some heroic sacrifice is already such a good concept and different from the other ninjas. Not only that but bro literally became the living dead for a moment. LIKE PLEASE LET US EXPLORE HIS TRAUMA HE HAS ALOT - it doesn’t need to be thrown in full force as Cole seems like a very secluded guy when it comes to his feelings but like let’s explore that!

I cant get over how good ur ninjago video essays/discussions are, watched all 3, completely agree with everything you say, love watching them cause they bring a new light to things in ninjago I never understood, thank you!!!

Cole has been my favourite ninja for a while now and these are the reasons why he’s my favourite ninja

LOVE THIS VIDEO!!! As somebody with depression autism and BPD Ninjago has been a big comfort for me over the years. When Master of the Mountain came out my mom was battling cancer so it really struck me and gave me a bigger appreciation for his character because it was like “hey, this is kinda like what I’m going through!!” My mom passed in December 2021 and my interest in Ninjago faded a bit after that (it was a little too angst-heavy for the time 😭) but I’ve been trying to get back into it (I’m caught up, just not very involved in the fandom currently) I love this video!!!! I’ve always imagined Cole having BPD as well (maybe quiet bpd) but that’s mostly me projecting I think haha. Have a nice day.

Damn, just damn... I already loved Cole but, with this new perspective, I love him even more!

This video was very convincing! I look forward to seeing more from you!

You actually make a lot of good points. I literally made a ninjago video a few weeks ago and I mentioned in it how I thought Cole had a lack of personality and now I kind of regret that😅

I think Cole is more Aromantic-Asexual, I find him less needing of a love interest.

Wow this is a really good video! I've always liked and related to Cole especially in the later seasons but never knew why. I feel like this perfectly summed up the feelings I have about his character so thanks for making this video on him 🖤

THANK YOU for bringing this up. As someone who struggles with depression I see so much of myself in him. Great video!

Hey uh id just like to say this is an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING analysis of his character and i love it to bits and i "just" realized (well not just realized but this video helped me remember) i might have depression too so uh. I might need to get that checked out. So thank you for that. I really appreciate this video and for an odd reason i feel deeply represented even if that may have not been the intention

I just finished watching crystallized for the first time and now i wanna watch all of ninjago again and see how fast I can do it because of this video. A truly great and relatable video.

And even more proof of his depression later in possession he looks into his future and sees nothing he thought he was gonna die again

i’m such a cole fanatic this is such a wonderful analysis THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO DUDE

I've loved Cole since i was a kid. Thank you so much for this, really. You don't know how much this means to me

Me, a child with depression: Loves Cole with no reason other than 🏳️‍🌈 and likes lego Cole: also a hinted depressed, supposidly 🏳️‍🌈 man of lego Me 10 years later and sees this video: Woah

this is exactly the points i have been wanting to explain to my friends but i've got no way to word it. you do it so well thank you so much.

Earned a subscriber 👍 very well made video and I’m definitely interested in more. Cole is a new role model for me now

Thanks so much for this unique view. I watched the pilot + the 1st season and I'm gonna watch the rest of the show with that mindset because it makes so much sense. (I was aware that cole became a ghost so I didnt care about being spoiled)

Welp Now Im gonna watch the rest of ninjago just 4 Coles journey Also its sorta scary just how much I can relate to this vid Im supposed to have an appointment w a psychiatrist soon, so hopefully Ill recieve some answers, haha And ty for making this vid! I dont have words to describe it properly atm, but it touched me

It was established that Cole was the Team Leader in a tie in book I remember reading around 2011-2012. Even though the books are non canonical, thats where I remember the information coming from.

This video was so so good, I could tell making this meant a lot to uu

11:15 BROO "genuinely bummed out" AHSJSFHE also love the video thank you for your service

Aww 🥺 Con razón es mi favorito, adore tu video, muchas gracias!!!

dude this is amazing! you definatly made your point totally agree with you. Personally Cole is my fav and it makes so much sense that he is depressed. on top of that your pretty funny yourself

Damn… when bro said sound familiar, I thought about myself…

You make ALL THE RIGHT POINTS you literally have the same view points as me and now I love you because now I don't have to write paragraphs with my friends.

Thank you for this theory I'm so glad to see fans that saw the original show

I finally found this video and omgggg yEAH he’s such a silly guy (I really hope no one commented about this already bUT): Even in crystalized, when everybody was down in the dumps about Nya, Cole took it upon himself to lead the team and find everybody while the others went away to grieve. When I was watching I was so sure he would be upset, because him and Nya were really close. Instead, it seemed like he put those feelings aside while the others are more openly depressed about it (ie Jay at the tower, Zane w/ his emotions). Like bro couldn’t even grieve without trying to distract himself from it and try to take charge when literally EVERYONE ELSE couldn’t. Goober :(

Ninjago was never a show in which i took my time to analyze the characters - i viewed it a lot more as a comfort show and never went in too deep (im also generally oblivious and catch on slower to things), but on my rewatch i found myself relating to Cole a LOT but i could never put my name on it. But during this video you finally put them into words for me - the struggles, his behaviour, his view on the world and his internal system - and it was an eye opening experience (espc when you started listing depression symptoms i started sobbing i should see a therapist lol). I dont usually use this word but i guess i kin him and this video felt like a slap in the face, not only about cole's character but I also realized stuff about myself. I agree with everything you said and THANK YOU for saying it

Excellent video, thank you❤

THIS VIDEO WAS SOOO GOOD I LOVE COLE I HAVE TO SUBSCRIBE

The Cole fanfics I wrote in middle school (which have since been deleted) now make a lot more sense.

