jedijones

"Mission Hill" is a radically underappreciated animated TV series. It's a sharp, witty satire of modern-day teens and twentysomethings, created by former writers of "The Simpsons." If that show was the anti-"Cosby Show," than this one is the anti-"Friends." It portrays all the quirks of the youth culture for the express purpose of making fun of them. The most recent episode featured an extensive poke at "Star Wars" fans, including a convention Q&A with an Ewok guest speaker, that the fans might revere as the single most classic such reference on TV, if only they had seen it.

The central characters, supergeek Kevin and his hipper older brother Andy, form an ingeniously modernized take on the classic "odd couple" formula. A variety of supporting characters in all shapes, sizes, and colors round out the cast. Like the classic "Simpsons," the show uses emotionally involving, realistic plotlines to keep its absurdity from derailing into wackiness. The deceptively simple animation shows the subtle character expression pioneered on "The Simpsons," and the humor does more than just parody pop culture, it covers new territory with its jabs at real life youth culture.

"Mission Hill," whether it becomes a hit on TV right away, will undoubtedly see long life as a cult classic. No viewer who cares anything about television, animation, or comedy should miss it, and any network should be proud to air it.