Season Review: OUT THERE

 

The first season of Out There has come to a close. We’ve laughed, we’ve seen Terry cry, we’ve recalled parts of nostalgia long buried, and we’ve felt better about ourselves by watching young men make fools of themselves. But what did I think about it?

Here’s my main beef with Out There: who is this show meant for? I can’t determine who I would want to recommend this show to because I still can’t determine who would like it (most). Is this show meant for people going through adolescence – is it supposed to show them how to get through these tough times? Or is this supposed to be for the fully grown adult to fondly recall ye olden days of awkward – to look back and say “god, I remember that shit and I am glad it’s over”? Each episode ends with a “well things worked out because _________” feeling and sometimes blatant lesson – and I for one don’t need such schoolins’ on life because I’m already a full grown fucking champion of a man.

So, am I too old for this show?

Don’t get me wrong, I watch cartoons meant for a “younger” eye all the time, Spongebob and Adventure Time being two examples, but they at least live mostly for “the lulz” and don’t try kickin’ some real “this is how to overcome this” shit right in my face.

Right. Moving along.

Characters. The characters on this show are great, there is a good sized cast that covers all ground found within a small town and everyone has their own memorable quirks. The portrayals and voices for the main cast are true to life and keep you entertained (as they should). I can’t help but think though, am I the only one who feels like they blew their wad on a million guest voices super early?! I mean, I’m watching an episode and thinking – ah nice, they got so-and-so PROBABLY because strings were pulled – maybe I’m naïve, but I like to think guest voices find their way into toons because of a “OMG im such a big fan of your show and would love to be on it” factor – but this being the first season… that’s just not possible. Also, there is still so much more to be explored with the characters already found within the show, do we really already need to add more (outside) characters yet?

Pacing. Sometimes this show just feels like the inter-character dialogues have some kind of weird slow pacing that pulls me out of their conversations. Maybe it’s because there’s no background music on the show to fill in micro-pauses I wouldn’t normally notice? Maybe I’m just a super critical fuckhead?

Happy Endings. Every episode has one. It ruins suspense for me, if I know things will eventually work out – why should I worry? Stop it.

In my almighty opinion, Out There has a lot of potential but also has a lot of kinks to work out. If you read this review and think that I hate the show you’d be wrong, because it does hold a special place in my heart – I’m just not giving out any free passes. I think they really need to decide who they are trying to speak to in this show and also give their current voice talent more credit – let the core characters find themselves in more adventures without outside “special guests”. Nobody ever thinks the first season of any show is their favorite, so I’m hopeful and excited for what Out There has up its sleeve for the future.

Let’s get weirder, let’s let an episode end in chaos and not resolution, and MOST importantly – let’s see more of young Wayne (that’s the best).

It’s ya boy @Achilles_Word