Gargoyles is essentially Disney's answer to Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series. Now I'm certain someone's compared this to Batman on IMDB already (at least it's been compared to it elsewhere) and I don't want to take ANY credit for that comparison, but I will still sing praises for this show because it became one of TV's few original superhero offerings that never derived itself from a comic book or pre-existing property. Gargoyles was equal parts dramatically engaging, funny and shocking when it decided to go there. And best of all it didn't treat the kiddies in condescending ways: it didn't simplify the complexities of the drama between Goliath and company. It was a dramatic family show as accessible and as well-realised as Batman; it also had equal respect for its audience.
One element of the show that really stands out is Jonathan Frakes' performance as David Xanatos: who gives a performance so seductive and intriguing it's a wonder as to why Gargoyles hasn't been re-adapted to film or other mediums outside tv. Seriously: Xanatos' character is so interesting and cunning that he'd give villains like Joker, Lex Luthor and Magneto a run for their money. And though Xanatos IS a bad guy, he's not ALL bad: he's just an impossibly sophisticated puzzle in the form of a billionaire super-genius.
Gargoyles is still thoroughly entertaining stuff, and it's a family show that appeals to the kids and adults equally. Give this one a go. 4.5/5 stars.
P.S. Did I forget to mention that this show is now on Disney+? Well now you know.
One element of the show that really stands out is Jonathan Frakes' performance as David Xanatos: who gives a performance so seductive and intriguing it's a wonder as to why Gargoyles hasn't been re-adapted to film or other mediums outside tv. Seriously: Xanatos' character is so interesting and cunning that he'd give villains like Joker, Lex Luthor and Magneto a run for their money. And though Xanatos IS a bad guy, he's not ALL bad: he's just an impossibly sophisticated puzzle in the form of a billionaire super-genius.
Gargoyles is still thoroughly entertaining stuff, and it's a family show that appeals to the kids and adults equally. Give this one a go. 4.5/5 stars.
P.S. Did I forget to mention that this show is now on Disney+? Well now you know.