Most Christians will probably be severely offended by this show, but that's part of its charm. Its offensiveness is riding on the shoulders of an innocent little boy who simply doesn't know any better. He misinterprets others' advice and chaos ensues. The same could be said about religion itself. What I find so continually compelling about this show however, is that it dares to be different. The line-up on Adult Swim has swiftly shifted to gore porn as of recent (Metalocalypse and Robot Chicken being perfect examples), but Orel focuses its sights on the way religion controls people, changes them. Lying beneath the bitter sentiments however, is something even better: character development. Throughout the series, we see the various demented characters of Oralton for who they really are. This really kicks off in season three (which is currently nearing its end) and it's truly gripping. What you thought were one-off humor characters in the first season are revealed to be deeply troubled human clay-things in the second. Speaking of, the series gets quite dark at times, and with only the personalities of the characters... Yes, things can be dark without buckets of blood. But in the little town of Oralton, Statesota, we see much more than a bewildered mass. We see a portrait of the American psyche. (other psycho-analytical jargon here)
68 Reviews
The Perfect Blend with Comedy and Drama
nasdagoodshepherd26 July 2019
If there is any Adult Swim show out there that has comdey and drama as a the main genre, it's Moral Orel. The writing is not bad, their is some character development in this show, also people said that this show is dark and they're right. It's a shame that Adult Swim canceled it after 3 seasons and some episodes from this show are considered unaired. But in 2012, Adult Swim released a Moral Orel tv special, Before Orel and it was pretty entertainment and enjoyable. Without a doubt, Moral Orel is one of the greatest cartoons Adult Swim has ever made. I give Moral Orel and 8.5/10
Impossible to define, always a unique surprise
Chugalugaboo3 February 2010
I can't for the life of me figure this show out. Sometimes I find myself genuinely laughing almost uncontrollably, others I'm left reflecting on the message, and still others I'm just lost and a little bored even; the episode with orel's stop-motion animation for example. Interesting concept but fell very short. In any case I admire the uniqueness. Now I've seen jokes in a negative light and dark comedy in plenty other animated shows but this one manages to pull off full on cynicism about a wide range of topics using some very unique yet inexplicably relatable characters.
In fact the character analysis alone makes for interesting conversation. I mean for a show that takes a pretty good number of jabs at Christianity the reverend seems to be the most logical down to earth character. Which may be a statement about people's inability to truly understand what's being said to them. In any case the entire show has so many undertones that can be interpreted in just about any way depending almost entirely on the individual. I know I found some new little thing each time I watch the show.
The soundtrack used is another thing I loved about this show. Unique again but you feel an instant attraction to almost every song. Be it tongues in other people's mouths from the first season or The strangely alluring mountain goat songs in the 3rd season.
Which brings me to the third season. It in my opinion is one of the best final seasons of any show I have ever seen. This doesn't just include animated or comedy shows but just about every series I've followed. I am very sad this show was unable to come to the end intended of it.
I'm sad that adult swim couldn't let it run its course to the end. I mean I like their programming for the most part but I would have preferred keeping something like metalocalypse (a show I also enjoy) at 15 minutes so this could continue, if not just for curiosity's sake to see how it would continue to play out. C'est la vie. Thank you Mr. Stamatopolous, this will forever be one of the more memorable shows I've ever seen.
I watched the full series again recently and had to up my rating even higher. I miss this show.
In fact the character analysis alone makes for interesting conversation. I mean for a show that takes a pretty good number of jabs at Christianity the reverend seems to be the most logical down to earth character. Which may be a statement about people's inability to truly understand what's being said to them. In any case the entire show has so many undertones that can be interpreted in just about any way depending almost entirely on the individual. I know I found some new little thing each time I watch the show.
The soundtrack used is another thing I loved about this show. Unique again but you feel an instant attraction to almost every song. Be it tongues in other people's mouths from the first season or The strangely alluring mountain goat songs in the 3rd season.
Which brings me to the third season. It in my opinion is one of the best final seasons of any show I have ever seen. This doesn't just include animated or comedy shows but just about every series I've followed. I am very sad this show was unable to come to the end intended of it.
I'm sad that adult swim couldn't let it run its course to the end. I mean I like their programming for the most part but I would have preferred keeping something like metalocalypse (a show I also enjoy) at 15 minutes so this could continue, if not just for curiosity's sake to see how it would continue to play out. C'est la vie. Thank you Mr. Stamatopolous, this will forever be one of the more memorable shows I've ever seen.
I watched the full series again recently and had to up my rating even higher. I miss this show.
