Amid the glut of superhero films hitting theaters from both Marvel and DC, not to mention each studio’s numerous television productions, is there room for something like Amazon’s new series “The Tick?”
According to character creator and series executive producer Ben Edlund, a show like “The Tick” is more appropriate now than ever, thanks in part to this superhero saturation.
“The Tick” has hit the small screen twice before: first in a three-season animated series starting in 1994, and then in a short-lived but beloved live-action show in 2001 starring Patrick Warburton. However, Edlund feels like audiences (and of course Amazon and Sony, the studios backing it) are ready again.
“The culture was exploding with superhero expression and saturating itself with this manic obsession, so it seemed like the audience couldn’t have been better educated for the norms of superhero stuff,” Edlund told TheWrap. “My feeling is that the Tick always grabs up the stuff of the time and makes a suit out of it.”
The character of the Tick was created by Edlund back in the 1980s when he first drew the gag character for the New England Comics newsletter, a comic book chain based in Massachusetts. Soon the big blue guy started getting his own comic panels in the newsletter and eventually, his own book.
The Tick is a parody of superhero archetypes. The original character, depicted in the first issue of the comics, escaped from a mental hospital. Edlund said he created him during the Black-and-White Boom and Bust of the 1980s, in which independent comics publishers sought to print massive amounts of cheap knockoff stories, causing an over-saturation in the industry that caused a bubble to burst.
Despite the eventual market crash, the 1980s created a moment for satirical but genuine characters such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. In this context, the Tick fit in. This was in part thanks to the introduction of Arthur, the Tick’s sidekick, starting in later issues. He’s a much smaller, less in-shape accountant without superpowers who possesses a super suit that allows him to fight crime. The rapport between the two — the idiotic mania of the Tick and the grounded strategy of Arthur — keeps the story relatable despite any zaniness that occurs around them.
In 2001, during the run of the first live action show, the Tick fit in as well, just in a different way. This was around the premiere of the first “X-Men” movie, just before the first “Spider-Man,” and what would eventually become the modern resurgence of superhero movies. This was, in turn, a product of a boom in comic-based cartoons in the 1990s that proved there was still an audience for superheroes. The Tick here was a little edgier, using curse words in dealing with enemies, but still managed to be mostly a parody of the do-good figures of traditional comics.
The new Tick (played by Peter Serafinowicz) isn’t too different from its predecessors. In both the 2001 show and the new one on Amazon, the Tick is a large man in a blue suit who is nearly indestructible and super strong. He believes in ideals like truth and justice, but lacks the skill to read social cues, and a long-term memory that would make him an otherwise productive member of society.
However, the show around him has changed. This iteration of “The Tick” is darker — both in production palette and in tone — and is more serialized. As Edlund points out, there is more violence and more superhero action sequences, which he admits is a response to contemporary superhero titles.
“[The modern superhero movie] tends to have a rainy day quality in it, a lot of angst,” he said, comparing some of the recent DC films to “a teen alone in a bathroom crying under a sink about the unfairness of the universe” (don’t worry, he’s been there). “I think we’re buried in superheroes and there’s a build up of angst among them.”
Griffin Newman, who plays Arthur (and who is the actual main character) agrees.
“So much of superhero pop culture feels post-postmodern,” he told TheWrap. “It’s so concerned with deconstructing the tropes or throwing everything off the hump or subverting because they’re afraid that people are tired of the traditional.”
But the Tick himself hasn’t changed because not only is he flexible, but he’s what superhero stories could get more of, according to Newman and Edlund. You can see it in Serifanowicz’ depiction of the hero. Despite all the changes made to the show and the dynamic nature of the superhero genre, he’s very familiar. You get his deal right away.
“It gets back to a much more sincere kind of superhero storytelling,” Newman said. “He’s such a pure character. He’s such a positive dude that cares about people and justice… I find it reassuring in a show that’s taking the piss out of a lot of superhero pop culture that the Tick doesn’t have an internal conflict about what he wants to do.”
So yes, the creators and stars of “The Tick” are responding to the influx of superhero and comic movies and shows by creating another. There is some relief here for people who are exhausted by certain qualities of modern superhero storytelling.
“We’re the only superhero TV show that isn’t connected to anything else,” Newman said, referencing things like the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s scale as being a deterrent for some moviegoers. “We’re just kind of telling one pure story. It’s its own mythology.”
Edlund has gone on to a successful TV career, writing and producing for shows like “Angel,” “Gotham” and “Supernatural.” So is there a reason he keeps coming back to the Tick, a character he made when he wasn’t too far removed from high school?
