It’s TV time! Yeah. This one’s actually been the hardest to find things for, but I think I’ve pretty much got it wrapped up. I only really have to do three for the whole month, so despite my difficulty in finding things that not everyone already watches (or more importantly, that I haven’t discussed in the past), I’ve made some selections that I think are pretty good.
Actually, I think this one is totally the balls. And I’m pretty sure anyone who is anyone watches it does too, but that’s besides the point. The Venture Bros. is far and away my favourite [adult swim] program (Metalocalypse taking a close second), and for a short while was my favourite show on TV. Actually it was a span of about 7 months, so I’d say that’s pretty significant. My point of view pretty much comes out to: if you don’t like this show, fuck you.
Alright, maybe I’m not so into it that I’d slander those who don’t share my opinion, but I do love the show. If by some random chance you’ve never seen it, I would suggest you get right on that. I know that a lot of stuff I like isn’t great but I love it anyway due to personal tastes, but The Venture Bros. is a fantastic show, and that’s a fact.
The show is sort of a parody on the boy adventurer genre of decades past, drawing inspiration mostly from things along the lines of Jonny Quest. That’s not to say that it doesn’t spoof other things. In fact, I’m pretty sure that every episode contains at least one “Star Wars” reference, and one of my favourite episodes is a complete takeoff of Scooby-Doo. The show has its own sense of humour too, not relying solely on pop culture references to sell itself.
Each main character is totally fleshed out, and most of them are completely batshit insane in one way or another. Our heroes Hank and Dean Venture are teenaged boy adventurers, dealing not only with the streses of villains constantly trying to kill them, but also the awkwardness of growing up. Not to mention that they’re usually totally oblivious to everything that matters. Their father, Dr. Venture, is a failed super-scientist getting by only with all the inventions his own father left behind. He’s neurotic, quick to anger, and his arch-nemesis is a man dressed as a butterfly. The doctor’s bodyguard, Brock, is voiced by Patrick Warburton and therefore is awesome by default. And let’s not forget the gigantic supporting cast, each more hilarious than the last!
I don’t think I should really need to try any harder to sell you on this one. If you own any ANY television DVDs at all, these two sets should damn well be in there. I just really wish I had the friggin’ Cartoon Network so that I wouldn’t have to wait until January to see the third season episodes. Hell, the fact that there exists a third season (and fourth even!) makes me all tingly inside. Highly recommended.