RICK & MORTY: SEASON 4 Blu-ray Review

 Article first published as RICK AND MORTY: SEASON 4 BLU-RAY REVIEW on Seat42F.

RICK AND MORTY: SEASON 4 has arrived! On Blu-ray and digital, that is, having aired a split season this past November/December and May. All ten episodes are part of the set, as well as roughly forty minutes of bonus features. Blu-ray purchases come with a digital code, and will be available on September 22nd.

The fourth season, which marks the start of a seven-season pick-up, gets weird, and that’s saying something for a show known to be weird. The writers have gotten very comfortable with pushing their bounds, and so now the weird seems more purposeful and thought out. Though it’s still extremely weird.

Perhaps the best example of that is the snake planet in “Rattlesnake Ricklactica.” There’s a time travel component, as well as parallel Earth history, as a world made up entirely of sentient snakes ventures out into the galaxy for the first time, and Morty (Justin Roiland) nearly ruins their evolutionary course. Then his grandfather and traveling companion, Rick (also Roiland), does ruin it for real in a delightful story that is part classic Star Trek, part Terminator, part a lot of other things, and gifts the world the musical stylings Snake Jazz.

The episode is far from alone in RICK AND MORTY: SEASON 4. Morty learns lessons about consequences and knowing the future. He also learns the follies of owning a dragon (Liam Cunningham, Game of Thrones). Rick has to fight to keep his personal toilet safe from an alien named Tony (Jeffrey Wright, Westworld). A story train plays with continuity and anthology, while a heist adventure gets meta times meta plus a bit more meta in a convoluted story knot that somehow kind of makes sense. “The Vat of Acid Episode” plays on an 80s trope, and so much more. Morty’s sister, Summer (Spencer Grammar), becomes ruler of a society. Morty’s father, Jerry (Chris Parnell), does, too, with predictably disastrous results. And matriarch Beth (Sarah Chalke) has to face what her father would like her to be.

That last hints just how much into the family drama and emotional heft RICKY AND MORTY: SEASON 4 can get. It’s a silly comedy, to be sure, but as the various personalities become more well-developed, more and more of the stories are driven by the relationships between characters. This is welcome and shows an appreciated maturation.

Other guest stars this year include Sherri Shepherd (30 Rock), Kathleen Turner (Body Heat), Sam Neill (Jurassic Park), Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok), Pamela Adlon (Better Things), Matthew Broderick (The Producers), Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise), Paul Giamatti (Sideways), Justin Theroux (The Leftovers), Christopher Meloni (Law & Order: SVU), Keegan-Michael Key (Key & Peele), and even inventor Elon Musk, among others. It’s an eclectic group, and one wonders why anyone would ever turn down a chance to be part of the show.

The special features are light and varied. The best one is probably the longest, a nearly-ten-minute look behind-the-scenes of the show as the crew finishes season 4 and begins season 5 simultaneously. It’s very easy, in a show as action-packed and fast-moving as RICK AND MORTY: SEASON 4, to just focus on the main threads and ignore the background. That feature, along with shorter focuses on a few individuals and parts of the process, help remind audiences just how much work goes into each episode. The sheer number of backgrounds and extra characters is mind-boggling, something other animated series don’t even come close to achieving, and will give greater understanding of what it takes to make a show this complex and good. Short bits on each episode are interesting, though not particularly eye-opening.

RICK AND MORTY is a solid show, and SEASON 4 continues this proud tradition. I look forward very much to at least six more years of a series, especially if it keeps building upon what it has done so far. Which is a lot.

Presenting THE JACK AND TRIUMPH SHOW

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MIKE TYSON MYSTERIES Mysteriously Hilarious

Article first published as MIKE TYSON MYSTERIES Review on Seat42F.

MIKE TYSON MYSTERIES premieres next week on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim. What is MIKE TYSON MYSTERIES, you may ask? Well, imagine you and your buddies got high, watched a bunch of old episodes of Scooby Doo, and wondered what the show would be like if retired boxer Mike Tyson starred in it. Then, toss in an Oscar-winning screenwriter (who also appears in a zany sitcom), a semi-washed-up comedian who doesn’t always get the respect he deserves, and a bunch of jokes that only an on-drugs college student, possibly an English major, could come up, and you have this show.

Which is why MIKE TYSON MYSTERIES is awesome!

In the animated series, Mike Tyson (who also acted in The Hangover films) voices a version of himself taken to extremes. Mike lives with his adopted, eighteen-year-old, Asian daughter, Yung Hee (Rachel Ramras, Mad), a guy who was turned into a pigeon by his ex-wife and who now goes by the name Pigeon (Norm MacDonald, Saturday Night Live), and a closeted gay, gentleman ghost, Marquess of Queensbury (Jim Rash, Community). They form a team that solves mysteries together, because, why not?

The program is created by Hugh Davidson, who is famous for writing and performing on Robot Chicken. Obviously, Hugh gets some of the random gags from his experience there, but puts together a more cohesive story for this project. What he is doing works extremely well.

I’m not sure exactly why I love MIKE TYSON MYSTERIES so much. It’s part nostalgia, to be sure, as the style and tone references older works for children that I grew up watching. It’s partially the inane sense of humor, often dirty, which Adult Swim is known for. It’s somewhat due to the intelligent references, proving the writer is educated. And it’s just all cleverly woven together, bringing subplots back around full circle and letting even the most insane one-liners actually mean something to the larger picture.

