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- "May 5th... 3 days after the accident. I haven't been able to sleep since last week. I finally told them what happened. It was in my office. It was the longest hour of my life. The most painful conversation I've ever had. The pain in their eyes, the anger. They both hate me now and I don't blame them. I have no idea as to... what's gonna happen to me now. My life, my business, everything.. but the fact- the fact they're still buried down there.. It haunts me every night. It's eating me up inside. Rosemary asked about the doll... I told her they... They left it at school. That was a lie. I don't know what to do with the doll! Wherever I go, there it is and I can't get myself to get rid of it! It's like a constant reminder of this huge mistake and how there's nothing I can do to make it better."
- ―Felix talking about the car crash confession aftermath, May 5th, 1974
Felix Archer Kranken is a major character in The Walten Files and was a co-founder of Bon's Burgers and Jack Walten's close friend. His actions in the Walten Files series are immensely important due to the fact that he essentially kickstarted the entire series by causing the deaths of Edd and Molly Walten, which itself kickstarts many events in the series.
Appearance[]
Felix is usually in business attire and wears thick glasses. In Company Introduction Tape and Relocate Project, he is in a grey business suit. However, the animated version has him in a short-sleeved button-down shirt, a black tie, and black slacks, still keeping his thick-rimmed glasses.
When ShowBear shows how Edd and Molly died in BunnyFarm, he is tall and slim, wearing a deep blue suit and his face is somewhat distorted.
In Night of the Living Robot, he is only shown once, with gray wavy hair.
In the Bon's Burger Commercial, Felix is shown wearing a similar suit to the one in Company Introduction Tape and Relocate Project, although it is a darker black and doesn't have collars near his neck. He also has his trademark thick glasses and similar bangs to his picture in Guilty.
Personality[]
Felix has a severe alcohol addiction, which has brought him into a very emotional state. Linda notes in her October 30th, 1964 entry that he had been drinking way more than usual, and he was crying and stressed about something. She also notes him ashamed of his addiction and reluctant to address it. He suffers from severe memory loss due to his drinking habits, causing poor cognitive regulation. He appears to have a firm opinion of himself, almost to the point of egomania, as the first tape of the Relocate Project describes him as brilliant and caring, as he was the one to think of the project in the first place and has made himself the sole founder, despite his friend Jack working on it with him. This is also shown in Guilty when he says "I never thought I..." before changing it to "we" to include all BSI employees.
He is also very persistent, as even after Bon’s Burgers closed, he established the Relocate Project in the hopes that the restaurant could reopen soon, and after missing the projected date due to the project’s failure, he pushed for the project again. Martin has compared Felix to the titular protagonist of 'Bojack Horseman'. He stated that he is a man who believes he is good deep down, despite never trying to change his actions. He's extremely self-centered, as seen in Guilty when he tries to take credit for Bon's Burgers as a whole. This is also seen in regards to the accident; he was more afraid about how it would affect him, and so he thought less of anyone else involved/that would be involved.
His directions for Relocate Project was noticeably mediocre as well, as his first steps were to fix up the animatronics instead of purchasing new ones for the company. That was nearly impossible to do, as the animatronics were in a severe state of disrepair and the technicians were not given the proper equipment or time to do so. This implies that despite being the co-founder of Bunny Smiles Inc. and a businessman, he has mediocre leadership and decision-making skills.
Under his alcoholism and poor decision making, he seems to be a passionate and ambitious man, as he had long dreamed of an animatronic-themed restaurant and is quite proud of BSI's work of Bon's Burgers, stating that the employees worked "blood and sweat" for it's grand opening. Additionally, his first tape for BSI in Guilty shows his passion for the concept of Bon's Burgers and happily welcomes all new employees that joined BSI and wanted to be involved in his passion. His ambition was shared with a hard-working and equally ambitious Jack Walten, which is how they became close friends. He also seems to be friendly and close with many people, even with the BSI employees, as Susan and Charles informally call him "Felix" instead of a formal "Mr. Kranken".
