Japan's Pokemon has been a mainstay on American television for over 15 years, debuting here a year after it launched in its native land.
4 Kids Entertainment made its initial inroads when they imported the series to the US in 1998. Five months after its American debut, Pokemon was picked up by Kids' WB! for its Saturday morning lineup, and the train's been rolling ever since. Currently, the series' latest incarnation airs on Cartoon Network, which acquired the rights a while back.
As with another popular import from Japan, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Pokemon continues even with subtitles added every few years, to coincide with the releases of new collectible card games. However, tournaments aren't quite as prevalent in my neck of the woods, as the most popular card game remains Magic: The Gathering, which has been around a wee bit longer.
I will tell you that I don't follow Pokemon, so there won't be a rating.
Here is the intro for the first season:
Reruns of the original series and other incarnations air on Boomerang on a regular basis if you need a primer.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Monday, March 10, 2014
Toons You Might've Missed: Garbage Pail Kids (1987)
For years, Topps obtained licenses to produce trading cards based on selected television shows and movies. They don't do that much anymore, as they're only producing baseball, football, & WWE cards for the most part these days.
In 1987, one of their original properties was, in turn, licensed to CBS, which commissioned an independent animation house to adapt the Garbage Pail Kids for television in a lively animated series that never made it to air after all. The reason? Watchdog groups, such as Action For Children's Television, complained about the characters making fun of the disabled, among other things. Eventually, the series did make it to US television (it was produced in part in Canada). I will admit I never saw the show the first time around, and wasn't collecting the cards (aimed at a younger audience), so I spent some time looking at one of the two shorts in this episode, a parody of one of my favorite shows, The Untouchables. "The Unmentionables" shares its title with a classic Bugs Bunny short from several years prior, and is followed by "Heartless Hal":
Rating: B.
In 1987, one of their original properties was, in turn, licensed to CBS, which commissioned an independent animation house to adapt the Garbage Pail Kids for television in a lively animated series that never made it to air after all. The reason? Watchdog groups, such as Action For Children's Television, complained about the characters making fun of the disabled, among other things. Eventually, the series did make it to US television (it was produced in part in Canada). I will admit I never saw the show the first time around, and wasn't collecting the cards (aimed at a younger audience), so I spent some time looking at one of the two shorts in this episode, a parody of one of my favorite shows, The Untouchables. "The Unmentionables" shares its title with a classic Bugs Bunny short from several years prior, and is followed by "Heartless Hal":
Rating: B.
You Know the Voice: Janet Waldo visits Mayberry (1963)
Before I posted the last "You Know the Voice" installment the other day, I had done some research on Janet Waldo's "face acting" career. As I noted, her appearances on I Love Lucy & The Lucy Show aren't available on YouTube or any other site at the present time. She had a voice cameo during season 1 of Get Smart, so that was out. So, we had to move back in time a little.
During season 3 of The Andy Griffith Show, Janet guest-starred in the episode, "A Wife For Andy", which, in turn, began the ongoing subplot of Sheriff Andy Taylor (Griffith) courting school teacher Helen Crump (Aneta Corsault), who was Opie's teacher. The basic idea in this episode, with Barney (Don Knotts) scheming to play matchmaker for Andy, was lifted nearly 30 years later in the movie, "Problem Child 2", with John Ritter. Janet plays Amanda, who is led to believe that Barney's girlfriend, Thelma Lou, was to meet her at the Taylors' house.
I think it was this episode that led to Janet being cast the next year on ABC's Valentine's Day........
Edit: 11/24/14: I had to replace the video, and this copy doesn't have the opening credits to avoid copyright issues.
During season 3 of The Andy Griffith Show, Janet guest-starred in the episode, "A Wife For Andy", which, in turn, began the ongoing subplot of Sheriff Andy Taylor (Griffith) courting school teacher Helen Crump (Aneta Corsault), who was Opie's teacher. The basic idea in this episode, with Barney (Don Knotts) scheming to play matchmaker for Andy, was lifted nearly 30 years later in the movie, "Problem Child 2", with John Ritter. Janet plays Amanda, who is led to believe that Barney's girlfriend, Thelma Lou, was to meet her at the Taylors' house.
I think it was this episode that led to Janet being cast the next year on ABC's Valentine's Day........
