History Main / DogKickingExcuse

* DogKickingExcuse:

-->'''Killian:''' "Ever hear of an elephant graveyard? Well, two years ago, the elephant in the room was this scow."
-->'''Ellis:''' "This is the Roxxon Norco."
-->'''Killian:''' "And, of course, you'll remember that when she spilled a million gallons of crude off Pensacola, thanks to you, not one fat cat saw a day in court."
-->'''Ellis:''' "What do you want from me?"
-->'''Killian:''' "Uh, nothing, sir. I just needed a reason to kill you that would play well on TV."

* In ''VideoGame/IHaveNoMouthAndIMustScream'', the [[AIIsACrapshoot evil omnicidal AI]] [[BigBad AM]] has subjected his five human playthings to neverending torture for the past 109 years ever since he wiped out all other life on the planet, using his belief that HumansAreBastards as justification. During the game, he places them each in their own IronicHell based off the crimes they committed in life -- [[SociopathicSoldier Benny,]] [[ThoseWackyNazis Nimdok,]] and [[FakeAristocrat Ted's]] misdeeds are all pretty clear, but when it comes to Gorrister and Ellen, AM's reasoning falls short. Gorrister struck his wife Glynis in a fit of anger during an argument, and the shock of it, combined with the emotional stress of their difficult marriage, caused her to suffer a mental decline so severe that she was soon placed in an institution and died there. The guilt has haunted Gorrister ever since and he's tried to kill himself numerous times to atone. Ellen never hurt or deceived anyone and was plagued with misfortune throughout her life, the most severe being the [[spoiler: brutal rape she endured]] that left her with a debilitating fear of yellow, [[spoiler: the color of her rapist's clothing.]] AM is aware of Gorrister's sincere guilt and Ellen's innocence but tortures them nonetheless, showing that a person's actual character doesn't matter to him, just the fact that they're human.

* In ''VideoGame/IHaveNoMouthAndIMustScream'', the [[AIIsACrapshoot evil omnicidal AI]] [[BigBad AM]], has subjected his five human playthings to neverending torture for the past 109 years ever since he wiped out all other life on the planet, using his belief that HumansAreBastards as justification. During the game, he places them each in their own IronicHell based off the crimes they committed in life -- [[SociopathicSoldier Benny,]] [[ThoseWackyNazis Nimdok,]] and [[FakeAristocrat Ted's]] misdeeds are all pretty clear, but when it comes to Gorrister and Ellen, AM's reasoning falls short. Gorrister struck his wife Glynis in a fit of anger during an argument, and the shock of it, combined with the emotional stress of their difficult marriage, caused her to suffer a mental decline so severe that she was soon placed in an institution and died there. The guilt has haunted Gorrister ever since and he's tried to kill himself numerous times to atone. Ellen never hurt or deceived anyone and was plagued with misfortune throughout her life, the most severe being the [[spoiler: brutal rape she endured]] that left her with a debilitating fear of yellow, [[spoiler: the color of her rapist's clothing.]] AM is aware of Gorrister's sincere guilt and Ellen's innocence but tortures them nonetheless, showing that a person's actual character doesn't matter to him, just the fact that they're human.

* In ''VideoGame/IHaveNoMouthAndIMustScream'', the [[AIIsACrapshoot evil omniscient AI]], [[BigBad AM]], traps all of his victims in an IronicHell using the crimes they committed in life as justification for his belief that HumansAreBastards. Two of his victims, Gorrister and Ellen, never actually hurt anyone, but AM took no less pleasure in using their guilt and trauma against them.

-->'''Trevor:''' "The media and the government would have us believe that torture is some necessary thing. We need it to get information, to assert ourselves. Did we get any information out of you ?"

* In ''VideoGame/FalloutNewVegas'', the WretchedHive of Nipton traded with both [[TheFederation the New California Republic]] and the escaped convicts known as the Powder Gangers, and tried to double-cross them by offering them as slaves to [[BigBad Caesar's Legion]]. The Legion then ''brutally'' kills the entire town in a LotteryOfDoom, with SoftSpokenSadist [[TheSpymaster Vulpes Inculta]] justifying it by stating they were simply RewardedAsATraitorDeserves. Even if you disagree with his actions, you can at least understand his goals... until even closer inspection shows [[UnreliableExpositor he lied]] about the town's {{Dirty Coward}}ice to make it seem more deserving than it really was. And if that wasn't enough, he plans to massacre the civilian population of Vegas in an onslaught so brutal [[EvenEvilHasStandards it disgusted even the ruthless]] BloodKnight Legate Lanius. As a result of this, he's one of the only five characters in the game to be labeled as "[[CompleteMonster Very Evil]]" on the KarmaMeter.