This starts off as fairly mediocre, but gets more and more complex and original as it goes on, building to a third season that is as good as anything I've ever seen
zetes12 August 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Created by Mr. Show alumnus Dino Stamatopoulos (best known now for playing the character Alex "Starburns" Osbourne on Community; his Mr. Show alums Jay Johnston and Scott Adsit (best known for his role on 30 Rock) are also major artistic contributors) created this stop-motion puppet show for Adult Swim. It's a parody of Davey and Goliath, a religious cartoon from the '60s. Oral is a young boy living in the very Christian town of Moralton, Statesota (located in the exact center of the United States, between Missouri and Kansas). He eagerly wants to do right by God, and tries to take the advice of his reverend, his parents and his elders, but that advice always leads to horrible situations (in the first three episodes he raises the dead, who of course attempt to eat everyone's brains, he gets a bunch of women pregnant and he gets addicted to crack). This is the basic structure of the first season and most of the second season. At the beginning, it reminded me a lot of South Park. Like South Park, it's funny, but ultimately cheap. In the second season, the writing grew a lot sharper, but, as it goes on, something happens. Even in the first season, it's revealed that there is a lot of darkness and misery underneath the adult characters' positive, Christian exteriors. But Stamatopoulos and his writers add a lot of depth in that second season, and they do a lot of world and character building. It starts to get pretty interesting, and then comes the final two episodes of the second season, where Orel, always an innocent before, learns the truth about his father: that in reality, he is an abusive, alcoholic *beep* While these episodes are very funny, there is an unprecedented emotional depth for any animated series I've ever seen. It's absolutely devastating, and it just kind of left me shaking. And then comes the third season. Unable to move past the season finale of Season 2, the first 10 episodes of 13 (each billed as Episode 1 of 13 and so forth), it weaves the complex story of Orel's family and the other citizens of Moralton in the days leading up to the hunting trip, often focusing on just one sentence a character speaks during those two episodes and expanding on why they would say that, the backstory of that sentence's existence. Only in Episode 10 of 13 do we move to the events after the hunting trip, dealing with its fallout until we reach the season's and series' enormously powerful final moment. It's one of the most complexly structured seasons of television I've ever seen. It's an unbelievably enormous achievement, especially considering how slight the first few episodes of the series are (honestly, if I were watching this live, I probably wouldn't have bothered seeking it out after that first season; each episode only being 11.5 minutes long - yes, it does all this in 11.5 minute installments - it wasn't much of a commitment). I am not at all kidding when I say this turned out to be the best thing I've watched all year. I have not stopped thinking about it for a minute since I finished it a few days ago, and I have a hard time not weeping whenever it comes to mind. The night I finished it, I almost couldn't go in to work. I felt too emotionally exposed. The biggest tragedy of it all is that only that first, fairly mediocre season made it onto DVD. They never did release the second and third seasons. There are bits and pieces of the series on Youtube, and you can watch the hunting episodes, entitled Nature, as well as the three episodes which follow it, on Adult Swim's website, but you can't purchase it (though, of course, you can find it elsewhere, not legally). Supposedly they are working on a follow-up special for Christmas this year, so maybe that will spur them to release the entire series. Any way you can see this, though, it's worth your time.
Unbelievably well done
gonelunch14 January 2009
This is an amazing show. The Williams Street (southern corporate bods zieg heil ted turner) bods canceled it after 3 seasons, but it was amazing. Not only did it walk a fine line between criticizing a putative deity and criticizing the morons who choose to speak in the deity's name, but it also showed us how actual adults (inevitably marginalized in Moralton) do adult things like move on and call a halt to unproductive relationships. (Stephanie and Danielle respectively). The ending is unexpected and unbelievably sweet - it makes me cry every time. I can't wait to see what DS does next!
If you get the chance to see this on DVD, be sure to check the extras. I'm an auditory learner but DS's commentary made me go back and look at the visuals and they were amazing!
If you get the chance to see this on DVD, be sure to check the extras. I'm an auditory learner but DS's commentary made me go back and look at the visuals and they were amazing!
Amazing.
EvelPlatypus29 April 2009
Moral Orel, created by Dino Stamatopoulos, is my favorite television show of all time. The show depicts (at least in the first season) young Orel Puppington growing up in Moralton trying to be a good protestant by sticking to the moral code and lost commandments, unfortunately screwing it up in the process, only to be corrected (in his study with belt in hand) by his supposedly good father figure and father, Clay. In the later seasons, though, it turned much, much darker, focusing on the dramatically repressed citizens of Moralton. In the final season, however, they abandoned the brighter episodes to much more depressing story lines (did I mention this is all done, very well I might add, in stop-motion animation?).
The show has ended, much to Moral Orel fan's dismay, but it was a pretty bad decision. Moral Orel was VERY well written and funny throughout, less we forget dramatic, offensive and blasphemous. Let me warn those of you whom are offended by parody of religion, TURN BACK NOW. This show parodies religion every episode somehow, whether subtle or blatant. For those of us who can take a joke, Moral Orel is over, but Orel shall forevermore live within our hearts knowing the ending. He was canceled before his time, yes, but we have 43 episodes of amazingly done animation. This show is nothing like anything else on Adult Swim, since it contains very few vulgar words (nothing needed to be censored), it's overall style is comparable to Davey and Goliath. Watch it and enjoy one of the best achievements in American television in only eleven minutes.
The show has ended, much to Moral Orel fan's dismay, but it was a pretty bad decision. Moral Orel was VERY well written and funny throughout, less we forget dramatic, offensive and blasphemous. Let me warn those of you whom are offended by parody of religion, TURN BACK NOW. This show parodies religion every episode somehow, whether subtle or blatant. For those of us who can take a joke, Moral Orel is over, but Orel shall forevermore live within our hearts knowing the ending. He was canceled before his time, yes, but we have 43 episodes of amazingly done animation. This show is nothing like anything else on Adult Swim, since it contains very few vulgar words (nothing needed to be censored), it's overall style is comparable to Davey and Goliath. Watch it and enjoy one of the best achievements in American television in only eleven minutes.
Hilarious - Funny - True
vigilantehero10 July 2006
Having grown up in a town very similar to Orel's, I can safely say that this show is only slightly a hyperbole. Which is a scary thought.
