 |
This Article Contains Spoilers -
WARNING: This article contains major spoilers. If you do not wish to know vital information on plot / character elements in a story, you may not wish to read beyond this warning: We hold no responsibility for any negative effects these facts may have on your enjoyment of said media should you continue. That is all. |
|
| “ | Karen: Sir? Sir? Sir, are you in line? Frankie: No. Actually, I think I've been out of line my whole life. |
„ |
| ~ Frankie in "The Signature" before abandoning his idea to take the Wattersons' house. |
Francis "Frankie" Watterson is a supporting character in the The Amazing World of Gumball franchise. He is the conman father of Richard, grandfather of Gumball, Anais, and Darwin, and the ex-husband of Granny Jojo.
He walked out on his family when his son Richard was very young, causing severe mental trauma within Richard and being one of the main reasons that he grew to be as irresponsible and dangerous as he is. Even after reconnecting with his family, he still takes every chance he can get to take advantage of them and run away.
He was voiced by Rich Fulcher.
Appearance[]
Frankie is a rotund, anthropomorphic, sage green rat with a black eye, light wispy stubble and whiskers, and big ears. He wears a hot pink Hawaiian shirt, pink pants, a beige leather coat, and an olive-green fedora.
Personality[]
Frankie is a con man, a figurative rat, and a scam artist. He tends to be selfish and opportunistic; in "The Outside," it’s revealed that he was a criminal who sold parcels of the moon to elderly people, eventually fleeing from the police. He often takes advantage of others, even his own family, having abandoned his son at an early age and later attempting to steal the Wattersons’ house under the guise of a reunion. He also has a somewhat awkward, snarky, dry-witted demeanor, but he can be genial and friendly at times. He also shares some traits with his son, such as being lazy, sneaky, and incompetent at his responsibilities.
Despite his flaws, Frankie feels remorse for his actions and genuinely loves and cares for his son, Richard. He only abandoned him to prevent Richard from following a similar path of thievery, believing he isn’t fit to be a good parent or role model and that he cannot change his ways. In trying to reconnect with his son, he can only attempt to do so by committing crimes with him, which proves fruitless. However, Richard eventually convinces him otherwise, inspiring Frankie to adopt the philosophy that "the future starts now," beginning his journey to become a better person and father.
Biography[]
Background[]
In "The Man," it is revealed that thirty-three years ago, Frankie left his ex-wife and son. In "The Outside," it’s further disclosed that he did so to avoid jail time for selling parcels of the moon to senior citizens.
The Amazing World of Gumball[]
Frankie first appears in "The Signature," where he is evicted from his apartment due to overdue rent. After reading a newspaper ad from the Wattersons, who are looking to reconnect with him, he decides to visit them with the intent to con them. While Richard is thrilled to reunite, Granny Jojo is less than pleased. Frankie deceives the family into signing over the deed to their house, posing the documents as adoption papers. The family rushes to city hall to stop him, but eventually, Frankie realizes the pain he caused his son by abandoning him. He decides to abandon his scheme and instead attempts to reconnect with the Wattersons.
In "The Outside," the Wattersons visit Frankie at his rundown RV in a junkyard, where he lives in destitution. Nicole remains suspicious, fearing he will try to scam them again. The Wattersons set up a "jailhouse operation" to make Frankie feel at home, assuming he has been to prison. Though he initially takes advantage of the arrangement for a more comfortable stay, the family’s treatment soon drives him to escape. Frankie kidnaps Gumball, leading to a chase by the Donut Cop. The Wattersons pursue him, and Richard ultimately invites him to join the family. Frankie declines and is subsequently arrested by the Donut Cop, likely heading to jail.
He returns in "The Father," where Richard tries to bond with his estranged father, only to find that Frankie resorts to stealing things wherever they go as a bonding attempt. Richard eventually grows frustrated, prompting Frankie to apologize. Though Frankie feels it is too late to make amends, Richard insists otherwise, and the two reconcile.
The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball[]
To be added...
Trivia[]
- Long before his appearance, many fans thought that Richard's father was dead because Nicole had mentioned that Gumball's grandfather lived until he was 102 years old (yet Nicole didn't specify whether she was referring to Gumball's paternal or maternal grandfather). With the revelation that Frankie left Richard when he was young, fans went to assume that Nicole referred to her father (though this statement was ultimately retconned after Mr. Senicourt was revealed to still be alive alongside his wife).
