Over the Garden Wall
Patrick McHale
Always good for a seasonal watch. A deceptively funny and frightening animated show that's brilliantly voiced.
Home · Dark Fantasy · 10 Episodes @ ~11min
Over the Garden Wall is a brilliantly unusual one. It leans on classical animation tropes (e.g. Steamboat Willie, fairy tales, etc.) while telling a timeless tale of companionship and love and how to brave the world at large. It's silly yet often veers into dark scenes and adult-leaning humor.
The excellent voice acting paired with the beautiful animation and the satisfying, full one season limited series arc are why this one has been enjoyed for decades and will be enjoyed for decades to come.
The PG rating tells you it's good for all ages, and I know many struggle with their own insecurities and watching a "children's show", but this is one of the ones made for adults while still being palatable by kids (c.f. Cocomelon, exclusively for children; Pantheon, exclusively for adults).
The show takes an episode or two to get up to speed. An annoying younger sibling fairly quickly balances out. Then, once in stride the gang's dynamics between themselves and the world becomes powerfully endearing by the trip's end.
There's only one season, so you don't have to worry about "what am I getting into and what do I need to know to enjoy this?" issue that so many other shows have.
If you're not a fan of animation, don't let your bias stop you on this one. I'm looking forward to another viewing when the leaves start to turn here soon.
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