The Tick

This is only my second review on this site, and I hesitated to even write it. But the more I watched of this show, the more I felt an obligation to. The title really says it all, the special effects are lacking at times (pretty obvious green screen in one scene, cheap- ish looking costume in the next), and it doesn't matter in the slightest. I haven't read the comics, at least not yet, so I can't speak to whether or not this is a faithful adaptation. But it's more than just entertaining. In every moment of it, you can see and feel that someone put their heart and soul into this show. It's leagues ahead of any Marvel/Netflix series, solely because it's not just about superheroes running around being invincible and fighting evil. It refuses to take itself too seriously, while still somehow being an effective human drama, and a good comedy to boot.

There are no huge action setpieces, though you do get to see people deflecting bullets and punching henchmen through walls. However, that's not what you should watch this for regardless. You should watch it for the story, because as short as this season is, it's expertly crafted. If you're looking for Luke Cage or Iron Fist, look elsewhere. In my humble opinion, this is better than both of them combined.

First let me give a disclaimer, I have been a HUGE Tick fan since they day I saw the first cartoon back in the 90s. People have to remember that the Tick has always a mixed bag, you either love him or hate him. It's a parody of all things super hero, even though this time there is a bit a seriousness. When there is a serious explosion, afterwards you look for the bad guy dangling from rooftop begging for help.

I think the last live action attempt was better in some ways, in other ways I think this one will be better. I won't deny that Patrick Warburton was perfect in the last one. But Peter Serafinowicz is also pretty good. He really doesn't have a lot of screen time to judge by. But when he does he does a good job. His monologue at the end was great and I could really see him as the Tick. As for Arthur, Griffin Newman does a perfect job. The writing is of course spot on, because it's written by the original writer and creator. This new darker story line was a nice twist. And doing an origin story on Arthur was a bold choice for a pilot episode, because it doesn't give much screen time to the Tick.

The jokes are there, but only really when the Tick is around. So I think some people will miss what I think is the writer's intention. Where as before it was non-stop jokes and puns. This show is serious, then bam a joke/pun. I think over all it makes for a better ride.

Overall, I enjoyed the pilot episode, and would vote for it to be continued. There, that's said.

There are a few things that jar me the wrong way. Serafinowicz doesn't quite have the physical and vocal presence I'd want in the Big Blue Guy. And the suit looks a bit too rubberized. But, as pointed out in other reviews, Serafinowicz is a good actor and voice actor, and, with a commitment as a producer, too, he'll find his way with the character.

But, that aside, we have Ben Edlund back writing the Tick, and for the continuity that he'll bring to this, I'm okay with the changes that he's been making to some of the story elements (The Terror, Arthur's back story, the lack of a spoon).

And who but Edlund could give us a line like "blinded by weaponized syphilis"?

And, as a bonus, Patrick Warburton is producing.

It's fun. Is it as much fun for someone coming cold to the series, without the history that we've grown up with? That's to be seen.

Disclaimer: I've been a Tick fan since the comic first came out

It's an 8 for me so far. I am not familiar with The Tick Comic. The show is quirky, but it's very well done with the priviledges of good writing, and an adequate budget.

I've been waiting for Television adaption of The Tick for years! And the show blew my mind! It's so fresh and so different than the rest superhero shows and it actually contains great message. The show should not end so soon! Please renew it for several more seasons!