Ethical Bug

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“	Oh... OH! That was horrible! Your wish is horrible! YOU'RE HORRIBLE!* You're an irredeemable monster!*	„
	~ The Ethical Bug's heroic breakdown as he gives up on changing Big Jack Horner noicon

“	You looking for something? Consider this my resignation, Mister!	„
	~ The Ethical Bug's most famous quote, announcing his resignation as Jack's conscience before the Phoenix burns the last piece of the map, eventually killing Jack.

The Ethical Bug is a supporting character in DreamWorks' 43rd animated feature-length film, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

He was one of the magical items that "Big" Jack Horner had collected after raiding a large amount of them. Jack inadvertently packs him when he begins embarking on his quest to the Wishing Star in order to obtain all of the world's magic in order to rule the world. The Ethical Bug assesses Jack's personality throughout his quest, judging him by his actions, though he notes his master's ruthlessness. Eventually, when Jack lets his minions fall into a deep canyon, he declares that Jack is an "irredeemable monster" when he shows no concern over this.

He is voiced by Kevin McCann.

Appearance[]

The Ethical Bug is a round green cricket that wears a pair of brown overalls, a small brown hat and a blue collared shirt with a pink bowtie. He also has four legs, two long antennae, and a pair of blue eyes. After being flicked by Big Jack Horner, he's now missing one of his wing coverings, with his clothes also being slightly damaged.

Biography[]

The Ethical Bug first makes his appearance when Jack searches for relics to clear away the carnivorous roses at the "Pocket Full O' Posies", summoning him due to believing he's some sort of magic insect that can clear away the plants. However upon being released, the Ethical Bug reveals he's actually a conscience and is supposed to help his master become a better person. He attempts to urge Jack to help his minions, which he refuses to do so as he has so many magical items. When Jack unveils his Phoenix, the Bug admires her until his master begins using the bird as a flamethrower, causing him to remark how his work's already cut out for him.

Later on, when Jack confronts Puss and Kitty at the riverbank, he threatens to shoot Perrito in the face unless they give him the map, causing the Bug to try and dissuade him to no avail, being horrified at Jack continuing to use the unicorn horns as ammo despite already downing some of his men. Later on, as they cross a canyon using the Baker's Dozen as a human bridge, the Bug remarks that Jack doesn't appreciate the value of a life as he discusses who he should kill to acquire the map. Later, when he orders the carriage to cross over all of Jack's remaining henchmen are knocked down to their deaths except for the carriage's driver, causing the Bug to exclaim in horror. Hearing Jack joking about how "you can't bake a pie without losing a dozen men", he's horrified and finally realizes what an irredeemable monster his master is. Jack however, shamelessly confirms this and, mocking the Bug for taking so long to realize it, flicks him away, causing him to lose a wing.

Later on during the film's resolution, Jack is stranded on the Wishing Star as it collapses, with the map having been torn up by Puss, Kitty and Goldilocks. He manages to reclaim two of the fragments, but as he realises one of the fragments is missing, he notices the Bug riding on his Phoenix. Announcing his resignation as Jack's conscience, the Bug and the Phoenix burn up the last piece, sealing Jack's fate as the map is destroyed as he's sucked into the star and it explodes, ending him once and for all. Afterwards while Goldilocks and her family discuss taking over Jack's pie business, the Bug arrives to advise them on ethical work practices, causing Baby to mistake him for a cockroach and Goldi attempting to swat him.

Trivia[]

The Ethical Bug is a clear homage/parody to the Talking Cricket from Pinocchio, as he is supposed to be a representation of his subject's conscience.
- Ironically, his former owner "Big" Jack Horner's backstory has him being upstaged by the Shrek version of Pinocchio.
The Ethical Bug's voice is an impression of actor Jimmy Stewart, obviously referencing the name of Disney's own talking cricket, Jiminy Cricket.