Currently Watching

Rugrats 2021: Decent but Kind of Unnecessary

Currently Watching, Reboot, Thoughts / victorica_vic

Posted: 22 September 2021

Rugrats (2021) / Paramount+, Nickelodeon / 27 May 2021-Present

When the new Rugrats came out on Paramount+, I watched the first episode called “Second Time Around.” I was drinking water out of my Rugrats cup from 1997. The 43-minute first episode resituated me back into the Rugrats world and prepared me for the rest of the coming season.

What’s with the CGI?

Couldn’t they just have used digital hand drawings instead of CGI? CGI is so 2006 (and don’t even argue with me that the new Smurfs cartoon is in CGI). All the new cartoons these days are drawn in digital ink. I know Disney cartoons of today do that, but Disney is Disney. Despite that, Angelica looks cute in this new style. Spike’s textured fur makes me want to pet him through the TV screen.

Unfamiliar Adult Voices

The babies retained their original voices, which are still quite good, but they completely replaced the adult voices with folks I’m not familiar with. I understand it was for a new image but they didn’t have to replace all the original willing cast. Parents are shown as millennials now. The voices changed to reflect how millennials apparently talk.

Disappearing Characters?

Many people are asking about the whereabouts of the characters introduced throughout the original series. Where’s Dil, Kimi, Kira, and Lulu. It also seems that Howard Deville disappeared off the face of the earth, leaving Betty as a single mother. Maybe they’ll be re-introduced in later seasons.

I’m Still Asking…WHY?

They really didn’t have to reboot Rugrats. All the stories were all told in the original series and it had a good run. Despite that, give this reboot a chance when you get Paramount+. Especially in the 1st episode, it shows the Rugrats charm we’ve grown to love. Don’t be fooled and turned off by the promos/sneak peeks you see. Just watch the show. If you’re persistent on not liking/watching this new incarnation, you’re more than welcome to go back to the original series which is also on Paramount+. There are plenty of episodes to enjoy again and again.

Play Along with Tooned In Season 1

Currently Watching, Review / victorica_vic

Posted 22 September 2021

Tooned In / Nickelodeon / 8 February 2021 – Present

Earlier this year on weekdays, I came home from work and got into my DVR to find the recording of the latest episode of this made-for-me game show. The subject is something I love and what Nickelodeon is mostly about…NICKTOONS!

From a lost pilot from 1998, Tooned In was finally green-lit in recent years. This Nicktoon-themed game show features young contestants who answer questions about Nicktoons from past and present for a chance to win $1000. The host is a personable, fun-loving AI robot named Nicky.

What I Think

In a world where TV intros have become unnecessary, no formal intro is needed for this show. A brief, lively tune punctuated with a “TOONED IN” at the end is just as sufficient and memorable, great for bookending segments before and after commercial breaks.

The contestants seem no older than 13 years old so some of these questions are from Nicktoons before their time. I go absolutely crazy when they get it wrong and I scream at the tv. These young contestants either streamed these old shows or they studied their study guide (as stated at the end of the credits).

Also, $1000 is like $1,000,000 to the kids but not much for me.

Evolution through Season 1

In season 1, the show has evolved by some bounds. This includes how Nicky says “SCOREboard” and the addition of the “almost out of time” sound toward the end of the game (da-duuuuuh). The “Nicktoon Moment of the Day” and the “Slimmest Moment” were a good touch, too. It’s like this show was finding its footing through the season likely to avoid annoying monotony.

Pandemic Precautions

A pandemic didn’t stop the production of this game show. I found it wise to make the host AI to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. They used a canned audience, instead of a live audience, to which I’m not accustomed. We never see the audience, only hear them. As per the credits, there were COVID compliance officers, disinfecting techs, and cleaning techs. Helps me feel more confident to compete if I were a contestant.