Edit: 11/24/14: I had to replace the video, and this copy doesn't have the opening credits to avoid copyright issues.
Cartoon Network's Class of 2014: Old friends, new ideas.......
Earlier today, Turner Networks issued a press release announcing plans for the rest of the year involving Cartoon Network. Following is a list of new shows coming to the network, excerpted from the press release (the italics & boldface are mine):
===========================
New Original and Acquired Programming:
Over The Garden Wall: Headlined by an all-star voice-cast that includes Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings Trilogy), Collin Dean (The War at Home) and Melanie Lynskey (Two and a Half Men), Over the Garden Wall is Cartoon Network’s first event mini-series, an animated comedy/fantasy story about two brothers, Wirt and Greg, who are trapped in a mysterious world. In this ten-part mini-series, Wirt and Greg must travel across this strange land until they find their way home, aided by a wise old Woodsman who gives them directions and a bluebird named Beatrice. Music plays an important role in the series with a soundtrack full of Americana-influenced original songs. Over The Garden Wall is created by Pat McHale and produced by Cartoon Network Studios.
Clarence: From creator Skyler Page and premiering Monday, April 14 at 7 p.m., Clarence is a new, original animated series about an optimistic boy who wants to do everything. Because everything is amazing! Clarence was conceived as part of the prolific shorts development program at Cartoon Network Studios, which has resulted in six original series for the network: Regular Show, Uncle Grandpa, Steven Universe, Clarence, Over the Garden Wall & We Bare Bears . ·
We Bare Bears: We Bare Bears is a comedy about three bear siblings, named Grizzly, Panda and Ice Bear. Each episode follows their awkward attempts at assimilating into human society, whether they're looking for food, trying to make human friends, or scheming to become internet famous. Whatever the situation, it’s obvious that being a bear in the civilized, modern world is tough—but at least they have each other. Created by Annie Award-winner Daniel Chong (Toy Story of Terror!), We Bare Bears is produced by Cartoon Network Studios.
The Tom and Jerry Show: The iconic cat and mouse rivals are back in The Tom and Jerry Show, a new, fresh take on the classic series. Preserving the look, characters and sensibility of the original, the all-new series shines a brightly colored, high-definition lens on the madcap slapstick and never-ending battle that has made Tom and Jerry two of the most beloved characters of all time. The Tom and Jerry Show is produced by Warner Bros. Animation and will premiere Wednesday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m. ·
Be Cool Scooby-Doo!: Be Cool Scooby-Doo! is an all-new 22-minute animated comedy series from Warner Bros. Animation. The Scooby gang is back with a modern comedic twist on the beloved classic. With high school over and one last summer to live it up, the gang hits the road in the Mystery Machine, chasing fun and adventure. But monsters and mayhem keep getting in the way. ·
Wabbit—A Looney Tunes Production: The hilarious, heroic and mischievous Bugs Bunny you love is back! From Warner Bros. Animation, Bugs stars in an all-new series consisting of comedic shorts that find the iconic carrot-loving rabbit matching wits against (and getting the best of) classic characters like Yosemite Sam and Wile E. Coyote. Along the way, Bugs will encounter brand-new foes…and he’ll have some help from new friends like Bigfoot and Squeaks the squirrel.
Sonic Boom™: Sonic the Hedgehog has been one of the world’s biggest gaming icons for over 20 years and this year a new branch of the Sonic universe debuts, entitled Sonic Boom™. With a new look for Sonic and friends, the franchise’s first-ever CG animated television series, an action-packed comedy adventure, will premiere on Cartoon Network with support from an extensive video game release of the same name. The Sonic Boom television series, co-produced by SEGA® of America, Inc. and OuiDO! Productions, will debut on Cartoon Network in the 2014/2015 season.
· Total Drama: Pahkitew Island: All-new island! All-new cast! Same old disregard for human safety! The Total Drama series returns as Chris and Chef put the newest generation of contestants through the craziest challenges yet—all for a chance to win one million dollars! Total Drama Island is produced by Fresh TV Inc.