The animation is good, but when you have content like this, that doesn't matter. If shows like Southpark and Aqua Teen Hunger Force have taught us anything, they have taught us that you can easily get away with terrible animation if your content is quality.
And, this show is pure genius. It is witty and entertaining, and pulls no punches.
I could do with a daily dose of this show. I'm shocked (and pleased) it managed to get on the air. I'm also very glad to hear there will be a season two.
Most Christians will hate it, bash it, and complain about the contents, but that doesn't make it any less funny (or any less true!).
The animation is good, but when you have content like this, that doesn't matter. If shows like Southpark and Aqua Teen Hunger Force have taught us anything, they have taught us that you can easily get away with terrible animation if your content is quality.
And, this show is pure genius. It is witty and entertaining, and pulls no punches.
I could do with a daily dose of this show. I'm shocked (and pleased) it managed to get on the air. I'm also very glad to hear there will be a season two.
Most Christians will hate it, bash it, and complain about the contents, but that doesn't make it any less funny (or any less true!).
A shining example
rick-93927 July 2007
People will either love or hate this show, however this does not give people who hate the show because of their religious belief the right nor the permission to push their own religious belief on others. Posting outrage, isn't going to convert anyone your going to actually drive them away.
There are 4 points to this show that ring true, that these people do not see for they are blinded by the opiate of the masses.
1. Taking the bible literally is a very bad ideal. Parables are to be translated. 2. Allowing children to be exposed to fundamental non restrained religion with generic explanations is a very dangerous thing. 3. All the answers is not found in ancient text. 4. Hypocrisy abounds.
Religion is not a bad thing, in moderation. The same with anything that makes you feel good.
When in the end its all one thing, and the steps to take to accomplish that goal.
1. Be kind and forgive one another. (GOD does the same thing)
There are 4 points to this show that ring true, that these people do not see for they are blinded by the opiate of the masses.
1. Taking the bible literally is a very bad ideal. Parables are to be translated. 2. Allowing children to be exposed to fundamental non restrained religion with generic explanations is a very dangerous thing. 3. All the answers is not found in ancient text. 4. Hypocrisy abounds.
Religion is not a bad thing, in moderation. The same with anything that makes you feel good.
When in the end its all one thing, and the steps to take to accomplish that goal.
1. Be kind and forgive one another. (GOD does the same thing)
Faithfully Brilliant
garyviews26 February 2022
After watching so many adult animated cartoons from the past few years-many that tackle serious issues and real life problems-I was surprised to hear that Moral Orel, which preceded all of them, managed to do what those shows did but even better and even grander than I thought.
I think one of the best things about this show is that despite it's dark themes and subject matter, it manages to portray an optimistic and careful view on our world and the concept of religion as a whole. Even though it is very clearly satire on religion, it doesn't insult Christianity nor does it downright dismiss it completely, and that is very much shown all the way to the final episode. And to me that is a very powerful message and recurring theme of the show, and one I wish many other shows tried to do but better
The stop motion animation is also incredible for a TV production. Some of the scenes and shots in this show are incredibly impressive and unique. The work done in ShadowMachine to make this show come to life is admirable and one that shouldn't be taken for granted.
Please give this show a chance, you will not be disappointed. (And you may cry, like how I have with several episodes because of how deep they resonated with me)
I think one of the best things about this show is that despite it's dark themes and subject matter, it manages to portray an optimistic and careful view on our world and the concept of religion as a whole. Even though it is very clearly satire on religion, it doesn't insult Christianity nor does it downright dismiss it completely, and that is very much shown all the way to the final episode. And to me that is a very powerful message and recurring theme of the show, and one I wish many other shows tried to do but better
The stop motion animation is also incredible for a TV production. Some of the scenes and shots in this show are incredibly impressive and unique. The work done in ShadowMachine to make this show come to life is admirable and one that shouldn't be taken for granted.
Please give this show a chance, you will not be disappointed. (And you may cry, like how I have with several episodes because of how deep they resonated with me)
Too Funny
view_and_review22 December 2020
Dark Animated Comedy
TheExpatriate70023 January 2011
A juvenile religious fanatic. His alcoholic, closeted homosexual father. A sexually and emotionally repressed mother. The father's gay, satanist lover. Scenes of gay bashing, molestation, and underage drinking. All the things that make a comedy great.
Moral Orel is an Adult Swim comedy with an extremely dark heart, even crossing over into dramatic territory in its last season. It focuses on the family of Orel, a young evangelical Christian living in the Midwestern town of Moralton. Due to his often literalistic interpretations of his parents' and other adults' advice, Orel's actions frequently culminate in distinctly immoral results.
This is a show that gets better as it goes along. The first season and a half were characterized by an extremely formulaic approach as each episode followed Orel's screw ups. (The episode "Loyalty," for instance, is a masterpiece of dark humor.) Although many of the individual episodes were funny, watching more than one or two at a time could grow very tiresome, very quickly.
However, the third season is arguably a masterpiece of adult animation. It marked a dramatic shift in tone for the series, with much more emphasis on the development of individual characters aside from Orel. For example, the episode "NUMB" focuses on Orel's repressed mother Bloberta, and often crosses between the darkly comic and the genuinely disturbing.
Moral Orel will clearly not appeal to all people, and is best enjoyed by those whose sense of humor leans toward the warped. Nevertheless, with those who are up to it, it is a great, under-appreciated series.
