Freakazoid was ahead of its time. Fitting that the titular hero was created from the power of the internet, because it has a lot of the sensibilities of 2000s indie Flash or UA-cam cartoons, full of memes, pop-culture references, and LOLRandom humor, but in the 1990s.
The superhero that predicted the internet. Was always wondering if you'd ever do a review of him, given how many meme-like clips from the show you, ironically, made into memes for your show.
@@Rhomega It was, but only Freakazoid was predicting the chaos of meme culture and shitposting. Everyone else thought it would be this sterile, enlightened place a la Neo from The Matrix.
I was so young when I watched Freakazoid that until this retrospective, I had no idea its cast included the best late night talk show host not named Johnny Carson and the only American to be inexplicably born in Scotland, Craigyferg.
I would be open to having a Freakazoid revival. I would also want to see Road Rovers and Histeria revived too (plus I feel Tiny Toons and Animaniacs should get second revivals that feel closer to the original shows)
FWIW teen titans go did a freakazoid episode about 2 years ago. Complete with Paul rugg, Joe leahy and the late Ed asner before he passed. You’ll never guess the episode title.
Fun fact about Paul Rugg: not only did he co-create and voice Freakazoid himself, but he was also a key player on the writing team of Animaniacs, including voicing, one of my favorite recurring characters on that show, Mr. Director.
I watched _Freakazoid!_ when I was 10 and I was 29 when something clicked randomly one day and I realized that the "Garden Gnomes" skit was a parody of _Gargoyles_ ... so yeah, it was quite subtle
Fun Fact: Dexter Douglas is voiced by Danny Phantom himself, David Kaufman who also voiced TWO Michael J Fox characters, Marty McFly and Stuart Little.
As much I like this show, I can't help but want to see another version of it done today, mainly incorporating today's more modern internet than the 90s internet. And also make Dexter a more pivotal character. And make a new villain called The Internet Troll. Or at the very least, do a multiverse story where the main Freakazoid meets this alternate version.
I remember loving the first season and particularly that they had the Lon Chaney Wolfman on a Halloween episode since my library had a copy of the Frankenstein meets the Wolfman. I've never seen the second season since my family moved overseas. Now I'm going to check it out. It's cool that the cast got to have a reunion in Teen Titans Go, which was David Warner's final role.
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 01:11 🦸♂️ *Overview of Freakazoid's Development* - Steven Spielberg wanted to collaborate with Bruce Timm for a superhero cartoon merging aspects of Animaniacs and Batman. - Creative differences between Spielberg and Timm led to Timm's departure. - Tom Ruger and Paul Rug took over the project, reshaping the show's direction. 03:41 🎭 *Freakazoid's Plot and Origin* - Dexter Douglas gains superpowers after a computer mishap, transforming into Freakazoid. - The show's plot, while present, serves mainly to satisfy network expectations. - Dexter's transformation into Freakazoid sets the stage for the series' comedic adventures. 05:05 🎨 *Character Design and Animation* - Initial character designs by Bruce Timm influenced the show's appearance. - Animation outsourced to various studios, resulting in high-quality visuals. - Despite being a comedy, the show's animation quality remains impressive. 06:32 👥 *Cast and Characters* - Characters mainly serve as comedic foils for Freakazoid's antics. - MVP Jeff Bennett voices multiple characters, showcasing versatility. - Villains like Gutierrez and The Lobe stand out, offering unique dynamics with Freakazoid. 11:35 🗣️ *Voice Acting and Freakazoid's Portrayal* - Paul Rugg, unintentionally cast as Freakazoid, delivers a zany, manic performance. - Spielberg's approval of Rugg's performance solidified him as the perfect fit. - Rugg's dual role as writer and voice actor grants him creative freedom in portraying Freakazoid. 13:08 🔄 *Evolution of the Show in Season 1* - Season 1 features an experimental format resembling a superhero comedy variety show. - The season focuses on trial and error, exploring various comedic segments. - Despite mixed initial reviews, the show's humor and Freakazoid's character shine through. 15:48 🌟 *Structured Evolution in Season 2* - Season 2 adopts a more structured format with cohesive storytelling. - Parodies like "Mission Freakazoid" and "The Island of Dr. Mystico" highlight the season's strengths. - The series finale, "Normadeus," offers a fitting curtain call for the characters. 17:52 🔚 *Conclusion and Final Verdict* - Despite a rocky start, Freakazoid evolved into a unique and beloved series. - Spielberg's involvement and the creators' perseverance shaped the show's success. - Freakazoid remains a standout in the realm of action-comedy cartoons, earning high praise. Made with HARPA AI
The following review of Frekazoid is brought to you by Mrs. Amanda Hugbees of Fullers Earth, Arizona, because we like saying the weird hugbees, go ahead, try it HUGBEES!
