From ‘Bad Seeds’ to Harvey Beaks!

A new animated series of unlikely friendship is coming to Nickelodeon March 29, and I am both curious and excited because the creator is none other than Cartoon Network’s Chowder fame, C.H. Greenblatt.

Twice I encountered promos for Harvey Beaks. After seeing characters Fee and Foo, I was reminded of Panini from Chowder. I quickly Googled to discover if Greenblatt was in fact behind it. Much to my relief that is the case. The name Harvey Beaks was a little foreign because in the past it was plugged under the name Bad Seeds, trademark issues led to this change.
I wrote a post last year bemoaning the fact that Nickelodeon had been lacking in having quality series as part of their regular programming. It seems they may have been waiting until 2015 to start changing. Being a longtime fan of Chowder, I have reasonable expectations, but will keep my mind open since it looks like the tone and desired audience is that of a younger age group than, arguably, Chowder was. I hope this show will be a catalyst in bringing something fresh to Nick’ and getting them to reconnect with their 90s selves as both innovators and promoters of animation.

For a glimpse of 24 beautiful Harvey Beaks’ backgrounds, and more info on the art department, check out the Cartoon Brew link.

Don’t forget to tune in or set your DVRs to meet Harvey Beaks 3/29 at 7 p.m. (ET/PT) (6 p.m. CT)

Brief Look at Deep Breath

The premiere episode of Doctor Who Season 8 provided the closure many fans needed, while getting us pumped for the rest of this year’s run. Deep Breath served as the transitional panel of a family quilt passed off to its succeeding generation. Strong, complementary, but distinctly representing its own place amongst history. Peter Capaldi is bringing a persona to the role that has an inkling of classic Doctors, but fans have yet experienced. I am both pleased and prepared to take a deep breath, and dive into the travels of the 12th Doctor and Clara.

Afresh, Doctor Who?

Last Christmas left a conflicted sensation upon viewing The Time of The Doctor. I felt a little deceived in expectations, but set this aside to enjoy the closure of the 11th Doctor, Matt Smith. It wasn’t as emotional for me as the 10th Doctor’s (David Tennant) farewell. 10th’s goodbye was a ride on the Texas Giant, best left for one to experience than rely on any description. It took time for me to come around to the 11th Doctor, but I grew a place for him just as I had any other. Smith offered a fun approach that clearly resonated with many fans, and helped bring the series to an even wider audience.

Tonight marks the official start of the 12th Doctor’s (Peter Capaldi) story. I made an effort to avoid reading too many articles on what’s to come and haven’t re-watched the seventh season (aside from The Asylum of Daleks) as I originally planned. Part of me wants to simply experience the eighth season, because this is the first time I’ll be following in “real-time.” I’m not sure if I’ll be able to handle it or keep up (I prefer watching most shows without the wait). The other part worries that not going fangirl will disrupt the connection I have to DW and I won’t feel as strongly towards it. I’m not sure what kind of Doctor I am hoping Capaldi will be, all I know is that I hope the series continues being all that has made it one of the best sci-fi shows it’s been my masochistic pleasure to watch.