Moral Orel is an Adult Swim comedy with an extremely dark heart, even crossing over into dramatic territory in its last season. It focuses on the family of Orel, a young evangelical Christian living in the Midwestern town of Moralton. Due to his often literalistic interpretations of his parents' and other adults' advice, Orel's actions frequently culminate in distinctly immoral results.
This is a show that gets better as it goes along. The first season and a half were characterized by an extremely formulaic approach as each episode followed Orel's screw ups. (The episode "Loyalty," for instance, is a masterpiece of dark humor.) Although many of the individual episodes were funny, watching more than one or two at a time could grow very tiresome, very quickly.
However, the third season is arguably a masterpiece of adult animation. It marked a dramatic shift in tone for the series, with much more emphasis on the development of individual characters aside from Orel. For example, the episode "NUMB" focuses on Orel's repressed mother Bloberta, and often crosses between the darkly comic and the genuinely disturbing.
Moral Orel will clearly not appeal to all people, and is best enjoyed by those whose sense of humor leans toward the warped. Nevertheless, with those who are up to it, it is a great, under-appreciated series.
The best Adult Swim show
trolliyama19 August 2020
From all the Adult Swim shows I have seen, this definately the best one.
Such a shame it was cancelled way too early, apparently because the executives found the third season (Which shifts the tone from comedy to drama) way too "depressing".
I personally find the Tim and Eric garbage way more depressing to watch.
Such a shame it was cancelled way too early, apparently because the executives found the third season (Which shifts the tone from comedy to drama) way too "depressing".
I personally find the Tim and Eric garbage way more depressing to watch.
Fundies beware!
jhrmsn7 July 2006
OK, this show is funny as hell. Yes, H-E double L. You'd have to watch it with an open mind to understand so super religious xians will probably be offended, as usual.
Most short (cartoon) episodes revolve around a young boy taking bible passages way too literally and the misadventures he gets into. Since its so far out there, I can't see how anyone would be offended unless they really believe we all live in some crazy world with a sky daddy up above condemning people to burn in hell for all eternity.
I could not recommend the show for people who are offended by things like free speech as it contains a good amount of barbs at the ridiculousness of the xian religion in general. I believe its on Adult Swim Sunday very late night. Praise Jebus for some good secular comedy.
Most short (cartoon) episodes revolve around a young boy taking bible passages way too literally and the misadventures he gets into. Since its so far out there, I can't see how anyone would be offended unless they really believe we all live in some crazy world with a sky daddy up above condemning people to burn in hell for all eternity.
I could not recommend the show for people who are offended by things like free speech as it contains a good amount of barbs at the ridiculousness of the xian religion in general. I believe its on Adult Swim Sunday very late night. Praise Jebus for some good secular comedy.
Pales in comparison to other Adult Swim shows
vinmar6 August 2006
I bought into the hype and watched Moral Orel when it first premiered. I was hoping for a good laugh--like with Family Guy, Aqua-Teen and countless other A.S. shows. Or I was hoping for some smart-writing, like the brilliant Boondocks. Instead, it's a 15 minute anti-Christian diatribe that gives new meaning to the word boring. South Park parodies right-wing Christians (and every other religion/group/demographic) in an intelligent way and South Park is something this show forgot to be: FUNNY. This is nothing but mean-sprited, axe-to-grind garbage. I am not a Christian, yet I don't understand why it's considered offensive to make fun of other religions (and rightly so), yet acceptable to make fun of Christianity just for the sake of doing so. There is a big difference between parody/satire and mean-spited bigotry. I'm sorry the writers hated their religious upbringing so much. But making claymation cartoons 20 years later is not going to help. Go seek therapy and get on with your life. Where's the 15-minute weekly show that depicts militant Islam and shows images of Mohammed? Oh that's right, that's offensive to Muslims. So nobody goes near it. Where is the weekly show that makes fun of a Jewish boy? Oh, that would be offensive to the Jews. So nobody goes near it. But it's open season on the always safe topic of Christians--again--and that's OK? Double-standard b.s. over and over again. .And once more, it's not even funny It's predictable, boring and you can see every attempt at humor coming a mile away. Yes, it's on late and no, nobody has to watch it. And based on how awful it is, eventually nobody will.
The best show on Adult Swim
kickaxerrr18 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
There were three seasons of this show and it changed dramatically from one season to the next, the third season being by far the best. This show evolved more in three seasons than probably any other show has in ten or more seasons. It is a remarkable thing. It is one of the best, if not the best, TV show I have ever seen.
It has been compared to "South Park" and "Davey and Goliath" and other shows and that is just ridiculous. It is not anything like them or any other show ever. It is not meant to be a parody or satire or even meant to be explicitly funny. It is not a comedy, though it is frequently humorous. It is not a drama, though it is just as frequently serious. There has never been another show like this.
I have read all of the reviews on IMDb about this show and I think almost all of them have it wrong, the good and the bad reviews both.
This show has as it's backbone, Christianity. But that is far from the point of the show. I believe the point of the show is to highlight our human failings, and obsessions or things that control our lives, whether that be a reliance on religion to run our lives or some other thing, such as eggs, which rules Francis Clara Censordoll's life (her initials are FCC, by the way) or cleaning, which controls Bloberta's life or sex which drives not only Reverend Putty's life, but also Coach Stopframe's life, among others. Others are controlled or obsessed by loss of a child, or by a lack of love or by drinking, etc.