Let me give you an example of this. In the first episode, Mike receives a letter from Pulitzer Prize-winner Cormac McCarthy (No Country for Old Men) asking him to help find an ending to his latest book. Mike tosses out a crazy theory as to what the mystery might be, which everyone else scoffs at because it seemingly has no basis in reality. A series of mishaps occur that takes the team to McCarthy’s place, even bringing a second author into the story, and then it all wraps up as Mike predicted, to certain extent. The script isn’t predictable; there aren’t clues connecting point A to point B. But in the end, it all makes a strange kind of sense.

Now, I don’t know if McCarthy voices himself or not, and can’t seem to find confirmation on the internet as of yet. But Mike Tyson, who has had a mixed reputation based on past press coverage, must have a sense of humor about himself to participate in this. The fact that McDonald and Rash, both respectable people, signed up to join him should lend weight to the show, too.

Now, I’m sure MIKE TYSON MYSTERIES is not for everyone. It’s off-the-wall enough that it probably will attract a wide variety of viewers, but not everyone likes their comedy this goofy. It’s far from a traditional family sitcom or a show one can watch with one’s kids. But to a thirty-year-old male critic who watches far too much TV, it tickles the funny bone and strikes me as nearly the most original thing to hit the adult animated scene in years, even with its generous borrowing of other works.

MIKE TYSON MYSTERIES premieres Monday at 10:30 p.m. ET on Cartoon Network.

"F-" NEWSREADERS

Article first published as NEWSREADERS Review Season 2 on Seat42F.

NEWSREADERS is back on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim this week for a second run! For those unfamiliar with the series, a semi-spin-off of Childrens Hospital, the name tells you pretty much exactly what it is. It’s a parody of a 60 Minutes-style news magazine, but delivered with tongue-in-cheek humor, sort of like The Onion. Basically, it’s very funny, so you should check it out.

The first episode back is called “F- Dancing, Are You Decent?” and is divided into several segments, despite its roughly ten-minute running time. In the first part, Amir LaRussa (Kumail Nanjiana, Portlandia, Franklin & Bash) examines a new trend sweeping teen pop culture of people actually having sex while dancing. In the second, a correspondent (Lost’s Harold Perrineau) proves people are racist, and when those walking by don’t reveal that ugly side of themselves right away, goes to extremes until they have a reaction that he can pervert into classifying as racism. There’s also a commentary from popular ‘old man’ Skip Reming (Ray Wise).

These segments are much the same as fans of the first season have come to expect. They go after a topic like a normal news reporter would, but then skew it far to the extreme, often with a weird twist few would think of, and milk it for it’s worth. All of the participants are in on the game; this isn’t just a ‘gotcha’ hidden camera show or a Daily Show-esque interview that some people could mistake as real. Instead, it’s completely scripted for maximum effect, and it lands.

The most obvious change in season two is that host Louis La Fonda (Mather Zikel) is sadly gone, though his replacement, Reagan Biscayne (Alan Tudyk, Suburgatory, Firefly), is a worthy successor. Reagan may not share Louis’ Kate Walsh obsession, but he does a fine job keeping the train on the tracks, introducing the various parts of the episode.

A level of social commentary pervades NEWSREADERS. When looking at “F- Dancing,” the trend is not all that far off from the way teenagers actually act. This lends an authenticity that allows the audience to relate to the joke, even if the particular way things are presented would never happen. They then take it a step further, showing what happens when the older generation joins in, and extending the commentary.

Now, the racism stuff is more poking fun at the way CNN and other news networks treat their reporting on racism, not actually pushing forth a political viewpoint as to whether racism is over or not. NEWSREADERS is clearly meant to make people laugh, not to effect change in our culture. It avoids judging anyone or anything real, setting itself in a crazy, fictional world.

The quality of the writing is apparent, and the talent attracted to this project further lends it gravity. Besides those listed above, Reno 911’s Tom Lennon and others appear in the first episode, with a rotating cast over the weeks, allowing many familiar faces to pop in for a spell. The way NEWSREADERS is shot allows a flexibility to include people who might not otherwise be available, given busy work schedules.

It’s difficult to evaluate a single episode of NEWSREADERS on its own. Perhaps if a bad one were ever aired, it would stick out, but instead, the program is consistent and full of small bits, not delivering a cohesive story, but not needing one. “F- Dancing, Are You Decent?” is as good as other installments I have seen.

The premiere episode of NEWSREADERS is available now on Adult Swim’s website, and fresh installments will be airing Thursday nights / Friday mornings at midnight on Cartoon Network.

Go Team VENTURE (Fifth Season)

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: 'The Venture Bros. - The Fifth Season' on Blogcritics.

Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim produces a number of animated series for adults. One of my all-time favorites of these is The Venture Bros., a take-off of Jonny Quest all grown up, which recently released its fifth season on Blu-ray. The show doesn’t air on a real regular basis, so while season four finished in November 2010, what this single-disc set contains are two specials from autumns of 2011 and 2012, as well as eight episodes from last summer and a minimum amount of special features.

“From the Ladle to the Grave: The Story of Shallow Gravy” is the first episode up by air date, though you’ll have to navigate to the Bonus Specials on the menu to find it. It’s not a traditional installment, being sort of a Behind the Music take on Shallow Gravy, Hank (Christopher McCulloch) and Dermot’s (Doc Hammer) band. There is one pivotal revelation about a character in the special, though, so definitely watch it before the rest of the season, as it informs other moments later.

Also included in this release is the band’s five-track album, Jacket. All five tracks of Jacket are called “Jacket,” basically different versions of the same tune over and over again. But if you’re a fan of this musical group, you’re amply covered here.

Next up, the discerning viewer will have a choice to make. The second special, “A Very Venture Halloween,” actually occurs eleven minutes into the season premiere, “What Color Is Your Cleansuit?” This made for a very confusing holiday celebration, as viewers hadn’t yet seen the set up of the fifth run, in which several characters’ situations had changed, so if you choose to watch “Halloween” first, you may be a tad bit lost. If you really want to do things right, watch the first act break of “Cleansuit,” flip over to “Halloween,” then flip back. Once you get to the second break of “Cleansuit,” though, everything proceeds normally, so you’ll be all set.

