Adventure time is a testament to the human imagination. It is a huge show with a dynamic world and an ever-expanding lore, filled with interesting characters, captivating ideas and all round awesomeness. This article/essayness/epic love note will contain spoilers, so if you aren't up to at least episode 39 of S5, read at your own peril.
One of the things thats that make Adventure Time great is it's subtlety; things happen off screen and we are almost never given an explanation. This gives us the impression that the world is dynamic and always happening, and that we are only treated to a few of the many stories that are occurring within Ooo. The show isn't dictated by serialised episodes, but is just a short window and snippet into the lives of the inhabitants, more specifically, Finn and Jake. It makes me excited that Finn and Jake go on all these awesome adventures, and sometimes an episode begins with the due at the end of an adventure. It makes me think about all the epic things they get up to offscreen, and why my life is sadder than Cinnamon Bun's. The no but implied explanation of the absence of Finn's beat-up gold sword, which I felt really characterised not only Finn but the world of Ooo itself; one which used the remains of the old world as a template to create something new and even awesomer. For Finn, I felt the sword represented that he didn't really care about all the things others do, it represents his sheer heroness, and it doesn't matter if there is chips or scratches on one of his most prized possessions.
Even the post-apocalyptic backstory behind Ooo isn't developed much, and we are only given a few throwaway lines about the great mushroom war, Marceline/Ice King flashbacks, or seeing what is left of Earth when Finn goes to Mars or on the hologram. We can also look within the background of many scenes to see pre-mushroom war items such as human rubble/thingagidgets and whatsamadoodles. These subtle hints of the show's setting is what makes Adventure Time great, and it makes complete sense; because the show isn't about discovering the past, it is about adventures.
Earth's actual future; Adventure Time is a prophetic message delivered to the masses via cartoon animation
The show doesn't try to be something that it's not. It is light, and silly, and doesn't take itself seriously at all; they make up words, and construct imaginative problems that usually lead to trope subversion; take the zombie cure Finn makes: he heals Jake and then instantly the zombies attack him, turning him zombie again. When the Tree Witch sends Finn off to find hair for her, he eventually comes to the conclusion that even if she had beautiful hair, it would make no difference, as she is ugly on the inside. He then proceeds to cut his own hair off and give it to her anyway. In another example, Finn and Jake realise in order to beat someone in a fight, they need to fight dirty, and once they win, they are presented with medals and cheers from other fighters. When a moral is included within Adventure Time, it is usually subverting a typical trope, but it always happens to be a reasonable conclusion. Take Magic Man in the episode 'Freak City' for example, who teaches Finn that you shouldn't help everyone, because some people are jerks. This is a hilarious outcome and lesson to teach, but at the same time, it is one that shouldn't be ignored; there are real jerks out there that will screw you over right after you help them. When Finn tries to conquer his fear of the ocean in 'Ocean of Fear', he has a very hard time doing it. In most other TV shows, especially in a kids show, the hero will overcome his fear, but in this particular episode, Finn is cripplingly scared of the ocean, but still unwillingly goes in to save Jake, even though he is frozen with fear. His fear of the ocean is not resolved by the end of the episode, but the problem at hand is fixed. The show follows the rules it has set for itself, and I love that the messages and morals they conclude with may be a little dark and twisted, but are also quite truthful. It uses big words in everyday language, along with making up words to get past the censors such as 'oh my glob'. More loveable quirks include the dark title cards, pop-culture references, and the nods to korean culture (which by the way, is epic). The Fallout-esque vault of Beautopia is an obvious nod to the Fallout series, where even the title card is almost straight out of Fallout. Sorry, can't help it, I love Fallout. The thing about Adventure Time is that a deep understanding of pop culture is required to fully appreciate the genius and careful construction of just about every episode.
