Exo Squad Explored - This Dark, Rough & Adult Animation Wrapped Inside A Cartoon Is A Forgotten Gem
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- Опубліковано 24 лип 2024
- A large number of cartoons were produced in the 90s, catering to all audiences, kids and adults
alike. I am sure even people born in the late 90s or early 2000s have enjoyed cartoons like
Rugrats, X-Men, Darkwing Duck, and more. One such cartoon is the 1993s Exo Squad.
Produced by Universal Cartoon Studios, Exo Squad was created for MCA TV’s Universal
Family Network’s syndicated programming block. The show is set in the early 22 nd century and
focuses on the war between Humanity and Neosapiens, a fictional race created as slaves
for Humans. The show follows the adventures of the Able Squad, a team of elite human mecha
pilots, but also has plenty of POVs of the Neosapiens. So today, we explore what makes this
cartoon show stand out from the rest and why it is a 90s classic remembered by everyone. - Розваги
Back in 1994 when K-Mart was going out of business, they had huge sales on Toys. Exo Squad toys were really cheap. My mom normally couldn't afford anything being a single mom but that Christmas she had bought almost ALL of the Exo Squad toys. I played with those things for years! Such a fun memory.
I was one of those kids waking up at 5AM to keep watching the show right before I got ready for school 😂 I really loved this show.
Exact same
I was right there with you.
Brothers at arms!
Dame right!!!! 👍🏼
5am is decent I heard some areas was 3am or 4am
Loved this show. One the few that never talked down to its young audience
This show surprised me as a kid. People actually died. Favorite characters could die. Was not used to that in the 90s
funny me and my fellow paratroopers said the same thing
Having watched "Robotech" in the mid 80's I was used to lead characters dying, especially the last two chapters of the main saga. Exotic Squad was way ahead of its time in terms of subject matter. I think this show could've lasted longer had it not been designed to a push a toy line. This cartoon would do quite well today on a streaming platform.
Also, my Son's middle name means Wolf and I'll give you three reasons why. 😂
Exo-Squad. Seriously, one of my FAVORITE shows ...EVER! The only problem I had with it, was the cliff hanger ending that was never resolved. Hope the story is concluded, one day.
I still watched it even when the time slot changed. Still remember how the 2nd season ended on a cliffhanger. Unfortunately,we were denied a 3rd season 😔
It was supposed to get a 3rd season but change in management on the network and shifting the time slot hurt the show
One of the best shows ever! Dealt with many issues but still made it relatable for kids and entertaining for adults
I was only like 6-7 years old when this came out so the plot went over my head..but I'm watching it now on peacock..and man...this is a great show..very layered and deep...hopefully one day there will be a continuation
This is on Peacock!!!!!!!!!????
@@vir123456 yup
@@vir123456 Yeah I binged the shit outta the show the second I found out it was on a streaming service, lol. And just like that, I was 10 again.
I used to record ExoSquad when it got moved to the super early slot. Then when it got moved back to the later time around 11 I was able to watch it. The later part of the show was getting really interesting right before it got cancelled. The pirates and exo squad trying to work together. And Phaeton turning into a puddle. Good stuff.
I remember my first time seeing this show on USA cable channel and my mind was blown wide open... It was GREAT... if you haven't done one yet, a suggestion I have for you is the Wild C.A.T.S. cartoon.
To those that may concern, Exosquad is now free on NBC/Universal streaming service Peacock. Thumbs up to this message the best you can do if you want everyone to see it on this page.
THIS WAS A SCIFI TV SHOW TO ME NOT A CARTOON IT WAS SO ADULT AND GRIM. RECENTLY REWATCHED THE WHOLE THING HAD GUT WRENCHING DEATHS AND HEAVY SUBJECT MATTER. SOMETHING RARELY DONE WELL IN MEDIA. IT WAS AHEAD OF ITS TIME AND WAS AMAZING
I support this message.
Seconded
100%
@nemo pouncey Let's just call it, "The Young Justice Effect" 🤷🏾♂️😑
i grew up when i realized the neo sapiens weren't wrong, humanity is the bad guy
By far the most underrated toy line ever created.