There aren’t many shows I would argue are worth such efforts in order to experience the proper flow of the story. The Venture Bros. is an exception. While appearing to be a simple cartoon, it is heavy on continuity and the various players do experience growth throughout. Because of this, I would strongly urge you to watch it all, preferably in chronological order.

As the season begins, Doctor Venture (James Urbaniak) begins a new secret project. Things go horribly wrong, of course, and Dean (Michael Sinterniklaas) ends up right in the middle. It’s too bad Team Venture isn’t up to set the situation right, the group being overall pretty ineffectual since Brock Sampson (Patrick Warburton) left to join S.P.H.I.N.X. But it all shakes out OK enough that the plot doesn’t take up the whole season.

Instead, we get a series of zany adventures with all the familiar faces, including Sgt. Hatred (McCulloch), The Monarch (McCulloch), Dr. Mrs. The Monarch (Hammer), Billy Quizboy (Hammer), Gary, a.k.a. the former 21 (Hammer), and many more. A new secret group arises, a hero is born, an abomination is discovered, the past is dredged up, and various factions continually get in one another’s way. It’s all very complex, so it’s hard to summarize without giving anything away, but long-time fans should be quite pleased. New viewers may find the show too dense, and should start back in season one to figure out what’s going on.

The real disappointment is in the extras. There are audio commentaries for every episode, which is fantastic and rarely seen any more, but then there’s are some deleted scenes and that’s it. I’d really like to see some behind-the-scenes stuff, but I guess that’s harder to do with cartoons, there being no set to tell stories about, and the commentaries sort of fill that void somewhat.

As far as deciding between the Blu-ray and the DVD, there isn’t a strong argument one way or the other. The Venture Bros. is not known for highly advanced special effects, using animation that matches an earlier era, and the soundtrack, while fun, is not anything demanding the intricacies of full surround sound. Being that the images are digitally created, shades and colors are likely similar between the two. But if you like having the best quality available, as I do, go for the Blu-ray.

Overall, The Venture Bros. – The Fifth Season is a rollicking good time, and the quality of the episodes has not lessened five seasons in. This title is available now.

Be Careful Hanging Out With RICK AND MORTY

Article first published as Be Careful Hanging Out With RICK AND MORTY on TheTVKing.

Cartoon Network's Adult Swim's latest series, which premiered this week, is Rick and Morty. From the mind of Dan Harmon (Community), Rick and Morty is a twisted tale of a gullible, dumb, naive grandson, Morty (voiced by Justin Roiland, Fish Hooks), being taken along on dangerous adventures by his eccentric, compassion-challenged, alcoholic grandfather, Rick (also Roiland).

Some have compared Rick and Morty to Back to the Future, pointing to the strange relationship between an old man and a young boy, though this show makes the bond more understandable by having the two be related. It's true, the connection between Rick and Morty is the heart of the show, the latter being a willing participant, through more because of familiar duty than desire, in the schemes. But it doesn't paint Rick in a very good light to take advantage of the boy, and so their footing is not equal, making for an unbalanced duo.

This may be a good thing. Were Morty as into the travels and risks as Rick were, the two would likely be in big trouble even more frequently. Rick couldn't take the competition, and while Morty doesn't exactly reign in his grandfather, he doesn't encourage him, either. Thus we have two very different souls pushed together by a blood relation, rather than anything they share in common.

The animation is as crude as the plot and the jokes, which include things such as Rick wanting to smuggle giant seeds up his grandson's butt. They are well matched in rough lines, odd colors, and twisted creations. The places Rick takes Morty are literally out of this world, allowing the animators' imaginations to run wild. To their credit, they definitely get the tone, and provide pictures that match the words.

I actually like it, though, in spite of this. While super weird, it also has that charm and cleverness that is found well-seeped into Community. Harmon extends his talent in a second project, and though the two share little in common, they are likely to earn some of the same types of praise, with words like "original" and "groundbreaking" thrown around. I don't think Rick and Morty is likely to gain quite as large or as passionate a fan base as the live-action sitcom, but it is very enjoyable, more so than I expected it to be.

The voice cast is rounded out by Chris Parnell (Suburgatory) as Morty's father, Jerry, Sarah Chalke (Scrubs) as Morty's mother and Rick's daughter, Beth, and Spencer Grammer (Greek) as Morty's older sister, Summer. All are great, though they don't get a ton to do, at least in the "Pilot."

If you're on the fence about watching Rick and Morty, check it out. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Rick and Morty airs Mondays at 10:30 p.m. ET on Cartoon Network.

CHILDRENS HOSPITAL "Going" Away Again

Article first published as CHILDRENS HOSPITAL "Going" Away Again on TheTVKing.

Cartoon Network's Adult Swim's Childrens Hospital brings their fifth season to a close this week with "Coming and Going." Feelings are in the air. Or rather, lack of feelings, as the cast splits into twosomes to deal with their issues. Owen (Rob Huebel) has never had an orgasm and has the urge to feel what that's like, so Lola (Erinn Hayes) reluctantly agrees to help. Glenn can't experience emotional feeling at all, so Blake (Rob Corddry) makes it his mission to fix Glenn. And Sy (Henry Winkler) tricks Chief (Megan Mullally) into going out with him in the hopes of sparking some romantic feelings from her, meaning they miss the war zone at the hospital, but their opera provides a beautiful soundtrack for the disaster.