A Fun Game Show for Nicktoon Fans

I like how this Tooned In game show is focused on questions about Nicktoons. Watching this show is like how some people watch sports games on TV, things tend to get loud as I scream at the TV. I liked how this show was shown on weekdays, great for after work. Good to see there is a season 2 currently airing (but that’s for a different post). I want to be Nicky’s friend. We need a battle of the champions game some time. That will surely be something.

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Kid Cosmic: A Superhero Show with a Classic Comic Book Aesthetic

Currently Watching, Thoughts / victorica_vic

Posted: 5 February 2021

Written: 3 February 2021 (after watching the first episode)

Kid Cosmic / Netflix / Premiered: 2 February 2021

Living in a desert in New Mexico, Kid fantasizes about becoming a superhero. He finds five cosmic stones of power dropped from a crashed spaceship which allows his fantasies to become a reality. He fights alongside a diverse team of superheroes to stop the evil Stuck Chuck from taking the cosmic stones.
–Summary by Vic’s Review

I wouldn’t have considered taking up this show had it not been for Craig McCracken being the creator. Having created Powerpuff Girls, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, and Wander over Yonder, I’m glad to see he’s still in the animation industry and making new shows. Even after watching one episode, I’d say he’s continuing his successful streak.

Awesome Artwork!

Even though this show is not in CGI, I’m assuming this show was hand-drawn digitally. I like how digital drawings can be emulated to look like classic 2D animation. Though the show designers were going for the retro comic book art style, to me it’s like the illustrations are out of a children’s book. Though Kid looks like the main character of a children’s book, Jo’s design is definitely in McCracken’s art style (black choker reminiscent of Frankie Foster (Foster’s Home…), Sylvia’s (Wander over Yonder) mouth shape). The aliens are in the same McCracken style used in Powerpuff Girls and Wonder over Yonder.

It’s Going to be Good

Yes, I probably just assumed the quality level in the post-sparkle of watching episode one. The other day I was wondering what Craig McCracken was doing these days. My question was answered while scrolling through Twitter where there was a link to an interview where McCracken talks about this show. I really liked Foster’s Home… and Wander over Yonder and I expect the same level of excellence from Kid Cosmic. I can use another superhero cartoon in my life and I have a list of shows I’d like to watch for the first time using streaming services and review them. I can’t wait to watch the other 9 episodes. It’s so tempting to watch another one now. Maybe tomorrow.

I watch the credits until the end for the closing logo. It’s as classy-looking as the show itself. I love closing logos and this one is now one of my favorites.

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“Yoopy doop!” Ollie’s Pack Thoughts

Currently Watching, Have Watched, Thoughts / victorica_vic

Posted: 26 July 2020

“Ollie’s Pack” is one of Nickelodeon’s newest shows. Like “It’s Pony,” it’s not based on an existing property or a consumer product so that’s part of what drives me to this show. This show was produced by Nelvana. I grew up with Nelvana shows in the past but in recent years, it’s like these Nelvanas have been mediocre. Because they’re showing this on Nickelodeon, I’m bypassing these factors and giving this a go. I don’t know why I keep watching “Ollie’s Pack,” I just watch it to feel younger.

Character/Overall Design

I’m glad the design didn’t turn out like its pilot short “Monster Pack.” The design of that short was just horrendous. If you’ve ever seen “Cupcake and Dino” (Netflix, 2018) (also created by OP’s co-creator, Pedro Eboli), you’ll see the design is similar to “Ollie’s Pack.” Thank Mark Satterthwaite for the same feel on both shows. The design is not my favorite, but it helps with the show’s individuality on Nickelodeon. Also, I’m not a huge fan of the techno, video game-like music. Sounds more suited toward “Glitch Techs” (Netflix, 2020-present) (yes, I’m currently watching that, too). However, I will have a certain title card cue music in my head that I think is neat.