It takes all of these themes to the extreme to see what would happen. Predominately the extreme is based on a religious theme, especially in season one, but it is in no way limited to religion. That is why I disagree with so many of the other reviews. They look at this show as a religious show, while I look at it as a human show. After all, most people believe in some religion or another. It just so happens that in America most people believe in Christianity so that is what the show is primarily about, but it is not about Christianity exclusively. It is about the human condition. Religion just happens to have the most powerful effect on human life and how people act than just about anything else, except perhaps for sex, and this show deals with both of those subjects almost equally.
There were several people reviewing this show that saw it as an attack on Christianity and said that they would not have dared to attack Islam or some other religion in the same way. I disagree. As I said, I don't think this show is specifically a show about religion, but is a show about humanity. If this show would have happened to, or been allowed to have been made in a country where Christianity was not the predominant religion, it would have been almost the exact same show.
It is about how an idea can be taken too far. Whether that be a religious idea or not. For example, Nurse Bendy's obsession with the loss of her child and subsequent preoccupation with dolls and her childish attitude have nothing to do with religion. Also, Ms. Papermouth. Her obsession is with zebra statues and a lack of self-esteem which also has nothing to do with religion. There are many more examples like that.
After the first season, most of the shows didn't have anything to do with religion, as a matter of fact. It dealt mainly with the relationships between a father and son and the relationships between different people in Moralton.
The third season especially is a deeply insightful exploration of human feelings and how people interact with each other. It has virtually nothing to do with religion in any way and is also very rarely funny, though that is done very much on purpose. It also happens to be one of the best explorations of human psychology that I have ever seen depicted on screen. It is so deep and thoughtful that I have seen this series three times or more in total and I am still finding new meanings and new things to think about.
It is an amazing show, and anyone who dismissed it after the first few shows should give it another look. They will be pleasantly surprised. It is not some one dimensional parody of religion or some other show. It is a unique insightful look at how humans act and why they do so. It is an amazing achievement that I have never seen equaled anywhere else.
It has been compared to "South Park" and "Davey and Goliath" and other shows and that is just ridiculous. It is not anything like them or any other show ever. It is not meant to be a parody or satire or even meant to be explicitly funny. It is not a comedy, though it is frequently humorous. It is not a drama, though it is just as frequently serious. There has never been another show like this.
I have read all of the reviews on IMDb about this show and I think almost all of them have it wrong, the good and the bad reviews both.
This show has as it's backbone, Christianity. But that is far from the point of the show. I believe the point of the show is to highlight our human failings, and obsessions or things that control our lives, whether that be a reliance on religion to run our lives or some other thing, such as eggs, which rules Francis Clara Censordoll's life (her initials are FCC, by the way) or cleaning, which controls Bloberta's life or sex which drives not only Reverend Putty's life, but also Coach Stopframe's life, among others. Others are controlled or obsessed by loss of a child, or by a lack of love or by drinking, etc.
It takes all of these themes to the extreme to see what would happen. Predominately the extreme is based on a religious theme, especially in season one, but it is in no way limited to religion. That is why I disagree with so many of the other reviews. They look at this show as a religious show, while I look at it as a human show. After all, most people believe in some religion or another. It just so happens that in America most people believe in Christianity so that is what the show is primarily about, but it is not about Christianity exclusively. It is about the human condition. Religion just happens to have the most powerful effect on human life and how people act than just about anything else, except perhaps for sex, and this show deals with both of those subjects almost equally.
There were several people reviewing this show that saw it as an attack on Christianity and said that they would not have dared to attack Islam or some other religion in the same way. I disagree. As I said, I don't think this show is specifically a show about religion, but is a show about humanity. If this show would have happened to, or been allowed to have been made in a country where Christianity was not the predominant religion, it would have been almost the exact same show.
It is about how an idea can be taken too far. Whether that be a religious idea or not. For example, Nurse Bendy's obsession with the loss of her child and subsequent preoccupation with dolls and her childish attitude have nothing to do with religion. Also, Ms. Papermouth. Her obsession is with zebra statues and a lack of self-esteem which also has nothing to do with religion. There are many more examples like that.
After the first season, most of the shows didn't have anything to do with religion, as a matter of fact. It dealt mainly with the relationships between a father and son and the relationships between different people in Moralton.
The third season especially is a deeply insightful exploration of human feelings and how people interact with each other. It has virtually nothing to do with religion in any way and is also very rarely funny, though that is done very much on purpose. It also happens to be one of the best explorations of human psychology that I have ever seen depicted on screen. It is so deep and thoughtful that I have seen this series three times or more in total and I am still finding new meanings and new things to think about.
It is an amazing show, and anyone who dismissed it after the first few shows should give it another look. They will be pleasantly surprised. It is not some one dimensional parody of religion or some other show. It is a unique insightful look at how humans act and why they do so. It is an amazing achievement that I have never seen equaled anywhere else.
Great parody of a crappy show...
hellcopinc15 May 2006
I remember the old "Davey and Goliath" show and thought it was dumb when I was 10. This is a great parody of that show. The humor is on the lower end of the "South Park", Family Guy" spectrum. It is a funny show. I don't understand why some people don't like it. The episode where Orel gets hooked on crack is hilarious. The episode where Orel starts drinking had me laughing for days. What I like most about the show is it keeps with the "Leave It To Beaver" mentality with out being cute. It is worthy of its Adult Swim counterparts and should be given consideration.Give it at least three episodes before passing judgment or go to the study with dad.