Other than his alcoholism, Felix’s greatest conflict is his internal battle between his genuine remorse for his actions and his fear of consequences. This conflict has made him the kind of man who can feel so much guilt to the point of contemplating suicide while simultaneously throwing away Edd and Molly’s belongings in a river to cover his tracks. The kind of man who can feel sorry for the poor treatment he gave his wife, Linda Thompson, upon finding her journal while also still indulging in the same thing that destroyed their marriage (alcohol). The kind of man who at his best is a passionate, hard-working, and caring friend and at his worst, a selfish, self-pitying, and impulsive coward.
Although both Felix and Jack equally managed the company as they were co-founders, Felix was forced to do most of the actual administration and management of BSI himself rather than Jack who worked behind the scenes and out of the spotlight. This implies that Felix (in his prime anyhow) was good at management compared to Jack and could be trusted by him to do so.
Relationships[]
Jack Walten[]
He and Jack Walten were close friends who met in university. They bonded over wanting to start an animatronic-themed restaurant and eventually their shared dream became a reality. The two later became the owners and founders of Bon's Burgers. Their relationship took a sharp turn when Felix got into a crash due to being blackout drunk and accidentally killed Jack’s two youngest children, Molly Walten and Edward Walten. Soon afterward, Jack went missing. Due to Edd and Molly calling Felix "Uncle Felix", it's implied that Jack and Felix appeared to have a brotherly relationship.
Felix eventually reveals about the crash to Jack and Rosemary, as said by Felix himself in the CyberFun Tech Collection. Jack and Rosemary were heartbroken to hear the deaths and both hated Felix for what he had done.
Linda Thompson[]
While working towards his dreams for Bon’s Burgers, known as the “restaurant idea,” he married a woman named Linda Thompson. However, this marriage was doomed from the start, as Felix’s crippling alcoholism had put a heavy strain on their relationship, as he would devote most of his time to drinking. This marriage soon ended on May 2nd, 1974, when she left for Hurricane to try and start a new life for herself, encouraging Felix to do the same.
Edward and Molly Walten[]
Judging by the interactions between Felix and the two siblings, their relationship was very close and trusting. The siblings affectionately nicknamed him "Uncle Felix", which showed how much love the siblings had for him. This also implies that Felix had a brotherly relationship with Jack. Molly was concerned with Felix's health, asking him if he was drinking alcohol and disapproving it by stating her teacher told her drinking was not good. Edward was also worried about Felix's driving, believing he was driving too fast. Molly forgave Felix, telling him that it was okay and that both siblings understood the day of the party wasn't the best for Felix, ironically stating that "everything is gonna be okay." Felix in both BunnyFarm and Guilty is shown to be distraught and crying about the deaths of Edward and Molly, again proving their close relationship,
Company Introductory Tape[]
Felix is seen in the first tape of the series alongside Jack Walten when given a message, stating that “In BSI, the most important thing isn’t the money or the ratings. The most important thing is that you have a wonderful experience working with us.”
The next segment states that due to the Bon’s Burgers location closing in 1974, he moved everything from the restaurant to the K-9 Storage Facility for good.
Relocate Project[]
Felix is mentioned as the creator of the Relocate Project, which has been dated “X/X/75.” He is pictured working on a computer while Bon watches with excitement. He is also seen in an 8-bit recreation of the workers moving the animatronics to the K-9 facility. Felix also began selling books, and toys and even pitched a tv show called “Little Bon’s Neighbourhood.” Felix Kranken is now depicted as the sole founder and CEO of the Bon’s Burgers company and Bunny Smiles Incorporated, instead of as a co-founder of the companies. The picture is the same as the Company Introductory Tape, other than having Jack cropped out of the picture, save for the arm that’s patting Felix’s shoulder. The narrator of the tape states that he had the brilliant idea of relocating the animatronics from the original restaurant to the facility in the hope that a new Bon’s Burgers restaurant can be opened in the not-so-distant future (the sign says it plans to be opened in 1982). The narrator then praises Felix, stating that “...not only does he have a giant brain, but also a giant he[art].” However, the cartoon is cut short by a cartoon version of Jack Walten.
