Tiny Toons Looniversity

It's only the first episode but so far I don't think either thing is true. At least not yet.

The original Tiny Toons had bad and hackneyed writing too, and I viewed the show as a cynic instead of a fan. But the truth is even if the quality was not up to my personal standards back then, it was actually average to above average to other cartoons of the era. This being not any cleverer 30 years later is not great.

Also, I understand the new Animaniacs was polarizing. But for me, it was still funny, particularly the Pinky and the Brain stuff. Now this IS the first episode and there are 9 to go. But I didn't laugh once. If I do in the upcoming episodes I'll note whenever it happens. Best case scenario is I get used to the show enough that laughing at it becomes routine instead of something worth noting. But I'm not impressed yet. 2 1/2 stars.

I think what interests me at this point is why the reception has been favorable when I dislike it so much. I have some theories. Tell me if they sound crazy.

Despite the fact that I don't think the show is funny or well-written, I suspect the fact that it contains a certain level of heart and sincerity is something people find a bit refreshing, especially for a Looney Tunes-related project. I DID like the Animaniacs relaunch, but the truth is it WAS sour as hell. And while I will argue it was funnier and better written than the original series, in comparison many of the cultural critiques felt comparatively toothless. It was understandable in these hyperpartisan times, but I think the old show, as obvious as its jokes often were, took brave stands a LOT more often. Granted, not in the subtlest of ways but it felt a LOT more antiauthoritarian than the relaunch.

The Tiny Toons reboots similar lacks the edge of the original series, but instead of it feeling blunted, perhaps viewers who like it like it because it lacks the cynicism of most Looney Tunes projects. I don't think it's funny and I find the dialogue painful at best. But maybe it's getting a good reception for being a feel-good project in a franchise that famously always made you feel bad. Looney Tunes Cartoons were famously slavish to both the premises and tone of the original shorts, and they were famously hated anyways. Some people sniffed they simply hadn't caught lightning in a bottle the second time. I will argue the problem may have been modern audiences reject humor that routinely cruel. Maybe that's why this show is something people like.

While I could take or leave Looney Tunes Cartoons, I did enjoy the cynicism of the new Animaniacs. But I'm questioning if that's the reason people loved the original Animaniacs or not. Probably not. It might have been the catharsis of the Warners violently fighting back against the authority figures they did. I feel a lot more of their enemies were righteous for them to torture back then. Do I think the show was probably sloppily and lazily-written back in the day? "Goodfeathers" says yes. But while the relaunch sort of focused on bad vibes, the original focused on good ones. Maybe that's why people like THIS show.

I don't. It's not because I'm pickier than y'all, or dislike sincerity (I actually love it). I'm just not feeling that sincerity yet. And maybe that was why I never connected with the old show either. I felt a lot of both the scenarios and premises felt forced. And it still kinda does.

I think the reason I like the new Animaniacs and not this is that while Animaniacs feels a bit toned down from the original as far as wacky and broad humor goes, the comedy is more observational, and the performances by the classic cast are far more nuanced. That's what I respond to. The fact that this show is exactly as loud, dumb, and obnoxious as the original is not winning it any points in my book. Comedy evolves. By necessity. This being as dumb and badly written as 1990 standards is not a selling point.

I remember there was an episode of Tiny Toons written by a group of ten-year-old girls. They sent in the script to the studio via snail mail, and Spielberg excitedly greenlit it because it was exactly as good as everything else. They believed the girls deserved praise for that, and maybe on some level they did. But the original show also deserves shade for being routinely sophomorically-written and juvenile enough that a group of ten years olds can randomly write a script and you can't tell the difference. It's definitely a compliment to those kids. And damning to the writers of the original series.

My Gilda And Meek comics of the era were better written than Tiny Toons or Darkwing Duck. My friends thought so and I agreed. And they will never see the light of day again because they STILL suck ass and embarrass the hell out of me in hindsight. "Better than Tiny Toons" should not be the freaking bar. The fact that this reboot isn't even aware the bar exists is troubling as hell.

I will say this (and this goes for Hulu's Animaniacs too): The animation and character designs look great. Why is it both of those comeback cartoons have more recognizably Looney Tunes-style character designs and animation than Looney Tunes Cartoons ever did? Whatever else the show is, it's great to look at. 2 1/2 stars.

I do like that Daffy appears to be "Mine! Mine!" Daffy instead of "Woo hoo! Woo hoo!" Daffy. Selfish Daffy is not just the one I grew up with, but was the one in my favorite Looney Tunes TV projects over the years like Duck Dodgers and The Looney Tunes Show. I thought both Wabbit and Looney Tunes Cartoons resurrecting the loony Daffy was a strange choice I didn't agree with.

A kind and understanding Foghorn Leghorn however is that specific guy being written out of character. Full stop.

The original Looney Tunes cast has a bigger role on this show than they did on the original. Back then they were essentially cameos, that eventually faded into the background altogether. They are woven into the fabric of the entire reboot.

I liked the animation on Hamton's flying dream. I also weirdly like Shirley. Maybe because her voice doesn't sound specifically like a cartoon character, which is a bit refreshing.

I will call b.s. on the premise now. Buster used to be in high school? The cast are all college-age students? Wouldn't that make them freaking adults? It's a Looniversity because that's the correct pun. But you want to suggest "Tiny Toons" are actually young adults, I'mma call b.s. on ya.

This is totally not my jam. I should stop now. You'd probably thank me. Which is probably why I'm not stopping. How DARE you thank me for being sensible?!?! NEVER!!! 2 stars.

1. I will be very surprised if people who like the show actually like this episode. It is a special level of sucky.

2. The episode is so damn bad I'm embarrassed people like the show to begin with. Also, get offa my lawn.

When Bugs takes off the dress at the beginning to the class' "shock" and delight as they wildly applaud his "trick" I was like, "Crap like this is why I hated the old show." It wouldn't just venerate the classic Looney Tunes bits. It would venerate the crappy stuff as if it were an equal level of genius as the high points. No. No. And the bit at the end nightclub? This is why we shouldn't do this. 0 stars.

I'll tell you though, I liked the gag of when Plucky is talking about six weeks he holds up six fingers on one hand. Now it didn't actually make me laugh. But I liked it. 2 stars.

I will not be back for season 2. 1 star.

I like that Granny has Plucky down as "Annoying Duck" in her caller ID.

Cool Cat was never a good character, and he was barely used here. Chillest Cat was quite lame, and a keen insight on what middle-aged writers erroneously believe coolness is. I mean, after Plucky's pathetic meltdown, the idea that the guy would praise the school for its friendship and authenticity isn't just a poorly written cliche. It's legit uncool.

Michigan J Frog is wasted, but he could have a bigger role later on. Since this is the only season I'm watching, I probably won't get to see it. 1 1/2 stars.

I'm glad the show is resonating for other people. That's good you all like it. For me, I didn't laugh once during ten episodes. And I feel this is a good place to check out. 1 star.