I've said it here many times, and I'll say it again. I would much rather have Adult Swim offer a variety of choices even if that means some of the shows don't turn me on personally, as opposed to only offering programs I enjoy. Furthermore, Adult Swim does what many networks don't do, which is allow shows time to find an audience. Sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn't, but the end result is more choices, and that's never a bad thing.
Now, I've never hated 12 oz. Mouse, which started its second season September 25. I was simply indifferent to it, and found its absurdity more of a detriment than an amusement. However, I kept getting feedback from readers and other people saying the show was actually much smarter than it seemed. Since I'm not one to become shackled indefinitely to my own opinions, I caught up on the entire first season via YouTube and then watched the second season premiere on the Adult Swim site. Almost immediately I realized my mistake was not watching the episodes in order. The show is weird enough in order, but out of order it's completely incomprehensible. I think some commenters have compared it to David Lynch, and that's not a bad comparison. The series, about a heavy-drinking mouse caught in crudely-drawn world that may or may not be a dream or artificial reality, is comparable to Lynch's films in the way it manages to be surreal and enigmatic while at the same time giving you subtle clues that there may be some thread of reason flowing throughout. While watching the episodes I couldn't help but think of Steven Soderbergh's movie Schizopolis, which also manages to be funny and confusing all at once.
So there you go, I have joined the cult of the drunken, violent Mouse. I'm not interested in converting anyone else to the cause, though. As far as I'm concerned you can watch what you like and I'll watch what I like and we'll all dance around the maypole until daybreak. If you've been on the fence about the show, however, I encourage you to watch the episodes in order. Perhaps it'll change your mind, perhaps it won't. But the show is now on my Tivo Season Pass, and I'm looking forward to see where they'll take it.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-01-2006 @ 4:56PM
Mike G. said...
Adult swim has many terriable shows, but 12 oz mouse is easily the worst show on Adult swim. There is no sembleance of any plot, the characters have nothing of vaule to offer, for instance, that squirell is just plan retardted.. .
and they try and make the Mouse look cool because he drinks beer.
Seriosuly, I know it's subjective and to each his own, but count me out on this pile of crap. Adult swim has said this is their polorazing show ever, and I guess its like George Bush, you love it or hate it. I choose the latter
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10-01-2006 @ 6:15PM
Adam said...
Fair enough, but there is a semblance of a plot if you watch from the beginning. It seems random, but there is a storyline there, weird as it may be.
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10-01-2006 @ 7:37PM
nick said...
I've always been on the fence with the mouse. I've always sensed there to be something more to the show that i was missing, but I didnt know if it was just me wanting something to be there. I'm glad, Adam, that you're saying that there is and it is more Lynchian than . Although I've seen all the episodes, I've never even attempted to link them together as I never watched them continuously. I should go back to the first season and check it out...
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10-01-2006 @ 9:14PM
Vito said...
I went through the same thing recently. It's difficult to follow the plot, and I didn't think there was one at all (much like Mike G). Even watching in order, I didn't get it at first. It's like one of those Magic Eye puzzles from the 90s. If you keep looking at it long enough, you'll see one part of the plot. And once you find that first thread, if you stay focused, you'll be able to follow what's happening.
For those that don't get it though, here's a couple of starter clues:
1. Mouse is having visions of a wife and son that were taken from him.
2. He's trying to unravel what happened to them.
That said, I think the very first one DIDN'T have a plot, that it was just something they decided to add in once the pilot was picked up for multiple episodes. I could be wrong, but it all seems to really start with the second episode.
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10-01-2006 @ 9:35PM
Bryce said...
I've tried to watch the show, I've seen the whole first season(in order) and I still can't stand it. This and Tom Goes to the Mayor both rub me the wrong way, even when I try to like them it's impossible.
The Venture Bros. FTW though.
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10-02-2006 @ 8:41AM
Dave said...
I'm no fan of 12oz, but I do admire AS for the same reasons you do. Unlike the majority of television networks, AS seems willing (maybe even eager) to just about "try anything." Remember the week of Saved by the Bell episodes? How about the number of shows that are only 15 minutes long? Can you say "Shin Chan?" And don't even mention the show about a talking milkshake, meatball and box of french fries (which is my favorite AS show, by the way).
The're sort of the anti-network, and I like that. It seems like they'll give anyone a shot. Long live AS.
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