Title card for Adventure Time's 'Beautopia'
Fallout 1 official artwork
Adventure Time tackles many mature themes such as dealing with abandonment, unrequited feelings, parental expectations, and heavy responsibility, as well as delving into darker themes such as spousal abuse, alcoholism, as well as parodying genres such as locked door mysteries, hardboiled detective stories and pulp. The Adventure Time team manages to do all this while lampooning the censorship laws, such as the Mr Pig-Tree Trunks relationship, Finn's alone time with Princess Bubblegums hair, BMO cum-charging Jake's phone, and swear replacement; 'oh glob' and 'lumpin'. Adventure time also has interesting takes on the werewolf, zombie, christmas, halloween, kung-fu, hostage, and murder mystery templates which allow it to vary the show's format, and one-up just about every other show currently airing.
Adventure Time tackles many mature themes such as dealing with abandonment, unrequited feelings, parental expectations, and heavy responsibility, as well as delving into darker themes such as spousal abuse, alcoholism, as well as parodying genres such as locked door mysteries, hardboiled detective stories and pulp. The Adventure Time team manages to do all this while lampooning the censorship laws, such as the Mr Pig-Tree Trunks relationship, Finn's alone time with Princess Bubblegums hair, BMO cum-charging Jake's phone, and swear replacement; 'oh glob' and 'lumpin'. Adventure time also has interesting takes on the werewolf, zombie, christmas, halloween, kung-fu, hostage, and murder mystery templates which allow it to vary the show's format, and one-up just about every other show currently airing.
Continuity is an important aspect of Adventure Time allowing the audience to grow with the characters and attach our emotional scolexes like an emotional leech. Granted most episodes are self-contained stories, it's super fun to revisit characters and see how their story has also changed over the time, such as with the perpetual abandonment of NEPTR or Tree Trunks-centric episodes, and this adds to the dynamic world of Ooo.
Even the snail which was shown to be a simple easter egg throughout the series had some narrative influence within the Lich story arc, who by the way looks terrifying. For a show which has simpler animation than Family Guy, it is quite charming, but at the same time can be ominous and downright Flapjacky (terrifying), which makes sense as Pen Ward did work on said show.
Adventure Time also includes highly conceptualised ideas such as breaking the fourth wall, existential purposelessness, alternate realities, and the concept of life and creation. A great example of this is Ice King's existential revelation about television in Beyond This Earthly Realm; 'Can we pull back the veil of static and reach into the source of all being? Behind this curtain of patterns, this random pattern generator, so clever. Right here in every home, watching us from a one-sided mirror'. Another example that is basically all of episodes 'Finn The Human' or 'Jake the Dog'. The implications of these ideas are constantly analysed within the filter of Adventure Time, proving that the show is not just for children, for which these ideas would surely swoop over the soft heads of babies, but for a more mature audience. The show also dabbles in dishing out fanservice like no tomorrow, such as addressing past romance between Princess Bubblegum and Marceline, and giving Adventure Time official Rule 63 treatment by genderswapping in Ice Kings fanfic. Funnily enough, LSP voiced by Pen Ward himself sounds the same in both versions.
The obvious mature audience is not ignored, and the show caters for both the young and the old; it is friendly storytelling which hints at an ominous world ticking away under the hood. The adult themes are subtle; we don't need it written on the wall - the kids will be swooped by them, such as with the PB-Marceline lesbian subtext, or Finn spending 'special time' with PBs hair, or Jake's 'oww my hippocampus' line. In 'No One Can Hear You', PB says 'The deer wanted my sugar, but I didn't give him any, if you know what I mean'. In 'Ricardio the Heart Guy', the episode ends with Finn telling the balloons 'Okay guys, your blood oath is fulfilled!
Balloons: 'Yay! To the mesosphere! Finally, we can die!'.
This is basically the reason why Adventure Time is awesome, and proof that it is a testament to the bountiful realm of the human imagination.
Another way the mature audience is spoiled is the many pop-culture references, mainly done in subtle and intelligent ways, such as references to 28 Days Later and Alien in 'No One Can Hear You', or on the title cards.
Title card for Adventure Time's 'Paper Pete'
M.C. Escher's Relativity
The show is honest and weirdly, realistic within the consistent world of Ooo; Finn fights monsters and slays dragons, but when he gets beat up, he gets beat up badly; when he dungeoneers by himself he gets owned, and the situation loses its humor; we actually feel as though his life is threatened. Another example of this is the fact that Finn can fight and kill some monsters with ease, but gets comatose'd by a deer for six months, to wake up to a post-post apocalyptic empty candy kingdom.