“It’s fascinating that we’re expressing ourselves in superheroes as readily and pervasively as we are,” he wondered. “On the show we’re doing, this is the first season and we’re just beginning this discussion… We’re grappling with our own emerging godhood in terms of our capacities with an evolving sense of self that for some reason keeps wanting to wear a cape in the mainstream. Very curious, you know.”
“The Tick” Season 1 hits Amazon streaming on Aug. 25.
25 One-Season Shows You Need to Watch, From 'The Get Down' to 'High Fidelity' (Photos)
It's always a letdown when shows don't get to shine. Even worse is when a series shows so much potential but gets canceled after only one season. Many of them go on to become cult classics, but we still have to wonder what could've happened if they went on for longer. C'est la vie.
"Battlestar Galactica" (1978-79)
ABC sought to capitalize on the popularity of "Star Wars" with a space epic, spending a then unheard-of $8 million on the pilot episode alone. But after initial success, ratings lagged and the show was canceled. A letter-writing campaign led to a 10-episode revival called "Galactica 1980" -- and then a full-scale revival by the Sci-Fi network (as it was then called) with a three-hour movie in 2003 and four-season run starting in 2004. Stream the original series on Tubi.
Getty Images
"Police Squad!" (1982)
Leslie Nielsen, who surprised audiences with a gift for comedy in the 1980 parody film "Airplane!" starred in this short-lived sitcom sending up cop shows. The series lasted only six episodes but spawned the "Naked Gun" movie franchise.
ABC
"Eerie, Indiana" (1991-92)
This early 1990s show about weird suburbia sounds like a less violent version of "Twin Peaks." A kid moves to the strange town of Eerie only to be confronted with several extraordinary and increasingly ridiculous scenarios. Dogs talked, Elvis showed up, and by the end, the characters were breaking the fourth wall. It was ahead of its time.
NBC
"The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr." (1993-94)
Just watch it because it's a show starring Bruce Campbell. If you're a Campbell fan, we don't need to convince you. If you're not, why aren't you? You can watch this Western on Youtube here.
Fox
"Freaks and Geeks" (1999-2000)
It's worth watching just to see baby versions of people like James Franco, Jason Siegel, Seth Rogan, Busy Phillips, and others, but it's also a genuine take on high school and the constant need to feel like you belong. Stream this classic on Hulu.
NBC
"My So-Called Life" (1994-95)
This innovative show paved the way for a host of angsty teen dramedies. It also introduced the world to major stars like Claire Danes and Jared Leto. You can watch the full series on ABC online here.
ABC
"Undeclared" (2001)
Think of this as the sequel to "Freaks and Geeks" that you never actually got. While not as good as its predecessor, the Judd Apatow-produced sitcom takes many of the same actors and sends them to college. Apatow noted on Twitter that all episodes of "Undeclared" are available for free on Youtube.
Fox
"Firefly" (2002-03)
The cult TV show to top all cult TV shows. The one-season Joss Whedon sci-fi epic told the tale of a crew of smugglers on the spaceship Serenity and their adventures on the fringes of a broken society. It was famously canceled after only 12 episodes, but was able to complete its journey thanks to companion film "Serenity." Stream this sci-fi western on Amazon Prime Video.
Fox
"Clone High" (2002-03)
Ever wanted to see how JFK, Abraham Lincoln, Cleopatra, and Ghandi would deal going to high school together? "Clone High" has a ridiculous premise -- the clones of historical figures are raised by the U.S. military -- but the absurdity and the endless quotes make it worth the watch. Stream "Clone High" on Paramount Plus.
In typical Bryan Fuller fashion, "Wonderfalls" had a quirky and dark premise for a comedy. A woman is directed by inanimate objects to help people in need. It was canceled after four episodes, but was able to finish out its first season on other networks, where it gained a cult following.
Amazon resurrected the character in a new series starring Peter Serafinowicz, but the one most people remember is from 2001 and stars Patrick Warburton as the delusional superhero. In just 10 episodes, Warburton proves why his deadpan, physically intimidating portrayal of the character has endured. You can stream this pick on Amazon Prime Video.
Fox
"Tremors" (2003)
Back when "Tremors" was a franchise you could get behind, the series version, which of course only lasted one season, really attempted to expand the universe. It fleshed out the characters in Perfection Valley and gave them even more experiments to fight. It's more of a novelty than anything, but it's fun.
Syfy
"The Beast" (2009)
This was Patrick Swayze's last acting role before he died of pancreatic cancer, and his turn in the crime drama didn't disappoint. The A&E show was grittier than expected, and is worth watching for Swayze's performance alone. Watch this series on Amazon Prime Video.
