More than just a hilarious cartoon, Netflix’s Final Space drop-kicks you right in the feels, and you’ll love every dang minute of it.
Yeah, I enjoy cartoons. Yeah, I get invested in characters and plot.
But this? But. This??
FFS, I’M THINKING ABOUT READING Final Space FANFICTION. I’VE GOT IT BAD; I KNOW.
Netflix has been killing it lately with these ‘Netflix Original’ shows. Final Space sits firmly in one of the top spots for my favourite cartoons, right up there with ol’ Rickymorty. So here’s a spoiler-free review of Netflix’sFinal Space, ’cause I just can’t wait to dive into it.
*begins to hyperventilate*
Plot Perspective
Oh my wow, get ready to experioncé the glorious combination that is humour, action, and feels. Get ready. GET READY.
It wasn’t the poster that drew me to watch Final Space. It was the description on Netflix . And it was in my recommended list so I knew I could trust that whatever this was going to be, it was at least going to be suited to my tastes. Netflix hasn’t done me wrong yet!
On the surface, Final Space has a basic storyline that you follow over the ten episodes of season one. There’s one side story that you also follow throughout most of the series, but that story also contributes to the main plot, so really, I don’t even know if I should consider it a side story. Hmm. 🤔
Well anyway, this is actually one of the reasons why I enjoyed the show so much. I’ve noticed it’s quite common to have one or two filler episodes or side stories in a series, and I feel like that tends to distract from the main plot and takes away some of the tension in a story. I know this is sometimes because people want a bit more background information and character development that don’t make it to the main plot-line. And I get it! I want that extra juice too! But I wanted it in a way that didn’t take away the suspense of a plot. And ya know what? My un-compromising high-standards delivered me Final Space! Goes to show that nobody should settle for second-best. Mmm wow. I went there. 😬
As you probably know, I’m a plebeian in almost every way. Still, as a plebe, I don’t think it’s fair that “experts in the field” like to compare cartoons like Rick and Morty with shows like Final Space. Yes, they’re both cartoons, but their sense of humour and comedic elements are different. To quote this article, written by someone who seems to be a very smart author and is totally not a plebe, “Final Space swerves so severely from comedic beats in one moment to dramatic gut-punches in the next that you’ll find yourself laughing just before the wind gets knocked out of you and your jaw hangs open in disbelief.” Couldn’t have said it better myself! (Like, seriously. I couldn’t.)
Rick and Morty, while hilarious, did not give me what Final Space gave me, and vice-versa. So don’t go in with any preconditions about comparing the two, even though they might have similar styles! Final Space deserves to be witnessed without any bias. #FinalSpaceProtectionSquad
Final Space isn’t your classic cartoon, so be prepared to fall in love with splendiferous main character Gary Goodspeed and his equally splendiferous crew. He’s a loveable piece of work, and I’m convinced he’s been sent by the Conan O’Brien space gods so mere mortals such as ourselves can enjoy him as he is. How can anyone not love him and root for him! Maybe that’s just me? Dunno. But I’m cool with that! More Gary for me.
Also, every space protagonist needs a sidekick. And let. *clap* me. *clap* tell. *clap* you. YOU! You will NEVER see a sidekick as cute and green as Mooncake. MOONCAKE. Even just the name makes me ‘aww’ every time.
Damn it! My badass aesthetic is extinct. Whoosh.
Final Space was more than just a regular cartoon. There are action scenes that were hilarious, sure, but also super badass and cool. There are feels sprinkled throughout the series that had me clutching my bosom. And the dialogue is hysterically, sidesplittingly, riotously funny. Every word uttered was necessary, and it didn’t just satisfy my comedy quota. I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of emotions Final Space gifted me. I laugh-cried, I sob-cried, all the crying was happening!
I’m in touch with my emotions, so get off my cheeks! I challenge anyone who didn’t feel SOMETHING while watching this.
Art and Animation
I wouldn’t say there’s any part of the art style can be pointed out to be distinguishable from other cartoons. It certainly wasn’t the art on the poster that drew me to watch Final Space. To a basic fangirl like me, the art style pretty much looked like Rick and Morty. I’m sure there were differences, but through a plebeian’s eyes, they looked similar! So if you’re looking for a revolutionary new cartoon art style, look elsewhere.
But don’t! Look here too okay? Final Space art, while not groundbreaking, was still really good!
The flow of the animation was smooth and pleasing to the eye, so I enjoyed it. There weren’t a lot of erratic movements, which I liked, and it seemed like every action and following action to create a feeling were connected; like it was one single action, rather than a combination of actions.
What the tough titty wompus, that sounded like a load of gibberish. But it’s true!
Anyway, kudos to the animators for doing a good job! The scenes that really stood out to me in particular were of the vast expanse that is beautiful, other-worldly, space . Using a plebe’s choice of words (aka mine) it was really pretty!
Worth it?
Final Space was da bomb dot com! Netflix only has one season up right now, but I think season two is slated to come out next year in 2019. Netflix likes to torture people. I call schadenfreude!
So, is Final Space worth the watch?
Chookity pop. By which I mean:
WORTH IT.
Did anyone have any doubt? 😂 Get off your sass buckets and watch Final Space!
Wanna squee about Mooncake? Reccommend some dope Final Space fanfic? Similar cartoons you think I’ll like? Leave me a comment below! Or you can use the submissions box here.
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Oh, and one word:
AVOCATO.