'Disenchantment' Is a Promising Matt Groening Fantasy Sitcom

After applying the Simpsons style to science fiction with Futurama, The Simpsons creator Matt Groening does the same to fantasy with Disenchantment.

The new cartoon is set in a Dark Age kingdom called Dreamland, and centers on its alcoholic, rebellious, rash princess – Bean.  She has a rocky relationship with her father King Zøg, whose obsession for finding the elixir of life is seemingly greater than his desire to be a good father.  Thus, she often acts out and goes against his wishes.  Accompanying her in conducting mischief are Elfo – an elf who has grown tired of the cheery, candy-loving elfin world, prompting him to leave it for the gritty human world – and Luci – Bean’s self-proclaimed “personal demon” whom others think is a talking cat.

The first few episodes of season one didn’t immediately hook me in the strictest sense.  But they had the kind of satisfying entertainment value that kept me coming back for more.  By its middle episodes, my interest was finally clinched.  And the strong final episodes made me come to the overall conclusion that I like it.

The worldbuilding is great.  Dreamland possesses some similar features with Springfield and New New York, which gives the show an amiable sense of familiarity.  However, its high fantasy premise nevertheless makes its world essentially different.  And just like how Futurama put surreal, satirical spins on certain science fiction tropes, this show does so with fantasy tropes.

The characters are lively, amusing, and three-dimensional.  Each character – whether a major or side character – has his or her own shtick going for him or her, and this never gets stale.  Meanwhile, the comedic timing of the voice actors is dependably impeccable all throughout.  Most importantly, the characters are not necessarily just there for doing gags (though that’s the main reason).  They actually have personality and depth, and I like how it seems you have these characters all figured out but there’s actually more to them.

One thing that Disenchantment sets itself apart from The Simpsons and Futurama is that it’s “more mature.”  Sure, both The Simpsons and Futurama have its share of mature themes and jokes, but those found Disenchantment feels less restrained and more direct.  Furthermore, it’s absolutely more violent.  At times, it even looks Rick and Morty-ish with its comedy, reflections, and execution.

In the end, Disenchantment is not as good as The Simpsons or Futurama (yet).  But it has enough of the trademark Groening wit to make it a humorous, promising show.  And if the 10-episode debut season is any indication, the door is definitely open that it could also become as beloved as those two.

Post-script:
(SPOILER) I may be reading too much into it, but the Futurama Easter egg in the finale is making me excited for a logical crossover.