Each episode of Childrens Hospital completely stands on its own, with almost no continuity from each week to the next, except in the vaguest of terms. For instance, in the fourth main plot this week, the one that doesn't fit into the theme mentioned above, Cat (Lake Bell) helps Valerie (Malin Akerman) give birth, even though we've never seen Valerie pregnant until now, and it's been well established in multiple installments that Valerie is actually Derrick Childrens (Jon Hamm), a man in disguise. Doesn't quite add up, does it?

Yet, that has never stopped the show from being funny. Instead of worring about continuity, it frees up the characters and writers to do whatever they find amusing in the moment. This has led to a lot of strange, stand-alone episodes, like the Shakespeare-esque entry a couple of weeks ago, yet never a shortage of laughs. Each episode is like a mini play or sketch put on by an extremely talented group. The ensemble is excellent across the board, and they only let in the best guest stars, which this week included Jack McBrayer and one of the show's writer/producers David Wain, who plays Rabbi Jewy McJewJew.

There are some connecting threads through most (not all) of the episodes. Season five finds the cast shipped off to Japan to work a hospital on an army base. This has been a recurring setting, and so informs the stories. It has made this season a little different overall from the first four, in terms that there have been new things that didn't necessarily lend themselves to the old set, but quality and tone have been maintained.

"Coming and Going" fully takes advantage of the place in a big way when, due to a series of unfortunate mishaps, the base is attacked by the American military. Yes, the base is made up of American military already, but somehow those outside of the base think that terrorists have taken over. It's kind of a loose premise, not at all believable, but one that works for the bits.

This means that each of the four main plots unfold as bombs explode around them. Maybe giving birth or having sex near a battle isn't completely unheard of for a TV drama, but who dares use such set ups for a comedy? Even as men go down, there isn't anything serious about the proceedings, with raising a flag being the way to stop the fighting, as bizarre as anything else.

It's also the small touches that make the episode. From Owen later admitting that he has had orgasms before, and was just confused by what the term 'orgasm' meant, to Glenn being killed, only to find out it was the hospital's previously never-seen "other Jewish doctor" who dies, despite it being obvious that Marino is the one going down, there are quirky, weird, unexpected touches all over the place. Valerie asks a little girl to deliver her baby, whom Cat immediately accepts as "Doctor Littlegirl." It's all as bizarre and wonderful as that.

What's impressive about this episode, over the rest of the fantastic weekly episodes, is, given a double-length running time of half an hour, there is not only time to run more stories simultaneously, but also they are all expertly interwoven. Normally, several of the cast sit out for many episodes per year so that a cohesive plot can emerge in less than fifteen minutes. Here, that is not the case, all of the principals present, and their stories are connected by synchronized occurrences and a great soundtrack.

In all, "Coming and Going" is an awesome example of a top-notch series. Childrens Hospital is gone for now, but hopefully a sixth season won't be too far away.

FILTHY SEXY TEEN$ Newest Spinoff

Article first published as FILTHY SEXY TEEN$ Newest Spinoff on TheTVKing.

First there was Childerns Hospital, which spun off NTSF:SD:SUV and Newsreaders. Now, by some of the same people, parodying in a similar manner, comes Filthy Sexy Teen$, the "Pilot" of which aired on Adult Swim this week.

Filthy Sexy Teen$ does for rich kid teen dramas what those others shows did for medical dramas, law enforcement dramas, and news magazines, respectively. The live-action series is set at a high school, makes use of familiar elements from Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, and the film Cruel Intentions, among other sources, and sports actors much older than the parts they play. In short, it's great lampooning done in a style that has already proven successful for other genres.

I think Filthy Sexy Teen$ has the potential to be even more popular than those other three shows. The reason for this theory is because Adult Swim's target audience is young people, and this caters more to the types of shows those people watch. Toss in some vampires, werewolves, witches, zombies, and the like, which the "Pilot" does in a small way, and it has the ingredients for a popular program. Although it doesn't appear any other episodes are yet scheduled to air.

In the "Pilot," Tom (Sam Trammell, True Blood) and Meg (Casey Wilson, Happy Endings) take in poor kid Nick (Marshall Allman, Prison Break). This is great news to Meg and Tom's daughter, Reagan (Hannah Kasulka, What to Expect When You're Expecting), because poor kids are hot, and not being biologically related, she has a leg up on her competition for Nick's affection.

Regan and Nick attend a preppy private school, where it's cool to pretend you're gay, as Ricky (Steven Yeun, The Walking Dead) does. Everyone has a dark secret; Jamie's (Chelsea Harris, Time for Passion) is that she's a zombie. Some teachers, like Mr. Benton (Johnny Pemberton, Family Tools), are impossibly young and just want to be friends with their students. And the principal, Mr. Hastings (Chris Parnell, 30 Rock), is sort of trying to keep it together, at least a little, when he's not busy with his own projects.

Filthy Sexy Teen$ is funny. Tropes are trotted out and beaten to death. Concepts are hammered in repeatedly. The characters play their parts with sincerity, even when you know such earnestness must be faked, considering how ridiculous the levels are.

By using mostly experienced performers, Filthy Sexy Teen$ gives some of the most gifted comedic actors room to play. A short, fifteen-minutes per episode series like this will surely allow time for the cast to pursue other projects, as those involved in the other series by this production team do. But it will also give them a space to do some of their craziest work, earning them new fans and followings.

I don't know when Cartoon Network may air more of this show, but I definitely look forward to future installments of Filthy Sexy Teen$.

THE VENTURE BROTHERS Put On a New "Cleansuit"

Article first published as THE VENTURE BROTHERS Put On a New "Cleansuit" on TheTVKing.