He is mentioned in the Reprogramming Tape, as the mighty rabbit (Susan Woodings inside of Banny) tries to get his attention, though she is unsuccessful.
As the Shadow Man (theory)[]
If Felix is the “Shadow Man,” he can be seen in the third tape of Technical Support. He follows Sha, appearing first in the resting room once she leaves. He can also be seen in the main storage area of the basement when Sha enters it again. He is at the exit and stops Sha from leaving. He is then seen for the third time, at the same spot. He is seen for a final time after Bon stuffs the dismembered body of Rosemary Walten, possibly turning on the lights to reveal both animatronics covered in blood and gore. The theory that Felix is the "Shadow Man" is also supported by the song "Slowly" uploaded by the channel FelixComplex K9 (a.k.a Ronnie) on Youtube.
BunnyFarm[]
He is first seen in a series of images in the founding photo in the backdrop of the main picture of Sophie, still with Jack Walten.
He is then mentioned again in the help manual, which changes to Linda Thompson’s diary.
October 30th, 1964[]
Linda notes that Felix has been acting strange as of late, drinking much more heavily than usual and that he came home crying and distraught at 4 in the morning.
August 23rd, 1965[]
He is now living with Linda, and on the day before, they celebrated Jack and Rosemary Walten’s third child Molly being born. He was also pitching Bon’s Burgers, referred to as the “restaurant idea.” to Cyberfun Tech, who were very interested in his idea.
December 26th, 1970[]
Felix and Jack built a gray rabbit for Ed and Molly, which Molly affectionately calls Rocket. However, despite the lovely Christmas, his drinking problem has worsened, and he has yet to address it. He also knows it's getting worse, but he doesn't try to change his habits.
January 3rd, 1973[]
Due to being busy with projects, his alcoholism gets so severe that he even stays at the warehouse for the sole purpose of drinking; this puts a severe strain on his marriage with Linda, again.
May 2nd, 1974[]
This entry is Linda’s divorce letter, stating that due to the relationship always being in such an unhealthy state, she’s moving away from Brighton to Hurricane. She additionally states that she knows that by the time he’s reading this, due to being in the warehouse with Jack (or he’s just going to drink again) and has to do Jack a favor with Ed and Molly at the party, she’ll be gone. She’ll try to build her own life while she has the chance and hopes he does too. The note ends with “I am so sorry.”
Sophie admits that she shouldn’t be reading this diary, causing it to revert to the standard manual.
The Accident[]
In Boozoo‘s minigame of Spot the Differences, there is an image of Billy playing with three toy figures and a toy car. However, the blue figure Billy holds in the left image is replaced with a black one in the right image. This could possibly another reference to Felix being Shadow Man. Sophie doesn’t click this difference, as clicking the two red figures causes Boozoo to change pictures quickly.
Showbear’s Remembrance[]
On May 2nd, 1974, at precisely 15:23 (3:23 p.m. converted from maritime), Felix gets a call from Jack Walten. Jack asks Felix for a small favor, which Felix is reluctant to do. Jack cuts him off, saying that Ed and Molly have a school party and has no one to pick them up, as he has to finish paperwork at the workshop while Rosemary is taking Sophie to the dentist. Felix accepts the request, and Jack is happy, calling him a “lifesaver.” He instructs Felix to pick them up at five and get them home by nine.