Bravo, Dino Stamatopoulos!
severin-gregor10 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I'm a Christian and I find Moral Orel completely inoffensive. It's actually quite enlightening and reassuring. What the episodes criticize, in a very astute way, are the hypocrisies committed by some of the members of my religion. Orel, the lead character is a very pious and likable character. Dino Stamatopoulos and co. have found a way to reflect on some negative aspects of Faith while still keeping a carefully trained and sympathetic eye upon the positive.
In one episode, Orel shows the sweetest affection to an equally sweet puppy. In fact, the episode (entitled "Love") seems to suggest that the puppy, like Christ, is the embodiment of Love itself. There are many fresh and funny parallels comparing the puppy to Jesus himself, but there is no instance of ridiculing our Saviour. On the contrary, the greatest respect is given to Him, and the barbs are sharply pointed at the self-righteous congregation who run the town. The puppy is a threat to the status quo, much like Jesus was back in his time. Eventually, the puppy is put to death, but this is not played for shock-value laughs. What the program cleverly suggests is that, if Jesus were alive today, and anonymous, many of the "pious" would once again take his life. This is a bold statement for a fifteen minute cartoon, and one that is expertly and ferociously driven home with an equally delicate hand.
I have seen a dozen or so of these episodes, and am continually amazed by the subtlety and skill that come across in these wonderful pieces.
In another review here I read that Moral Orel does what people believe "South Park" is attempting to do: mindlessly shock and harm a segment of our population. This sentiment is ludicrous. There is nothing mindless nor harmful about Moral Orel. It is a reflection of our society and one that educates and entertains in very important ways.
In one episode, Orel shows the sweetest affection to an equally sweet puppy. In fact, the episode (entitled "Love") seems to suggest that the puppy, like Christ, is the embodiment of Love itself. There are many fresh and funny parallels comparing the puppy to Jesus himself, but there is no instance of ridiculing our Saviour. On the contrary, the greatest respect is given to Him, and the barbs are sharply pointed at the self-righteous congregation who run the town. The puppy is a threat to the status quo, much like Jesus was back in his time. Eventually, the puppy is put to death, but this is not played for shock-value laughs. What the program cleverly suggests is that, if Jesus were alive today, and anonymous, many of the "pious" would once again take his life. This is a bold statement for a fifteen minute cartoon, and one that is expertly and ferociously driven home with an equally delicate hand.
I have seen a dozen or so of these episodes, and am continually amazed by the subtlety and skill that come across in these wonderful pieces.
In another review here I read that Moral Orel does what people believe "South Park" is attempting to do: mindlessly shock and harm a segment of our population. This sentiment is ludicrous. There is nothing mindless nor harmful about Moral Orel. It is a reflection of our society and one that educates and entertains in very important ways.
The Review: Moral Orel
cjfort21 November 2006
"Moral Orel" has to have one of the best animation I've seen in a TV show. But, besides that fact, this show is quite funny.
IT has an extremely sarcastic view on Christianity that I can't help but laugh at. I am a Christian, but It is still fun to poke fun at myself.
This sin't a kid show mainly because they could be confused on the religious perspective (in one episode the preacher said if you pray to Jesus he'll give you money), but other than that...well I can't say that either.
It's not for kids at all. Certain episodes aren't bad, but a lot are. I honestly love the whole show. It makes Christianity look like a happy time, but at the same time makes it look sorta dumb.
I'm still a very strong Christian, but sometimes, out of all the seriousness, I need to laugh at myself.
IT has an extremely sarcastic view on Christianity that I can't help but laugh at. I am a Christian, but It is still fun to poke fun at myself.
This sin't a kid show mainly because they could be confused on the religious perspective (in one episode the preacher said if you pray to Jesus he'll give you money), but other than that...well I can't say that either.
It's not for kids at all. Certain episodes aren't bad, but a lot are. I honestly love the whole show. It makes Christianity look like a happy time, but at the same time makes it look sorta dumb.
I'm still a very strong Christian, but sometimes, out of all the seriousness, I need to laugh at myself.
Great Parody of Davey and Goliath
mirosuionitsaki229 July 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Moral Orel is a great parody of Davey and Goliath. Actually, it is the best. I'm sure it's not the only one because the internet and all. But anyways, this was a great show for my liking. It is actually like saying it's the softer side of Adult Swim, except it's still like the violent, offensive animated shows that Adult Swim hand-selected and airs.
Moral Orel is always getting into trouble because he tried to follow God's rules and usually takes it literally. That causes him to get a spanking. That is basically the plot of the whole series, and I'm glad it's going to go for another season. I'm Catholic, but I'm still Christian but I don't find this show offensive. It could be offensive to other people since it shows the life of a stereotypical Protestant family which could get this show cancelled.
Anyways, I thought this was a great show and I plan to watch more episodes of the animated series. Also, I might try to find a channel that airs Davey and Goliath or something and watch it. Just to see the difference from this show and Davey and Goliath.
Moral Orel is always getting into trouble because he tried to follow God's rules and usually takes it literally. That causes him to get a spanking. That is basically the plot of the whole series, and I'm glad it's going to go for another season. I'm Catholic, but I'm still Christian but I don't find this show offensive. It could be offensive to other people since it shows the life of a stereotypical Protestant family which could get this show cancelled.