Numb Chucks: Woodchuck brothers Dilweed and Fungus didn’t always see themselves as mystical Kung Fu saviors until they stumbled upon an infomercial featuring mega legend Woodchuck Morris’ mullet-fueled motivational kung-fu video “The Way of the Chuck!” With an endless supply of confidence but a limited supply of brain cells, and countless hours of watching the video, this dimwitted duo transmorph-ified into THE NUMB CHUCKS! ·
Beyraiderz: Sho, Jin and Leon find themselves trapped on a strange world once defended by the Six Mythic Beasts who upheld justice and brought prosperity for all through the battling BeyRaiderz tournaments. When the Beasts mysteriously disappeared, the world fell into ruin, and now it’s up to Sho and his friends to uncover the hidden BeyRaiderz stadiums, to battle to bring the Beasts back and restore prosperity to the world!
===========================================
Beyraiderz continues the Beyblade franchise that CN acquired a ways back. The Total Drama family of flash animated series parodies reality shows such as Survivor, and as long as that series sticks around, so will Total Drama. Numb Chucks looks like a funny animal take on MTV's Beavis & Butt-Head, whose own comeback was short-circuited by the network 2 years ago. Note that only Clarence & The Tom & Jerry Show have firm start dates. Expect Be Cool Scooby-Doo! to be, because of the theme, a summer debut. I realize that the previous series for both Scooby and Bugs Bunny have not yet become distant memories, but CN also realizes that they screwed both the franchises and their respective fan bases with the way they handled the last series, especially Scooby-Doo: Mystery Incorporated, which was burned off in weekday chunks without benefit of replays. We Bare Bears? I'm not sure about this one yet.
For what it's worth, it shouldn't surprise anyone that The Tom & Jerry Show has already bowed overseas before its US premiere. They did the same thing with SDMI &, I think, The Looney Tunes Show. Don't ya think the American viewers come first to CN? Apparently not. At least now we've got something to look forward to for the spring & summer.
===========================
New Original and Acquired Programming:
Over The Garden Wall: Headlined by an all-star voice-cast that includes Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings Trilogy), Collin Dean (The War at Home) and Melanie Lynskey (Two and a Half Men), Over the Garden Wall is Cartoon Network’s first event mini-series, an animated comedy/fantasy story about two brothers, Wirt and Greg, who are trapped in a mysterious world. In this ten-part mini-series, Wirt and Greg must travel across this strange land until they find their way home, aided by a wise old Woodsman who gives them directions and a bluebird named Beatrice. Music plays an important role in the series with a soundtrack full of Americana-influenced original songs. Over The Garden Wall is created by Pat McHale and produced by Cartoon Network Studios.
Clarence: From creator Skyler Page and premiering Monday, April 14 at 7 p.m., Clarence is a new, original animated series about an optimistic boy who wants to do everything. Because everything is amazing! Clarence was conceived as part of the prolific shorts development program at Cartoon Network Studios, which has resulted in six original series for the network: Regular Show, Uncle Grandpa, Steven Universe, Clarence, Over the Garden Wall & We Bare Bears . ·
We Bare Bears: We Bare Bears is a comedy about three bear siblings, named Grizzly, Panda and Ice Bear. Each episode follows their awkward attempts at assimilating into human society, whether they're looking for food, trying to make human friends, or scheming to become internet famous. Whatever the situation, it’s obvious that being a bear in the civilized, modern world is tough—but at least they have each other. Created by Annie Award-winner Daniel Chong (Toy Story of Terror!), We Bare Bears is produced by Cartoon Network Studios.
The Tom and Jerry Show: The iconic cat and mouse rivals are back in The Tom and Jerry Show, a new, fresh take on the classic series. Preserving the look, characters and sensibility of the original, the all-new series shines a brightly colored, high-definition lens on the madcap slapstick and never-ending battle that has made Tom and Jerry two of the most beloved characters of all time. The Tom and Jerry Show is produced by Warner Bros. Animation and will premiere Wednesday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m. ·
Be Cool Scooby-Doo!: Be Cool Scooby-Doo! is an all-new 22-minute animated comedy series from Warner Bros. Animation. The Scooby gang is back with a modern comedic twist on the beloved classic. With high school over and one last summer to live it up, the gang hits the road in the Mystery Machine, chasing fun and adventure. But monsters and mayhem keep getting in the way. ·
Wabbit—A Looney Tunes Production: The hilarious, heroic and mischievous Bugs Bunny you love is back! From Warner Bros. Animation, Bugs stars in an all-new series consisting of comedic shorts that find the iconic carrot-loving rabbit matching wits against (and getting the best of) classic characters like Yosemite Sam and Wile E. Coyote. Along the way, Bugs will encounter brand-new foes…and he’ll have some help from new friends like Bigfoot and Squeaks the squirrel.