Canadian Through and Through

Without looking at the credits, there are clues throughout this series that prove this show is Canada-based. Some of those clues include a hockey stick in Ollie’s room and some French phrases Ollie slides into his speech (je ne sais quoi, joie de vivre). I have a thing for Canadian animation. Even as a young girl, I could sense a Canadian show just by watching a few minutes of the show. That’s another thing that keeps me coming back to watch this show. The theme song’s singer seems to have a Canadian accent to top it all off.

Try It!

Don’t be too quick to give up on this show. The later episodes seem better. This show has grown on me somehow. It could be the fact I have access to Nickelodeon and watching these newer, original Nick shows make me feel younger. It’s good to know Nickelodeon is green-lighting more original shows rather than shows based on popular movies which is what drove me away from Nick in the first place (around 2007). Like I said about, “It’s Pony,” please support Nickelodeon’s original shows. It will encourage them to make more shows that we can potentially try and like.

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Is It Really Pony?

Currently Watching, Thoughts / victorica_vic

Posted: 12 April 2020

It’s Pony / Nickelodeon / 2020 – Present

Simply put, this show does not try hard to be cool. The writing doesn’t use “cool” language and it doesn’t waste time with useless filler talk. The closest the show got to being “cool” was that video game episode (Game Horse) but it was still decent. The episodes are just the adventures of Annie and Pony venturing the city and getting into mischief. How much more can you simplify that?

A British-American Delight

The British roots really manifest on this show. Firstly, Ant Blades, the creator, is British. Blue Zoo, the production company, is England-based. It’s also clear that the intro was sung by a British singer (listen carefully when you hear the intro). Even a few of the characters are British (Annie’s mom, other assorted characters). Despite that, it’s a show with British roots made for Nickelodeon’s American audience. It’s a lovely blend of British and American with neither side overpowering.

Appealing Theme Song

The theme song is really catchy. People may complain about the repetitiveness but it’s still a theme song nonetheless, better than many openings these days or the lack of one. The country music sound is nice. When the song first got in my head, the rapid-moving guitar accompaniment gave me the feel of Avicii’s “Wake Me Up (When It’s All Over).” I’m making new memories with this theme. On recent Saturday mornings at 10:30, I’ve eaten my cereal, and it’s time to watch “It’s Pony.” “Pony on the sixth floor, Pony in the bathroom, Pony in the kitchen, Pony on the school bus, Pony, Pony, Pony…”

Never Judge a Show by Its First Episode

After you watch your first episode, the show’s delivery may feel a bit bland. Even though you may not feel interested at first view, don’t give up hope. It may take several more episodes before the show grows on you. Do you want Nickelodeon to show nice, down-to-earth shows with kids and their fantasy animals going on adventures or do you want shows that have been making episodes for 15+ years that are going stale with time or shows that are the 10th horrible spin-off on an existing property? Think about that as you decide whether or not to shun “It’s Pony” off your watchlist.

Support “It’s Pony”!

I will support “It’s Pony” until the end. I can’t guarantee I’ll be watching all the showings live on Nick or Nicktoons but I’ll do what I can. Pretty much, the last original property Nickelodeon released was “The Loud House” in 2016. “It’s Pony” premiered barely 4 years later. I hope with our continued support will give Nickelodeon the idea that original, creator-driven shows are what we want, not cash cows. “It’s Pony” does not deserve to die on Nicktoons.

As long as we keep watch, it will always be Pony.

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What Vic Watched: Samurai Jack Seasons 3 and 4

Currently Watching / victorica_vic

Posted: 23 August 2018

I decided to integrate the posts for seasons 3 and 4 because they are essentially the same quality. Season 5 in its entirety, a whole other story, has been watched. A review will be posted as soon as its written.

Seasons 3 (watched from 26 July to 3 August) and 4 (6 August to 14 August) retain the show’s superb condition as Jack continues to chase down Aku and a portal to the past. The series shows its seriousness through darker-themed episodes. Despite this darken-ness there are still some light parts that make me smile because this show makes me happy. No matter how badly Jack gets beaten up and and scratched, oftentimes the bruises and scratches disappear by the next scene. Another thing I really like about Jack is that never gives up. He can’t when he has a big quest to accomplish.

