A rule I've heard a long time ago about cartoon physics is that: "if it's visually possible then it's possible "

I never realized overconfidence is a cardinal sin in cartoons. I have new respect for these classic toons.

in fairness to Tom, Tom gave as good as he got he does have wins under his belt

Squidward loses his "butt monkey" status whenever he actually sides with Spongebob.

Shrek: "Just don't look down."
Donkey: "SHREK! I'm looking DOWN!"

To be fair about Tom, there are plenty moments where he isn't even the villain and Jerry is the one antagonising the situation.

I love how "physics" in this realm more reflect ethics than actual physics

I remember an episode of Tiny Toon Adventures (where the premise is they're studying to become like their Looney Tuned mentors) where they lampshade the gravity bit. They cross a chasm by walking off a cliff and telling each other not to look down.

I chalk it up to them being young and inexperienced, not yet learning they should only use that for causing or exacerbating problems, not solving them.

Not gonna lie when I saw the title I thought you were going to talk about some crazy theoretical physics on why gravity only works when we look at it.

Tom and Jerry episodes were at their peak when the two teamed up to get a common goal accomplished. Not always the funniest episodes, but they genuinely work well together and complement each other in ways that are genuinely wholesome and inspiring.

Let's also not forget the "Plausible Impossible", the rule that it has to SEEM explainable and be grounded in rules of reality, despite being impossible. "The most hilarious comedy is grounded in reality."

I was expecting a physics lesson but instead got a psychology lesson

2:02 i love that you used home alone for "if in real life" when that movie operated on looney tunes physics

I always wanted Wile E. Coyote to at least SUCCEED ONCE because it’s annoying how the physics only work in favour of roadrunner

Never thought about cartoons in this way, this explains why they are so genius

So the exception to the gravity rule is, as long as you think to yourself "I fucked up" you are able to get back onto solid ground?

In an episode of Tiny Toon Adventures, Granny taught the whole "don't look down" ordeal to the kids.

I always thought the rule was "they can do anything, as long as its funny"

It’s all tied up in Narrative Causality. Nothing happens unless the author intervenes or the character expects it to happen.

Looney Toons Loonaversity: General HOGspital
“ Amazing how much imitatable cartoon violence they show in the 1940s.” -The Fairly OddParents