This series was one of my favs growing up. I would wake my ass up before the crack of dawn just to watch it. The theme song carried heavy Gustav Holst vibes to it. I still have my JT Marsh E-frame action figure!
This show was way ahead of its time. How cool would it be to “recreate” this show using modern animation! They can keep the same voices and storylines. And maybe we could get a third season! Netflix are you listening?
The only way that could happen is if it was done by a comic book company like Boom or IDW.
@@stainshield IDW is compromised. BOOM or bust.
Let it stay dead! It's had a good run for its time!
To violent and who is gay or representation.... SMH
@@draggoon9121 what is too violent and who is gay?
Was the perfect mark for Exo Squad when it came out. had problems with the animation quality as a youngling but it still was rad and the video game on Genesis was my jam, loved the exo designs : D
DUDE when I saw it was dope which animations it was normal look
I really missed this cartoon. It was awesome. Wished they had been allowed to do Season 3.
I loved watching this show when I was a kid. I could watch it all over again at 41 years old.
Damn good show! Honestly, outside of variable laser shots (one minute it blows up tanks and ships, the next it only singes the shoulder of protags) and related plot armor it was well done.
A good Sci fi war story. Portrays a violent and dangerous setting.
And the voice actors do amazing work!
One of my favorite 90's cartoons.. Great stuff, 2 Seasons of epicness.. The animation style and pacing very much reminded me of X-men, and it had the same serious undertones and had a sci-fi war setting that just worked. Great intro theme and enough entertainment for wanting to view it all over again.
The creators and writers of the X-Men cartoon made it
@@irondarius oh didn't realize that, thx 4 the info.
The toys were amazing, I really liked the optional battle damaged stickers!
Loved this one, watched on USA network every Saturday and Sunday morning
I consider this one of the greatest cartoons ever. I have seen every episode.
That show was so good I was so bummed it was cancelled
I absolutely loved ExoSquad! And SwatKats!
GOD I loved that show! And the toys were always a cut above the rest.
I missed this series as a kid. I didn't find out about it until years later when I got the Exosquad 'moviebook', which told a bastardized version of the series on computer. When I was finally able to start watching it, I learned it was far better than I ever imagined.
thanks for the nostalgia bomb, i remember having some of the mech toys as a kid
This was such a great show and toy line. Jump Troops were my favorite. Avery Butler! I wish Season 2 would come out on DVD
God I loved this show, it freaking Ended on a massive cliffhanger
Exo Squad, BattleTech, RoboTech, Go-Bots, Voltron, MASK... I watched them all. Ahhhh... memories.
This show was exceptionally great!
- which is more than I can say for this UA-cam video, which is just a lazy readout of the Wikipedia entry on the show.
LOVED this show and premise. I still think about it. 😍😍😍
Thank you, marvelous videos... thank you so much for this. This show have always been on my mind and reminds me of a better time... at least for me. I had Action figures of exo squad and to this day I remember them. anyways... I appreciate someone giving some recognition to Exo squad.
Thanks for covering this gem👌🏾, I was named after typhonus and have been reunited with his action figure with e-frame 🤘🏾
I ADORE EXOSQUAD 😁❤️🔥
FINALLY! Someone pays attention to this amazing series!! I got me hooked!, Thank you dude!!, I loved that show, I loved its seriousness and format.
Loved this show. Had all the toys. Thanks for making this video.
I remember this show! Fun fact... i was considering downloading and re-watching it... it has a special place in my heart, for some reason.
i have a mech figure (with the wrong pilot) on my shelf right now! 11 year old me- "they made a show where everyone drives a loader from Aliens?! AWESOME!"
Hands down my favourite toys of my childhood!
When they moved it to super early, I remember leaving the TV on and VHS taping the show just so I could watch it!
*EXO-SQUAD* was a really good show. I hated that like many of my favorites over the years, it ended just as it revealed a twist, apparently Alien Invaders, a third faction, came into the fray. An opponent that would have become important in a Third Season that didn't come to pass. Years later, at least I got to see a more complete tale told in *FALLING SKIES,* which _'borrowed'_ certain elements from *EXO-SQUAD's* storytelling for it's live action terrestrial warfare.
