Nathan W. Pyle’s comics, known as Strange Planet, have gained popularity for their humorous portrayal of everyday activities through the conversations of two balloon-headed aliens. The aliens discuss mundane tasks such as hiking, snacking, and petting a cat, but what makes it peculiar is their frankness, which challenges the usual avoidance of certain topics in human language and culture.
The aliens often make statements that reflect the human tendency to hide things, such as announcing to guests who enter their just-cleaned home, “We have things but we have hidden them.” A dentist tells a reclining patient, “Now feel completely helpless,” and suntans are referred to as “star damage.” They have their own unique terms for everyday objects and actions, such as referring to a kiss as a “mouthpush,” and tea as “hot leaf liquid.” The comics also touch on deeper fears and anxieties, with a parent gently reprimanding a child refusing to eat their salad, reminding them that “Life will be full of unpleasant sensations.”
The new Apple TV+ adaptation of Strange Planet takes these bite-sized jokes and stretches them into half-hour episodes. While the spirit of the source material remains intact, not much is gained in the transition. The animated series, created by Pyle and Dan Harmon, maintains the good-natured tone and peculiar punchlines found in the comics. Each episode begins with Tunde Adebimpe’s voiceover, setting up storylines that revolve around relatable experiences like coworker drama or teenage conflicts. Some episodes explore the unique quirks of the alien world, delving into mysteries and less predictable scenarios.
The aesthetic of the series is reminiscent of pastel shades, with blue beings, pink shadows, and backdrops in soft lavender and teal. The warm and gentle mood reflects the underlying existential anxiety, yet maintains a sense of hope. Strange Planet caters to a wide audience, as it is mild enough for kids but also appeals to adults. Its use of millennial slang like “adulting” and “feels” adds a touch of baby talk for grown-ups. However, the excessive use of jargon in the show may not add much value to the overall storytelling.
Related Post
The core cast revolves around beings connected to a restaurant called Careful Now, situated on the edge of a cliff. The manager, played by Hannah Einbinder, has a crush on a shy regular portrayed by Danny Pudi. The eccentric owner, played by Lori Tan Chinn, constantly comes up with elaborate schemes to attract customers. Demi Adejuyigbe plays the new hire, who is enthusiastic but inexperienced. While the series occasionally delves into the lives of peripheral characters, such as a 25-year-old experiencing a quarter-life crisis, it primarily focuses on the universal absurdities, joys, and pains of being human.
Strange Planet often takes delight in providing pithy and witty insights into human psychology. For example, a skeptic in the show criticizes a date for using the impending eclipse as an excuse to avoid committing to a serious relationship, saying, “Instead of dealing with feelings directly, you are avoiding them while placing blame on the shifting positions of the moons.” This kind of clever observation resonates with fans of the original comics.
However, what works in a four-panel comic strip often feels thin in a full-length show. Strange Planet touches on mortality throughout its episodes, but does not deeply explore the complex emotions associated with the realization of death’s inevitability. Shows like Bojack Horseman and Harmon’s Rick and Morty tackle deeper themes by diving into the muck of human existence episode after episode. In contrast, Strange Planet tends to resolve conflicts tidily within half an hour, providing heartfelt hugs and words of wisdom.
While the lightness of Strange Planet makes it easy to binge-watch, consuming it all at once might be overwhelming, like trying to eat an entire birthday cake in one go. However, the simplicity and sweetness of the show can bring comfort and serve as a treat for viewers. The comic gained popularity by creating a cozy and wondrous world through adorable drawings, acute observations, and a playful sense of humor. If the show manages to capture that essence, even if it lacks depth, it can still be enjoyable and satisfying.