* In ''VideoGame/FalloutNewVegas'', the WretchedHive of Nipton traded with both [[TheFederation the New California Republic]] and the escaped convicts known as the Powder Gangers, and tried to double-cross them by offering them as slaves to [[BigBad Caesar's Legion]]. The Legion then ''brutally'' kills the entire town in a LotteryOfDoom, with SoftSpokenSadist [[TheSpymaster Vulpes Inculta]] justifying it by stating they were simply RewardedAsATraitorDeserves. Even if you disagree with his actions, you can at least understand his goals... until even closer inspection shows [[UnreliableExpositor he lied]] about the town's {{Dirty Coward}}ice to make it seem more deserving than it really was. And if that wasn't enough, he plans to massacre the civilian population of Vegas in an onslaught so brutal [[EvenEvilHasStandards it disgusted even Lanius]]. As a result of this, he's one of the only five characters in the game to be labeled as "[[CompleteMonster Very Evil]]" on the KarmaMeter.

** ''Film/DoctorStrangeInTheMultiverseOfMadness'': When Steven is tried by the Illuminati on Earth 838, this worlds Baron Mordo, who was made sorcerer supreme after 838!Steven was executed, ostensibly fearing that 616!Steven will repeat their Steven’s mistakes. It's revealed 838!Steven used the Darkhold to defeat 838!Thanos, accidentally causing an incursion that destroyed another universe. As Mordo becomes more insistent on killing Steven, Steven notes Mordo's ego, distracting him by claiming that Mordo was jealous of 838!Steven's position, suggesting Mordo was ''glad'' 838!Steven caused the incursion, allowing Mordo to kill and usurp him. Steven even suggests that Mordo gave his Steven that Darkhold in the first place, ''hoping'' it would come to that. Mordo doesn’t deny the accusation, and it gets under his skin enough that he attacks Steven on the spot.

** In the first game, mayoral candidate [[BigBad Richard Hughes]] has plans to redevelop and clear out the slums of Stillwater, which is met with criticism as her would be displacing the poor and low class within the city. However due to the gang wars, and the Saints coming up on top, Hughes is ''thankful'' for their actions, as it now means he can spin his plans as dealing with a hotbed of gang and criminal activity.

* In ''VideoGame/IHaveNoMouthAndIMustScream'', the [[AIIsACrapshoot evil omniscient AI]], [[BigBad AM]], traps all of his victims in an IronicHell using the crimes they committed in life as justification for his belief that HumansAreBastards. However, Gorrister and TheChick Ellen never actually hurt anyone but AM took no less pleasure in using their guilt and trauma against them.

** In episode four, Sean accidentally finds himself on the property of two hillbillies, Chad and Michael. If they were annoyed he was on their property and forced him to leave, that would be one thing, but Chad uses it as an opportunity to racially, verbally attack Sean, as well as humiliating him or beating Sean senseless.

** ''Film/DoctorStrangeInTheMultiverseOfMadness'': Invoked and Discussed. When Steven is tried by the Illuminati on Earth 838, this worlds Baron Mordo, who was made sorcerer supreme after 838!Steven was executed, advocates executing 616!Steven. The Illuminati fears that 616!Steven repeat their Steven’s mistakes. It is revealed 838!Steven used the Darkhold to defeat 838!Thanos, but accidentally caused an incursion that destroyed a whole other universe. While the rest of the Illuminati are distracted by the attacking Scarlet Witch, Mordo becomes more insistent on killing Steven. Steven notes Mordo's ego, and distracts him by claiming that Mordo was jealous of 838!Steven's position; even suggesting Mordo was ''glad'' his Steven caused the incursion, as it allowed Mordo to kill and usurp him. Steven even suggests that Mordo gave his Steven that Darkhold in the first place, ''hoping'' it would come to that. Mordo doesn’t deny the accusation, and it gets under his skin enough that he attacks Steven on the spot.

--> '''Trevor:''' Exactly. Torture's for the torturer. Or the guy giving the orders to the torturer. You torture for the good times! We should all admit that! It's useless as a means of getting information!

->''"I have two rules I follow," Saren explained. "The first is: never kill someone without a reason."''\\
''"And the second?" Anderson asked, suspicious.''\\
''"You can always find a reason to kill someone."''
-->-- ''[[Franchise/MassEffect Mass Effect: Revelations]]''

[[folder:Video Gamess]]

* ''Film/Scream3'': Mixed with FreudianExcuseIsNoExcuse. When Ghostface - [[spoiler:Roman Bridger]] - reveals their sad past [[spoiler:of being rejected by his mother for being a product of her rape and a reminder of her trauma, Roman goes on a rant about how he's a tragic victim lashing out at the world. His half-sister Sidney, whose life was directly and indirectly ruined by Roman orchestrating the original Ghostface killings, has had enough of hearing these killers self pitying rants, and angrily tells Roman to his face that he (and the other killers) are responsible for ''their own'' choices. If anything, Roman just enjoys killing and is just using his sad past an excuse to do so. This prompts Roman to go on a vitriolic VillainousBreakdown, as his delusions shattered, and he and Sidney fight.]]

