Directing Animator / Contributor
Posted:
May 3, 2011, 7:40 PM
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The Looney Tunes Show Premiere Talkback
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So, The Looney Tunes Show premiered tonight on Cartoon Network with the episode "Best Friends". I saw it and while the premiere episode didn't exactly rock my socks, I didn't hate it either. It was OK, as 1st episodes go.
I'm glad that TLTS' producers are going with the crazy version of Daffy rather than the selfish jerk Daffy. Daffy was indeed self absorbed here, but his and Bugs' relationship wasn't an antagonistic one, and I'm glad of that. The writers kind of overdid Daffy's stupidity in some parts, but thankfully it wasn't over done. I hope that in subsequent episodes Bugs will be more than Daffy's straight man (or would that be straight rabbit?) The bits with Mac & Tosh were funny, and the Merrie Melody (Elmer Fudd's "Grilled Cheese") wasn't hilarious, but it was charmingly absurd. It kind of reminded me of the stuff that used to happen on Garfield & Friends for some reason.
I'm going to watch a few more episodes of The Looney Tunes Show. Hopefully, the ratings will be good enough for the series to stay on and truly find it's niche.
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Visit mine and my twin brother's blog. It goes down smooth.
www.astralcity.blogspot.com
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Forum Admin
Posted:
May 3, 2011, 8:14 PM
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Re: The Looney Tunes Show Premiere Talkback
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I was surprised- it was better than I thought i might be. I was expecting Baby Looney Tunes I guess... but this was closer to Tiny Toons...
Still, I just got the feeling they were trying too hard, they were not yet comfortable in their shoes yet The directors/producers). Maybe after a couple episodes they can stop trying to live up to expectations and just go on their own.
In any case, I with them luck...
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Dave Koch
Big Cartoon DataBase
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Directing Animator / Contributor
Posted:
May 4, 2011, 7:11 AM
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Re: The Looney Tunes Show Premiere Talkback
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I was surprised- it was better than I thought i might be. I was expecting Baby Looney Tunes I guess... but this was closer to Tiny Toons...
Still, I just got the feeling they were trying too hard, they were not yet comfortable in their shoes yet The directors/producers). Maybe after a couple episodes they can stop trying to live up to expectations and just go on their own.
In any case, I with them luck...
Few series start out strong. It takes time for a new series to find it's voice. Even if the 1st 2 or 3 episodes aren't great, TLTS may gain some momentum over time. The problem is that Cartoon Network rarely gives new series (animated series especially) the proper amount of time to find itself and find an audience; if a new toon doesn't get monster sized ratings right out of the starting gate, then CN drops the ax on the show and it's never seen again (except maybe as reruns on Boomerang). I'm hoping that even if TLTS doesn't set the world on fire, that this won't stop Warner Brothers from trying to introduce Bugs, Daffy and company to a new generation of fans.
My criticisms: I thought that Bugs himself was kind of boring in this episode. He was little more than Felix to Daffy's Oscar. I'm hoping that we'll see some of Bugs' wise guy personna in subsequent episodes.
The Merrie Molody, "Grilled Cheese" was weird, but it didn't turn me away.
The 1st half of "Best Friends" was kind of dull and talky, but things picked up a bit after the game show scene. Mac & Tosh were really funny, and I really liked this exchange:
Daffy: For the record, I'm not living here (in Bugs' house). I'm just crashing here 'til I get back on my feet.
Speedy: "Just so you know, if you 'crash' with someone for 5 years, you're living with them.
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Visit mine and my twin brother's blog. It goes down smooth.
www.astralcity.blogspot.com
(This post was edited by SpaceDemon on May 4, 2011, 7:56 AM)
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Directing Animator / Contributor
Posted:
May 4, 2011, 7:36 AM
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Re: The Looney Tunes Show Premiere Talkback
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I've already watched the show and I've already posted a reaction to it: http://forum.bcdb.com/...i?post=112658#112658
You honestly think this is the "worst show ever'? You must not watch a lot of TV, then.
The Looney Tunes Show is the worst show ever? I'm aware that not everyone was going to embrace TLTS with open arms, but you really think that THIS is worse than Loonatics Unleashed? Really???
Has 4 years really been that long? Have we actually forgotten what a steaming pile of soulless focus-group and toy market-driven abomination crud Loonatics Unleashed was? Was The Looney Tunes Show the best thing ever? No, but worse than Loonatics? Not by a long shot.
Space Demon addressed this in another thread: the basic problem TLTS faces is trying to win over fans who are married to the original shorts. There are ridiculously high expectations attached to anything Looney Tunes related simply due to their being such an iconic brand. And that can easily work both for and against a show.
