Review: You’re Not a Monster “A Demon Can Dream” “Headless Over Heels” “Masking Your Problems” “Half Over It” “Dead Tech” “The Transylvania Twist”

It came and went too soon

 

Overview:

“A Demon Can Dream” Featuring Aparna Nancherla

Feeling exhausted, Max takes time at the end of the day to help his secretary with her own psychiatric issues. The shape-shifting former sex demon, Nia, faces her demons while attempting to let out her own feelings.

“Headless Over Heels” Featuring Langston Kerman

Meeting with a lonely headless horseman, Max tries to play matchmaker by trying to hook him up with a former patient, Medusa. Thankfully, the match ends up being a perfect unison. However, Max’s mentor struggles with the idea that he solved a problem without his help.

“Masking Your Problems” Featuring Patton Oswalt

Max struggles with the idea that he cannot help normal humans, and he can only treat the supernatural. However, the invisible man helps him to change his perspective by teaching him not to focus on appearances.

“Half Over It” Featuring Joel Kim Booster

A mermaid and the Phantom of the Opera have come to Max to help with their inappropriate relationship. Though they help him to realize his own issues with pining after someone who may never reciprocate.

“Dead Tech” Featuring Milana Vayntrub

The ghost that was featured in “The Ring” has come for help with her fading relevance. Thankfully, a gremlin is able to help her get with the times and become a social media influencer.

“The Transylvania Twist” Featuring Eric Stonestreet

Max’s great-great-grandfather seeks Max’s advice when a reincarnated lost love from long ago reappears in his life. Unable to help, Max’s own love life gets overly complicated.

 

Our Take:

You’re Not a Monster is the first IMDb original animation, and it may be early to say, but it is quite the success. 10-episodes of five-minute shorts were not enough to satisfy. The snarky humour set in a psychiatry office brings back the comedy richness of animated shows like Dr. Katz and The Critic. However, where those shows lacked the ability to expand themselves into a broader world, You’re Not a Monster has the added element of the supernatural. It makes these lovable little stories addictive, and the ongoing backstories create a world that we want to dive into.

The first batch of episodes dropped on IMDb last week on October 10th, with the remainder of the collection being released on the 17th. This method helped to add to the addictiveness of the show by not overwhelming us with an hour-ish of content in one go. Broken up, it was easier and more enjoyable to digest. Yet, releasing them at an even slower pace would have been received just as easily and built more anticipation. The conclusion of the first season ends on a cliff-hanger though, so, we will be keeping a close eye out for news of upcoming episodes.

Eric Stonestreet has the perfect calm tone to help carry this series that could have easily come off as over-the-top. Kelsey Grammer is a significant cast member to be involved in such a small project, but he does help to elevate the show. It is the consistent string of guest stars that genuinely makes the show what it is. Each is coming in as another pop culture monster, the roles are an interesting way to let their humour out. From the last batch of episodes, Patton Oswalt and Milana Vayntrub separated from the pack with hilarious segments. And, Joel Kim Booster’s performance as the Phantom of the Opera may have been the highlight of the season.

You’re Not a Monster is a higher class of web-series. It makes sense that IMDb would take their chances with backing the program. What is interesting here is whether or not a follow-up season is in the cards. Beyond the fact that the season ended on the complicated note that it did, there are a lot of reasons why a second season should be considered. Mostly, we would be excited to see the line-up of guest stars that would come out to work with Stonestreet and Grammer as the series gains popularity. Though, for now, this series is good enough that anybody with time to waste on the internet should give it a watch.