God, I miss this show, especially since it was made back when Warner Brothers wasn't so obsessed with grimdark. This bit in particular always cracks me up: "Hey, where am I? Palm trees? _Hula girls!_ Pineapples? _Hula girls!_ Surfboards? _Hula girls! Hula girls! Hula girls!_ Of course, it all adds up! I've somehow landed in Norway!"
Hey, now that the '80s are exhausted for nostalgia, maybe that '90s nostalgia desperation will give us a Freakazoid movie. All they'd need to do is grab the crew for Deadpool and tell them to keep it PG.
I’ll never forget that there were plans for a female freakazoid in season 3, which we never got. We did get to see a peek of her, but that’s all. The creators said they were so sad they never got to introduce her.
I know that Freakazoid! had a episode on Teen Titans....Go! (Uggh). Some of my favorite jokes from Freakazoid! are the weenie joke, "new Freakmobile, with new Fanboy boot'n action!" & the prison escape song (season 2).
I’m still waiting for someone at Warner Brothers to give Captain Planet,Freakazoid,Rainbow Brite,Gargoyles,Rusty the Robot and Mighty Max get live action movies!
You know it’s funny. Steven Spielberg idea of a melding of animaniacs and Batman the animated series could be seen in a current long running popular series that has a very divided opinion among viewers: Teen Titans Go!
@@erichfiedler1481 it was a great episode. I am so happy and grateful they did that before Ed Asner’s passing. It was awesome seeing those two reunited one more time. It was also just great to see freakazaoid acknowledged by a modern media. I got the impression it was a way of the TTG writers to show their appreciation.
Ah a classic this is. It's hilarious and I loved watching it. The nostalgia this is bringing me feels good. Excellent video. Freak for me, freak for you!
It's not that he gained superpowers from the purposeful glitch nessisarily but that it gave him access to the entire internet inside his own mind. Everything he does is technically feasible (within the freakazoid reality at least) by any average person but only someone with this unified knowledge would be able to make it happen. This is why there is an ongoing joke about him trying to fly then being reminded he doesn't actually have that abilty..only his superseded is potentially another side effect "power" since he digitalized in thw first place to become one with the internet. He is potentially speeding as he does by converting his mass into electrons again but would also need the knowlage he obtains from the internet to do so through his own conscious choice. This is also why dexter can't just speed around. He taps into the internet through the "freak out" passkey and logs out with "freak in." The amount of knowlage and crazy things people upload online is a double edged sword however. It is full of pointless fluff with the pertinent info and much more than any human brain is capeable of safely processing. That's why he goes insane. Imagine how he would be nowadays..THATS a dark, gritty rooboot for ya. But yeah..his real power is more a limited omnipotence. He has expanded knowlage which makes the lobe and cave guy being two of his greatest villains make since. He is an intellegence based villain who uses it to gain a physical advantage..his insanity just masks that intellegence. It's very clever how it was planned. Again, turning on and off the freak powers is like logging on and off the internet and also like removing a limiter device/program on a machine/computer. By freaking out, he has all the info in the world but it's also dangerously overwhelming. By freaking in he limits his capabilities but also functions at the most overal proficient manner for his "design." They are hacking or jailbreaking the human mind with natural consequence.