After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, save for a pair of specials, The Venture Brothers finally returns to Cartoon Network's Adult Swim this week. In the hour-long season premiere, entitled "What Color Is Your Cleansuit?," Dr. Venture (voiced by James Urbaniak) ropes a bunch of college students into helping his team complete a ray shield in three months that the doctor has had years to deliver on. Unfortunately, unconcerned with the safety of his employees, Dr. Venture's project results in severe mutations and the formation of a new society.

The opening of "What Color Is Your Cleansuit?" is great because it reintroduces us to many of the major characters, taking us one by one through where they are on a typical morning. Some of the familiar faces have changed a little, so this sequence isn't all retread, and it's a good way to set up and kick start a fresh story.

We know that Dr. Venture can be callous, but this episode shows us all new levels of that characteristic. While previously we only see him being unsympathetic to a character or two at a time, here he is using a huge contingent of interns as fodder. Gary, the former 21, (Doc Hammer) remarks that working for Dr. Venture and working for the Monarch (Christopher McCulloch) isn't all that different, and now we see very clearly why. Both are self-involved and focused on their goals at the expense of others.

The difference is, the Monarch is learning his lesson. Throughout this season premiere, he pines for his departed 21, and makes a couple of attempts to woo him back. 21, it turns out, became more than just a lackey to Venture's archnemesis, and sorely in need of a friend, the Monarch seeks to regain the one he lost. Might this season see a flip between good and evil?

The Venture Brothers is nothing if not dynamic. Characters move on all the time, and seldom do things return to the status quo once they do. 21 is merely the latest person to find a new place in the larger fabric, now heading up, and being the sole member of, SPHINX on the Venture compound. While it's possible 21 will work with the Monarch again, he's certainly in no hurry to do so, and since he has become such a sympathetic personality, it's nice to see him on the side of good. Well, sort of good, considering Venture's recent ruthlessness.

Venture actually needs 21's help, though he'll never admit it. Team Venture has become pretty laughable since the departure of Brock (Patrick Warburton). I'm not saying that Sergeant Hatred's (also McCulloch) boobs make him weaker, but he does appear even less threatening because they look silly on him. 21 could be just what the Ventures need to keep their land safe from any intruders.

Being kept safe is a concern with this motley bunch. Hank (McCulloch) just wants to hang out with Dermot (Hammer) and avoid danger. Dean (Michael Sinterniklaas) is caught up in rebellion and new loves. Dr. Venture takes on dangerous tasks at the behest of his brother J.J. (Urbaniak). The Monarch is still launching attacks, although Dr. Mrs. the Monarch (Hammer) keeps them from being too lethal. And Billy Quizboy (Hammer), now a fixture at the compound, has a new archnemesis, which brings more trouble with it.

The Venture Brothers is always expanding their roster of players, and Billy's foe is the latest. I didn't like this one so much, but the benefit of having such a large cast is, even when a character is less than thrilling, we won't get too much of them. That being said, the new guy is a good pairing for the Quizboy, and it's nice to see an expansion of his role.

The story itself in "What Color Is Your Cleansuit?" is less important than the character development and gags, however, I still liked it a lot. It's well-thought out, mostly original, and sees Dean let loose in a way he normally doesn't. The two races concept is cool, and I love seeing how geek culture could explode into a society quite quickly. The ending might be a tad neat, but the genius behind the resolution should be commended, as it's both enjoyable and makes sense.

Also, the series might be going up in the world, as this episode features the voice talents of such performers as Aziz Ansari (Parks and Recreation) and Wyatt Cenac (The Daily Show). Nice!

The Venture Brothers is now back on a weekly basis, thank goodness. Let's hope it remains that way for awhile, and no more years-long breaks, OK? The Venture Brothers airs Sundays at midnight on Cartoon Network.

NTSF:SD:SUV:: the F stands for Fun

Right from the opening in the season two premiere of NTSF:SD:SUV, viewers knew that fun times were to be had. After all, the episode was rated F for Fun. And then we get labels for locations like the NTSF hallway and Kove's (Kate Mulgrew) office. What's not to like about that?

The story of the premiere, entitled "16 Hop Street," finds Piper (June Diane Raphael) and Trent (Paul Sheer) sent undercover to Nick Cannon High School (wtf?), where the popular kids are being kidnapped. They are tapped because the President of the Navy's (Rob Riggle) son is one of the victims, and the 16 Hop Street task force were all recently killed. What they find is a typical high school, infiltrated by all sorts of adults with various goals, and the kidnapper.

"16 Hop Street" is funny by itself. From Trent refusing to listen to Piper when she says Nirvana sang about smelling like teen spirit, even though he later remembers it's the truth, to the disappearing kid at the dance, to the school musical's cast list posting, there are plenty of humorous moments. Yes, the title is a play on the movie from earlier this summer, 21 Jump Street, as is the plot, but that is far from the only move references. Back to the Future, Back to School, and Never Been Kissed, among others.

What this means is, on top of the police jokes, "16 Hop Street" also serves as a backdoor pilot for a similar take on high school tropes. The preview at the end, promising a spin-off entitled Filthy Dirty T$$ns may or may not be real. For the sake of the great cast, which looks to include Charlie Saxton (Hung), Carly Chaikin (Suburgatory), Desperate Housewives' Max or Charlie Carver (who can tell?), and possibly Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead) and more guest spots by Rob Riggle, let's hope that it does come to pass.

There are other great guest stars in the episode, too, but since the official website and IMDB aren't current for this episode yet, I could only list the ones I recognized and knew.

NTSF:SD:SUV has a great formula. It's similar in vein to its parent show, Childrens Hospital, but embraces enough differences that the two don't seem similar. It makes itself action packed, even when not necessary. The characters are just as clever, but in different ways, embracing the talents of the actors who play them. And it continues to deliver laughs. For it to birth its own spin-off would be very welcome.

