TV SERIES REVIEW
Solar Opposites: Season 5
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Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 11 x 23m episodes
Cast: Dan Stevens, Thomas Middleditch, Sean Giambrone, Mary Mack
Where To Watch: season five of Solar Opposites premieres August 12, 2024 on Hulu

RAVING REVIEW: SOLAR OPPOSITES: SEASON 5 embarks on another rollicking space adventure, further entangling the lives of its quirky extraterrestrial protagonists with Earth's perplexing culture. This season dives into the contrasting views of its central characters with renewed vigor and wit. Korvo (Dan Stevens) and Yumyulack (Sean Giambrone), skeptics, continue grappling with Earth's pollution and rampant consumerism. At the same time, Terry (Thomas Middleditch) and Jesse (Mary Mack) enjoy the planet’s simpler pleasures. These conflicting attitudes towards Earth highlight the show's ongoing theme of family values, mainly through the lens of Korvo and Terry's marriage, enriching the narrative with a multifaceted look at alien domestic life.

The season opener, "The Clervixian Dinner Helmets," sets the scene for what’s to come, weaving bureaucratic red tape and personal transformations into a storyline that is as thought-provoking as it is humorous. The episode balances these elements, providing a robust foundation for later episodes' emotional and comedic explorations.

Throughout the season, standout episodes like "The Never-ending Honeymoon Story" and "Live Die Repeat Device" explore the complexities of Korvo and Terry’s relationship. The latter cleverly employs the time-loop trope, echoing the universal desire for a flawless existence and drawing laughs and empathy alike. Terry and Korvo's educational misadventures in "The Educational Sprinkler Device" offer a biting yet humorous critique of academic norms, further demonstrating the series' ability to blend societal commentary with entertainment.

This season doesn’t shy away from more serious themes, such as in "The Sci-Fi Rollerblades," where Korvo’s confrontation with personal demons during a mundane school incident reveals more profound layers of his character. Such moments ensure the series maintains its relevance and emotional depth amidst the overarching comedic tone.

Another engaging subplot depicts a miniature human society within the Solars’ backyard, particularly in episodes like "Terry's Big Cleaning Day" and "Yumyulack’s Giant Head." This storyline expands the series' narrative landscape, paralleling the main alien-focused story with a tale of survival and community among the beings humans, enhancing the show's deeper universe.

SOLAR OPPOSITES SEASON 5 continues to distinguish itself within the crowded field of animated comedies. It merges clever science fiction elements with sharp social satire. This unique concoction ensures the series remains accessible and enjoyable for newcomers and longtime followers, enriched with episodes as insightful as they are entertaining. For some reason, the series doesn’t have the same name recognition as some of the more significant ones, but I would put it in stride for quality!

This season, character development is a significant strength, with the “family unit” evolving from a disjointed group of misfits into a more integrated, uniquely eccentric family unit. This evolution is handled with sensitivity and creativity, allowing the characters to grow while staying true to their original, beloved quirks.

SOLAR OPPOSITES: SEASON 5 delivers a compelling mix of humor and heart, set against the backdrop of outlandish intergalactic escapades. This season not only pushes the boundaries of what animated sitcoms can achieve but also addresses real-world issues through a distinctly alien perspective. It’s the perfect gateway for those yet to join Korvo, Terry, Jesse, and Yumyulack on their hilarious and heartwarming journey through the absurdities of Earthly existence.

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[photo courtesy of HULU, 20TH TELEVISION ANIMATION]

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