Galavant

OK, so it helps if you get the broad English sense of humour (which unlike our sensitive US cousins we certainly do not consider unfit for children!), have a working knowledge of classic British serials like Robin Hood and Ivanhoe, and love a good musical with clever rhymes and much double entendre (which clearly some of the reviewers who've completely failed to get to grips with this magnificent show do not!) but how can anybody not love this? Ever since Buffy did the musical episode we've been crying out for something like this and it has so been worth the wait. The casting is spot on with Timothy Omundson's turn as King Richard a real joy, Mallory Jansen's Madalena pitched perfectly as the queen whom there is no pleasing, and Vinnie Jones natural comic touch ideal for the henchman Gareth, while Joshua Sasse has the lead as half hero, half buffoon very nicely tuned. Add in some truly marvellous wry songs like "Maybe You're Not The Worst Thing Ever" and you have a hit, a palpable hit. I have no hesitation at all in saying that this is far and away the best new show we've had in ages!

The music along raises Galavant from an 8/10 to a 9/10. This gallivanting musical features original songs by Alan Menken (Disney's Lion King) and Christopher Lennertz, and are so wonderful I had to buy the soundtrack because they're just so catchy! I'm a person who appreciates musicals, but isn't always in the mood, so I was pleasantly surprised with the way Galavant handle the singing-versus-dialogue dilemma. Amazingly, the singing was handled in a way that really balanced the show; the plot kept moving and there are enough songs in each episode without being over-the-top or annoying. I never shouted, "Get on with it!" or, "Stop singing!" at the screen.

The characters and almost-slapstick humor are what got me to keep watching the show after the first episode. I honestly didn't think I'd like it as much as I do. As it stands, I have currently seen the entire series three times, and I still laugh at the hilarity. Yes, some of the jokes are crude, and yes, some of it is so cheesy and overdone you want to roll your eyes. But Galavant is refreshing in a way a lot of other TV series aren't, nowadays. It's light, not too serious or heavy, and makes fun of itself.

A note on profanity and sexual innuendos: Some words are bleeped out (it's meant to be funny, but it was kind of alarming the first time watching it). There are quite a few references to sex--including in the songs--and Magdelena is always on the lookout for a new "consort." I wouldn't recommend it to children or young teenagers (not sure they'd get into it anyway).

Galavant is your standard Prince Charming type, who embarks on a quest to reclaim his "one true love" Madalena from the clutches of the evil King Richard. The thing is, Richard isn't really evil, he's merely a petulant man-child, and Madalena immediately tilted "pretty sharply bitchward" when presented with wealth and power. It's evident from the very first episode that Gal's REAL true love is strong-willed Princess Isabella, who's blackmailed into leading him into a trap... though there are plenty of twists, turns and surprises along the way.

There's never been anything remotely like "Galavant" on TV before, and there most likely never will be again. Comparisons to things like "The Princess Bride," "Monty Python," "When Things Were Rotten" and "Wizards and Warriors" are rampant... but none of those were full-blown musicals with music by Disney legend Alan Menken. Every episode features at least two big musical numbers and a short reprise, running the gamut of musical styles and with utterly demented lyrics by Glenn Slater. And on top of the infectiously zany music, there are running gags, inside-jokes and intentional anachronisms galore - plus the characters routinely take a sledgehammer to the fourth wall.

Although it's called "Galavant," it's an ensemble and the namesake is the least interesting character on the show (which is pretty typical of Prince Charming types). The big breakout star is Timothy Omundson as King Richard - the man routinely upstages costars with his impeccable comic delivery and cartoonish facial expressions - and thankfully the writers recognized the power of his performance and readjusted their initial vision of the character in a believable way. Mallory Jansen revels in portraying evil Queen Madalena, Karen David is literally pitch-perfect as constantly-flustered Princess Isabella, Darren Evans and Sophie McShera are utterly delightful as the dour peasant chef and handmaiden, and Vinnie Jones gives a surprisingly multi-dimensional performance as King Richard's henchman (and who would've guessed he could sing?!). There are too many other secondary, minor and recurring characters to list, but suffice it to say there's not a weak link in the chain.

The songs were a little stronger in the first season but the story was a tad unfocused, the jokes were hit-and-miss and it ended on a very sour cliffhanger. The show seemed destined to fall into TV oblivion but in a move that surprised everyone, ABC renewed it for a second season... and that's when everything really came together. For their second outing, the story was more concise, the writers injected it with an overwhelming amount of heart, the jokes were as rapid-fire as a machine gun, there were ginormous character arcs to be had for most everyone, and it all came together in a wholly-satisfying-but-open-ended conclusion. Unfortunately, the ratings went even more dire than they'd been in the first season.

I don't know exactly what the future holds for "Galavant" on television, but it was an instant cult-classic and I can pretty much guarantee its popularity is going to snowball. Critics and fans loved it (season 2 attained an unheard-of perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes), plans are being made for a Broadway adaptation, and I could totally see it being spun-off into a theatrical feature film. It's rare for any production to be struck by magic, but this little show got it in spades.

Shows like Galavant are an acquired taste. This show will never win any awards, and I think they are wise to go with a four week limited run--it would never survive as an on-going series. But it is FUN. All the actors take their roles right to the point of chewing scenery, then leave it there. The songs are light, and the sexual overtones are just enough to make you laugh without covering your kids' ears. You may not want to go out of your way to watch this show when it is on, but DVR it and watch it sometime. If you like Monty Python or Family Guy, you will probably enjoy this show enough to give it a try. If you don't like it after the first two episodes, it is only an hour of your time. And oh, if you use the DVR, don't fast forward through the commercials!

I AM A USER,AND BEING A USER MY REVIEW WILL BE STRAIGHTFORWARD.

Galavant is musical comedy based on the character Sir Galavant (Joshua Sasse).

Galavant has a very decent budget, providing good locations in what seems to be a castle infested land, as well a great supporting cast. Galavant doesn't use the same fairy-tale plot crutches that have become common place. Nor does it take it's self serious, always providing a light atmosphere while subtly making fun of the stereotypical characters that fill this genre.

Overall this is an original plot, offering the perfect blend of musical to comedy.The characters flow very nicely together as well as with the supporting cast.

If I were to compare this to any existing shows I would say. Princess Bride with Black Adder and a splash of Holy Grail.