Sonic Boom™: Sonic the Hedgehog has been one of the world’s biggest gaming icons for over 20 years and this year a new branch of the Sonic universe debuts, entitled Sonic Boom™. With a new look for Sonic and friends, the franchise’s first-ever CG animated television series, an action-packed comedy adventure, will premiere on Cartoon Network with support from an extensive video game release of the same name. The Sonic Boom television series, co-produced by SEGA® of America, Inc. and OuiDO! Productions, will debut on Cartoon Network in the 2014/2015 season.
· Total Drama: Pahkitew Island: All-new island! All-new cast! Same old disregard for human safety! The Total Drama series returns as Chris and Chef put the newest generation of contestants through the craziest challenges yet—all for a chance to win one million dollars! Total Drama Island is produced by Fresh TV Inc.
Numb Chucks: Woodchuck brothers Dilweed and Fungus didn’t always see themselves as mystical Kung Fu saviors until they stumbled upon an infomercial featuring mega legend Woodchuck Morris’ mullet-fueled motivational kung-fu video “The Way of the Chuck!” With an endless supply of confidence but a limited supply of brain cells, and countless hours of watching the video, this dimwitted duo transmorph-ified into THE NUMB CHUCKS! ·
Beyraiderz: Sho, Jin and Leon find themselves trapped on a strange world once defended by the Six Mythic Beasts who upheld justice and brought prosperity for all through the battling BeyRaiderz tournaments. When the Beasts mysteriously disappeared, the world fell into ruin, and now it’s up to Sho and his friends to uncover the hidden BeyRaiderz stadiums, to battle to bring the Beasts back and restore prosperity to the world!
===========================================
Beyraiderz continues the Beyblade franchise that CN acquired a ways back. The Total Drama family of flash animated series parodies reality shows such as Survivor, and as long as that series sticks around, so will Total Drama. Numb Chucks looks like a funny animal take on MTV's Beavis & Butt-Head, whose own comeback was short-circuited by the network 2 years ago. Note that only Clarence & The Tom & Jerry Show have firm start dates. Expect Be Cool Scooby-Doo! to be, because of the theme, a summer debut. I realize that the previous series for both Scooby and Bugs Bunny have not yet become distant memories, but CN also realizes that they screwed both the franchises and their respective fan bases with the way they handled the last series, especially Scooby-Doo: Mystery Incorporated, which was burned off in weekday chunks without benefit of replays. We Bare Bears? I'm not sure about this one yet.
For what it's worth, it shouldn't surprise anyone that The Tom & Jerry Show has already bowed overseas before its US premiere. They did the same thing with SDMI &, I think, The Looney Tunes Show. Don't ya think the American viewers come first to CN? Apparently not. At least now we've got something to look forward to for the spring & summer.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Daytime Heroes: Hercules: The Animated Series (1998)
Disney thought they were being cute by creating their own version of Hercules to counter the popular live-action series that was airing in syndication. After a 1997 feature film scored big at the box office, the studio moved on to an animated series that aired in syndication on weekdays and ABC on Saturdays as part of the One Saturday Morning package.
As with the movie, Hercules has an all-star cast, but with one change. Robert Costanzo (Harvey Bullock from Batman: The Animated Series) takes over for Danny DeVito as Phil, a satyr who designs spears for a living. Tate Donovan top-lines as Hercules, just as he did in the movie. Film vet James Woods won a Daytime Emmy for his work as Hades, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. The cast also included Lisa Kudrow (Friends), Wayne Knight & French Stewart (3rd Rock From the Sun), Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond), Matt Frewer, Bob Keeshan (formerly Captain Kangaroo), Mike Connors (ex-Mannix), game show icon Wink Martindale, Sandra Bernhard, Tom Arnold, and so many others.
Edit, 8/9/23: The video was deleted. In its place is the intro:
No rating.