With so many WB properties being rebooted; without Ed Asner as Cosgrove, it won't quite feel the same. It also won't feel right unless the ENTIRE CAST AND CREW (or those that are still alive) would be there to take part in it. The Animaniacs reboot was good and Tiny Toons Looneversity has potential, no mistake. But without the OG voices, artists and creators behind it; a Freakazoid reboot would feel as hollow as the one-off cameo he had on Titans Go
ERod . . . . did you NOT give credit to Weena Mercator as The Hopping Woman?! Ah well. You still got in references to "Hugbees!" and Candle J -- err, you know who.
Freakzoid is one my favorite Steven spielberg produced cartoons besides Animaniacs and tiny towns adventures as well. Another great honest review from the blockbuster buster himself too.
10:14 - 10:54 So, like if you replaced Alec Guinness with Billy Connolly, or if instead of having Obi-Wan Kenobi Ewan McGregor, you had Trainspotting Ewan McGregor?
The show had amazing ratings but since it wasn't kids they canceled it?! The hell is wrong with them? You had people watching the show. That's all that should have mattered. Omg the mind numbing stupidity.
Demographics are BULL people should know by now that Adults watch cartoons and that adults don't enjoy "Adult" cartoons and they should just not care who watches. Views are Views and adults can buy more stuff too. Why cut them out?
I would be open to having a Freakazoid revival. I would also want to see Road Rovers and Histeria revived too (plus I feel Tiny Toons and Animaniacs should get second revivals that feel closer to the original shows)
The 90s really were a golden age for animated TV shows. A childhood that couldn't be topped.
Except by your parents' childhood, according to them.
A blockbuster buster honest review on Valentine’s Day, oh Erod you shouldn’t
We interrupt the UA-cam comments section for this important message:
HUGBEES!!!!!
HUGBEES!!!!!
HUGBEES!!!!!!
moose.
HUGBEES!!!
HUGBEES!
HUGBEES
Freakazoid was ahead of its time. Fitting that the titular hero was created from the power of the internet, because it has a lot of the sensibilities of 2000s indie Flash or UA-cam cartoons, full of memes, pop-culture references, and LOLRandom humor, but in the 1990s.
There is nothing more nostalgic than 90’s Warner Bros. Animation, so many lovely memories of Freakazoids ADHD insanity
Freakazoid's ADHD humour was a treat compared to a trainwreck called Family Guy.
Super teen extraordinaire, Freakazoid Freakazoid, runs around in underwear, Freakazoid Freakazoid
The superhero that predicted the internet. Was always wondering if you'd ever do a review of him, given how many meme-like clips from the show you, ironically, made into memes for your show.
The Internet was already a thing by the time Freakazoid came out. It just wasn't anywhere near as big as it was now.
@@Rhomega
It was, but only Freakazoid was predicting the chaos of meme culture and shitposting. Everyone else thought it would be this sterile, enlightened place a la Neo from The Matrix.
I was so young when I watched Freakazoid that until this retrospective, I had no idea its cast included the best late night talk show host not named Johnny Carson and the only American to be inexplicably born in Scotland, Craigyferg.
I would be open to having a Freakazoid revival. I would also want to see Road Rovers and Histeria revived too (plus I feel Tiny Toons and Animaniacs should get second revivals that feel closer to the original shows)
FWIW teen titans go did a freakazoid episode about 2 years ago. Complete with Paul rugg, Joe leahy and the late Ed asner before he passed.
You’ll never guess the episode title.
@zxtreme31 Huggbees!
I remember this and Earthworm Jim being on the same hour block. A fun hour of TV.
Fun fact about Paul Rugg: not only did he co-create and voice Freakazoid himself, but he was also a key player on the writing team of Animaniacs, including voicing, one of my favorite recurring characters on that show, Mr. Director.