A&E
"Kings" (2009)
It couldn't find an audience, but this loose take on the biblical story of King David used mythology and combined it with modern political warfare, intrigue, and just enough fantasy to make it feel new. Ian McShane is beautifully cast as a king who believes he's a monarch by divine right, but he's only a part of an amazing ensemble that includes Christopher Egan, Sebastian Stan, Susanna Thompson, and many more. Stream "Kings" on Amazon Prime Video.
It drags a bit in the middle, but the sci-fi series sets up one of the most fascinating worlds in TV's history. Here, a family helps to set up a colony 85 million years in the past. So things you have to look forward to: dinosaurs. Lots of dinosaurs. You can watch "Terra Nova" online through Amazon Prime Video.
Fox
"Pan Am" (2011-12)
Christina Ricci needs to be working a lot more. "Pan Am" followed the crew on the incredibly dated Pan American Airways, which rose to prominence in the 1960s. Watch the one-season show to see a young Margot Robbie and for its style and its female empowerment narrative. Stream this series on Crackle here.
In between "Gilmore Girls" and the "Gilmore Girls" revival Amy Sherman-Palladino put out "Bunheads," a drama about a Las Vegas showgirl that winds up in a small town ballet school. The show combined Sherman-Palladino's famous banter and the personal drama that makes you care about characters. Plus, some of the dance sequences are incredible. Watch this light show on Hulu, Youtube TV or Amazon Prime Video.
ABC Family
"Almost Human" (2013-14)
This drama was about a hardened cop (Karl Urban) who's paired up with an android (Michael Ealy) to solve crimes. It was, at its core, a police procedural but it was heightened by the high-quality special effects, the heavy sci-fi, and the chemistry between the two leads. Plus, there was so much to explore in the world that was created. Stream this pick on Apple TV.
Fox
"Trophy Wife" (2013-14)
We can understand if you wrote this off at first (that title is awful), but "Trophy Wife" turned out to be a sweet family comedy. The excellent cast, led by Malin Ackerman and Bradley Whitford, only added to the entertainment value. Stream "Trophy Wife" on ABC or Amazon Prime Video.
People have tried to adapt the comics character to the screen multiple times (remember Keanu Reeves' version?) but in one season, Matt Ryan proved why he still voices the DC demon hunter. The NBC show was funny, but created high stakes situations for Constantine to get himself out of. However, it got the Friday night death slot, dooming it to cancellation. Stream "Constantine" on Amazon Prime Video.
NBC
"Selfie" (2014)
This is another show with a great cast and a terrible premise. Many disregarded the show, which starred Karen Gillan and John Cho, because of its apparent hatred towards social media (it was about a woman who was too obsessed with social media). However, it did eventually dig into the relationship between the two and they both had amazing chemistry.
ABC
"The Get Down" (2016-17)
The Baz Luhrmann Netflix series about the rise of hip-hop contains great music and set pieces that make it easy to binge-watch and enjoy. That's not including the great leads, which instill the characters with an electrifying innocence and humanity. However, the streaming service canceled it after one season. Watch "The Get Down" on Netflix.
Netflix
"American Women" (2018)
This Paramount comedy follows Bonnie, played by Alicia Silverstone, as she and her friends navigate independence during the women's movement in the '70s. Inspired by the life of “Real Housewives” star Kyle Richards, this show failed to earn a second season. You can stream this light flick on Vudu.
Paramount
"The Baker and the Beauty" (2020)
The adaptation of the Israeli romantic comedy series starred "Dynasty" actress Nathalie Kelley as celebrity Noa Hamilton, who whisks a Cuban baker — and his family — into her glamorous world of fame. When ABC failed to give the show a second season, the cast created a petition to get the show renewed for a second season that garnered over 200,000 signatures. Other Latinx talent, including Gloria Calderón Kellett, rallied for this cause, hoping to save "one of the few positive portrayals of a Latinx family on network TV." Stream this family comedy on Netflix.
ABC
"High Fidelity" (2020)
The gender-flipped series based on Nick Hornby's 1995 novel starred Zoë Kravitz as Robyn, a music fanatic and owner of a record store. After being cancelled after just one season, Kravitz criticized Hulu for its lack of diverse shows. You can stream "High Fidelity" on Hulu.
Hulu
1 of 26
Not every show can get the full run it deserves
It's always a letdown when shows don't get to shine. Even worse is when a series shows so much potential but gets canceled after only one season. Many of them go on to become cult classics, but we still have to wonder what could've happened if they went on for longer. C'est la vie.