It’s nice to learn by example; sometimes that means learning from watching the pitfalls and missteps of others. As such, if you’re considering a career in sidekickery, we offer these tips in what not to do.
Reveal Secrets
It’s bad. Secrets are meant to be kept. Even secrets about treasure troves with thingamabobs and staying away from humans.
Be Too Literal
“Use your head” is good advice, but this is a know-your-audience situation. Herc maybe needed to know it was a metaphor before he went charging literally head-first into a centaur.
Forget How To Spell Someone’s Name
It’s hard to create a lasting, trusting bond when you’re in the middle of your big number honoring your boss and you can’t remember how to spell his name.
Stand Too Close To The Fire
This one works literally and metaphorically. Yes you’re a sidekick, but take care of yourself too or you won’t be any help to anyone else.
Forget To Follow Through
Seriously. This one went poorly for them (and Hades).
Take It Personally
Mulan’s whole “my ancestors sent a lizard to help me” thing was just her fear talking. She didn’t really mean it.
Listen To The Devil On Your Shoulder
He may be trying to leave you down the path that rocks, but trust us… it’s the wrong one. Also, his voice is weird sounding.
Get Jealous
Making fun of Aladdin’s crush was not Abu’s best idea. He almost talked Aladdin out of Jasmine as a potential love interest. Luckily the creepy prisoner dude (aka Jafar in disguise) was there to encourage him not to give up.
Go Against Your Strengths
These three got points for trying, but clearly a non-magic version of sewing is not where their skills are best utilized.
Only Look Ahead
You might get pounced on. Also, sometimes remembering where you came from can help you help someone else.
Get Distracted
Read: don’t fall for a hypnotizing snake. You have work to do.
What have you learned from the Disney sidekicks?