I watched _Freakazoid!_ when I was 10 and I was 29 when something clicked randomly one day and I realized that the "Garden Gnomes" skit was a parody of _Gargoyles_ ... so yeah, it was quite subtle
Fun Fact: Dexter Douglas is voiced by Danny Phantom himself, David Kaufman who also voiced TWO Michael J Fox characters, Marty McFly and Stuart Little.
15:47 - Mission: Freakazoid is my all time favorite episode of the series! Great review by the way!
As much I like this show, I can't help but want to see another version of it done today, mainly incorporating today's more modern internet than the 90s internet. And also make Dexter a more pivotal character. And make a new villain called The Internet Troll. Or at the very least, do a multiverse story where the main Freakazoid meets this alternate version.
One of the best shows ever made of all time.
It's cool to see people still acknowledge the Candlejack me
I remember loving the first season and particularly that they had the Lon Chaney Wolfman on a Halloween episode since my library had a copy of the Frankenstein meets the Wolfman. I've never seen the second season since my family moved overseas. Now I'm going to check it out. It's cool that the cast got to have a reunion in Teen Titans Go, which was David Warner's final role.
🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:
01:11 🦸♂️ *Overview of Freakazoid's Development*
- Steven Spielberg wanted to collaborate with Bruce Timm for a superhero cartoon merging aspects of Animaniacs and Batman.
- Creative differences between Spielberg and Timm led to Timm's departure.
- Tom Ruger and Paul Rug took over the project, reshaping the show's direction.
03:41 🎭 *Freakazoid's Plot and Origin*
- Dexter Douglas gains superpowers after a computer mishap, transforming into Freakazoid.
- The show's plot, while present, serves mainly to satisfy network expectations.
- Dexter's transformation into Freakazoid sets the stage for the series' comedic adventures.
05:05 🎨 *Character Design and Animation*
- Initial character designs by Bruce Timm influenced the show's appearance.
- Animation outsourced to various studios, resulting in high-quality visuals.
- Despite being a comedy, the show's animation quality remains impressive.
06:32 👥 *Cast and Characters*
- Characters mainly serve as comedic foils for Freakazoid's antics.
- MVP Jeff Bennett voices multiple characters, showcasing versatility.
- Villains like Gutierrez and The Lobe stand out, offering unique dynamics with Freakazoid.
11:35 🗣️ *Voice Acting and Freakazoid's Portrayal*
- Paul Rugg, unintentionally cast as Freakazoid, delivers a zany, manic performance.
- Spielberg's approval of Rugg's performance solidified him as the perfect fit.
- Rugg's dual role as writer and voice actor grants him creative freedom in portraying Freakazoid.
13:08 🔄 *Evolution of the Show in Season 1*
- Season 1 features an experimental format resembling a superhero comedy variety show.
- The season focuses on trial and error, exploring various comedic segments.
- Despite mixed initial reviews, the show's humor and Freakazoid's character shine through.
15:48 🌟 *Structured Evolution in Season 2*
- Season 2 adopts a more structured format with cohesive storytelling.
- Parodies like "Mission Freakazoid" and "The Island of Dr. Mystico" highlight the season's strengths.
- The series finale, "Normadeus," offers a fitting curtain call for the characters.
17:52 🔚 *Conclusion and Final Verdict*
- Despite a rocky start, Freakazoid evolved into a unique and beloved series.
- Spielberg's involvement and the creators' perseverance shaped the show's success.
- Freakazoid remains a standout in the realm of action-comedy cartoons, earning high praise.
Made with HARPA AI
I'm still waiting for him to get his own movie as it says in the theme song
Yeah Freakazoid ! I always loved Lord Bravery and The Huntsman.
I love that Jonathan Harris all but reprised his classic sci-fi character, Dr. Smith, as Professor Jones.
A new BBB video I'm so geeking out.
You forgot to mention that Dr. Mystico was voiced by the legendary Tim Curry !
They called him mad, crazy, WENDELL!!! WELL, WHO'S LAUGHING NOW, HMMMMM?!!! WHO'S LAUGHING NOW?!!!