Watch NTSF:SD:SUV Thursdays at 12:15 AM (technically Friday) on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

Don't forget Childrens Hospital

Adult Swim's Childrens Hospital returns for season four with "The Boy with the Pancakes Tattoo." A young boy comes into the hospital with the word 'pancakes' tattooed on his arm. The doctors quickly realize that this boy has also brought a form of airborne amnesia with him, and then they forget. Soon Glenn (Ken Marino) is left alone to figure out a cure before he, too, succumbs to the virus.

Even though Childrens Hospital is only a ten minute show, a lot is crammed into "The Boy with the Pancakes Tattoo," including a ton of non-specific movie references. Glenn wakes up in a supply closet with no memory of what has happened, but his name written on his hands. A virus takes down the staff one by one. There is a twist ending, revealed through flashback. The world descends into chaos.

It is also a supremely funny episode. One-liners zing one after the other in a constantly flood of humor. Some of the best moments: Lola (Erinn Hayes) talking her way through the process of losing her memory; Glenn asserting than an eleven year old is too young to be douchey; Nurse Dori (Zandy Hartig) figuring out her name through the context of Glenn's question; the brain scans being different only in color; the amnesia virus being defeated by being given amnesia; Lola's line about this being one of the craziest Tuesdays she's had all week; sound effects of a door being sealed, even when it's clear that it's still open a crack; Chief (Megan Mullally), Owen (Rob Huebel), AND Lola all thinking they are at a restaurant after losing their memories; Sy (Henry Winkler) randomly fingering a 'code' into the keypad behind him as he slips into his panic room; the fact that clowns can't catch amnesia.

Yes, that is right. For some strange, unexplained reason, clowns are immune. Which means that Glenn isn't the only one who doesn't immediately go down. Blake (Rob Corddry) also remains sane. But rather than helping Glenn, he crowns himself King and tricks Val (Malin Akerman) into believing she is his girlfriend.

And with only a ten minute running time, these are only some of the wonderful jokes. Wow.

Now there are inconsistencies and flubs in "The Boy with the Pancakes Tattoo." Some of them are listed above as the best parts of the episode. In a show like Childrens Hospital, continuity doesn't matter, as long as the actors play their parts well, and this bunch does, better than just about anyone else out there. The only thing that bothered me about the episode was that the virus is airborne, yet Glenn removes his mask when talking to Blake, and it takes Blake shoving Val's spit into Glenn's mouth to infect him.

But that can be overlooked, especially considering how many dots are connected in this episode. There are so many little things, like the pancake through line, or Val's arc, or the guest stars popping up in multiple places that lend such credibility to what they're doing here. It's like someone realized this 'mistake,' and decides the sight of Blake fingering mouths was silly enough to override any concerns. And that person or persons is right.

The point is, Childrens Hospital is crammed with very, very funny jokes and site gags pulled off by amazing comedic actors, an ensemble without exception, all at the top of their games. "The Boy with the Pancakes Tattoo" is a non-stop riot, and it amused greatly. Really, what more can you ask from a show like this? Absolutely nothing.

Childrens Hospital (not a cartoon) airs Thursdays at midnight on Cartoon Network.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com! Article first posted on TheTVKing

Childrens Hospital The Complete Third Season checks in to DVD

Cartoon Network's Adult Swim isn't just for animated shows anymore. One of their best live action shows is Childrens Hospital. Originally a webseries doctored to deliver episodes running around 10 minutes each, The Complete Third Season, includes 14 installments from the first season created just for television.

Childrens Hospital is a unique, odd comedy. Although all the doctors and patients are white and speak English without an accent, the setting is Brazil. The story revolves around a staff of health care professionals who heal sick people and sleep with each other. But despite being as good looking as the more serious shows of the same description, these performers double as comedians. One doctor only heals through the power of laughter. Another is the owner of the facility in disguise.

Sometimes episodes build upon previous installments, and sometimes they are stand alone artistic pieces. The only constant in the Childrens Hospital universe is that viewers never know what to expect when tuning in, and no matter what it is, it will be funny.

The show's strength comes from its extremely strong ensemble. From creator Rob Corddry (The Daily Show), to Henry Winkler (Happy Days, Royal Pains), to Megan Mullally (Will & Grace), to Malin Akerman (Watchmen), each star has serious acting chops and plenty of screen experience. Also in the cast are Lake Bell (How to Make It in America), Erinn Hayes (Worst Week), Rob Huebel (Human Giant), and Ken Marino (Party Down). These people know what they're doing, and how to really sell their parts, rolling with whatever twists each new script throws at them.


Of course, when the playground looks as fun as Childrens Hospital, everyone else wants in on the action. Which means that the show has an unusually high number of familiar faces popping in for recurring roles and guest spots. Among those featured on this DVD are Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Tom Lennon (Reno 911!), Nick Offerman (Parks & Recreation), Sarah Silverman (The Sarah Silverman Program), Kate Walsh (Private Practice), Paul Scheer (The League), Jordan Peele (Key & Peele), as well as many other veterans of Ken Marino's previous shows, The State and Party Down. Plus, Michael Cera (Juno, Superbad) gives voice to the hospital PA.

Honestly, the list above of people involved in Childrens Hospital is far from comprehensive. That alone should tell you what kind of quality you're getting. But if famously talented people aren't enough to entice, the show has great, sharp writing covered, too. Medical cases range from a boy stuck in a box of quicksand, whom only Lola (Hayes), who is not at the hospital, can save, to Blake (Corddry) needing to transplant an executed killer's heart into a boy before he turns 18 at midnight.