Felix arrives at their house, albeit a bit late, and drives them around 17:56 (5:56 p.m.) He then spends the rest of the party at the drinking zone. Ed and Molly meet up with him after finding Rocket, and it’s very late by the time Felix gets ready to pick them up. Molly asks him the first time if he drank, but he denies it by stating that he’s just been feeling dizzy. He’s back on the road at 21:53 (9:53 p.m.), and by the time he’s back on the road, he’s been driving for a while. Molly innocently asks again if he’s been drinking, to which Felix states he’s just dizzy. Ed notices that he’s speeding a bit, and he brushes it off by saying that he wants to get them home quickly. Felix says once more that he’s not feeling great and he wants to go to bed. Molly understands, knowing that it wasn’t one of his best days and that everything will be okay. However, the dialogue replaces all of Molly’s statements that it’s all his fault. He thanks her but then quickly gets into a car accident, hitting headlong into a barrier and crashing the car in Santa Juana’s Forest. A “Bad Ending” screen is shown, saying that “you crashed the car! You killed them!” The background noises are various sound bites of the game, paired with his blood-curdling screams of terror, as Felix realizes that he just killed Ed and Molly Walten. Due to being too scared to face the consequences, Felix buried the both of them in Santa Juana’s, along with losing Rocket.
He has 25 new messages at Felix's house, all of them from Jack, as it’s been three hours since he told Felix to drop off Ed and Molly. He asks what happened to them and demands Felix to say to him if something did. However, even though it’s been three hours, he hasn’t called back, and no one has been able to get to him, not even Jack. Livid, Jack asks, “Just what the hell is wrong with you? I asked you to do one simple favor for me. I need to know where are they...” The voicemail is abruptly ended.
Guilty[]
Company Greeting, Dated 04/15/1967[]
The first message that is sent has a young, happy Felix. He greets all of the new employees, and that he, along with Jack, is excited to work with them, and he hopes that the employees will help achieve the dream of BunnySmiles, Incorporated. Despite not having much to their budget, he has hope, and that’s all that matters.
December Message, Dated 12/10/1972[]
The following message is sent by an older, yet still as determined Felix. He gives all of the dedicated BSI employees a farewell message, wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. He states that it’s wild how far the company has made it, and never thought that he, no, they would make it this far, and is proud of all of them, and is looking forward to the following year.
Guilty: After the car crash, Dated 05/02/1974[]
The final message is just after the car crash and is sent by a drunk, traumatized Felix. He intermittently cries throughout this entire message. He starts by stating that it’s been a while since he’s used the recording device. The last time he used it, he was in the same conditions and also “messed up”. He finally addresses his crippling alcoholism, stating that it makes him forget things, like the first time he’s gotten drunk. He realizes that it’s why he carries the recorder with him, to help him remember things better, knowing that the next day, he’ll think of the car crash as a terrible nightmare and that Ed and Molly are perfectly okay. However, he knows they’re not and is terrified of telling Jack and knows he’d be devastated, which is why he buried them, as he’s terrified of the thought of Jack seeing what had happened. Felix says that Jack has been the best friend he’s ever had and would never do a thing like that. Though, he doesn’t remember where exactly he buried them and then causes him to weep for a few moments before stating, “God... I’m so fucked...”. With the restaurant opening up next month, he tries to assure himself that everything will be fine and that he’s okay.
Find Jack Walten[]
In findjackwalten.com, Felix offers the most recent news about his missing friend, five years later after his disappearance. On MLB! FM Radio, March 29th, 1979, he states that he still wonders what happens to his friend, and states that he still wonders how he’s been able to keep on with the company knowing that he and his family are missing. He also says that he is saddened that he’ll never be able to live the happy memories and experiences again and that Jack would never get to see what the company turned out to be. Despite this, he still has hope for the better.
Later, in Log #785, Detective Derek Collins stated that Felix was caught driving under the influence again, and as a result, he was revoked of his license and stayed in the station for three days. When questioned about the case of the missing members of the Walten family, he didn’t say anything about it. He has been described as not recovering from his alcoholism, only getting worse. The most recent thing done in the Contact us section of the website is a black screen with white text that says “I’ll see you soon”.
