Normally in this column, I dig deep into my subconscious for the very best in 80s animation, like the GI Joe or Jem and the Holograms. But with a New Year arriving, I thought I would try something new. This time, I would like to discuss the Top 10 Shows of old that could thrive once again (with a makeover of course).
10. Captain N, The Game Master: This show was action packed and featured stars from the Mega Man video game series, Castlevania, Metroid, Punchout just to name a few. Every episode brought a video game to life. With the great video games out on the market today, a series with the same name, or similar idea would totally kick ass! Imagine, a trip into the world of Resident Evil or Shenmue -The possibilities are endless.
9. Legend of Zelda: One of the best parts of the old Mario Brothers cartoon series, hosted by Captain Lou Albano, was Fridays where the Legend of Zelda animated series aired. It was somewhat comedic, but filled with action, and light romance. This show only aired for one season and received a couple guest spots on Captain N, as well. Unfortunately, fans never saw any future episodes and repeats are non-existent. With the resurgence of a more mature and sophisticated Zelda video game series, it would be extremely interesting to see an updated animated series.
8. Super Mario Brothers: That cartoon was full of action and the adventures of the two most animated plumbers from Brooklyn, New York City. Well, actually, I just want to hear Mario say, "It's-a me, Mario!"
7. The Smurfs: This show is a classic. It was on forever and I think in a day and age where there aren't many great kids shows, this show would do wonders for the youth. Now, Smurf off and be blue on someone else's time! I have a countdown to finish.
6. The Muppet Babies: This was such a cute show. Animal was the cutest animated creature I have ever seen. Gonzo and Fozzie were funny together and Miss Piggy still had dreams of fame, fortune and Kermit the Frog. It was educational, fun, and Muppet Babies encouraged children to have an imagination. I watched it while in high school and I never understood why it was taken off the air. We need a similar show like this one, today. I have an interesting idea for a show called WWF Babies, featuring the wrestling company's stars as babies, but that is an idea for a different column.
5. Alvin and the Chipmunks: This show was jam packed with adventure, but most importantly, this show was very successful at parodies of music groups. They did a wonderful job of covering a whole assortment of songs. Now, with the recent explosion of boy bands and girl singers, wouldn't it be great to see the Chipmunks and the Chipettes back and covering such songs as Hit Me Baby One More Time, and Bye, Bye, Bye? I would love to see a version of Alvin and the Chipmunks that pokes fun at the recent pop explosion. Maybe Alvin could rebel and become a parody of Eminem? Imagine that!
4. The Super Friends: Yes, this show was a very comical, immature show that featured some of our favorite superheroes. Still, this is the year 2001 and after watching the New Adventures of Batman and Superman, I can't wait to see what will be done with the remaining DC heroes. There is no time like the present to update Flash, Green Lantern and Aquaman. They could even bring back the Wonder Twins!-I'll form a toilet bowl and I will form some water substance that represents our career. Now flush!
3. He-Man and She-Ra: CLASSICS. "For the Power of Greyskull!" These two shows featured two powerful siblings who could change identities with the power of their sword. They both had brutal enemies like Skeletor and Hordak, with a bumbling cast of baddies who could never get the job done. I loved both shows as a separate entity, but I would love to see an updated show where both characters fight together against the combined forces of Skeletor and Hordak. With the added fact that the two bad guys would be plotting against each other as well, the show would contain even more levels of drama than ever before. The show would be just as intense as the past episodes, but each episode would be a little more mature with the storylines. He-Man and She-Ra were both very topical to begin with. Imagine how both worlds would interact with one another.
2. GI-Joe (See November 2000's Animation Archives): The battles between GI-Joe and Cobra were intense, funny, and well written. But the show could have been much better. Imagine this show at a later time slot. Imagine soldiers actually dying or reacting to their situations like a real soldier would. Imagine well-written stories containing love, flashbacks to Vietnam, prisoner of war tactics, treason and more. Imagine GI-Joe with storylines that go on from episode to episode. Imagine how much cooler the show could be now!
1. Jem (See September 2000's Animation Archives): If there was ever an animated series belonging on the WB's Roswell, Dawson's Creek lineup, this would be it. Update Jem to the year 2000, and you have an animated series that could be a hit on prime time. Jem seemed too mature for its' time in the past. Just think how that fact could be furthered and cultivated to today's atmosphere. Soap opera-like storylines as Rio has to choose between Jem and Jerrica, without realizing they are one in the same. How about episodes dealing with the struggles of fame, and how it is to rise to the top and deal with competition? What about a look into a world that has split up the Supremes, Destiny's Child and soon (please God), the Backstreet Boys? Plus, the songs were actually pretty good way back when, and could stand against any Britney Spears song, today. This would definitely be a hit show. I mean if Dawson's Creek could make it...
Well, there you have it. My top ten shows I want to see again. I'm sure I missed something. What do you think? Let me know! What shows would you like to see updated? BANDWIDTH will print your thoughts. Send your comments and or questions to Blackhart@ybfree.com.