The nicknames the locals give to one another are often quite literal and “Mad Earl” is no exception. Though he is kind to the Allbrights, it is cause for concern that Ernt agrees with someone named Mad Earl so quickly. In addition, it is telling that Mad Earl fears issues that have little to do with his day-to-day life. Though the Cold War is a reasonable worry, the Black Panthers and illegal immigrants likely have no presence in Kaneq, Alaska. As such, Earl comes off as quite paranoid and potentially dangerous.