Is it just me or starting in late season 3, Jack looks a bit older? The accumulating lines on his face must be a result of a long journey spanning several years but they make him look wiser.

In a season 3 episode’s credits (Episode XXXI), we see more relatives temporarily join the crew. “Randy Mters” and “James Tin Walker” do a fine job at sheet timing. They are let go as soon as they hire a better person to type out the ending credits without typos.

Notable Episodes in Season 3 (asterisk notates the names I made up):

Episodes XXXVII and XXXVIII (Birth of Evil, Parts 1 and 2)-This episode shines light on how Aku came into existence and how Jack received his sword. This is a very important episode for reference in later episodes, namely in the season 5 episodes.

Episode XXXV (Jack and the Haunted House*)- When you watch this episode, try to watch in surround sound or with really good headphones. Bonus points if you watch at night. I say this episode was made for such devices as there are effects that were made to startle and to put you in suspense.

Bonus: Episode XXXIX (Secret Agent Jack*)- Not spoiling much but this is another episode where Jack “jumps good.”

Notable Episodes in Season 4

Episode XLIX (The Four Seasons and Jack*)- I swear that there are some instances when it looks like Jack gets hurt and needs to go to the hospital. There’s are no modern hospitals to be found on this show; even in the future! Also we never see Jack injured to the point he can’t continue with his mission but we did see him sick in another episode. This is the episode that showcases the extremes of each season and the how he deals with them.

Episode LII (Jack Finds a Baby*)- This episodes shows a fatherly side to Jack not shown in any other episode. Jack must have had a pretty good father and father figures to have inherited the parenting skills he demonstrated. All that while still on his quest.

Common Voices/Characters

More excellent work from the voice actors as well. I have to say at times when I hear Jack speak, I think of Wilt from Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends (Yes, same voice actor). At times throughout these seasons, Grey DeLisle (now “Grey Griffin”) voices a minor character or villain. Oftentimes DeLisle’s character interacts with Jack such as in the season 3 train episode (Episode XXIX). I understand Grey DeLisle and Phil LaMarr have lent their voices to other shows but when I see their characters together, I can’t help but think about Fluffernutter and Jackie Khones (voices by DeLisle and LaMarr, respectively) also of Foster’s Home. They were also on Evil con Carne as Hector con Carne and Major Doctor Ghastly, to name another example.

Seasons 3 and 4 are just as good as seasons 1 and 2 but with more characters introduced, there are more opportunities for story ideas. Season 4 was the last season in the show’s initial run. The last episode wasn’t an ending to the series at all. If you’ve come this far watching all of seasons 1-4, you must watch all of season 5 for an ending (more on that later). Yes, all 4 seasons were fine but it just left fans hanging when it ended in 2004.

What Vic Watched: Samurai Jack Seasons 3 and 4 Read More »

What Vic Watched: Samurai Jack Season 2

Currently Watching / victorica_vic

Posted: 2 August 2018

Jack’s quest for a portal to the past continues in season 2. This time the storylines had more depth, fight scenes were less boring compared to season 1, and more stories took place outside the futuristic city. Also in season 2, we saw a wider variety of villains other than Aku, such as robots and monsters, antagonize these 13 episodes.

Notable Episodes

In Season 2 (watched from July 17th to July 26th), there was a variety of different story types. These range from the noble stories of the rescue of the Scottsman’s wife and Jack finding his childhood home in ruins (thanks to Aku). There were also some silly stories, namely the flatulent dragon episode and the theft of Jack’s clothes and sword (must have been a fun ep to make *wink*). One of my favorite eps was when Jack was searching for a new pair of shoes.

