Thailog

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thailog
Thailog
Publisher Disney First appearance Gargoyles 2x16 Double Jeopardy Created by Greg Weisman
Characteristics Alter ego Thailog Species Gargoyle Affiliations Leader of the The Clones, Nightstone Unlimited Notable aliases Alexander Thailog Abilities Same physical powers as Goliath, Xanatos's business sense and planning

Thailog is a character from the Disney superhero animated series Gargoyles. He is a villain and the antithesis to the show's hero and protagonist, Goliath. The character was voiced by Keith David.

[edit] Character Description

Thailog is a direct clone of Goliath created by Dr. Anton Sevarius under the employ of David Xanatos, who wanted his own gargoyles to control and do his bidding after he failed to control the Manhattan Clan. In order to prevent another mutiny, Xanatos had the clone brainwashed to share in Xanatos's unique personal view. While being matured to the same age as Goliath, he was programmed with specially prepared material, including late 20th century and capitalistic ideals, and as a result he acquired Xanatos's penchant for elaborate Machiavellian schemes. The whole process made Thailog drastically different from Goliath, to the point where they appear to be complete opposites.

The opposing natures of Goliath and Thailog is signalled in several ways. Firstly, an examination of their names reveals that Thailog is an anagram, and phonetic reversal, of "Goliath" (on the Season 2, Volume 1 DVD box set, Greg Weisman revealed that the character was largely inspired by hearing a recording of Goliath's name played backwards). Secondly, their colors are photo-negatives, with Thailog having dark skin and white hair, and when angry his eyes glow red instead of the usual white (red eyes are typically associated with female gargoyles, white with male). In terms of their character, Goliath is portrayed as noble and loyal, though quick to anger, whereas Thailog is cruel, greedy, ambitious, dishonorable, and remains constantly calm under pressure.

At first Goliath was disgusted by Thailog, but he grudgingly accepted him as a "son" after convincing from Elisa Maza. Goliath even offered Thailog to become part of the Manhattan Clan, but Thailog found himself disappointed with his newfound father and refused the offer. He rejected the Gargoyle concept of protecting as he found it to be ridiculous, pointless, and unprofitable. This makes him something of a standout amongst the world's Gargoyles with the exception of Demona who rejects it as it conflicts with her personal goals.

[edit] Character History

Apparently Xanatos's plan backfired as Thailog was far too intelligent and self-aware to be obedient to Xanatos and had no desire to work with him. Thailog then hatched an elaborate, and ironically Xanatos-esque plan to get back at him by tricking him into believing he was kidnapped. Playing off the predictable nature of Xanatos and his other "father" Savarius's personalities, the plan worked perfectly, as Thailog confronted them and attempted to murder them and escape with the $20 million in ransom money that Xanatos was prepared to pay out for his safe recovery. He told Goliath that her originally intended to escape with him and the money, but after meeting him decided to kill him too. While he failed in eliminating his "fathers", he was successful in getting away with the ransom money to start his own criminal empire which had apparently been his plan all along.

Thailog was seen again in Paris, France, partnered up with Demona in a scheme to scam Macbeth out of his fortune using Demona's human alias, Dominique Destine. However, Thailog in another Xanatos type scheme, was going to betray Demona and take both her and Macbeth's fortune. Goliath thwarted this plot, and Thailog returned to Demona. Thailog's next plan with Demona involved creating their own clones of the Manhattan Clan. Thailog attempted to betray Demona yet again by him creating a special female Gargoyle, Delilah, using the DNA of Demona and Elisa Maza that would be totally obedient to him. Thailog and his clones where defeated while Thailog was presumed to have been killed during the battle.

According to series creator Greg Weisman, Thailog was to have survived the battle, and is slated to appear in upcoming issues of the Slave Labor Graphics comic book.

[edit] The Goliath Chronicles

In the non-canonical season 3 episode of Genesis Undone, Thailog like his other clones was dying of a genetic defect present in their systems. He, like the Manhattan Clan and the clones went to Dr. Sevarius for a cure, though he intended to steal the cure for himself. However, they were all tricked by Dr. Sevarius who had no intention on keeping them alive who wanted to use all the Gargoyles as fodder for his own Gargoyle creation. Thailog gave his stolen cure to Goliath to defeat "Little Anton", giving him somewhat of a redemption. More so his "death" in Goliath's hands showed that they both clearly considered each other father and son and it could be infered that his battles with Goliath are akin to adolecent struggle with his father. His last words being "Oh how I loved to cause you grief". Thailog and the clones deteriorated until they all fell into permanent stone sleep. He and his clones were perched on top of a New York skyscraper and will be kept there until a cure is found for their condition.