Watching the characters be doctors is cool, but it's the special episodes that really kick Childrens Hospital up a notch. Season three has several that qualify. "The 70's Episode" is a "lost" episode from the 1970's, still featuring the same cast "way back when." "Childrens Hospital: A Play in Three Acts" is a piece in the style of Thornton Wilder. "Party Down" has the cast of canceled series Party Down catering a bar mitzvah. And "Newsreaders" is a "what if?" that gives almost all of the characters their own spin-offs.


I understand that a lot of this review sounds like gushing. There is a good reason for that. This show deserves great things said about it and a much bigger audience than it currently has. However, it's also hard to break down in detail what makes it so good because each episode is so different, and the writers seem to reinvent the characters constantly. It's an ever-shifting universe that defies pinning down. However, the overall tone and extremely high quality serve the show well.

As awesome as the episodes are, the special features on this single disc DVD set are lacking. The special features include more than 30 minutes of deleted scenes, bloopers, and gags, but they are very oddly organized. And without the context of the episode they belong in, they just aren't as funny. The extras also include six minisode promos in which Dr. Owen Maestro (Huebel) shrinks and goes inside of a body to teach kids about medicine, but these, too, lack much of the show's magic, likely because only one actor from the series appears.

Overall, this DVD set is definitely worth the buy, despite the lack of satisfying extras. Whether you're a loyal fan or a newbie, this is a great batch of episodes to purchase and watch over and over again. It is clever, creative, and fresh in a way few comedies ever achieve. Childrens Hospital The Complete Third Season is available now.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Please click here to buy the first two seasons of Childrens' Hospital on DVD.  Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com! Article first published as DVD Review: Childrens Hospital The Complete Third Season on Blogcritics.

Aqua Something You Know Whatever goes back to the Stone Age

Fans might have missed the return of Cartoon Network's Aqua Teen Hunger Force on Adult Swim a few weeks ago. This is because it has, yet again, changed the title. The series, now known as Aqua Something You Know Whatever, has not lost a bit of its comedic charm, and after a couple of years of mediocre tales, has returned to its former glory. This is definitely apparent in this week's installment, "The Granite Family."

"The Granite Family" plot is simple enough. Master Shake (Dana Snyder) has trouble relating a a Flintstones-esque cartoon on television, so he decides he needs to live through the Stone Age in order to get the jokes. Never mind that TV won't be around in that era. Frylock (Carey Means) offers his time traveling thong to Shake, but Shake decides a better option is to start a nuclear war, which he handily accomplishes, and the planet's cities are reduced to rubble. Riding out the event in Carl's (Dave Willis) bomb shelter, Frylock plans on using his thong to stop Shake, but fails.

Continuity has never been as important as laughs to Aqua Teen, no matter what the title of the series is. There have been many episodes where things are destroyed and characters die. Luckily, none of that sticks, as the show works because of the people and settings that make it up. Yes, Shake manages to level society in "The Granite Family," but that's just a great demonstration of how self-centered Shake is. Things will return to normal next week.

Nor should one worry about believability. The fact that Shake can easily sneak into the White House and launch missiles at Russia via a big, red, unguarded button is humorous and drives the plot forward. It's not important that there is no way this situation could take place in real life. Shake needed to reach his goal, and fast, so the writers devised a visually humorous way for him to do so.

Besides how funny the episode is, and believe me, there are a ton of great jokes, there are also a lot of terrific references shoved in. Anyone who enjoyed The Flintstones back in the day will grin when Aqua Teen pokes fun at the tropes and repeating elements of the classic series. Animals not enjoying their jobs? Yes, please! Longtime fans of this series will delight in a brief cut scene of Ignignokt (also Willis) and Err (Matt Maiellaro) on the moon, somehow understanding what Shake is doing. Plus, who can resist the obvious digs on Time Warner and Fox?

Now, my only problem with Aqua Teen has always been that it sometimes gets a little gross. For instance, in "The Granite Family," is it necessary to see Meatwad (Willis again) holding a steaming bag of liquid poo in the bomb shelter? This isn't funny to me, and actually interrupts enjoyment of the show. But perhaps to some fans, this kind of humor is what they are looking for, and if so, Aqua Teen has you covered,

Overall, the new season has been pretty solid, including this episode. Watch Aqua Something You Know Whatever Sundays at midnight on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim.

Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com.  If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Article first published on TheTVKing

Childrens Hospital presents "Children's Hospital: A Play in Three Acts"

     On this week's Childrens Hospital, the regular story is abandoned in favor of an old-style play, evoking Thornton Wilder or Tennessee Williams. While the episode title is "Children's Hospital: A Play in Three Acts," it is not divided into acts, though it is a narrated play. The plot follows Owen (Rob Huebel) as he leaves his friends and fiance to take a hospital job in the big city. Owen soon realizes that the city hospital is cold and heartless, as does the audience, because of lighting and music. Our hero returns in time to save Sy (Henry Winkler), who has taken ill quite rapidly.

     This episode of Childrens Hospital is special because it is a departure from the normal scenario. While the series has done this before, including going back to the 1970s a few weeks ago, it never gets old. The point of Childrens Hospital is not to tell a narrative, but to deliver pure, belly-aching comedy. Allowing an entry to take place in a different universe, with odd clothes and dialogue patterns, only let the cast stretch, expanding their source material to draw upon. As such, "Children's Hospital: A Play in Three Acts" is yet another great episode in the series.

     Interesting, Ken Marino plays two roles this week. Not only does he tackle his usual main character, but he is the seducer from the city who lures Owen away from his home. Is this done because Marino plays a close friend of Owen's character, and the familiar visage better tempts Owen than a total stranger would? Not likely. Though that could be a possible explanation for anyone who would likely to deeply analyze the situation, Childrens Hospital defies critical thinking. Looking for explanations only prevents total enjoyment, and should be avoided. Normally, that would be a negative mark against a show, but in this case, Childrens Hospital works so well that it would be folly to question their techniques.

