Floor and Teefs: The Unsung Heroes of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
There are moments in life where we find ourselves getting completely invested in a character or event that, on the surface, might seem so minor. I’m not talking about the main players like Star-Lord or Gamora, whose arcs are established and evolving across the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. No, I’m talking about the overlooked, the sidekicks, the underdogs—characters who show up for a brief moment, but leave a lasting impact. And, if we’re being honest, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 gave us a few of those characters, didn’t it?
One of the most unexpectedly memorable characters in Vol. 3 is… Floor. Wait—who? Yeah, I know what you’re thinking. “Floor? Was she really that important?” Well, I’m here to argue that, in the grand scheme of the film’s emotional rollercoaster, Floor and her tragic demise actually matter more than we might realize.
In a movie that deals with the complexities of friendship, redemption, and the fight for survival, the character of Floor serves as a crucial reminder of the things we often take for granted: love, loyalty, and the value of those who fight for what’s right, even if their moment in the spotlight is fleeting.
So let’s dig into why this floor-dwelling creature (yep, you read that right) stuck with me long after the credits rolled and why I’m still thinking about her and Teefs, her sidekick, in ways I never thought I would.
Who Exactly is Floor, Anyway?
First off, let’s clear something up: Floor isn’t some random character you’ll forget after leaving the theater. No, Floor is a creature that plays an important role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. She’s one of the many genetically modified animals who appear in the movie, created by the film’s villain, the High Evolutionary. The High Evolutionary, if you recall, is all about “improving” life forms to his version of perfection. In his warped vision, creatures like Floor and Teefs—who, by the way, is a dog-like creature with human-level intelligence—are his experiments.
Floor, who’s literally a floor creature (yes, that’s her name), is one of those characters who, at first glance, seems so simple and somewhat absurd. A floor-bound creature with legs like an octopus and a face that reminds you of a slightly uncomfortable yet endearing plushie. But that’s the beauty of it: Floor isn’t here for laughs, though she has a few adorable moments. She’s here to make a statement about innocence, vulnerability, and the emotional toll that comes from living in a world where even the most innocent creatures are exploited.
When we meet Floor, she’s living with Rocket and his friends, part of a team of characters who, like many in Guardians of the Galaxy, are survivors of a harsh world. You see, Floor isn’t just some cute sidekick for comedic relief. She’s one of the many beings who have suffered under the hand of the High Evolutionary. She’s lived through pain, just like Rocket, and she’s been altered, warped, and twisted. Her backstory, though not heavily detailed, is there: she’s a creature of love, but a creature who has experienced the brutality of a madman’s vision of “perfect life.”
And let’s not forget Teefs, Floor’s loyal sidekick. Teefs, the animal version of a lovable pup, isn’t just there for comic relief either. Teefs is loyal, brave, and his heart is in the right place. He and Floor, although they have limited screen time, serve as a reminder that loyalty isn’t always about being the star of the show; sometimes, it’s about sticking by your sidekick, your family, when things get tough.
A Brief But Impactful Existence
So here’s the thing: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 doesn’t just throw in Floor and Teefs for random fun. They’re there for a reason. Their existence—and their tragic fate—is a metaphor. They’re creatures created from pain, forced into a life they didn’t choose, and yet they still have moments of joy and lightness. Floor’s innocence and Teefs’ goofy companionship remind us of the beauty that exists even in the darkest places.
In a movie that’s already full of emotional beats, we might wonder why these seemingly minor characters get so much screen time. Why focus on them, when we’re already dealing with the complexities of Rocket’s past, the loss of Gamora, and the ongoing struggles of the Guardians as a whole?
Well, that’s because Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is about showing us that even the smallest creatures, the ones we might overlook, have value. They are worth something, even if their time is short-lived. The bond between Rocket and Floor, and the connection between Teefs and the Guardians, speaks to a larger theme in the movie: sometimes, the most profound impact comes from the quietest moments. And sometimes, the characters who don’t get the spotlight end up teaching us some of the most important lessons.
The Deaths of Floor and Teefs: A Heart-Wrenching Reminder
I won’t sugarcoat it: the deaths of Floor and Teefs hit like a ton of bricks. As viewers, we’re conditioned to care about the main characters, and it’s easy to dismiss side characters as “just part of the background.” But Floor’s death? That’s a gut punch. It’s quick, it’s tragic, and it’s a sharp reminder of how cruel the universe can be, especially when you live in a world ruled by the High Evolutionary.
Floor’s passing is made even more heart-wrenching because it comes on the heels of Rocket’s own traumatic experiences. As the movie unfolds, Rocket’s memories and backstory play a central role in the emotional arc. Rocket has seen and experienced horrific things, and he’s often felt like he’s unworthy of love or connection. But Floor’s death? It’s one of those moments that flips the script. Rocket isn’t just fighting for himself; he’s fighting for every innocent creature who’s been hurt by the High Evolutionary’s twisted experiments.
When Floor dies, it isn’t just the loss of a cute creature—it’s the loss of everything she represented: hope, love, and innocence in a world that has none of it. And it’s that loss that ultimately drives Rocket’s quest for vengeance and justice.
Why We Need Floor and Teefs in Our Lives
Floor and Teefs might not be your average Guardians of the Galaxy heroes, but that’s exactly why we need them. They represent the underappreciated, the overlooked, and the often-forgotten beings who live in the shadows of the main action. They remind us that sometimes, you don’t have to be the strongest or the most vocal to make an impact. Sometimes, you just need to be real. You need to show up, love the people around you, and be loyal, even if your moment in the sun is brief.
The film’s decision to center these two characters, even for a short period, isn’t just a narrative choice. It’s a statement. Life isn’t about the heroes who get the big speeches or the dramatic last stands. It’s about the quiet, small moments—like Floor and Teefs’ companionship—that remind us of what it means to truly care for something or someone.
In the end, Floor and Teefs’ story isn’t one of triumph or heroic victory. It’s a story of love, loss, and the acknowledgment that even the smallest moments matter. So, the next time you find yourself watching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, don’t forget about Floor and Teefs. They may not have gotten as much screen time as the big guys, but their impact was immeasurable. And sometimes, it’s those characters—the ones who stay in the background, quietly changing our perspective—that make all the difference.