This review is not Written By a Kid

Television is in the throes of a revolution. Many young consumers watch their shows online. And with a number of studios, as well as countless individuals, releasing programming online, the line between what is and is not television is blurred. I say this because this review is actually of a web series, which I believe can now be clumped into the same category as traditional television.

One of the best internet channels, a new invention by YouTube to get viewers regularly visiting, is Geek & Sundry, run by Felicia Day (The Guild, Eureka), which launched a new show this week called Written By a Kid. In the first episode, we meet a kid named Brett who tells a story to two men, the creators of the series, Will Bowles (The Underground) and Josh Flaum (also The Underground). This story is acted out by live people who inhabit a crudely animated world.

The tale told is a simple one. Called "Scary Smash," a monster kills a milkman (Dave Foley, The Kids in the Hall, NewsRadio). To save the town, the S.Q.U.A.T. team is called in. Led by a fun-loving commander (Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly creator Joss Whedon), the force suffers numerous casualties until they finally subdue the threat.

Now, the story isn't completely driven by Brett. Those who have listened to children tell a story know that they can ramble, get distracted, or peter out. The back and forth format allows for seamless editing, so that it's not immediately obvious what questions the hosts are asking the kid. But for a child to remember which weapons he armed his hero with, and remember to use them all throughout a seven day battle, seems a little far fetched.

But even if the plot is a little guided, it is still enjoyable.This is partially due to the fantastic visuals, with scenery that looks like its been drawn by crayon, and partially a credit to the amazing cast put together to act out the words. This includes, besides Foley and Whedon, Felicia Day, Kate Micucci (Scrubs, Raising Hope), Rhett McLaughlin, and Charles "Link" Neal (Rhett & Link). There are probably other notables, but no complete credits are given.


The fact that famous, or infamous, people would agree to do Written By a Kid and not even get their name on screen is a testament to Day's network, as well as this incredibly creative, wonderfully made series. When something this fun is going on, of course people want to be involved! There is no telling what famous faces might pop up in future episodes.

Not to mention, Written By a Kid is genuinely funny. Whether it stems from the animators getting ahead of the narrator, having to change the color and look of the monster, or the cheesy performances by Foley and Whedon, it works. The adults behind this project are smart enough to know when to let the kid by unintentionally funny, and when he might need a little help by taking things more literally then they probably should were they interacting with him outside of the entertainment industry. Fantastic.


Written By a Kid is a must-see show, even if it might be hidden away slightly on the internet, and another fitting addition to the Geek & Sundry lineup. But that's why I link the title, so you can find it. New episodes will go up on Mondays, so make sure that you check them out!


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

Rhett & Link are the Commerical Kings for "Cats & Dogs" everywhere

     IFC presented a new series last night called Rhett & Link: Commercial Kings. The stars, Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal are two popular web personalities, and some of the videos they created online were local commercials. Armed with a budget and now living in Los Angeles, they are bringing those talents to bear on helping business owners there. In the first episode, Rhett and Link's clients are a woman who runs a cat hotel, and another woman who provides a shuttle service for dogs. Rhett and Link interview both the animals and people involved, trying to figure out an angle to play up, as well as capture the spirit of the business they are promoting.

     Rhett and Link have done a wide range of hilarious videos online, but the local commericals were always some of the weaker entries. However, with this series, spending all the time behind the scenes (which, admittedly, they also posted video of for many of the web bits) makes it take on a whole different tone. Rhett and Link are charming and humorous, but also seem really, really nice. This is important in their line of work, and they are portrayed as working man serving a client, intead of TV stars who are nice enough to bestow their gifts upon "normal" people, as could have happened. Perhaps in the future they will be more cocky, though it's doubtful, as they have not let any of their fortune go to their heads.

    The secret to Rhett and Link's sucess in Rhett & Link: Commerical Kings are their personalities. "Cats & Dogs" is a good first episode. It features clients who are kooky, and many people would look down upon as weird. This provides the entertaining hook, as opposed to if the commericals were about more normal businesses. But even though Rhett and Link do seem to be in on the joke about the insanity, they also are sweet enough to treat their clients with resect and decency. They forge funny bits to show, but also satisfy the needs and wants of the people they are working for. It's a fine balance to walk, as in this situation, it would be easy to come across as abnoxious jerks making fun of people. They do not in the slightest.

     Which makes their television career one to root for. So often, people in the spotlight are revealed to not be good people. Rhett and Link have big hearts, and it shows. They are the types of guys anyone would want to be friends with. I honestly tuned it not expecting much, despite being a fan of their non-commerical videos, and was completely won over by the series. It's quirky, but not insulting, and highly entertaining. What more can one ask for in a television show?

     Watch Rhett & Link: Commerical Kings Friday nights at 10 p.m. ET on IFC.

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     Please click here for streaming episodes of Rhett & Link.