I loved this series still laughing at these scenes & I even quote this series to this day
13:55 - 14:04 😃😆Handman! Yay, Handman!
Candle Jack
The following review of Frekazoid is brought to you by Mrs. Amanda Hugbees of Fullers Earth, Arizona, because we like saying the weird hugbees, go ahead, try it
HUGBEES!
Freakazoid was the Internet of the 90s...I shudder to think of what he'd be like in a 2000s remake.
God, I miss this show, especially since it was made back when Warner Brothers wasn't so obsessed with grimdark.
This bit in particular always cracks me up:
"Hey, where am I? Palm trees? _Hula girls!_ Pineapples? _Hula girls!_ Surfboards? _Hula girls! Hula girls! Hula girls!_ Of course, it all adds up! I've somehow landed in Norway!"
Hopes to make the movie deal, Freaka-me, freaka-you
Hey, now that the '80s are exhausted for nostalgia, maybe that '90s nostalgia desperation will give us a Freakazoid movie. All they'd need to do is grab the crew for Deadpool and tell them to keep it PG.
I’ll never forget that there were plans for a female freakazoid in season 3, which we never got. We did get to see a peek of her, but that’s all. The creators said they were so sad they never got to introduce her.
I know that Freakazoid! had a episode on Teen Titans....Go! (Uggh). Some of my favorite jokes from Freakazoid! are the weenie joke, "new Freakmobile, with new Fanboy boot'n action!" & the prison escape song (season 2).
I feel it’s time for a new version of (FREAKAZOID) cartoon show series to get made now.
I’m still waiting for someone at Warner Brothers to give Captain Planet,Freakazoid,Rainbow Brite,Gargoyles,Rusty the Robot and Mighty Max get live action movies!
I’m surprised you didn’t go over the theme. Other than that great review
i cant believe erod said candlejack at the en
Good episode! I need to rewatch this show.
You know it’s funny. Steven Spielberg idea of a melding of animaniacs and Batman the animated series could be seen in a current long running popular series that has a very divided opinion among viewers:
Teen Titans Go!
Ironically, Frekazoid would appear in an episode of Teen Titans Go
@@erichfiedler1481 it was a great episode. I am so happy and grateful they did that before Ed Asner’s passing. It was awesome seeing those two reunited one more time.
It was also just great to see freakazaoid acknowledged by a modern media. I got the impression it was a way of the TTG writers to show their appreciation.
I WAS ABOUT TO COMMENT YOU FORGOT TO SAY HUGGABEES WHEN YOU CORRECTED ME LOL
Ah a classic this is. It's hilarious and I loved watching it. The nostalgia this is bringing me feels good. Excellent video. Freak for me, freak for you!
It's not that he gained superpowers from the purposeful glitch nessisarily but that it gave him access to the entire internet inside his own mind. Everything he does is technically feasible (within the freakazoid reality at least) by any average person but only someone with this unified knowledge would be able to make it happen. This is why there is an ongoing joke about him trying to fly then being reminded he doesn't actually have that abilty..only his superseded is potentially another side effect "power" since he digitalized in thw first place to become one with the internet. He is potentially speeding as he does by converting his mass into electrons again but would also need the knowlage he obtains from the internet to do so through his own conscious choice. This is also why dexter can't just speed around. He taps into the internet through the "freak out" passkey and logs out with "freak in." The amount of knowlage and crazy things people upload online is a double edged sword however. It is full of pointless fluff with the pertinent info and much more than any human brain is capeable of safely processing. That's why he goes insane. Imagine how he would be nowadays..THATS a dark, gritty rooboot for ya. But yeah..his real power is more a limited omnipotence. He has expanded knowlage which makes the lobe and cave guy being two of his greatest villains make since. He is an intellegence based villain who uses it to gain a physical advantage..his insanity just masks that intellegence. It's very clever how it was planned. Again, turning on and off the freak powers is like logging on and off the internet and also like removing a limiter device/program on a machine/computer. By freaking out, he has all the info in the world but it's also dangerously overwhelming. By freaking in he limits his capabilities but also functions at the most overal proficient manner for his "design." They are hacking or jailbreaking the human mind with natural consequence.