     Do not miss Childrens Hospital, Thursdays at midnight on Cartoon Network.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     Please click here to buy the first two seasons of Childrens' Hospital on DVD.

Article first published as TV Review: Childrens Hospital - "Children's Hospital: A Play in Three Acts" on Blogcritics.

NTSF:SD:SUV brilliant parody

     Cartoon Network's Adult Swim has now done for cop shows with NTSF:SD:SUV what Childrens' Hospital, on the same network, does for hospital series. Namely, embrace every cliché and give them new, interesting, hilarious twists. NTSF:SD:SUV stands for National Terrorism Strike Force: San Diego: Sport Utility Vehicle, but that isn't really important. It's much funnier just to toss in a bunch of letters, poking fun at the numerous procedurals currently on the air. The series is based on a commercial that aired during Childrens' Hospital last year, and while several actors from that short are in the series, a number of changes have been made, including who wears an eye patch. Continuity for NTSF:SD:SUV, like it's sister show, Childrens' Hospital, is ignored, but viewers will likely not care because they will laugh so hard.

     In this week's episode, the series's second, "The Birthday Party That Was Neither," a former member of the team named Chip (John Cho, FlashForward, Star Trek) blackmails four of them for one million dollars each. He is bitter because they left him behind after ninjas cut off his thumbs. When his old friends show up with the money, each gotten in immoral, illegal ways, Chip plans on blowing them up, and somehow donating the money to the park service. That's because his bomb will take out an area of parkland. Though, as one character points out, how will the money survive the explosion? The situation is resolved happily, but then boss Kove (Kate Mulgrew, Star Trek: Voyager) shows up and takes out Chip, still ending happily for everyone else.

     The main characters have all proven their comedy chops long before NTSF:SD:SUV in other projects. Series creator Paul Scheer (The League) stars, and is joined by Brandon Johnson (Funny or Die Presents...), June Diane Raphael (Bride Wars), Martin Starr (Party Down), and Rebecca Romijin (Ugly Betty). A number of guest and  recurring characters are also big names in comedy, including Rob Riggle (The Daily Show), Ed Helms (The Office, The Hangover) and Keri Kinney (Reno 9-1-1!). Mulgrew may be the most surprising member of the cast, as she is known for dramatic roles. However, in "The Birthday Party That Was Neither," she proves herself worthy, getting frustrated at the "birthday party" her employees are secretly being invited to without her. All the performers sell the parts with total commitment.

     The enthusiasm and gusto of the actors is really what makes NTSF:SD:SUV work so well. Like Childrens' Hospital, the stories are secondary, and watching the work of masters is the main draw. In this, they succeed with flying colors. This is one comedy show that you will not want to miss.

     Catch NTSF:SD:SUV Thursdays (technically Fridays) at 12:15 a.m. EST on Cartoon Network.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

Childrens Hospital goes back to "The '70s Episode"

     Cartoon Network's Childrens' Hospital goes back in time this week in "The '70s Episode," visiting a story shown only in brief flashes thus far. When Dr. Brian (Jordan Peele) "returned" to Childrens' Hospital, the series gave viewers a glimpse of his tenure in the 1970's, but "The '70s Episode" is set completely in that time. Among the highlights of the episode are a much older looking Dr. Childrens (NOT Jon Hamm), Dr. Lola Spratt (Erinn Hayes) arriving as the first lady doctor, Glenn (Ken Marino) starting work after returning from Vietnam, and learning that Chief's (Megan Mullally) real name is Chief because of she is a full-blooded Native American, despite not appearing as such. Like most episodes of Childrens' Hospital, there is little overarching plot, but it is another funny ten minutes.

     Apparently, Brazil is good for the skin, because all of the main characters, aside from dates hairstyles and costumes, look exactly the same. It is great seeing them in this manner, and is likely wonderful fun, not just for the actors, but also the costume and set people that get to transform the entire hospital. Every second of the episode is packed with 1970s references and memorabilia, including an entire operating scene with the dialogue ripped from a commercial for the game Operation. The 'previously on' features many characters just saying the names of things from the '70s with no context. Childrens' Hospital seems to set out to inundate the viewer with as much period-specific detail as possible, until it's over the top and in your face. In a hilarious way.

     "The '70s Episode" also ends with an orgy among the staff. While many previous episodes have featured various doctors hooking up with each other, never before has everyone engaged in such a crazy act all together. Are they saying that people were more free about sex in the 1970s? It's possible, but doubtful that orgies were common place then. 

     Childrens' Hospital works, though, because of the hilarious cast and witty jokes, not because of continuity or complex storytelling, both of which are mostly lacking. The only thing I wish was different is by the end, it would be cool if Owen (Rob Huebel) quit the hospital to become a police officer, as it has been revealed and referenced many times that he once served in law enforcement, so if he works in a hospital in the 1970s, it would be conceivable that he quits being a doctor to be a cop, then later goes back.

     Sad as it is, news broke recently that the hospital where much of Childrens' Hospital is shot, the same one used in Scrubs, has been torn down. While a similar place may be found, maybe even one that looks more like it's in Brazil, the country where supposedly the story takes place, even though practically every actor in the series is white. But none will have the charm of the building that has carried several television shows through. It will be missed.

     Childrens' Hospital, unlike the hospital, should not be missed. Watch it Thursday nights at midnight on Cartoon Network.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     Please click here to buy the first two seasons of Childrens' Hospital on DVD.