I would like to start this bit by stating that I absoloutely love this show! The Critic truly does not stink ! and in my own opinion is one of those lost little gems that just needs to be seen and treasured as it rightly deserves to be. In the years since first airing on ABC back in 1994, The Crtic has gone on to gain Cult status, and is slowly rising up to be considered as one of the best animated cartoon comedies to ever grace the TV screen.
So what is it all about then you might ask? Well folks The Critic follows the life of lead character Jay Sherman voiced by Jon Lovitz, who is as you might have guessed a Film Critic, however Jay has to review films he doesn't like for a living on his very own review show called Coming Attractions. The show also deals with his personal life and his struggles working for his oppressive media tycoon boss. Jay is often viewed as snobbish, cold and mean spirited towards others and in general, nonetheless this creates the basis for one hell of a show.
Created by writing partners Al Jean and Mike Reiss (Originally Showrunners for The Simpsons) and was intended to be their "love letter to New York". The Critic is jammed full of film references and spoofs all round, no film is safe, ranging from Dirty Harry to the Silence of the Lambs, each film gets its own unique and quirky spin, whilst still instantly recognisable to any movie buff and to some degree the casual film viewer. The Critic came out at a time when The Simpsons was arguably in its prime, and quite possibly have whimpered as a result of that. Interestingly enough though a few key players from The Simpsons did actually work on this particular show, for example James L. Brooks alongside the creators of the Critic worked as executive Producer, and Voice Actress Nancy Cartwright also came over and would voice Margo Sherman (Jay's Son) and a fair few other minor characters too ! Sadly the show was pulled after just two seasons on air and was left for dead. The show did however gain far much more improved ratings on re runs and repeats but that was not enough for it to be green lit for a new season. The Critic appeared to be lost in time, a mere part of history only few remembered.
Fast forward to the present day and all of that seems to be changing, looking back at the show Critics and Pop Culture fanatics alike can finally admit that yes, The Critic was a show that was deffintley let slip and not nearly half as appreciated as it should have been at the time. But on reflection is a great advertisment for how brilliant animated comedy can be if done right. Despite a breif third season, which was done in the form of webisodes but very quickly axed, there seems to be no more ideas in the mill to get the Critic back on its feet and to a new audience. A real shame that is I must admit, but I do feel that The Critic should not be tampered with and just left alone. That I say with the greatest of love for the show, because I would love another season, but you know how it is, some things are just best left alone. The episodes we have now are enjoyable enough for repeated viewings, and only now we can sit back and soak up the true brilliance of this show. An overlooked gem? Most certainly. Let slip through the cracks? Without a doubt. Why? That one I really dont have an answer for, but damn you people really had something here !
So all in all everyone I would most certainly take some time to check out this wonderful slice of Television, even if its just to say you have seen it, but I am pretty biased and honestly dont think there is anything not to like about the show. I love it. Anywho this write up probably stinks, so I shall leave it to you guys to decide and possibly check out The Critic. If that sounds like something you would like to see you can head on over to YouTube and see the show full and complete.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zOKUTzN9Wk
Thanks Folks.
-Otto
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