Bon's Burgers Commercial (1970s)[]
After Boozoo announces a proud statement about Bon's Burgers, he tells the audience to not credit this statement to him but rather to "take it from this guy." A man in a suit, his face blurred but clearly meant to be Felix Kranken, is shown sitting and reading paperwork, before turning to the camera and smiling. Felix himself then narrates about the restaurant further, announcing the date of its opening, it's location, and promoting the restaurant by stating BSI worked blood and sweat to ensure the entertainment was top-notch and the food was excellent quality. He also talks about The Showstoppers being the most advanced animatronics in the Bon's Burgers.
The Felix in the footage talks to the camera but his voice is not heard at all and it is not known what he is talking about. A map layout of the restaurant shows several rooms, including Felix's office. Seconds later, Felix appears again talking to the camera but he also turns back towards an unknown person and looks at the camera before the footage cuts off.
CyberFun Tech[]
We see Felix hours after the crash in a grave he dug next to the graves of Edd and Molly. There is also a cut of him within the car perhaps just after the accident, as his car alarm blares out. We see him head to a cliff over a body of water and throw the backpack and shoe of one of the children into the water below and contemplates not only disposing of Rocket but himself into the water in an act of suicide though doesn't bring himself to do it, collapsing at the edge of the ledge, sitting there in silence.
We hear another tape by Felix, on May 5th. Felix talks about how he confessed to Rosemary and Jack about the accident and how its mentally effecting him and the business. He also lied to Rosemary and Jack about where the Rocket doll was, saying it was probably lost at the school, when in reality it's still in his living room, still covered in blood. He talks about being haunted by his regretful actions, though literally being haunted by the spirits of Edd and Molly as they knock on his door to his pain.
Felix later then moves the Rocket doll to Bon’s Burgers, telling Susan and Charles to keep quiet about it.
Trivia[]
- Both Felix Kranken and Jack Walten's faces are edited versions of the faces of the Atari founders. His face in Guilty is also the face of Buddy Holly.
- His full name as we know it is "Felix A. Kranken," according to his findjackwalten interview.
- The name "Felix" is derived from the Latin word "fēlix," which means "lucky." The German word "kranken" can be translated as "sick" or "suffering (from an affliction)."
- Felix and Linda started dating a little after Jack Walten and Rosemary Walten's marriage.[3]
- He and Linda Thompson had a cat, but he often neglected it by forgetting about it. Linda was the opposite and took the cat when she moved.[4]
- He used a shovel to bury Ed and Molly.[5]
- This is shown in The Walten Files: Season 1 - Final Poster, which has Felix holding a bloody shovel.
- Felix drove a 1974 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow.[6]
- Felix's voice actor has stated that Felix is Bisexual.[7]
- He majored in business in college.[8]
- He hates pizza.[9]
- Has tools in his trunk and tends to not clean up his things.[10]
- According to Martin, if he was an influencer, he would be popular for "the wrong reasons" and get into internet drama.[11]
- Would likely hang out at a bar with Jack if they had a "guys night out."[12]
- Had a ton of Looney Tunes cartoons of the 60s.[13]
- He is an Aries according to Coker.[14]
- His favorite color is blue.[15]
- Would likely have hated math as a school subject.[16]
- Felix would not have cared much about Chuck E Cheese.[17]
- He would lose in a fight against Jack.[18]
- Would wear funky patterned clothing like ties or socks.[19]
- His favorite song is Into each life some rain must fall, which plays in the background of Guilty when he is recounting the crash.[20] The song is also named Felix Kranken on the soundtrack channel.[21]
- He would not like disco music,[22] however, he would like Power-Pop, specifically Badfinger, but also The Raspberries, The Rubinoos, The Flaming Groovies, Cheap Trick, and others.[23]He sees the style as a continuation of the Beatles' style of music as they came into the spotlight in his generation.[24]
- He is not into art.[25]
- Due to Coker, Felix Kranken's VA, leaving the crew, CyberFun Tech will be the last episode he voices the character in. The search for a new VA will begin after the episode airs and Connor_Bates was the new VA.[26]
- As stated by Martin during a twitter live, Felix gains weight after the accident.
