Matt Groening, acclaimed creator of “The Simpsons” and “Futurama,” released his newest series, “Disenchantment,” last month on Netflix.
“Disenchantment” follows Bean — a rebellious, alcoholic princess — and her two companions Elfo and Luci on their escapades around the kingdom of Dreamland.
Fans had high hopes, myself included, in the weeks prior to the release. Five years after the end of the beloved “Futurama,” Groening teased his newest series and fans went crazy.
Releasing on Netflix also meant every episode was released simultaneously, leading to the inevitable binge-watching — or so I thought.
Griffen Winget | Argonaut
The first episode of “Disenchantment” opens with Princess Tiabeanie, aka “Bean,” being married off to Prince Guysbert. Enter Luci, a small black demon companion voiced by Eric Andre.
Meanwhile, we meet Elfo, a candy-making elf, who begins to dream about life outside the elf realm.
Eventually, our duo becomes a trio as Elfo arrives at the kingdom in time to help Princess Bean escape.
At first, I was enamored with the characters — each cliché but still unique and fun to watch. However, by episode three, I quickly became disenchanted with the monotony.
Each episode seems to follow the same plotline: Bean is forced into doing what someone else wants, Luci convinces her to engage in debauchery — You’d expect some outlandish events to happen with a literal demon guiding her way —and Elfo is naïve.
Unfortunately, “Disenchantment” fails to provide new and original content. What “Disenchantment” feels like is “Futurama’s” trademark jokes with none of the shock.
Yes, there are some “twists” regarding a certain character, but the audience isn’t stupid. They know a new show like this wouldn’t throw away an important character at the drop of a hat.
On the bright side, it could mean some genuine character development and plot twists are in store for season two.
You shouldn’t give “Disenchantment” a pass, if you like “The Simpsons” or “Futurama,” then obviously Groening’s humor is right up your alley.
Give his newest show a try. The jokes may not be anything new, but they are still classic Groening and fun to have on in the background.
The world is even fun to watch, having a “Futurama” feel, but in medieval times, without seeming like a copy.
In fact, “Disenchantment” is set in the “Futurama” universe, and you see our favorite three characters in a quick flash in the season finale. It is possible Groening may reference these characters in more than just a quick still — a boy can dream.
I would give “Disenchantment” a solid three out of five stars. It satisfies the Groening itch I’ve had since Futurama finished and has some genuinely clever moments.
However, I think it falls short not because of what it is, but because of when it is.
If “Disenchantment” released before “Futurama,” I think it would have been received much better. It is unfortunate they have big shoes to fill.
While 10 episodes were released on Netflix, 20 were produced, meaning season two will come and might not be that far away for fans of the show to enjoy.
Griffen Winget can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @GriffenW