Mongrels

I just stumbled across this little gem on the BBC iplayer, and boy was I glad I did. I've been a huge fan of things like The mighty boosh, IT crowd, Dark place, and of course, monty python. This show is a definitely part of the same legacy.

The puppets are excellent and full of personality. They are so well controlled, you'd think they really were alive. The writing on this show is really exceptional. Its rare for me these days to look at something and say 'i cant believe they really did (or said) that!', but this show manages to get me every episode. There are some scenes in there which are so well scripted and timed, its simply genius.

The show certainly pushes the limits of good taste, but it does so in a good way. It wont be for everyone (prudes), but if you like humor, and are looking for something fresh, then you HAVE to see mongrels.

Used to really enjoy this when I was a teenager. I can still see the appeal: ambitious premise, raunchy humour, parody musical numbers, etc. But wow this hasn't aged very well. As of this review I've reached episode 3. I'm not one to clutch my pearls at edgy jokes but it comes at the cost of making the characters relatable/likeable (Marion dating THAT character). I forgot how many cutaway gags there were. There are way too many. It feels derivative of Scrubs or Family Guy. I think one got a genuine laugh from me and it was a blink and you'll miss it Trainspotting reference. That's another thing; the mileage will vary depending on how familiar you are with british culture. This show expects you to be very well-versed. Some of my favourite shows skew towards universal humour, and while it can be broad it usually hits the target. There are so many politicians, micro celebrities and quirks that went over my head given that I live in North America.

The show also feels a little too mean-spirited. Not in a fun way like It's Always Sunny. Just nihilistic. I don't need sacharin, but a little pathos wouldn't hurt. The show is also very hyperactive and contemporary. So much EDM. I can appreciate the energy but in some instances, the sound mixing can overlap with dialogue to the point of inaudibility. It's not a terrible show, but this could use a soft reboot. I do like the puppets and the craft is very impressive. However, the writing leaves a LOT to be desired.

Mongrels is perhaps one of the funniest TV shows that I have seen in a long time. It's just big furry comedy ride of a lifetime from beginning to end. It also pushes the boundaries of comedy even further.The one who gets the notice would have to be the badly behaved and dirty-mouthed Vince with his constant spouting of the C word and territorial behaviour. The show also has this unique mixture of American and British humour which means any English speaker from different parts of the world can enjoy.

In Case your wondering why The summary is in big caps then I'll tell you why... the show has been AXED! Shocking I know, when I first saw the news that it been given the "big sleep" I felt lie half the comedy universe had collapsed in on itself. Why would BBC 3 cancel such a wonderful show like Mongrels?? I know it'll never be big as the Inbetweeners but still In my eyes it still had a way to go. BBC 3 should have given this show several more series! I was hoping it would go into series 4!

That's the problem with network at the moment, their constantly deleting shows like they'e lost the will to keep going. This was the same network that murdered Dr who confidental. Think about that avid Time lord fans!

Hopefully this review will get across to any Mongrels fans out their so that they may launch a campaign of outcry to force the BBC to bring this show back regardless of what they say about the ratings!

If Vince heard what they have done to the show he would have been like: "oh you cheeky little ****s." cue bloodshed in the BBC office.

OK, if your looking through Mongrels to see if its worth watching on BBCiPlayer or whenever its re-airs then I'm going to tell you go for it, its like Shameless meets the Muppet's with the characteristics of Family Guy. At first I to thought it would be one of the ghastly shows BBC 3 produce, but I was wrong and I am proud I was because I love it.

Who can't love a metro-sexual fox, Nelson who's main companion is a Siberian or Russian cat called Marion, who was modelled after a shirtless picture of James Cordon. Also we are given the delightful character Destiny a diva dog who is very much the character who reflects of all the modern day brainless low self-esteemed girls who what nothing more than fame and beauty. Finally we have a paranoid cynical pigeon Kali and a Fox Vince who is crude, racist and "potty mouthed" in almost every single way.

-It was pretty cool though how they used puppets in an adult show. -Humor was okay. I think I was too young to understand it.

-I watched this so long ago so I don't remember if it was good? I definitely don't remember most of it and wouldn't watch it again. Maybe some scenes here and there.