Click to enlarge if you can't read it. It is a vague plot summary.
So yeah, the reason I'm covering this again quickly even though we covered it pretty well in the aforementioned podcast is that I actually went and watched some....
Eh.
Yeah, I don't think anyone else did either. Shezow isn't some trans-gender character, the news blew this out of proportion entirely. Guy (the character) stays a guy, he is wearing a dress and tiger leggings. It doesn't try and dissect anything, not even in a subtle Adventure Time way. Speaking of which, this is nowhere near as good as say, Adventure Time, or the new Mystery Incorporated. It has none of the subtle humour, intelligence, quiet references, or hidden meanings.
This is just after the kid in yellow made that same "She-arious" joke from the first pictures spiel. Yeah, that basically sums up the writing on this one.
From what I say, all that the creators wanted to make was a vehicle that they could write lots of "she" puns into. That is not to say I'm slating the quality of the show. It is fine, I'd rate it probably around the later episodes of Sponge Bob Squarepants in watchability...that is, pretty cringe worthy, but harmless, briefly entertaining.
But revolutionary satire this is not, and that terms this from an issue to just brute force reaction from the Republican Right, which is kind've tragic really. Though equally, I don't think the concern Simon raised of, it being terrible and a new slur added to the lexicon of your average, already way too bigoted youth. At least you won't be hearing the androgynous boy or girl in school being tormented by calls of "Shezow".
If nothing else then the rise of She Zow cosplay might be fun.
So yeah, I don't think this will last, once people actually watch it, hopefully everyone will lose the very slim amounts of credibility that they had to talk about this to begin with.
However, that being said. I do support Shezow in theory. It challenges norms, I like that, norms suck. A guy wearing pink is refreshing and not often done, and that is silly. Equally he has to wear high heels, which is pretty funny. (Seriously, have you tried walking in those things, you could make a show based around how painful it must be to fight crime in those). Which is another point, it parodies quite nicely the "Woman Superhero Attire", he has a purse, and a lipstick lightsaber. All of which is silly.
But it is silly when a woman has it also, and yet we don't judge that, but hopefully, now kids might.
And there you have it, I watched some She Zow, and I've called the people who haven't watched it stupid, though in terms of recommendation, only watch this if you are interested in the debate around it, if you want a quality TV show, ask and I'll give you one of way too many for someone of my age to know. And hey, I finally did some semi-serious cartoon analysis...Finally.
However, that being said. I do support Shezow in theory. It challenges norms, I like that, norms suck. A guy wearing pink is refreshing and not often done, and that is silly. Equally he has to wear high heels, which is pretty funny. (Seriously, have you tried walking in those things, you could make a show based around how painful it must be to fight crime in those). Which is another point, it parodies quite nicely the "Woman Superhero Attire", he has a purse, and a lipstick lightsaber. All of which is silly.
But it is silly when a woman has it also, and yet we don't judge that, but hopefully, now kids might.
And there you have it, I watched some She Zow, and I've called the people who haven't watched it stupid, though in terms of recommendation, only watch this if you are interested in the debate around it, if you want a quality TV show, ask and I'll give you one of way too many for someone of my age to know. And hey, I finally did some semi-serious cartoon analysis...Finally.
If this was written as well as The Simpsons it could be really funny. Boy discovers pitfalls of being a girl etc. I found myself warming to Kelly, his sister, and would play on that relationship for laughs rather than she-dious puns.
ReplyDeleteI also really liked Kelly, think she was the best part of the show.
DeleteYes, all super heroes need a foil like her!
DeleteNo-one worried that Superman would be a bad influence and yet he seems to positively enjoy wearing tights.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of animation, please tell Billy Bob that if he doesn't do the Mylo Xyloto review soon I won't be Fat Hamster, I'll be dead and buried hamster strutting and fretting on the twilight stage, ringing his paws in an endless mourning for the betrayal of promises broken.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Wow, everyone is feeling poetic on this site.
DeleteBut do not worry, I understand your plight.
Actually this time, I was the one in the wrong.
As Billy Bob was about to sing his comic song.
But then I came and took him away.
For the Podcast that needed recording that day.
Now he is away on business I believe.
But on his return, you shall have your reprieve.
Id like to bear a grudge as long as I live
DeleteBut you made me laugh
And so, I forgive.
I'm going to bring out a cynics poetry book called 'oh those who art sick'.
ReplyDeleteI'd buy it/contribute to it.
DeleteThough given I am a Cynic I'd like to think I get one free.
Can we now only comment if we either parody Shakespeare or write a poem?
DeleteFour cynics, who made quite a band
ReplyDeleteFound their site didn't quite go as planned
There was plenty of chat
About this and that
But never the topic in hand.
Can that go in the book?
I've added it to the word file, which is the closest thing we have to a book so far.
DeleteDo you think shezow may be a one joke show which will become a bit old?
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think it might quickly become that. Which is probably the saddest thing about this really. Could've been quite a neat concept. As it turns out, lots of fuss over nothing.
DeleteI've got to ask what the 'quality' tv show that you mention is. To quote your good self, "it keeps me awake at night".
DeleteI didn't have a specific one in mind, if we are talking in terms of "aimed at adult" child animation, then Adventure Time is still where I hang my hat.
DeleteIf you are a fan of Scooby Doo then Mystery Inc, gives a pretty grimdark at times feel to it, with a persistent storyline/character development.
You could also do a lot worse than Gravity Falls by Disney or Regular Show on CN.
For Superheroes Young Justice was incredible and I'm sad it has been cancelled.
Hope that sufficed.
Thanks.
DeleteOdd article to keep top of the front page for so long.
ReplyDeleteWhat sort of article did you expect, in depth analysis of the eu budget, scientific rundown on oil resources, the minutes of a neuroscience conference..?
DeleteI am well versed in at least the EU budget.
DeleteAs for your concern I am going to try and have a new article up for today. I have a poetry one actually completed, but I'm waiting for my co-cynics to be in the same place to tell me if it sucks before I post.
Your patience is as ever appreciated anonymi.
Oh post it anyway, we don't mind if it sucks!
Delete