Since this is the first edition, I will tell you what this segment is all about. I scour across the Internet and find TV shows with only 1 season, watch them, see if I enjoyed them, talk about them here and put them in a list of 1-Season Wonders. It sounds easy as it looks, right? No, you actually have to find these shows, watch through them hoping they're not as painful as they were the first time, and debate with yourself to see if it makes the list. If that sounds challenging and you want it that way, then let's do it.
Our first show is one of those great cartoons from Disney that you both loved and learned from. Not only can you get a nice lesson in Greek Mythology, you also get a laugh from its great humor and the nods of stuff from the modern era producers add to keep young viewers from being bored. It's based on the movie that you also loved that you also loved and learned from It's Hercules: The Animated Series.
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During the 1990s, the Walt Disney Company was on a huge roll--not only with its movies, but also with its animated television series; particularly the ones that aired in syndication. DuckTales, Goof Troop, Darkwing Duck, TaleSpin, Gargoyles, Aladdin--they've all became hits and eventual classics, both in the mainstream and in cult followings. Another of these shows is Hercules: The Animated Series. The show had the usual animated series episode number: 65 episodes. Why? Because, at the time, Disney believes that this many episodes makes for enough material to achieve a few seasons. Except this show had only one. The series is produced by Tad Stones, who also produced other Disney syndicated animated shows. As you know this show is based on the classic 1997 Disney film of the same name, but is actually the prequel to the film; here, Herc goes to High School, hangs out with his friends Icarus and Cassandra and is in training to become a hero, as mentioned in the theme song. Also, there is a huge plot, among many contradictions with the film, where Hades is aware that Hercules is alive, which didn't happen in the movie. Also the series isn't in the film's canon, making for new stories as the show progresses.
The show reunites most of the voice cast including Tate Donovan as Herc himself and James Woods as Hades. In fact, Woods won a Daytime Emmy award for his role as Hades in 2000. If that doesn't prove how impressive his commitment to his role is, then I don't know what is.
Also, the show has an impressive guest voice cast list. The list involves over 150 celebrities from movies, TV and music. Where else can you find Merv Griffin voicing a talk show host...who is a griffin, or Wink Martindale as a sphinx who is great at riddles, Idina Menzel as a woman who's all over men like lotion all over ashy people, Ben Stein as Trivia (that's pronounced Try-VEE-ah), Kathie Lee Gifford and Regis Philbin as (respectively) a mother of very scary monsters and her numerous headed mate, and Dan Castellaneta as a reporter named...Homer. The producers really did know how to tie celebrities to the well-known people of Greek Mythology.
What I love about the series is the humor that comes with the mythology of the characters and settings, even though some are just in name. Even more with the the fact with when guest stars are involved. I don't really mind the history gags, as long as they're accurate. Also the fact that James Woods really commits to his role as Hades, making him a goofy dick than an evil son of a b*tch. Most of the characters are either humorous or humble, with a few being both. The series' art is also amazing: the color is bright, lush and meshes well with each other. And then there's the Muses. They are five women who basically sing songs during each episode. Some are fine, while others are really catchy. One thing I hate about them is that they always seem to kiss Herc's butt, every chance they get. That annoys me. I'm aware that there's a point to that, but there are episodes that doesn't have them do that, which I'm glad to watch sometimes just because of that. But they all are super hot, and that you gotta admit.
After all 65 episodes aired...that's it. Disney usually goes to the next production and sorta-kinda forgets about the last. After the show has ended, Disney made another movie, a midquel (whatever that is) Hercules: Zero to Hero, which is basically four episodes of this show mashed together with original bridging to show what happened during Hercules' teen years while he's spooning with Meg. Herc: TAS went to reruns on Disney Channel and Toon Disney for the next decade and is now for your viewing pleasure on YouTube. (Speaking of Toon Disney, it should've never left. Disney XD sucks. No matter what success it gets.)
So why is it a Wonder?: Because it is one of the many great syndicated Disney animated series. And yes, there many. Basically a individual work of art among the many a individual works of art Disney has put apon the world from the late 80s, throughout the 90s and the turn of the millenium. Also, JAMES FREAKING WOODS.
Favorite Character: Tie between Icarus and Hades. Because both are hilarious in their own ways -- Icarus for talking before thinking (his brain is fried for flying too close to the sun), being his hammy self 24/7, and throwing himself at Cassandra, who doesn't give a sweet f*ck about him, and Hades for being more funny than evil, being his hammy self 24/7, making the rude but comical one-liners every chance he gets.
Favorite Episode: Hercules and the Bacchanal: Because--well, come on, who doesn't find Bacchus hilarious?
And there it is, Hercules: The Animated Series, the first addition of the 1 Season Wonder segment, added to the list of 1 Season Wonders and will forever be known as the spin-off of some Disney film lampooning Greek Mythology, but you know, in a great hilarious and absolutely awesome way-with James Woods.
Next time, I review a classic show starring Sally Field everyone forgotten--until now. It's the first show where surfing, hot guys, dancing when the sun goes down, and the goofy best friend were the priority--before Disney Channel ran it to the ground.
I'll see you next time, but until then, keep your television shows close and the pieces of crap closer.
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