Why did Big Smoke order so much food?
As a long-time Grand Theft Auto fan, I can say with confidence that Big Smoke‘s epic fast food order is one of the series‘ most iconic scenes. When I first watched it, I was just as shocked as CJ by the endless parade of greasy items. But looking deeper, Smoke‘s meal choice perfectly reflects the immense pressure he was under while betraying the Grove Street Families.
In short, Big Smoke‘s huge order was a stress-fueled coping mechanism.
In this article, we‘ll analyze exactly what‘s in Big Smoke‘s order, the anxiety he faced playing both sides in the gang war, and why turning to food is such an emotionally soothing habit. Strap in, things are about to get wild!
Breaking Down Big Smoke‘s Giant Cluckin‘ Bell Order
First, let‘s examine precisely what Big Smoke jammed into his meal by looking at the complete order:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 2 number 9s | Likely chicken sandwich meals |
| Number 9 large | Larger portion chicken sandwich |
| Number 6 with extra dip | Chicken nuggets with extra sauce |
| Number 7 | Unknown, more chicken products |
| 2 number 45s, one with cheese | Likely burgers, one cheeseburger |
| Large soda | No details but ~42 oz |
Based on fans‘ calorie estimates, this single mammoth order tops over 9,000 calories! That‘s nearly 5 times an average adult‘s recommended daily intake. No wonder Big Smoke got so big over the course of the game!
As a fellow gamer, I know the temptation to binge on fast food during intense sessions. But Smoke‘s order goes above and beyond – it reflects the constant pressure he felt living a double life.
The Stresses of Betraying Your Best Friends
Big Smoke was a key member of the the Grove Street Families since childhood. Yet in secret, he allied with their sworn enemies: the crooked cops (C.R.A.S.H.) and rival Ballas gang.
"I got caught up in the money, the power…I don‘t give a shit about the threat from no Ballas or no cop." – Big Smoke
Smoke was happy to betray lifelong friends and the only community he ever knew in exchange for money and power. But that choice clearly weighed on his conscience a great deal.
Having to hide that betrayal amongst people who trusted him brought Big Smoke huge anxiety behind the scenes. As a Grove Street OG, he felt intense guilt for enabling the Ballas‘ return to power after years of decline.
Big Smoke wasn‘t a cold, calculating villain – he genuinely cared for the Families. But ultimately greed won out over loyalty, a choice that slowly ate away at his conscience.
Food: A Soothing Mechanism for Anxiety
To help relieve mounting stress, many people turn to small doses of pleasure – often food. The joy of eating releases dopamine, temporarily masking negative emotions.
In Big Smoke‘s case, we can clearly see this psychological coping mechanism at play in his absurdly large order.
According to studies, more than 50% of adults increase food intake under stress. Binge eating provides a respite from anxious thoughts and guilt, regardless if it‘s healthy or sensible.
For Big Smoke, his giant pile of Cluckin‘ Bell comfort food offered:
- A distraction from having to pretend around his childhood friends
- Stress relief through indulging his appetites without restraint
- Childhood nostalgia from his neighborhood‘s iconic chicken spot
In the short-term, a big greasy meal likely soothed Smoke‘s mind. But in the long run, such habits fueled his declining physical and mental health.
Big Smoke‘s Visit: An Acting Masterclass in GTA History
It‘s also worth analyzing the stellar voice acting behind Big Smoke himself. Actor Clifton Powell delivers an inspired, memorable performance:
- The sheer enthusiasm as he orders meal after meal
- His contagious, satisfied laughter between bites
- The playful banter with Ryder without a care
It‘s a masterclass in bringing a character to life – adding such depth beyond just words on a script.
For me, Big Smoke lands as one of gaming‘s most complex characters thanks to Powell‘s talent. Within a silly fast food run, we see a man trying to suppress immense guilt under layers of jolly humor.
In conclusion, Big Smoke‘s epic order marks a profound moment for his character. Under the surface of over-the-top satire lies a tragic figure torn apart by greed and stress from betraying his oldest friends. So next time you watch this scene, see it in a whole new light.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Do you have any other theories about Smoke‘s choice of meal and what it symbolizes?