I’m so glad you’re saying this

Thank you for putting my thoughts into words. Ninjago has been a favorite childhood show for me, and Cole had a relatability I couldn’t quite put my finger on. But recently I created a character of my own, and started wondering what characters in existing shows were similar. Cole was on that list, altho I couldn’t for the life of me think why. I thought maybe they were similar in terms of mental health? This video is proof. Thx!

Honestly Cole is one of my favorite characters and now I’m just realizing these things and it makes me relate to him more

In my weekly rewatch of this video

I agree with this video so hard man. Like just. Yes. Yeah. 100%. You’re so right. Sir how does it feel to be that Correct?

u didnt mention that bro gets absoloutely 0 plot armor and has a possible death chance/ always is the one getting into the problems.

You: *describing depression* Me: oh shit that's me

I've gotta say something, in the Mask of the Oni, (forgot the actual name) he is climbing a mountain and just casually drops he lost his father and then nothing else is said until his main focus season like WTF, you just can't say that and then say nothing 😂

I subbed to u from ur unikitty video lol I love ninjago

Just want to mention, just for anyone who doesn't know, I'm pretty sure Coles original voice actor died, and that's why he had 2

I’ve never thought of it like this, I love Cole. Also You’re voice sounds exactly like a girl I heard talking about ninjago at Barnes and noble once

Sometimes i keep thinking about how cole is never thought to appear in the future, like that discarted ideas from hot season or that comic from ninjago next were he isnt there old with the rest of the ninja. Maybe also that scene on possession when he cant see his future bc he is a ghost

In “way of the departed”, you heard me right, “WAY” not “DAY” (a most likely canon novel thing written by a creator I believe), takes place between season 7 and season 8. Cole out right says he should cut back on eating unhealthy but he finds comfort in eating cake cause he needs something to occupy his mouth and hands. He needs a distraction. He also deals with a lot of grief surrounding Wu’s disappearance and goes off to find him without the other ninja. He always feels responsible for things like that and blames himself.

this deseves more likes i love it! 14:08 I ship Lava too

This was a masterpiece

Cole is my favorite character. Always related to his personality and his life. And kinda grew like him

We all know that Coles canon love interest is Cake

7:32 you pulled a scene where at the time the Ninja believed the travellers tea was their only way of crossing back to their realm

I 100% agree. I relate to Cole a lot (and Zane because Zane has characteristics that I relate to when it comes to autism. I’m a bit on the spectrum) because I have depression and it has made him my favorite character

You kept stalling on your point so I got kinda scared, but then you said it and I was like "WELL YEAH HE DOES! FINALLY SOMEONE SAYS SOMETHING!"

Great video

Bro I feel like Lloyd’s trauma has already been brought up continuously that we don’t need more of it and Zane as well as jays problem have been given some attention. Nya had a whole season about her problems. Both kai and cole have trauma that is never addressed and I feel like cole did get to assess his trauma in master of the mountain but Kai never gets this opportunity. Kais trauma is always brushed off or they focusing some one else. Like in seabound when the whole growing up by themselves trauma is only given to Nya the writers totally skip over the toll that it took on Kai.

Anyone doubting that Cole has depression needs to read Way of the Departed honestly. That line about Cole not wanting to eat even cake anymore but doing it out of habit, and cake tasting like ashes in his mouth... hmmmm hello hello depression my old friend. I feel you buddy. As to why it's not discussed more... probably because the show seems to shaft Cole on the first occasion they get every season... Gosh I love this character. Probably the one I identified with the most in ninjago.

3:13 always really hated this timeline plothole, like Ray and Maya WHY ARE YOU THERE THESE PEOPLE ARE LITERALLY THE GENERATION BEFORE YOU and god Garmadon and Wu are too young there

Cole is the best ninja #tbh

Cool

This video actually help me a lot, I was writing a ninjago next generation fanfic where Cole and his wife had left their son in Shintaro(i don't ship Colnia but i think she would be more like an awesome aunt to Cole's child) but I needed a reason to take Cole away. Since he has been shown to be a great father *Cough Cough baby wu cough cough * I couldn't say that he "wasn't ready/bad with kids" or that he some bs like that. Now I can use depression for it Now I just have to figure out how to write a relatable depressed Cole since I have no idea how feeling work

Can I just say, that in my opinion Cole has a love interest. I don't know how a lot of people can't see that adorable smile on his face when he talks to Vania. Anyways, I totally agree with you on the depression. It's even mention in The Royal Blacksmiths by Jay how Cole has always been more closed off. I'm so sad that Cole never really got any seasons besides Master of the Mountain. I think you have great points throughout this whole video! Great job!

Why have I never thought of Cole as gay

Whenever he was gone, I didn't even notice, or forgor 💀

Funfact in the german version of Ninjgo every Ninja exept Lloyd have gotten a new Voice (why they changed Cole idk but Nya was changed in Skybound for a few episodes cause her Voice actress was pregnant she playes her now again, Jays one wanted more money, Kai was changed in Crystalized as much as i know idk why, Zane also got changed he sounds now more like a Robot idk if it really fits cause Zane always feeled humane and now he sounds less Humane but his character still feels Humane and Wu got just random a change in the first chapter from the season where there are Ice Samurai and Fire snakes)

Nice video

i want to hug him 😭

Sorry I would like to bring up a part of coles family that I want to bring up too. There is a scene when bringing up nya and kais parents that shows one of the old masters of earth betraying the first master of spinjitsu, and it then later on when they bring up coles mom that Kai and nyas parents appear to have not aged. Then they never bring it up and it makes me wonder how old Kai and nyas parents are and how coles family works because it never explains when coles mom takes over or how old she was when she did it.

Cole's my fav character

thanks for the video it did shed light on it and i have to say that i persanaly ship cole and vanya together and truely cole is my favorit charecter with zane in that spot so thank you for the video