I didn't find the premiere to be WB's magnum opus, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the haters are making it out to be. The first act was a little slow in parts, and the "Grilled Cheese" Merrie Melodie either came off as delightfully absurd or somewhat creepy, depending on your point of view. But I thought the second half was solid, and it's an interesting take on the characters; I kind of wish Bugs would've gotten to cut loose a bit and not just play straight man to Daffy, but it's only the first episode; hopefully the series will find its' legs as episodes progress and we're gradually introduced to the other characters, and then hopefully we'll get to see Bugs' brainy wise-ass side come to the surface. The lack of background music in some scenes was different than what I'm used to, but I wasn't as put off by it as others were. I'm sure if enough people complain about the music, the producers can stick some quickie background music in later episodes as well as repeats.
Looneytunerian, I respect that you don't like this show, but you really need to come up with a better reason for hating on it other than "It's not the original LT shorts". Once again, it's not supposed to be just a rehash of the shorts; it's a new take on the franchise tailored for a new generation. Anyone coming into this show expecting it to be a 100% reiteration of the original LT shorts is naturally going to be disappointed. Other naysayers are at least bringing some some valid reasons for their disdain; all I keep hearing from you is "Nothing beats the classics! There will never be another Termite Terrace!" You're preaching to the choir, dude, nobody's disagreeing with that, and once again, The Looney Tunes Show isn't meant to nor is it trying to replace the original LT shorts. And trying to blame the makers of the show for muting Porky's end line when that was clearly the work of the network trying to plug their wares with a splitscreen advertising The Amazing World of Gumball (which I also enjoyed last night, BTW)? Sorry, but that's just very silly and immature on your part and tosses any credibility you may have had right out the window. I can accept and respect criticism if it's valid crticism, but you're sounding like a small child tossing dirt clods at some other kid and calling them a "stinky-face" because you think they stole your favorite toy. Hate-ranting and posting flamebait like you're doing doesn't add anything worthwhile to any discussion and doesn't reflect well on the person doing it. It's absurd to accuse the show of not being something that it never claimed to be in the first place.
My verdict: Not the best thing I've ever seen, but not a total disservice to the franchise either. I enjoyed it enough to keep tuning in, and wish TLTS the best of luck.
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An unemployed court jester is nobody's fool.
(This post was edited by Starburst on May 4, 2011, 8:51 AM)
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Key Animator / Contributor
Posted:
May 5, 2011, 1:12 AM
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Re: The Looney Tunes Show Premiere Talkback
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Long post short: Seen It, Liked It.
Bugs Bunny is different, certainly. However, shows with simplified characters, such as Kim Possible and Powerpuff Girls and the newest My Little Pony, have shown to score well with today's audiences. I can't blame Jessica Borutski for borrowing a concept that seems to work in other cartoons.
Further, there used to be a widely held perception that Bugs Bunny was a kind of demi-god: infallible, invulnerable, invincible. That's been disproven, of course. However, the writers seem to want to steer Bugs away from this Teflon Bunny image, and pour some Kryptonite down his throat, which I think is a wise move. Note how, in the game show, Bugs Bunny took a pie to the face, and got buried under the mackerel, and had his head slammed through the studio ceiling. The Bunny is getting battle scars, and I'm liking it.
Plus, Bugs Bunny has rarely been a kinetic character, rather he's been laid back in his Karmic Trickster persona.
I've mentioned that Daffy has been dialed back from his greedy, irritable form (usually under Isadore Freleng's direction) and reset closer to his loopy, kinetic form. Some might call him "stupid" now, but I see Daffy has having limited perception. If it feeds his belly, it's important. If it feeds his ego, it's very important. All else is inconsequential.
The little Merrie Melody spot: that may be another "borrowing" from a successful cartoon. I believe producer Spike Brandt was part of the Talent Team brought in by Spielberg when WB hired him to reinvigorate their animation division. Brandt directed some Animaniacs, so borrowing that series' vignettes, such as "The 50 States Song" or "Burping The Alphabet," makes sense.
This new series could work. We'll know for sure when the Looney Tunes merchandise starts selling, and Bugs Bunny and Company reappear in Forbes magazine's Top Ten Wealthiest Cartoon Characters.
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Directing Animator / Contributor
Posted:
May 5, 2011, 6:53 AM
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Re: The Looney Tunes Show Premiere Talkback
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The premiere of The Looney Tunes Show scored a 2.5 in the ratings Monday night. For a Cartoon Network show, that's pretty good. Of course, it remains to be seen if the series will be able to maintain those viewers over the next few weeks, but here's hoping that the viewers will be willing to stick with the series so's not to discourage Warner Brothers from any future LT/MM animated projects.
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Visit mine and my twin brother's blog. It goes down smooth.
www.astralcity.blogspot.com
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Key Animator / Contributor
Posted:
May 5, 2011, 6:31 PM
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Re: The Looney Tunes Show Premiere Talkback
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A 2.5? Oh, dear. There's no nice way to put this ...
When Loonatics Unleashed premiered, it scored a 2.7/11 among kids aged 2 through 11. 
http://www.businesswire.com/...5763&newsLang=en
Of course, this could be a statistical coincidence. Lightning has to strike somewhere ... 