The character development is also top notch for a show which doesn't rely on continuity as its main storytelling driver; for example Ice King, who starts out as an unhinged, one dimensional ice-wielding Bowser type character, soon evolves into a lonely man who is just looking for companionship, and isn't socially tuned. We later learn in 'Holly Jolly Secrets Part 2' and 'I Remember You', and 'Simon and Marcy' that he was driven mad by the magical crown which enveloped his mind as a conduit for it's power, and suddenly, the underlying reasons of Ice King's actions are put into context, and frankly it makes it a whole lot more tragic. At the same time, it's beautiful and a great example of storytelling, and this a leap for a television program aimed primarily at children. These episodes also reveal the pre-apocalyptic Earth in which humans inhabited. This realisation that Finn is not the last human, but that Ice King is one too is a hard thing to swallow, and that Ice King has been living isolated, tormented and corrupted by the Ice crown for a thousand years, one can almost understand his mental and social glitches. The best character development I have ever seen comes from 'Buffy'/'Angel's' Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, with a close second of 'Lost's' John Locke. Both of these characters change completely and logically due to the development of the overall plot of their respective shows, and were both significant tragedies trying to be a solution to complex problems. To me, Ice King is another character that has had worthy and complex character development. Enveloping Ice King with a tragic story was one of the best ideas the writers of Adventure Time have had, and even though we know he was once a good-hearted and sane man, Ice King is still treated narratively the same as he was before; he is still crazy and kidnappy, however the other characters have more sympathy for him. Ice King's actions are the same, but now that his past is known, he is treated with a bit more leniency and he is even included in group activities, which has alleviated his loneliness problem to an extent.
The character development is also top notch for a show which doesn't rely on continuity as its main storytelling driver; for example Ice King, who starts out as an unhinged, one dimensional ice-wielding Bowser type character, soon evolves into a lonely man who is just looking for companionship, and isn't socially tuned. We later learn in 'Holly Jolly Secrets Part 2' and 'I Remember You', and 'Simon and Marcy' that he was driven mad by the magical crown which enveloped his mind as a conduit for it's power, and suddenly, the underlying reasons of Ice King's actions are put into context, and frankly it makes it a whole lot more tragic. At the same time, it's beautiful and a great example of storytelling, and this a leap for a television program aimed primarily at children. These episodes also reveal the pre-apocalyptic Earth in which humans inhabited. This realisation that Finn is not the last human, but that Ice King is one too is a hard thing to swallow, and that Ice King has been living isolated, tormented and corrupted by the Ice crown for a thousand years, one can almost understand his mental and social glitches. The best character development I have ever seen comes from 'Buffy'/'Angel's' Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, with a close second of 'Lost's' John Locke. Both of these characters change completely and logically due to the development of the overall plot of their respective shows, and were both significant tragedies trying to be a solution to complex problems. To me, Ice King is another character that has had worthy and complex character development. Enveloping Ice King with a tragic story was one of the best ideas the writers of Adventure Time have had, and even though we know he was once a good-hearted and sane man, Ice King is still treated narratively the same as he was before; he is still crazy and kidnappy, however the other characters have more sympathy for him. Ice King's actions are the same, but now that his past is known, he is treated with a bit more leniency and he is even included in group activities, which has alleviated his loneliness problem to an extent.
Glob dammit, how can you not love him after this. Ice King and Marceline in 'Simon and Marcy'
Another important character who has been significantly developed is Marceline. Marceline is surrounded by men who define her as how they think she should be. Her father, the authoritative man in her life continues to undermine her life choices and attempts to get her to 'continue the family business'. Ash, her ex-boyfriend also defines her as a gender role, and ignores the interesting and radical dame who likes to play games that she actually is. This is a common theme in Adventure Time; parental expectations: The Flame King tries to influence his daughter Flame Princess, Jake's dad tries to influence Finn, and PB tries to influence her creations such as Lemongrab. Only Finn, and Jake to a lesser extent accept Marceline for who she is and wholeheartedly embrace her; this isn't so much a stretch (haha) for Finn, but Jake, who had to overcome his preconceived fears of vampires to see Marceline as a great person and close friend. Marceline is one of the most successful characters within Adventure Time, she is radical, subversive and tragic. Something to note is that her childhood bear Hambo given to her by Ice King, is red, and she has not once drank from it, even in times of need. This isn't directly addressed within the narrative, but it is a nice little detail that has been included. It's interesting that she always gives others the benefit of the doubt, even when it is not returned to her by others.
