We haven’t had cable/satellite TV in years but it’s nice to know that if we did, there would finally be something worth watching on HUB, the channel co-owned by Hasbro Toys. Unlike Nick and Cartoon Network, HUB doesn’t have any qualms against showing 30-minute toy commercials since their content is mainly GI Joe, Transformers and My Little Pony stuff. I would be impressed if they found the means to squeeze in D&D, Magic: The Gathering and Parker Brothers board games.
This program is a welcome respite from the din of HUB’s mediocrity. It’s mostly a big nod to all the Sid & Marty Kroft stuff I saw in the Seventies; I would be negligent to omit the Sixties version of Batman. There’s an element of “so bad it’s good” kitsch to appeal to the Hipsters. For me, seeing the ‘bats finally get their due after 15 years is awesome (they’ve had at least two failed pilots). I figure Chris Jacobs’ (MC Bat Commander) previous roaring success Yo Gabba Gabba! was what it took to get someone to gamble on his original creation.
Show focuses on the band acting as superheroes: fighting monsters, teaching little lessons (with a sideways wink), etc. There’s a brief interruption every episode to show their ongoing serial cartoon. One fun touch they managed to squeeze in from their concerts is the fake commercials for Gloopy products. I loved the ring-around-the-tub aerosol for kids to weasel out of bath time, I doubt HUB would allow the pudding dispenser. The humor is campy and goofy which disqualifies it for [Adult Swim]. Then again, my favorite late-night network did air Pee Wee’s Playhouse.
Will kids enjoy Show? I doubt it. This won’t stop me from subjecting my nephews to my favorite Orange Curtain band because it’s in the name of Science! Maybe I can get them to sing “Martian Girl” or “Giant Robot-Birdhead” around the house.