Honestly, I'm surprised there hasn't been a revival. If not on Adult Swim then on Hulu or Netflix.
And he returned in Teen Titans Go!
Fantastic and hilarious honest review! Perfectly befitting Freakazoid.
Candle Jack.
With so many WB properties being rebooted; without Ed Asner as Cosgrove, it won't quite feel the same.
It also won't feel right unless the ENTIRE CAST AND CREW (or those that are still alive) would be there to take part in it. The Animaniacs reboot was good and Tiny Toons Looneversity has potential, no mistake. But without the OG voices, artists and creators behind it; a Freakazoid reboot would feel as hollow as the one-off cameo he had on Titans Go
I've got both seasons on DVD! It always made me laugh
HUGGBEES!
MOOSE!
ERod . . . . did you NOT give credit to Weena Mercator as The Hopping Woman?! Ah well. You still got in references to "Hugbees!" and Candle J -- err, you know who.
Freakazoid was such a fun show in my opinion
That...was the first time I saw that done in a review. I laughed so hard I dropped my broom.
Great video but you could have sneak a relaxovision gag somewhere
This show was years ahead of its time. It perfectly predicted the early days of internet humor.
Freakzoid is one my favorite Steven spielberg produced cartoons besides Animaniacs and tiny towns adventures as well. Another great honest review from the blockbuster buster himself too.
Oh man Freakazoid! was pretty good and witty like Animanicas and Tiny Toons I still love the show lol.
OHH NO, Candle-Jack has Kidnapped Erod.... I GOTTA save HIM!!!!
Candle Jack: I’m gonna need more rope
Scream!
Scream!
My fave show
This show will have Relax o vision
10:14 - 10:54 So, like if you replaced Alec Guinness with Billy Connolly, or if instead of having Obi-Wan Kenobi Ewan McGregor, you had Trainspotting Ewan McGregor?
Have a good time, now! 👋🏻
Sent this to Paul Rugg.
you didn't mention the teen titans go episode that had freakazoid.
I surprised he didn’t mention the Madman Lawsuit.
HUGBEES!
Yeah I'm really not a fan of Creeper's debute and his not so subtle attempt of sa Harley Quinn. I guess we all got lucky Spielberg's vision wins.
This show was like Family Guy for
kids, but FOUR YEARS EARLY!!!!!!!
i use see as kid some time
How can you bring up the Island of Dr. Mystico episode and NOT talk about Tim Curry's performance? YOU'RE MAD!!! INSANE!!! WENDELL!!!
The show had amazing ratings but since it wasn't kids they canceled it?! The hell is wrong with them? You had people watching the show. That's all that should have mattered. Omg the mind numbing stupidity.
90 and 2000 cartoons were the best
No shout out to Weena Mercator as The Hopping Woman? Blasphemous.
GG
Duck Dodgers review
Why can't he say "Candlejack"?
Basically, you say Candle Jack, and he abduc. . .
@@ZeddtheVHSotaku I was doing the bit. (If you want to edit your comment to play along, I can edit this one in response).
How Toyetic.
Adlibbing is generally frowned upon huh? Scratch and molly mcgee beg to differ!
Canceled for drawing the wrong demographic.
... the wrong... what?
That's...
... I don't understand.
Demographics are BULL people should know by now that Adults watch cartoons and that adults don't enjoy "Adult" cartoons and they should just not care who watches. Views are Views and adults can buy more stuff too. Why cut them out?
You could lose a few pounds, buddy.
#DontBeAFuckingAsshole #BeNiceToEachOtherGoddamnIt
can you really compress an honest opinion on Freakazoid in less than 20 minutes?
I would be open to having a Freakazoid revival. I would also want to see Road Rovers and Histeria revived too (plus I feel Tiny Toons and Animaniacs should get second revivals that feel closer to the original shows)