Animation Brilliance in Dexter’s Zany World

Read Time:4 Minute, 59 Second

TV SERIES REVIEW
Dexter's Laboratory: The Complete Series
TV-G –

Genre: Animation, Adventure
Year Released: 1996-2003
Runtime: 78 x 23m episodes (216 segments)
Director(s): Genndy Tartakovsky, Craig McCracken, Rob Renzetti, John McIntyre, Chris Savino, Robert Alvarez, Don Judge
Cast: Christine Cavanaugh, Candi Milo, Allison Moore, Kat Cressida, Kath Soucie, Jeff Bennett, Eddie Deezen, Rob Paulsen, Tom Kenny, Frank Welker
Where To Watch: available June 25, 2024, order here: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: I was the prime target audience for this series (albeit maybe a little older than its core audience.) Rediscovering the charm and innovation of DEXTER'S LABORATORY felt like taking a time machine back to a world of creativity and humor. This Cartoon Network gem, brought to life by Genndy Tartakovsky, holds a special place in the hearts of 90s animation enthusiasts. Its unique mix of science fiction, comedy, and the playful chaos of sibling rivalry keeps it relevant and enjoyable even today.

The show centers on Dexter, a brilliant young scientist with a secret lab where he concocts extraordinary experiments. With her boundless curiosity and knack for causing trouble, his older sister Dee Dee consistently interrupts Dexter’s meticulous plans, resulting in comical mishaps. These interactions form the backbone of the series, alongside segments like "Dial M for Monkey" and "The Justice Friends," which add depth and humor to the overall narrative.

The first season of DEXTER'S LABORATORY set a high standard with episodes that quickly became fan favorites. Dexter’s ongoing feud with Dee Dee, rivalry with the genius Mandark, and various scientific endeavors create a strong foundation. Iconic episodes such as "DeeDeemensional" and "Dexter Dodgeball" showcase Dexter's inventive solutions to his problems, seamlessly blending humor with geek culture. This season established the show's tone and set the stage for future episodes.

In the second season, the series expanded its scope, focusing more on character development and intricate storylines. Episodes like "Dexter's Rival," which delves deeper into the competition between Dexter and Mandark, and "Babysitter Blues," where Dexter tries to impress his babysitter, highlight the show's ability to mix heartfelt moments, adding a precise depth to the series. The balance between episodic adventures and recurring characters enhances the audience's emotional connection to the series.

Season three marks a significant transition for DEXTER'S LABORATORY, reflecting noticeable shifts in tone and style. These changes received mixed reactions from fans, but episodes like "Robo-Dexo 3000" and "Catch of the Day" stood out for their compelling storytelling and emotion shown for a cartoon, especially a short format one. This season underscores the challenge of maintaining a long-running series while keeping the content fresh and engaging.

The final season of DEXTER'S LABORATORY combines nostalgia with new creative directions. Aiming to conclude various story arcs, this season also introduces episodes that reflect a mature vision. The full-length episode "Last But Not Beast" is a fitting finale, encapsulating the series' spirit with epic battles and heartfelt resolutions.

Beyond its episodes, DEXTER'S LABORATORY has left an enduring legacy, influencing many creators and entertaining millions. The show's clever writing, dynamic characters, and innovative animation techniques set a high bar for future animated series. Themes of family, rivalry, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, explored through the lens of a child genius, resonate deeply with audiences.

The influence of DEXTER'S LABORATORY extends to subsequent animated series. Tartakovsky’s success with this show paved the way for other notable projects like "Samurai Jack" and "Star Wars: Clone Wars" (the original and best one.) The storytelling approach of DEXTER'S LABORATORY, with its blend of standalone episodes and overarching narratives, has become a model for many modern animated series, demonstrating its lasting relevance and inspiration in the animation world.

DEXTER'S LABORATORY remains a seminal work in the history of animated television. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the show's quality and creative vision. Whether revisiting the series or discovering it for the first time, DEXTER'S LABORATORY offers a rich and entertaining experience that continues to inspire and delight viewers of all ages. My only knock on this release is that I would have loved seeing a complete Blu-ray restoration if the original source material still exists. Although, it honestly adds to the nostalgia of watching it as I did initially (although on a much larger TV).

Combining humor, science fiction, and the timeless theme of sibling rivalry, DEXTER'S LABORATORY has earned its place among the most excellent animated series. Its legacy lives on in the fond memories of its original viewers and its ongoing influence on the animation industry.

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[photo courtesy of WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY]

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