Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-38076728-20190504231152/@comment-27144409-20190505003206

Depending on the show's intent, comic relief is essential to keep things from getting too dark, too serious. 24 is a very different show, particularly since there's a much smaller time frame in universe for 24. If people were all serious all the time in RWBY, it would be weird and creepy that we never see anyone happy over the course of years. That these teenagers would be completely dead inside, that is what you're suggesting.

Even stories like Infinity War have light-hearted moments to keep the audience from getting depressed, and to show that these are characters with hopes, dreams, and personalities. Not soulless soldiers going from one battle to another, with no joy in their lives.