Evidently, Amazon's pilot for "The Tick" (see Aug '16 post) proved successful enough to spring a whole, new series based on Ben Edlund's celebrated goof of a hero.
Peter Serafinowicz continues in the brawny lead, taking the reins from Patrick Warburton, who (along with Serafinowicz) acts as one of the show's many co-producers: a good sign, in most fans' estimations.
Warburton's series didn't deserve to be cut so short after it premiered on Fox in '01: Fingers crossed that this new, live-action adaptation will have longer legs. The pilot for the remake certainly seemed to capture most of the initial's colorful sensibilities: another good sign.
Griffin Newman, Serafinowicz's pilot costar, reprises his role as Arthur Everest, aka Moth Man. The two brew a contagious chemistry, but then it appears (simply based on the series' well staged publicity), this entire reincarnation will heap on ample charm. There's the evident, quirky humor that fans have come to expect (if not demand), but also a strong display of friendship and triumph over evil, which could bless the production with substantial longevity. (Let's hope, though, that the folks behind the scenes don't get too elitist in their aspirations and turn this into some wise-ass, sociological essay. If there's anything that'll ruin the show, it'll be that.)
To flavor the shenanigans, Valorie Curry stars as Dot Everest; Yara Martinez as Ms. Lint; Scott Speiser as Overkill; Michael Cerveris as Ramses; Ryan Woodle as the ("Amazing Colossal") VLM; Jackie Earle Haley as the Terror; and Brendan Hines as the conceited Superian.
The new "Tick" premieres on Amazon this Aug 25, with all six episodes (pilot included) loaded for one's immediate indulgence. I, for one, will be "tuning in" with sincere and heartfelt eagerness.
The first, live-action series based on Ben Edlund's beloved, bumbling superhero, the Tick, was short-lived, but that didn't stop it from gaining a cult following and now a promising reboot.
Amazon's pilot (available on Prime) features Peter Serafinowicz in the role that Patrick Warburton made famous.
In the new incarnation, the Tick returns to a world populated by superheroes, but chooses favor on a conspiracy-theory accountant, Arthur Everest (Griffin Newman), who wishes to uncover the deeds of a legendary villain, otherwise believed defunct. The cretin inadvertently killed Arthur's father, while combating the celebrated superhero team, Flag Five. (As Tick fans know, Arthur is destined to become the big, blue guy's trusty, moth-outfitted sidekick, so his backstory is most significant and well fleshed out in the opener: much being essayed by Kyle Catlett, who plays Arthur as a boy.)
On the additional, character side, Valorie Curry, of "Veronica Mars" fame, plays Dot, Arthur's sister; and Brendan Hindes, a recurring presence on "Scorpion", portrays Superian, a cocky knock-off of Kal-El, whose actions and intent give the story a "Mystery Man" feel.
The villain, The Terror (once Superian's prime nemesis), is played by genre favorite, Jackie Earle Haley, who adds great relish to the spicy role. He also wears a super-cool, X-Men type costume and facial make-up: intimidating, even within the show's comical context.
Fans who wished Warburton to return were disheartened to learn that his screen involvement was snuffed, due to an obligation to another series, though he does act (along with Serafinowicz) as one of the producers. Serafinowicz at least has the right wry humor to bring Edlund's character to life and perhaps if enough episodes are produced, he might very well make the hapless hero his own.
That Edlund is writing and co-producing the blueprinted series is a good sign; and let's face it: Amazon has been producing some mighty fine programs as of late, including the tense, legal drama, "Goliath" and the grim, alternate-reality adventure, "Man in the High Castle". On this basis alone, fans should be confident that a respectful (and possibly long-haul) handling of their old favorite is in the making.