Anyways, I thought this was a great show and I plan to watch more episodes of the animated series. Also, I might try to find a channel that airs Davey and Goliath or something and watch it. Just to see the difference from this show and Davey and Goliath.
I love this original play on corny religious shows!!!!!!!!!!
PrisonerNumber65532118 June 2006
Hopefully this review replaces the narrow minded review that preceded this one. First of all this original mockery of claymation religious shows makes me laugh no matter what anyone has to say about it. I've been waiting for a show like this to be created and this show does it and takes two steps further. This show is the best display of original thinking in this less than original world though it does take the religious parodies a little to far sometimes but other than that it just makes it more dangerous and unexpected. I give this show Two thumbs up and and two big toes up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And not to sound insensitive to religious people but you could use a bit of a kick in the pants and besides there not hurting anyone. unless this show causes the rapture to take place you have no reason to criticize!!!!!!!!! And besides there's a chance that this is trying to show you how to become more culturally relevant and make religion cool or some thing. PEACE
And not to sound insensitive to religious people but you could use a bit of a kick in the pants and besides there not hurting anyone. unless this show causes the rapture to take place you have no reason to criticize!!!!!!!!! And besides there's a chance that this is trying to show you how to become more culturally relevant and make religion cool or some thing. PEACE
One of the best shows in Adult Swim's run.
HighFlyers175 November 2014
A lot of the humor comes from cleverly picking on Christianity and that's obviously going to garner backlash toward the show. Then toward the end of season 2, things get DARK. The show starts off joining Orel and friends, as Orel hilariously struggles to understand the Christian lessons the church or his drunken father try to pass onto him. For example; Orel gets caught doing #3 in the school bathroom (masturbating), and learns he shouldn't waste his seed. So, "logically", he starts using a pastry bag to impregnate the women on his block after he's finished with his deed, setting off a plague of "virgin births". Hilarious, right? (No?, Then steer clear) After his father inevitably learns of Orel's misinterpretation of the many lessons forced onto him, he's in for a stern talking to/belting in his father's *gulp* study.
The first season, and much of the second, are filled with these side-splitting misadventures, but the show truly starts to shine when Orel and his father go hunting, setting off a chain of events that explore the dark reality of being trapped in a loveless marriage neither participant is brave enough to walk away from, lest they be judged by their peers or fail their children. Enjoying the show as it was before it took this direction, I never expected to have so much emotion stirred up by a claymation feature.
Outside of the Puppington Family is a strong cast of zealots ranging from the sexually frustrated Reverend Putty, to the book burning Miss Censordoll. Yeah, a lot of punny names.
All of this makes for what I'd consider one of the strongest shows Adult Swim has aired since it's Glory days (or were they just nostalgia?).
The first season, and much of the second, are filled with these side-splitting misadventures, but the show truly starts to shine when Orel and his father go hunting, setting off a chain of events that explore the dark reality of being trapped in a loveless marriage neither participant is brave enough to walk away from, lest they be judged by their peers or fail their children. Enjoying the show as it was before it took this direction, I never expected to have so much emotion stirred up by a claymation feature.
Outside of the Puppington Family is a strong cast of zealots ranging from the sexually frustrated Reverend Putty, to the book burning Miss Censordoll. Yeah, a lot of punny names.
All of this makes for what I'd consider one of the strongest shows Adult Swim has aired since it's Glory days (or were they just nostalgia?).
Only For Those With A Sense Of Humor
jeremycrimsonfox20 February 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Yeah, this show may be seen as making fun of Christians, but you have to remember this is a cartoon from Adult Swim, a block that is infamous for showing stuff that can cross the line when it comes to stuff like religion.
In this show, it shows the life of titular character Orel, an 11-year-old kid living in Moralton, which operates by the moral code of Protestant Christianity. Each episode has him try to follow the moral code, only to get in more trouble.
So, yes, the episodes do have some stuff that can seen as too adult (in fact, three episodes of the first season were held because Cartoon Network's Standards & Practices had to clear them since those three had content that could basically be controversial to some viewers). But people need to know this cartoon, despite its depiction of a certain type of Christianity, was made for satire, and was not meant to be taken seriously. However, the series does take a dark turn with the two-part finale to the second season "Nature", as it reveals Orel's father Clay for who he really is, and the third season was when I stopped watching, as it basically got boring due to having episodes not involving Orel. However, if you are still interested at this point, then the episodes actually add backstory to some of the characters, and in the end, Orel actually gets a happy ending, unlike his parents, who are still unhappy (which is explained in the episodes before this).
Like I said, it is an adult show that is supposed to be a satire on shows like Davey & Goliath and even Leave It To Beaver. Yes, it will offend some Christians, but thankfully, since it's on Adult Swim, you have the choice not to watch it. I recommend this to people who are not offended by shows making fun of religion and can actually take a joke.
In this show, it shows the life of titular character Orel, an 11-year-old kid living in Moralton, which operates by the moral code of Protestant Christianity. Each episode has him try to follow the moral code, only to get in more trouble.
So, yes, the episodes do have some stuff that can seen as too adult (in fact, three episodes of the first season were held because Cartoon Network's Standards & Practices had to clear them since those three had content that could basically be controversial to some viewers). But people need to know this cartoon, despite its depiction of a certain type of Christianity, was made for satire, and was not meant to be taken seriously. However, the series does take a dark turn with the two-part finale to the second season "Nature", as it reveals Orel's father Clay for who he really is, and the third season was when I stopped watching, as it basically got boring due to having episodes not involving Orel. However, if you are still interested at this point, then the episodes actually add backstory to some of the characters, and in the end, Orel actually gets a happy ending, unlike his parents, who are still unhappy (which is explained in the episodes before this).
