As children of the 2000s, “Adventure Time” was a crucial part of many current Drew students’ childhoods. If you have never heard of “Adventure Time,” your first step is to stop living under a rock. In all seriousness, however, “Adventure Time” was a show that aired on Cartoon Network from 2010 to 2018.
It featured the dynamic duo Finn the Human and Jake the Dog and began as an episodic series with strange dialogue and an even more absurd plot.
The show grew in seriousness and maturity alongside its viewers, becoming an emotional masterpiece that depicted the trials of growing up and the relationships formed along the way. Though these complex concepts were displayed through a cartoon boy and his dog brother, it remained a crucial memory in the minds of many, including myself.
When I heard the whispers of the upcoming spin-off, “Fionna and Cake,” I was worried.
How could they bring justice to the art that was the original series?
“Fionna and Cake” attempts to both bathe its viewer in nostalgia, as well as tie off loose ends. So the question remains: Did they succeed?
The story begins with familiar characters, Fionna and Cake, the gender-bent versions of our original protagonists.
Within the universe of the original series, they are the creations of the erratic Ice King. The show gradually unravels Ice King’s character, revealing he was once a normal man named Simon. Ice King is transformed back into Simon after the loss of his loved one, Betty, in the end of the original series.
The new series answers the finale’s unanswered questions. What happened to Simon and what will become of Betty, whose fate is left vague? The show unraveled this story gracefully, providing the audience with heartfelt moments between characters that were lacking in the original series.
The ending does not simplify the complex story, but instead completes it in a way that matches the philosophies of the original series. In an attempt not to spoil the conclusion of the spin-off, I will refrain from saying more. However, if you were curious about the canon ending of these two characters, it is worth the watch.
Another key aspect of the show is its nostalgic appeal. “Adventure Time” was a show chock-full of inside jokes, iconic characters and sentimental moments. The spin-off series is based around the concept of the multiple universes within this fictional world, providing some leg-room for references to the original series.
Throughout the episodes, we get glimpses of old characters in new forms, as well as references to aspects of their characters we never knew before. The series is littered with mentions of minuscule details veteran viewers may recognize, but this does not limit the viewing experience for those who have not seen the original series. Though I have a few qualms with the way the new series adapted some characters, overall, it does justice to the universe we are accustomed to.
Generally, I would say “Fionna and Cake” is an enjoyable viewing experience no matter your familiarity with the world of “Adventure Time.”
The humor is more mature than in the original series; it grew alongside its viewers. The animation style is unique and experimental, and the characters are lovable. The ability to root for a new set of protagonists is something exciting and matches the appeal of the original plot.
In conclusion, you should watch the new series. Expel any anxieties you may have about it not living up to the original universe and go into it with an open mind. Even if it does not match your expectations, “Fionna and Cake” created a rich new universe within a well-loved story. At the end of the day, it is pretty mathematical.
Emily Cookson is a sophomore majoring in English and philosophy.
