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.

I watched this last night for the first time after being told it was set on the isle of dogs (where i live) behind the lord nelson pub (which i frequent). I had no expectations as i thought it was going to be a lame puppet show...how wrong was I.

yes its offensive and crude, which i know people have complained about. ( i actually love it for this reason, i cant believe they get away with some of the comments).

The puppets look great and have some classic one liners, my fave being the pigeon and the cat.

this is not a very constructive review but anyone who is not easily offended and likes gutter humour should check this out, i hope it gets a second series. fingers crossed.

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.

Well, it seems people who are bright enough to appreciate talent and good humour lost another battle. It seems we have to always obey either to posh comedy shows for the dull intellectual who gets offended by everything or the ones for the stupid and ignorant where every 3 seconds there's a fart. Great humour, nice character blending and dialogue. Anyhow, congratulations to the whole Mongrels team. They put up a brilliant show. Thank you. Is a shame it didn't continue for another season. Great respect for BBC but they were wrong this time. There has to be something to balance out the massive amount of television junk with high rating but little creative and logistical effort.