I watched it as a kid and just finished watching it a week all over again. It holds up
I was a big fan of this show as a kid. Had a few of the mechs myself. This series is one of the reasons I later became a huge anime fan, and even inspired some some original fiction back when I was more dedicated to becoming a writer.
the exo sqad action figures/vehicles were awesome.
Funny that you said anime. Because the creator of Exo Squad cited anime as a influence for creating the show. In a interview, Will Meugniot the executive producer for the show said that Gundam, Armored Trooper VOTOMs, and Ideon as a influence for Exo-Squad.
I wouldn't mind if they revive Exo-Squad but as a anime. I would love Sunrise could do the animation for a Exo-Squad revival on Netflix.
Longer I think on that the more awesome it sounds.
I loved this show, kind of Babylon 5-ish and as many have said ahead of its time. A show I wish would get a revival.
A show that actually made their enemies competent and that were an actual threat. Don't see that often and it is awesome for it.
About time someone made a 📹 about this phenomenal yet short-lived series👍 Still remember watching it on Saturday mornings on FoX at 6:30 a.m. Central 😅
I loved Exo Squad and those toys! 😩
This was one of the 90's best kept secrets that was an american answer to Robotech and Gundam alike. Then you add in Neo Sapiens and it turns into Destiny. Watched this one as much as I could. Goddamn Terrans!!!
This was one of those super cool cartoons you really had to have discipline to wake up early enough to watch
Man, I loved this show back then.
Without the plague thing-this feels like the '90s Spiral Zone, with the darkness of it and seriousness of it.
Exo Squad is the reason I love Mechs so much. I had almost every E-Frame toy and I wish kept them. I'm going to have to built Lego versions one day.
luckily in my country exo squad was shown after school hours, i almost never missed an episode. It make me interested to military cartoon/anime which lead me to Gundam lol
I used to watch this movie at my friend's house. Me, him, and his old man would watch together.
What we didn't know was that he, a VIetnam vet, was tripping and flashing back the whole time we were enjoying ourselves watching this cartoon.
Loved this show as a kid! Would make a great movie.
Season 1 is exceptional and it needs a remaster, sequel, or reboot without ruining it.
I recorded them when they aired at 4am and watched them after school the next day.
Also, the show did have a conclusion! There was a final episode, where the Neosapiens were defeated, and all of the nations around the world cheered.
It's not too late to bring back Exo Squad!
Great series the first season had a nice continuous storyline, the second season with its whopping 39 episodes got a bit too ambitious with filler episodes, it got better towards the end but unfortunately it got canceled.
This show was never aired where I lived. Target had the toys, and I bought them because I liked Mechs and stuff like that, but I didn't have any clue what the story was actually about.
If you were a kid in the 80s 90s u had a great childhood. I would wake up early to watch this
And there was some serious kill shots. The one of the chics hit a sniper headshot. Team members died and were clones. This show was the real deal.
Exo-Squad was basically World War II in space. A great many of the battles, operations, and instances had real-life parallels to the second world war, including the reasons for the conflict, the characters, and the story arcs. Among them are the initial invasion of the Neo-Sapien, which mirrored the Nazi invasion of Poland in 1939, the initial disastrous counterattack by the Exofleet which represented the Battle of Dunkirk. The numerous covert operations between the Exofleet and the Earth Resistance which mimicked the French Resistance and their underground war. The battle near the end of the series where General Shiva managed to retake Venus which was a parallel to the Battle of the Bulge.
Of course, numerous characters also had real-life counterparts. Phaeton was of course a representation of Adolf Hitler, whose idea of a Master race with him as ultimate ruler eventually led to his downfall. The collaborators of Earth's government were comparable to the Vichy government of France. General Winfield could be compared to Eisenhower, with Jonas Simbacca as his abrasive counterpart of MacArthur. J.T. Marsh could be compared to Jimmy Dolittle and his crack team of raiding pilots. There are many other examples. Exo-Squad was as much historical fiction and drama as it was a "kids" tv show. It is a crying shame this show doesn't get more recognition. It would be awesome if Exo-Squad could get a modern revival.
Simbacca was Joseph Stalin. Even the initials are the same "JS". But you are correct that the whole show was based on WWII, I'm shocked that apparently this went over the heads of most of the audience.
