The 1980s animated show G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero used its villain Destro to explain complex plots while keeping young viewers interested. Series creator Ron Friedman and voice actor Arthur Burghardt shared details about the character's unique role.
Destro served as Cobra's chief weapons maker and often provided lengthy explanations about the group's plans. Friedman crafted these lines in a Shakespearean style to create tension with Cobra Commander and avoid boring the audience. He noted that children dislike being talked down to and that the exposition had to feel natural.