People Realise They Were 'Too Young' To Understand What Dark Resurfaced Tom And Jerry Episode Actually Meant

People are just now discovering the surprisingly dark truth behind a resurfaced Tom and Jerry episode that has left fans feeling unsettled.

The famous animated series, which first gained popularity in the 1940s with its 161 short films, focused on the endless rivalry between a house cat named Tom and a clever mouse, Jerry. 

The Tom and Jerry episode in question came out in 1949 Warner Bros.

Much of the series takes place inside a house, with Tom constantly trying (and failing) to catch or kill Jerry.

However, one episode from 1949 called Heavenly Puss stands out for its unexpected and dark twist. 

In this eight-minute short, Tom dies after being crushed by a piano.

He's given a shot at redemption in the afterlife but only if he can convince Jerry to forgive him in heaven.

While this storyline may already seem darker than usual for a children's cartoon, that's not what has fans talking.

A clip from the episode, recently shared on social media, shows Tom ascending to heaven on a golden escalator, where he joins other cats waiting in line to enter. 

Viewers are only just realising the dark reason why these characters are in a sack Warner Bros.

As the check-in clerk asks each cat how they died, viewers are suddenly shown three kittens popping out of a wet, bouncing sack.

"You don't see it when you're a kid. You haven't been corrupted yet so don't know what it means," one person commented.

Another added, "What seemed like just another cartoon now feels so much more emotional and unsettling when viewed through adult eyes."

A third viewer reflected, "My god. As kids, we didn't realize how dark these cartoons could be! Looking back at this now just makes me cry."

Some fans, however, found the episode to be touching in its depiction of loss and the afterlife. 

"That's so touching! I love how the episode handles the concept of loss and the afterlife in a way that's both gentle and profound," another person shared.

The episode’s emotional depth clearly resonated with people who rewatched it as adults. 

One fan commented, "Omg, Soo true.. I remember watching this as a kid... it all just flew right over my head!! The bag of wet kittens..."

To add to the debate, someone playfully suggested, "At what age did you realize that Jerry was the villain?"

The Tom and Jerry series, originally created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, was highly successful, even winning seven Academy Awards during its original run from 1940 to 1967.

Over the years, the iconic cat-and-mouse duo has been rebooted multiple times, and the show remains beloved across generations.