TV Villains' Anthem: The Gilbert & Sullivan Song Embraced by the Rich and Horrible
If you are caught up with the latest season of Industry, you have witnessed Kit Harington's character, Henry Muck, descend into a chaotic spiral of depression, intoxication, and reckless behavior. In a pivotal scene from season four, episode six, Muck sings For He is an Englishman from Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore while in the shower, just before a wild club encounter. This moment is not an isolated incident; it is part of a growing trend where television antagonists adopt this satirical show tune as their unofficial anthem.
The Song's Dark Evolution on Screen
Originally, Gilbert and Sullivan's works are often viewed as chummy and pompous, but For He is an Englishman is a sharp critique of blind nationalism. The lyrics mock the idea that being born in England inherently grants superiority, making it a perfect fit for characters who exude entitlement and villainy. Recently, in The Night Manager, Hugh Laurie's character, Richard Roper, also bursts into a rousing rendition, reinforcing the song's association with wealthy, morally corrupt figures.
This usage has evolved over time. In earlier television appearances, the song did not always signify villainy. For example, in The West Wing, an episode titled And It's Surely to Their Credit features characters debating the song's origin before a group performance, though it lacks thematic depth and serves more as a cultural reference for insufferable know-it-alls.
Iconic Performances and Cultural Impact
Other shows have incorporated the song with varying meanings. In House, Hugh Laurie's character sings it to cover up faking a urine sample, adding a meta-layer since Laurie is English and has performed the song in multiple accents across different series. However, the gold standard remains The Simpsons episode Cape Feare, where Sideshow Bob performs the entire HMS Pinafore, culminating in For He is an Englishman with a union jack drop-down. This scene masterfully combines pomposity, anglophile pretensions, and villainy, setting a high bar for future uses.
The resurgence of this song in 2026 reflects broader perceptions of the UK as isolated and out of touch, yet still arrogant. While recent renditions in shows like Industry and The Night Manager capture this zeitgeist, they have yet to surpass the iconic Simpsons moment. Perhaps future adaptations could incorporate playful elements, like having Hugh Laurie stand on a rake, to nod to this legacy while exploring new narrative depths.