I’ve never even heard of this cartoon, but I’ll keep my eyes out . Thanks.
Omg I couldn't remember what this show was called! Thank you 😊
I loved these toys! (And the show). I still have a couple of them
Also, you absolutely need to do Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles
Very underrated indeed and I wish that it got a 3rd Season to see The Humans and Neos work together against The Insectoid Aliens, Nara's new powers, and The Clone of Phaeton. You know Phaeton was just as genocidal towards humanity like Demona was from Gargoyles. Exo Squad was also part of The Universal Action Hour with Monster Force during the 1994-95 season and in the 1995-96 season was part of The USA Action Extreme Team with Wild C.A.T.S, Savage Dragon, and Street Fighter. Do you think that you can also do Monster Force which was a forgotten gem that was Universal's early attempt to bring their monsters together before The Dark Universe?
I remember owning one of the Exo Squad action figures 😊
Thank You for this video. I really liked this show when it first appeared. I was 23 years old when it first appeared on TV in 1993.I agree about the change of time was real bad for the show. 4 AM start time made it next to impossible to watch the later episodes. A truly gem of a show and I would love to see more of it. Thanks.
I used to watch this right after school and during summer it aired right after “Ronin Warriors”!
The toughest cartoon that actually killed off main characters. When De Leon died I cried
Was one of my favorite shows to watch
Thought this shoe was boring as a kid. I got older and rewatched it found it this show was deep. They should remake it.
I was fortunate to see this brief series during the afternoon hrs. What a cliff hanger, and I wish another co. could have picked it up for a shorter 3rd season for early 2000's.
I am a gen Z and grew up with the toys but not the show and boy I wish I did. Thanks for the explanation!
This series' is a real gem, I'm not the right age group to have seen it on tele but I just love the adult nature of the dialogue and it's overall style combine to make it pretty unique amongst the many more predictable offerings within this genre.
I'm definitely a fanboy for this one.
I wish they would bring back exo squad it was great I loved watching it
I loved this cartoon so much as a kid. I got all the eframe toys and still have them. I always regarded this show as Americans early try at an mecha anime. One of the few cartoons that had character deaths and other adult topics like slavery so it felt deeper than anything else at the time.
I loved thus show, I got all the toys I could. Super cool idea for a show.
I remember this one. A friend recommended it to me. I tried it out even though it looked to me like a show I might be too old for. I was pleasantly surprised.
This is definitely a forgotten gem and it's surprisingly mature for its time/target audience.
"the stepchildren of mankind"
Help, step-kind, I'm stuck in the E-Frame!
0:58 - "...remembered by everyone."
My brother is the only other person I know personally that remembers this show. Our current ages are 42 and 40.
It had some good ideas for a failed weekend kids show. Alot were pulled from other sci Fi but it had potential.
Lowkey one the if not da best American cartoons of the 90s!
☮️
I remember this show being the first I had ever watched in which characters died.
Bought this 4months ago and watched it as an adult and this is a really well written cartoon. I was blown away and happy with my purchase for sure.
Surprisingly gritty. Excellent pick.
Before anime replaced most my interest in American made toons (kid of the 80s), this was one of the more maturely written kids shows which dealt with grown up stuff like war and death. Not everyone lives to the end which was a shocker as only shows like Robotech touched on that subject matter. Funny enough their was an attempt to combine the franchises. I still have a few toys from that campaign though I never bought the exo squad stuff I did grab all the robotech relabels.
Lol I had all of these toys. Never realizing how dark the show was until waaaay later in life
I still have some of these toys😎👍🏻👍🏻
The best cartoon, series lore!
More! Feed me more Exosquad videos!
The toys for this series were amazing, never even got to see the show. We bought them just because they were so cool, but I don't think the show was on in my area
Definitely remember this cartoon ..
I totally got up at 04:00 every morning to watch this show. I was in elementary school, and even then recognized the brilliance and humanity in this show. I also loved Transformers, the show that came on after Exosquad. I didn't know the concept at the time, but even though I loved Transformers, I loved Exosquad more because Transformers was rather campy. I miss the real feel of '90s shows like this.
One of my most favorite tv shows ever made
This was so dope