Another important character who has been significantly developed is Marceline. Marceline is surrounded by men who define her as how they think she should be. Her father, the authoritative man in her life continues to undermine her life choices and attempts to get her to 'continue the family business'. Ash, her ex-boyfriend also defines her as a gender role, and ignores the interesting and radical dame who likes to play games that she actually is. This is a common theme in Adventure Time; parental expectations: The Flame King tries to influence his daughter Flame Princess, Jake's dad tries to influence Finn, and PB tries to influence her creations such as Lemongrab. Only Finn, and Jake to a lesser extent accept Marceline for who she is and wholeheartedly embrace her; this isn't so much a stretch (haha) for Finn, but Jake, who had to overcome his preconceived fears of vampires to see Marceline as a great person and close friend. Marceline is one of the most successful characters within Adventure Time, she is radical, subversive and tragic. Something to note is that her childhood bear Hambo given to her by Ice King, is red, and she has not once drank from it, even in times of need. This isn't directly addressed within the narrative, but it is a nice little detail that has been included. It's interesting that she always gives others the benefit of the doubt, even when it is not returned to her by others.
Even the songs on Adventure Time are lumping great; they both characterise and tell a story, as well as contain beautifully crafted lyrics that are sonically captivating. 'What was Missing's song 'My Best Friends in the World' is a great example of this, where Finn shares his underlying feelings for PB, as well as addressing the narrative by unlocking the Door Lord's door. We see for the first time just how insecure Finn is about his relationship with PB is and how much grief it is causing him. It also shows that Finn is a true hero whose love for his friends is what melds them together, on top of being a bumpin' tune worthy of repeat on . This song is a real triumph that characterises not only Finn, but Marceline too, as she starts playing and singing in synchrony as soon as Finn starts singing; it is in her nature and shows how in tune she is melodically and emotionally. It characterises Jake who realises what is going on and changes back to normal Jake. It shows the infectious goodness Finn gives off and leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling. Fuck, Finn is an awesome hero.
'BMO Noire', one of the most solid episodes of Adventure Time
'Where is Finn' song sung by Jake in 'Power Animal', which characterises him perfectly, omitting the necessity of having a character derived episode focusing on Jake's laziness and scatterbrainedness. He cares about Finn but is a lazy and distracted dog amused by things small, which makes him such an interesting main character to have in a kids show. He is obviously lethargic and always comments that he is out of shape, yet never does anything about it. He is a funny (funny, not ha-ha funny) role model, and its lovely to see a main character in a kids show with such an obvious flaw, even if it is played for laughs. He is often an unwilling hero, reluctant to help people if it requires too much energy or if they are mentally damaged in some way. Jake can be quoted saying 'floss is for losers', and his laziness is always at his detriment; ie becoming zombified or removing the corn chip from his gums, which shows that he has become super reliant on abusing his powers, most times choosing to stretch rather than walk. His reliance in his epic superpower is not unfounded; he removes his fatness after pigging out on icecream, and stretched too far in the labyrynth, and always turns out okay.
It's a shame the show has moved away from the story-building format after the defeat of the Lich and this has been one of the weaknesses of the newer episodes; the telling self contained stories. Although the Shoko storyline was appreciated, it's just not enough meat for the show in my humble opinion. Adventure Time is a triumph, and it tells stories that keep me captivated for each of the 10 minute episodes. It's funny to think I've written nearly 3000 words on a kids television show, but we both know it's a whole lot more than that. I could write 3000 more, but I'm gonna wait till it's over.
Night kids
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