- During a twitter space, Martin stated that Felix loves Louis Wain.
- His former cat's name is Peter.[27]
- The whole reason for Felix's alcohol addiction getting worse in 1964 won't be revealed, as it is a big spoiler based thing.
- His usual drink is Shaefer beer. [28]
- During a twitter space, Martin confirmed that Felix wears the same glasses as Buddy Holly but that he after the crash might've gotten a different pair.
- Felix would accidentally reveal to Lily that Santa doesn't exist (said by Martin in twitter space)
- According to Martin on a twitter space, Felix tried his best to hide his addiction from Jack (in order to be on his 'good side')
- Felix looks up to Jack as a person who he wants to be. Despite any 'love and affection' that Felix feels towards Jack, there is a lot of envy.
- Felix isn't a religious person though is superstitious and during his dark times would pray in hope that something would hear him.[29]
- In the Walten Files Patreon Video, there was a line at the near end said by Felix.
- "No, no you can't tell anyone about this. Jack if anyone finds it, it’s over, for you, me, everyone please just- please keep this a secret and do not tell anyone about it. Keep it safe my entire life is in that box."
- This further hints that the box seen in CyberFun Tech contains Felix's autobiography and confessions towards his past and current life.
- "No, no you can't tell anyone about this. Jack if anyone finds it, it’s over, for you, me, everyone please just- please keep this a secret and do not tell anyone about it. Keep it safe my entire life is in that box."
- The reason Felix drinks will be revealed in the future.
- Felix drinks due to something in his past he tries to avoid is possibly the reason.
- Felix's new voice actor, Connor Bates will be heard in future teasers.
References[]
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/Thewaltenfiles/comments/q52d41/comment/hg5k8j5/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
- ↑ https://twitter.com/smiles_bunny/status/1428051038746169347
- ↑ https://twitter.com/smiles_bunny/status/1447213881193947136
- ↑ https://twitter.com/smiles_bunny/status/1415537001718222849
- ↑ https://mobile.twitter.com/smiles_bunny/status/1415533934381879296
- ↑
Felix's car.
- ↑ https://twitter.com/coker0415/status/1388163576301596677
- ↑ https://twitter.com/smiles_bunny/status/1428131731853520897
- ↑ https://mobile.twitter.com/smiles_bunny/status/1415540379869499399
- ↑ https://mobile.twitter.com/smiles_bunny/status/1415533934381879296
- ↑ https://twitter.com/smiles_bunny/status/1428041544502763524
- ↑ https://twitter.com/smiles_bunny/status/1428042142862221312
- ↑ https://twitter.com/smiles_bunny/status/1428042142862221312
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/Thewaltenfiles/comments/q52d41/doing_another_ama_since_im_now_officially_the_va/hg5k8j5/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
- ↑ https://twitter.com/pythoneon_/status/1428034249358254087
- ↑ https://twitter.com/smiles_bunny/status/1415565369620811776
- ↑ https://twitter.com/smiles_bunny/status/1428135002957656067
- ↑ https://twitter.com/smiles_bunny/status/1428055099725733888
- ↑ https://twitter.com/smiles_bunny/status/1415534300716584964
- ↑ https://twitter.com/smiles_bunny/status/1428035584883363842
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoO8RguUxjs
- ↑ https://twitter.com/smiles_bunny/status/1447213330708324355
- ↑ https://twitter.com/coker0415/status/1447214046474817547
- ↑ https://twitter.com/coker0415/status/1447214603889520646
- ↑ https://twitter.com/smiles_bunny/status/1415534727365283847
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ Bob (questions at #utternoiseswmartinevacoralandkyler, a twitter space with Martin Walls, Kyle DeNigris, Coraline, and Eva