Or it could be indicative of the fate of any Looney Tunes reboot: a strong-ish debut, followed by diminishing interest, until a pathetic end after two seasons. 
Or this might be a disparaging reflection of the viewership. The Great Unwashed Masses can't tell much difference between the two series. A circus is a circus; a cartoon is a cartoon. Watch ... drool ... buy the merch ... vegetate. 
Eh, make of this data what you will.
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Directing Animator / Contributor
Posted:
May 11, 2011, 9:24 AM
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Re: The Looney Tunes Show Premiere Talkback
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We're now 2 episodes into The Looney Tunes Show (the 2nd episode premiered last night), and so far, I think that the new series has potential. If I have any criticisms about TLTS, it's these:
1.) I think the stories should consist of two 11 minute (or three 7 minute) shorts rather than each story (not counting the "extras" such as the Merrie Melodies and Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote segments) being a single 22 minute episode. It just seems that the stories are being unnecessarily stretched out to a full half hour in order to fit the sitcom format.
2.) I hate to agree with the haters, but this is something that they and I agree on; the lack of background music during the dialogue just seems awkward. Admittedly, I've most likely been spoiled by the theatrical shorts and by the Silver Age WB series, but having the characters go through exchanges without music playing in the background just feels as if something is missing.
3.) Again, though I'm loathed to do so, I must once again agree with the anti-fans on something: There needs to be some more slapstick, more wild takes and overall zanier humor. I get that TLTS's producers are going for a more "sitcommy" feel to the whole thing, but this is Looney Tunes we're talking about here. It wouldn't hurt to have some falling anvils and explosions on the show. I think that more LT fans would appreciate TLTS if the humor wasn't quite so subdued.
But once again, I don't hate The Looney Tunes show, (it's definitely a step up from Loonatics Unleashed, but that doesn't take much). It's not the worst, but it could be a little better. I do like the "extras" and I don't think that they should be omitted.
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Visit mine and my twin brother's blog. It goes down smooth.
www.astralcity.blogspot.com
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Supervising Animator
Posted:
Aug 5, 2011, 12:54 PM
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Re: The Looney Tunes Show Premiere Talkback
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There's only THREE words to describe my reaction to this show...
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Thank God for kids who love obscure things-Lee Hazelwood (1929-2007)
(This post was edited by MrCleveland on Aug 5, 2011, 12:59 PM)
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Key Animator / Contributor
Posted:
Aug 6, 2011, 9:38 AM
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Re: The Looney Tunes Show Premiere Talkback
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Good news, then: all thirteen installments of The Looney Tunes Show have scored about two million viewers consistently. Unlike Loonatics Unleashed, where viewers tuned in to see the train wreck, then tuned out once they'd gotten an eyeful, this newest reboot of the iconic characters has a stable and steady audience draw.
I'm predicting a second season for this show. The creative staff at Warner Brothers has had time to digest the reviews and touchpoints of this series. Expect a tighter focus the humor that plays well, as well as musical scoring, since this series has proven itself worthy of the added effort.
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Directing Animator / Contributor
Posted:
Aug 7, 2011, 8:26 AM
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Re: The Looney Tunes Show Premiere Talkback
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That's good news, for both The Looney Tunes Show and for Cartoon Network as well. I hope this means that Bugs, Daffy and company won't be leaving CN anytime soon.
Methinks that TLTS's producers Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone have been trying different things out to see what works and what doesn't. We may see some more "tooniness" for this show on season 2. Here's hoping.
I've givien my own evaluation for The Looney Tunes Show on mine and Starburst's blog. Submitted for your perusal.
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Visit mine and my twin brother's blog. It goes down smooth.
www.astralcity.blogspot.com
(This post was edited by SpaceDemon on Aug 7, 2011, 8:34 AM)
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Directing Animator / Contributor
Posted:
Aug 20, 2011, 8:23 AM
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Re: The Looney Tunes Show Premiere Talkback
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That's good news, for both The Looney Tunes Show and for Cartoon Network as well. I hope this means that Bugs, Daffy and company won't be leaving CN anytime soon. Methinks that TLTS's producers Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone have been trying different things out to see what works and what doesn't. We may see some more "tooniness" for this show on season 2. Here's hoping. I've givien my own evaluation for The Looney Tunes Show on mine and Starburst's blog. Submitted for your perusal.
That's good. I'm personally hoping our show gets some of the writers from our sister show, "Scooby-Doo: Mystery Incorporated." They seem better than some of those Groundlings writers! 
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"Being a genius certainly has its advantages."
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Directing Animator / Contributor
Posted:
Dec 5, 2011, 3:29 PM
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Re: The Looney Tunes Show Premiere Talkback
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Some recent tidbits:
- Dave Alvarez, who worked the Looney Tunes comic books, is now doing storyboards for Season 2 of The Looney Tunes Show.
- Swinton Scott (director on The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Futurama), is directing episodes for Season 2.
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An unemployed court jester is nobody's fool.
(This post was edited by Starburst on Dec 5, 2011, 3:29 PM)
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