As with the movie, Hercules has an all-star cast, but with one change. Robert Costanzo (Harvey Bullock from Batman: The Animated Series) takes over for Danny DeVito as Phil, a satyr who designs spears for a living. Tate Donovan top-lines as Hercules, just as he did in the movie. Film vet James Woods won a Daytime Emmy for his work as Hades, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. The cast also included Lisa Kudrow (Friends), Wayne Knight & French Stewart (3rd Rock From the Sun), Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond), Matt Frewer, Bob Keeshan (formerly Captain Kangaroo), Mike Connors (ex-Mannix), game show icon Wink Martindale, Sandra Bernhard, Tom Arnold, and so many others.
Edit, 8/9/23: The video was deleted. In its place is the intro:
No rating.
Toons After Dark: Time Squad (2001)
Two years after Sheep in the Big City flopped, and flopped badly, Cartoon Network went back to the Jay Ward library for more inspiration. While Sheep was meant to be a homage to Rocky & His Friends, Dave Wasson chose one of the backup features on that iconic series for his project.
Time Squad has elements of both Peabody's Improbable History and the live-action 1982 series, Voyagers!, the latter because 10 year old Otto (Pamela Adlon, King of the Hill) is plucked from his bedroom to become a time traveler, joining Buggtussel (Rob Paulsen) and Larry 3000 (Mark Hamill). Larry, a robot, is also the pilot, and a regular jack-of-all-trades, while Buggtussel is just the exact opposite, a musclehead whose brains must've been lost somewhere in the ozone layer.
Unfortunately, like Sheep, Time Squad, despite its promising premise, didn't last very long. Viewers rejected the series after 26 episodes, spread out over 2 years (2001-3), much as they didn't accept Voyagers! 20-odd years earlier. Depending on how well "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" fares at the box office, I'd say people would prefer the dog & boy combination over a boy, a robot, and a space cadet.
Here's the open:
Ya gotta understand. I watched Voyagers! fairly regularly back in the day, just as much as I'd seen the Peabody reruns earlier in my youth. Time Squad is just a poor third.
Rating: C+.
Time Squad has elements of both Peabody's Improbable History and the live-action 1982 series, Voyagers!, the latter because 10 year old Otto (Pamela Adlon, King of the Hill) is plucked from his bedroom to become a time traveler, joining Buggtussel (Rob Paulsen) and Larry 3000 (Mark Hamill). Larry, a robot, is also the pilot, and a regular jack-of-all-trades, while Buggtussel is just the exact opposite, a musclehead whose brains must've been lost somewhere in the ozone layer.
Unfortunately, like Sheep, Time Squad, despite its promising premise, didn't last very long. Viewers rejected the series after 26 episodes, spread out over 2 years (2001-3), much as they didn't accept Voyagers! 20-odd years earlier. Depending on how well "Mr. Peabody & Sherman" fares at the box office, I'd say people would prefer the dog & boy combination over a boy, a robot, and a space cadet.
Here's the open:
Ya gotta understand. I watched Voyagers! fairly regularly back in the day, just as much as I'd seen the Peabody reruns earlier in my youth. Time Squad is just a poor third.
Rating: C+.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Tooniversary: Mr. Magoo as Noah (Famous Adventures of Mr. Magoo, 1964)
Not too long from now, people will be heading to the multiplexes to see Darren Arenofsky's radical take on the Biblical story of "Noah", with Russell Crowe in the title role. It won't be the first time Hollywood's taken liberties with the Good Book, and certainly won't be the last.
In 1964, the tale of Noah's Ark, from the Book of Genesis, was adapted into an episode of The Famous Adventures of Mr. Magoo. Marvin Miller (ex-The Millionaire) is the voice of God. If you can get past Magoo (Jim Backus, Gilligan's Island)'s usual antics in the prelude, you'd be all set.
Oh, it's been years since I'd seen this in syndication. Still a treat, though. Rating: B+.
In 1964, the tale of Noah's Ark, from the Book of Genesis, was adapted into an episode of The Famous Adventures of Mr. Magoo. Marvin Miller (ex-The Millionaire) is the voice of God. If you can get past Magoo (Jim Backus, Gilligan's Island)'s usual antics in the prelude, you'd be all set.
Oh, it's been years since I'd seen this in syndication. Still a treat, though. Rating: B+.
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