Voice acting and Phil’s Twin Brother

The voice acting continues to intrigue. One of the notable mentions include the talented Kevin Michael Richardson’s many character voices on this show. I like how he used his trademark deep voice and added variation by adding different accents to the wide array of characters. It also seems that in the later copyright 2001 episodes, Phil LaMarr stepped down from voicing Jack and his twin brother “Pill” LaMarr stepped in and did quite a fine job. It was like Phil never left. Phil returned in the early copyright 2002 episodes. How do I know about this? It’s this (highlight to read): “There was a typo in the credits in the ‘voices’ section. Heehee!“

Another fine season

The cast and crew of Samurai Jack continue to bat 1000 in season 2. Season 2 is just as good as season 1 but the surprises keep on coming. If I can have likings to Genndy Tartakovsky’s other works such as the comedic Dexter’s Laboratory and the sci-fi of Sym-bionic Titan, I just had to give the fantasy adventure Samurai Jack the light of day and I’m glad I did. Finishing season 2 made me excited for more adventures in season 3 and for what’s to come in season 4 and 5.

I should finish watching season 3 by Friday. I will have a review posted as soon as I finish writing it.

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What is Vic Watching?

Currently Watching, Review / victorica_vic

Posted 18 July 2018

I’m pretty much always watching a show. This is a segment I would like to start with which I chronicle a show I plan to watch from start to finish. Usually I will watch 2 episodes every weekday. I won’t exactly review every episode of the show but I will give my thoughts about the show. Do note that the factors of me completing a show include availability and the quality of the series.

Vic watches Samurai Jack

Beginning July 9th, I have begun watching Samurai Jack episodes. Samurai Jack (Cartoon Network/Adult Swim; 2001-2004, 2017) is about a samurai who gets sent through a portal to a dystopian future by a shape-shifting demon (Aku). It is up to the samurai to finish the quest to return to the past to defeat Aku before he overtakes the world.

Why Samurai Jack?

Upon completing every available Steven Spielberg cartoon (Tiny Toon Adventures, Animaniacs and spin-offs; possible future posts) the first show to come to mind to watch next was Samurai Jack. For a number of years I joked to myself about starting and finishing this show. I now think I’m ready to take myself seriously. I wasn’t too interested when it first came out in 2001 (I was a Nick kid and it wasn’t my taste). Upon sampling Genndy Tartakovsky’s other works, I started to consider this one. Finding out about the 2017 reboot also sparked some interest.

What do I think so far?

As of posting this, I have completed watching the entire first season and have begun the second season. Let’s focus on season one. The first 3 episodes (considered a “movie”) was a fine introduction about the samurai’s early life, how his ordeal began, and his early adventures in the Aku-infested future. The manner in which “Jack” received his name, I felt, was quite humorous. It was in this go-around that it donned on me that Jack received his name in the future. His birth-given name remains unknown. In the early eps, we see young Jack visiting the different countries and learning new skills. Seeing those scenes make me think Jack is more well-rounded than I am. He shows those skills as the show goes on.

What I like:

I really like looking at the Japanese-inspired artwork especially in the early episodes. I’ve had a liking to Japanese themes for quite some time. The artwork is beautiful! I also like the voice actors on this show; Jack was played by Phil LaMarr (also on other show I like such as Foster’s Home and Evil con Carne (first shows to come to mind)) and Aku was played by the late, great Mako (Iwamatsu). Mako did a great Aku; brought to life a voice of a villain who wished not to be disturbed.

What I don’t like:

I wasn’t quite a fan of the long, monotonous fight scenes. Either they really dragged on or they were making me more tired after coming inside from the heat after driving away from a day of work. Will they fix this in season 2? Another thought is: why did Mako have to die in 2006? He had a great voice.

So, off to a good start?

This show started well. The episodes after episode 3 are mostly self-contained so you can jump in to watch at any time during the season. Overall, season 1 was good.

I am currently watching season 2. Season 2 and other seasons and/or episodes will be discussed as soon as viewing is complete.

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