Review: Maurice on Mars “Foul Cube!”

 

Overview:

 

Tossing trash in the garbage is a common practice on Earth. But, when shooting the perfect three-point paper cup into the bin on Mars, it could get you drafted into the big leagues. However, for Maurice, he is not sure if he wants to play professional basket-cube, maybe because it is racist to assume he is great at sports. But the rest of the Martian colony is too busy being swept up in the hype of having their own local sports teams to even care if Maurice wants to play or not.

 

Our Take:

 

Maurice on Mars is the latest animated series of shorts coming out of Comedy Central. Following in the footsteps of Loafy, Maurice on Mars is premiering its five-minute episodes on Youtube each week. Limited to three episodes, the new small-series features some heavy-hitter talent, including being created and written by Tim Barnes (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon) and on-screen talents like Lori Beth Danberg (All That) and Dwayne Kennedy (How High).

 

Unfortunately, last weekend’s premiere episode of Maurice on Mars left much to be desired while not failing to give you a taste of everything it has to offer. The first episode suffered from spending its five-minute runtime introducing characters and developing plot. With such a limited chance to capture audiences, there was a significant lack of entertainment and humour. However, with beaming potential, hopes are high that the two follow-up episodes deliver the goods.

 

Episode two, “Foul Cube!” does ease off the exposition and spends less time explaining itself. The episode features less of the backstory and showcases more of what life is like on this isolated Mars colony. And truthfully, it seems as though the powers-that-be on this alien planet are attempting to make it feel more and more like Earth. It is a bittersweet concept for the show because it adds a layer of social commentary; however, it begs the question, why does this series take place on Mars at all if you are not going to have fun with it?

 

Thankfully, this episode was much more clever and humorous than the inaugural piece. Injecting struggling artist Maurice’s inability to draw hands is a relatable joke for many would-be artists. Additionally, the creation, development, and obligatory merchandising of the planet’s new sport, basket-cube, does say a lot about professional athletics back home on Earth.

 

Inarguably, this latest edition was a much better showing from Maurice on Mars than the first episode. Although, it is a shame that the limited series will be complete at three five-minute episodes. Many animated shows struggle to capture an audience with more time than that. And given the complex plot and multiple characters that this show is trying to squeeze in, there just is not enough time to get invested.

 

Before making any recommendations on whether to watch these shorts or not, we will wait for the final episode to be released next Friday. For now, there are a few witty jokes and some clever mirroring of the social standings of Earth. But all of that potential is seemingly wasted on a short series that does not have enough time to find its footing.