Disenchantment Season One Review: Uneven Start, But Tons of Potential

Disenchantment Season One Review

Following the misadventures of hard-drinking princess Bean, her feisty elf companion Elfo, and personal demon Luci in the crumbling medieval kingdom of Dreamland.

Matt Groening (Futurama) has defined animated TV for over 30 years, as his unique comedic tone changing the industry forever and engraved itself into pop culture. I grew up with his twisted sense of humour dedicating hours of my time on the iconic yellow family.

But what’s next? After his departure from The Simpsons, Matt Groening (Futurama) hasn’t created a new animated show in a decade. And that new IP is Disenchantment, which brings a Medical comedy to Netflix subscribers across the globe. The 10-episode series stars Abbi Jacobson as Princess Bean, and struggles of being heir to an entire kingdom. It' might sound like a generic fantasy tale, but the iconic comedic genius of Matt Groening excels beyond that.

Disenchantment amusingly takes on fantasy tropes, Including damsels, brave knights and scheming sorcerers make for a fantastically self-aware programme. With one highlight of the opening episode, being an epic and comedic battle scene which could rival Game of Thrones. I adore these homages to a lost genre making fun at the more insane elements of classic literature and media.

Netflix

Season 1 of Disenchantment delivers laughs and emotional beats which stand apart from Matt Groening’s previous work. Its characters while basic regarding the setting, all complement each other with demonic Luci (Eric Andre) and Elfo (Nat Faxon) being the most developed. The female empowerment message scattered throughout the show makes for a modern-day approach to storytelling.

Beanies relationships with her father are at the heart of proceedings and focus on the differences in opinion between them. It’s a more personal approach to the story, which works wonders in giving the show an identity but does limit creativity. Unlike, his previous endears Disechament uses different episode structures which feels more like an ongoing drama than parody.

Netflix

Beanie (Abbi Jacobson) is a fed up Princess who is still searching for herself but makes two close friends on the journey. But, Issues arises from her impending arranged wedding goes wrong the landscape changes. Filled with guilt Beanie decides to take risks and explore Dreamland before settling down. Abbi Jacobson delivers an excellent vocal performance, with the comedic and witty dialogue further develops Beanie. I adored the fact her role doesn’t rely on cliche ideals about Princesses.

Luci (Eric Andre) plays the outlandish fiery demon who gives terrible advice to Beanie, but in term becoming an allied person in her life. I loved the characters arrogance and smug persona, which sets him apart from the overly animated individuals in Dreamland. Eric Andre is used to significant effect and delivers a substantial level of banter with Abbi Jacobson. I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in the second season because every second of his role was gleeful.

Elfo (Nat Faxon) is an elf bored of his factory job, who sets out to explore outside of his birthplace and ends up making friends with Beanie (Abbi Jacobson). I wanted to love the character but his annoying romantic subplot made it hard to root for him in the long-run. Only in the final episode is the elf given any weight, which is shameful as Nat Faxon delivers a solid performance in the role. Perhaps? In the next season, more effort will be given to the little guy.

Verdict 

Disenchantment Season One (2018) is an uneven animated adventure with tons of potential as it delves into female empowerment and relatable social issues. It just doesn’t have the hook needed to start a proper fire and fails to find it’s footing quick enough. Retaining the classic Matt Groening humour is fine, but how about some original ideas? An issue which should be corrected in the next ten episodes.

Netflix decently, however, has a political hit on their hands with Beanie’s crazy adventures, but this sadly is not the season to take over animation. I look forward to seeing more of the fantasy world, and the classically animated energy of Matt Groening.

Disenchantment is streaming on Netflix services across the globe