Why ‘Zero Day’s “Who Killed Bambi” Song Is So Important

Nivedita Dubey
March 1, 2025

Key Points:

“Who Killed Bambi?” is a 1980 song by the Sex Pistols that plays a crucial role in Zero Day.
Former president George Mullen is haunted by the song due to a traumatic personal loss.
The song’s themes of innocence lost and corruption mirror the narrative of Zero Day.
Its recurring presence in the series underscores Mullen’s deteriorating mental state and hints at hidden agendas.

Zero Day: The Role of “Who Killed Bambi?”

In Zero Day, the song “Who Killed Bambi?” is more than just background music—it is a recurring motif that encapsulates key themes of the series. Originally released in 1980 by the Sex Pistols, the song was initially conceived as part of a film project intended to break the band into the American market. Although the film never came to fruition and the project was abandoned after only a few days of shooting, the track eventually became a part of The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle.

“Who Killed Bambi?” has been widely interpreted as addressing the destruction and perversion of innocence. In the context of Zero Day, this symbolism is particularly potent. The title itself suggests a deep questioning of who is responsible for the loss of purity—a metaphor that resonates with the series’ depiction of societal decay and the abuse of power. The repeated use of the song throughout the series serves as a constant reminder of how corruption can infiltrate even the most revered institutions, mirroring the disintegration of trust in leadership.

Moreover, the song’s inclusion in the series adds a historical and cultural layer to the narrative. Its origins as a product of the punk rock era, a time when traditional values were being fiercely challenged, align with the show’s exploration of broken systems and the shattering of public trust. The auditory repetition of the song in key moments underscores its importance as a narrative device—a way to evoke both nostalgia and discomfort, forcing viewers to confront the darker realities beneath a polished exterior.

Zero Day: Impact on George Mullen’s Character

A central figure in Zero Day is former president George Mullen, portrayed by Robert De Niro. The song “Who Killed Bambi?” is intimately connected with Mullen’s personal history and plays a significant role in his character arc throughout the series.

Trauma and Personal Loss:
One of the most defining moments for George Mullen is his discovery of his son’s body. In a flashback sequence, the song is playing as Mullen finds his son after a fatal overdose. This harrowing experience becomes a turning point in his life, leaving him with deep-seated guilt and sorrow. The recurring echoes of “Who Killed Bambi?” in his daily life serve as a constant reminder of that tragic day. Mullen’s personal notebooks are filled with notes referencing the song, suggesting that its message is intertwined with his internal struggle. The tune represents not only his personal loss but also the broader theme of how those in power can be overwhelmed by the consequences of their failures.

Symbol of Corruption and Decline:
The themes encapsulated by the song—corruption, the perversion of innocence, and the breakdown of societal norms—are directly reflected in George Mullen’s journey. As the series progresses, Mullen’s mental state deteriorates, and his once-respected public image gives way to authoritarian tendencies and erratic behavior. The song’s persistent presence mirrors this decline, symbolizing the erosion of his moral and emotional foundation. It underscores the idea that the very elements that once defined him—leadership, trust, and integrity—have been corrupted by personal tragedy and political machinations.

Potential Neurological Factors:
An additional layer of mystery is introduced by the possibility that Mullen’s symptoms could be exacerbated by a secret NSA project known as Proteus. This clandestine neurological weapon is designed to inflict brain damage from a distance, and some of Mullen’s symptoms—such as auditory hallucinations—align with its reported effects. While the series never officially confirms a direct link between Proteus and Mullen’s condition, the recurring strains of “Who Killed Bambi?” may hint at a dual explanation: a combination of unresolved personal grief and potential external manipulation.

Narrative Function and Character Evolution:
From a narrative perspective, the song acts as a catalyst for exploring Mullen’s internal conflicts. His constant hearing and even writing down of “Who Killed Bambi?” serves as an external manifestation of his inner turmoil. It bridges his past and present, forcing him to confront the lingering impact of his personal tragedies while grappling with the political fallout of his decisions. The song thus becomes a powerful symbol of his fractured identity, encapsulating both the weight of his past mistakes and the overwhelming sense of loss that drives his downward spiral.

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