** ''Film/DoctorStrangeInTheMultiverseOfMadness'': Invoked and Discussed. When Steven is tried by the Illuminati on Earth 838, the Baron Mordo - who was made sorcerer supreme after 838!Steven was executed, advocates executing 616!Steven with the Illuminati fearing that he'll repeat their Steven’s mistakes. It is revealed that 838!Steven used the Darkhold to defeat 838!Thanos, but in the proceeds caused an incursion that destroyed a whole other universe. While the rest of the Illuminati are distracted by the attacking Scarlet Witch, Mordo becomes more insistent on killing Steven. Steven makes a note of Mordo's ego, and distracts him, claiming that Mordo was jealous of 838!Steven's position; he goes as far as to claim Mordo was ''glad'' his Steven caused the incursion, as it allowed Mordo to kill and usurp him. Steven even suggests that Mordo gave his Steven that Darkhold in the first place, ''hoping'' it would come to that. Mordo doesn’t deny the accusation, and it gets under his skin enough that he attacks Steven on the spot.

** ''Film/IronMan3'': Aldrich Killian's whole schtick with his Extremis conspiracy. After being snubbed by Tony Stark over a decade prior to the film, Killian has held onto this grudge ever since. Acting as the mastermind behind the faux Mandarin conspiracy, Killian tries to sell the faux Mandarin as a KnightTemplar out to punish America for it's corruption, as justification for various terror attacks. When Killian takes President Ellis hostage, he sums it up thusly.

* ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoV'': In one mission, Steve Haines has Trevor torture Ferdinand Kerimov, a man connected to Tahir Javan, who is ''suspected'' of having ties to a terrorist organization. Despite Kerimov's obvious innocence and willingness to cooperate, Steve does not let up on the "interrogation", sometimes even interrupting Kerimov before he can give any answer. After Steve tells Trevor to kill Kerimov, Trevor sneaks to the airport, during which Trevor tells Tahir that the JackBauerInterrogationTechnique is bullshit.

* ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoV'': In one mission, Steve Haines has Trevor torture Ferdinand Kerimov, a man connected to Tahir Javan, who is ''suspected'' of having ties to a terrorist. Despite Kerimov's obvious innocence and willingness to cooperate, Steve does not let up on the "interrogation", sometimes even interrupting Kerimov before he can give any answer. After Steve tells Trevor to kill Kerimov, Trevor sneaks to the airport, during which Trevor tells Tahir that the JackBauerInterrogationTechnique is bullshit.

* ''Film/DoctorStrangeInTheMultiverseOfMadness'': Invoked and Discussed. When Steven is tried by the Illuminati on Earth 838, the Baron Mordo - who was made sorcerer supreme after 838!Steven was executed, advocates executing 616!Steven with the Illuminati fearing that he'll repeat their Steven’s mistakes. It is revealed that 838!Steven used the Darkhold to defeat 838!Thanos, but in the proceeds caused an incursion that destroyed a whole other universe. While the rest of the Illuminati are distracted by the attacking Scarlet Witch, Mordo becomes more insistent on killing Steven. Steven makes a note of Mordo's ego, and distracts him, claiming that Mordo was jealous of 838!Steven's position; he goes as far as to claim Mordo was ''glad'' his Steven caused the incursion, as it allowed Mordo to kill and usurp him. Steven goes as far as to suggest that Mordo gave his Steven that Darkhold in the first place, ''hoping'' it would come to that. Mordo doesn’t deny the accusation, and it gets under his skin enough that he attacks Steven on the spot.

[[folder:Video Games]]

* ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoV'': In one mission, Steve Haines has Trevor torture Ferdinand Kerimov, a man connected to Tahir Javan, who  ''suspected'' of having ties to a terrorist. Despite Kerimov's obvious innocence and willingness to cooperate, Steve does not let up on the "interrogation", sometimes even interrupting Kerimov before he can give any answer. After Steve tells Trevor to kill Kerimov, Trevor sneaks to the airport, during which Trevor tells Tahir that the JackBauerInterrogationTechnique is bullshit.

* VideoGame/LifeIsStrange2'':

[[folder:Video Game]]
* VideoGame/FarCry4'': This is something Pagan Min admits too. While he was already a murderous dictator, he genuinely fell in love with Ishwari Ghale, even fathering a daughter with her named Lakshmana. When Lakshmana was murdered by Ishwari's husband, Pagan became more of a murderous warmonger ostensibly to avenge her death. However, over time Pagan realized he was using Lakshmana's death as an excuse to do whatever he wanted.

* ''Video Game/SaintsRow'':

* ''Film/IronMan3'': Aldrich Killian's whole schtick with his Extremis conspiracy. After being snubbed by Tony Stark over a decade prior to the film, Killian has held onto this grudge ever since. Acting as the mastermind behind the faux Mandarin conspiracy, Killian tries to sell the faux Mandarin as a KnightTemplar out to punish America for it's corruption, as justification for various terror attacks. When Killian takes President Ellis hostage, he sums it up thusly.