Like I said, it is an adult show that is supposed to be a satire on shows like Davey & Goliath and even Leave It To Beaver. Yes, it will offend some Christians, but thankfully, since it's on Adult Swim, you have the choice not to watch it. I recommend this to people who are not offended by shows making fun of religion and can actually take a joke.
Depressing. Funny, but Depressing
elizabeth-perfetto16 November 2009
I love this show, it's one of my favourites, and it's a real shame it got cancelled. That said, Moral Orel is not for everyone, far from it. It's offensive, there's a reason it's given an 18+ rating: it's cold, cruel and dark. This is not, in any capacity, a lighthearted show; more often than not, you won't laugh, you'll feel bad. And a show that can both make you feel bad and laugh, albeit not at the same time, certainly deserves some praise. Another commenter said that it had a quarter the laughs of South Park and four times the dirty feeling afterwards. That may be true, but that's part of the show that I would never want changed. Moral Orel is dark, and depressing, and just a little bit funny; when it's dark, it's very dark, but that just makes the humour all the more wonderful. Without the sad parts, we would feel nothing for the characters, and that's something I would never want to change.
Oh Orel, you scamp!
lambiepie-23 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This is a nice little warped take on "Davey and Goliath" about a pious, well meaning boy name Orel and his family "The Puppingtons". Orel is very much into his Bible and sermons and almost always takes everything overboard. I could not stop laughing at this terribly good send up.
The first episode "Adult Swim" showed (the Christmas Episode) was actually the last episode of the first season - and I would think Adult Swim did that to confuse. But now that I have seen every episode up until now, my opinion has changed as my viewer ship.
Orel is convinced that he is carrying out the work of religion and technically he does what he thinks is correct, but after all he is a little boy and hasn't quite grasped the severity of his actions. But his father is always there to take Orel to his study to punish him (with his belt, mind you) for his misunderstandings.
And misunderstandings they are - for example in one episode he raises the dead who reeks havoc on the town, another he impregnates the town, and another he gets a prince Albert all because he misinterpreted his religious beliefs. But Orel isn't the only problem - his mother and father are seemingly in a loveless marriage, his brother may just be his step brother and the town gym teacher may be the biggest abomination of them all. Laugh? It's the darkest humor possible - and anyone who uses religion as a back-drop is sure to get a lot of finger wagging and damnation calls - but this is satire. If you get easily offended, and like the moral teachings of "Davy and Goliath", then this is not the program for you.
But if you like raunchy satire, give little Orel a chance. Because ya know, he is a little boy who is trying to live his life righteously - even though he goes over WAY the deep end with it.
The first episode "Adult Swim" showed (the Christmas Episode) was actually the last episode of the first season - and I would think Adult Swim did that to confuse. But now that I have seen every episode up until now, my opinion has changed as my viewer ship.
Orel is convinced that he is carrying out the work of religion and technically he does what he thinks is correct, but after all he is a little boy and hasn't quite grasped the severity of his actions. But his father is always there to take Orel to his study to punish him (with his belt, mind you) for his misunderstandings.
And misunderstandings they are - for example in one episode he raises the dead who reeks havoc on the town, another he impregnates the town, and another he gets a prince Albert all because he misinterpreted his religious beliefs. But Orel isn't the only problem - his mother and father are seemingly in a loveless marriage, his brother may just be his step brother and the town gym teacher may be the biggest abomination of them all. Laugh? It's the darkest humor possible - and anyone who uses religion as a back-drop is sure to get a lot of finger wagging and damnation calls - but this is satire. If you get easily offended, and like the moral teachings of "Davy and Goliath", then this is not the program for you.
But if you like raunchy satire, give little Orel a chance. Because ya know, he is a little boy who is trying to live his life righteously - even though he goes over WAY the deep end with it.
These athe*st morons going to hell for talking smack about this "God" guy
owensacounts14 June 2021
WHen I was a young lad in 1942 I met a lass. She was a faithful lass, to God, and to myself. We roamed the land, and when we made love we left room for jesus between us, so the Lord might feel our holy penetration.
When I was a boy, I sais to her I sais, "honey, I and you are going to be the happiest in the world. And I don't care what." Sadly, that would never come to pass. Dinner Stampatropolis took my good Christian gal, my fair lass, and took her beneath the earth to his foul, sinful prison. He tooke hjer from me, lord be ware, and when he did I sais to him I sais "be good to her, for she is fair, and she has locks of hair like fine china" he looked at me, with his starred burns and his forked toung and said "My name is Alex" and struck me, down, and at that moment, with the lord as my witness, I vowed go against the tyranny of ath*sm, and meet him blow for blow.
When I was a boy, I sais to her I sais, "honey, I and you are going to be the happiest in the world. And I don't care what." Sadly, that would never come to pass. Dinner Stampatropolis took my good Christian gal, my fair lass, and took her beneath the earth to his foul, sinful prison. He tooke hjer from me, lord be ware, and when he did I sais to him I sais "be good to her, for she is fair, and she has locks of hair like fine china" he looked at me, with his starred burns and his forked toung and said "My name is Alex" and struck me, down, and at that moment, with the lord as my witness, I vowed go against the tyranny of ath*sm, and meet him blow for blow.
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