Code Lyoko

I heard about this about the time it came out, and got hooked a few weeks before Season Two began its US run. Though, as all cartoons do, it began a bit confusing for me (The first time I saw it (about the middle of the first ep) I thought Sissi was Yumi...), I caught on quickly.

Code: Lyoko is unique among cartoons. It is shown in both an anime style for the real world (which results in many-including some well-known sites- mistaking it for a Japanese cartoon, it is not, it is French) and a computer style for the Lyoko world. It has probably the longest distance between two seasons recordable (a year and four months for the US). And, it has-almost-no backstory. They don't tell us how Lyoko came to be, how Ulrich and co. found it, and why the computer has a virus. This is left to the fans-and Season Two, as we hope...

The show has realistic characters, an amazing plot, and a good eye for suspense. It does, however, have flaws over all this greatness.

First, bad dubbing. Like most inter-language imports, the dialogue does not match the mouth movements of the characters. The dialogue is often rushed, and flawed in some cases. One drastic example is Jeremie. Near the beginning of the series run, his voice was very high, but around the fourth or sixth episode, it changes, and it now sounds like he's trying very hard to sound older. (Puberty? Decision of the dubbers? Or perhaps he's just trying to impress Aelita, eh? Well, keep trying, man. The new voice sounds horrible.)

Second, scene reuse. This is abused heavily in season one. It's like the made scenes of everyone going into the sewers beforehand, and just used them where they were needed. This, for the most part, is discarded in Season Two, which is good. Although they STILL use that shot of Odd getting hit in the chest...

But don't get me wrong. Even with its flaws, this is a GREAT show. Not an EXCELLENT show, but a GREAT show. If you see it on, watch it.

But very carefully...

Code Lyoko is an action adventure show that goes further than action and adventure. It goes beyond a group of good guys fighting attacks from bad guys. The "good guys" are complex, flawed characters who have feelings beyond "Yo, Joe! Let's get 'em!". The minor bad guys have their own feelings and complexities, and can be sympathized with at times, although they are usually real little horrors who usually get their come-uppance at the hands of the good guys.

There is one true "bad guy" without virtues and one "good guy" without any real vices, but that's excusable since neither of them is human.

The dialogue is hilarious. The verbal battles between Odd and Sissy are sophisticated to an almost Shakespearian degree. Sissy's monologues are the only soliloquies I have ever seen and heard in a cartoon show.

There are an amazing number of goofs in the show and a lot of stock scenes are re-used, but this does not really detract from the enjoyment of the show.

All-out action fans will hate this show because it's not all-out action. What it is, however, is a refreshing change and hopefully a pointer for the future.

There is something wrong with each and every aspect of this show.

• Reuse of footage
• Bad superimposition
• Unnecessary and cheesy dialogue
• Bad dubbing
• Stilted acting
• Awkward 2D and 3D animation
• A billion things that don't make any sense
• An anti-climactic ending
• A villain that does not reach its full potential

But this show really goes to show you how much influence character can have. Every single one of the characters is likeable, memorable, interesting, defined, and fun to watch. And the voice actors can bring a lot of life to them. You care about them and you want to see them win. And even the characters who are bullies you end up really liking because the show takes the time to introduce you to different sides of them in stressful situations.

And to the show's credit, it increases in quality as it goes along.

The creature designs are really cool.

There are scenes that are surprisingly violent.

There are some legitimately tense moments, a result of the strong characterization.

This show is also a nostalgia fest for me. It's one of my favorites of all time and I will never be sick of it no matter how many times I binge watch it.

Code lyoko is one of my personal favorite shows. I do know a lot of people who hate it, but I'm not afraid to say I like it! Okay, it does have a lot of goofs. They need to work on that, and try to avoid those. But I still think that it's worth watching. Some people think the animation is a little blah - the big heads, and the eyes. But it's better than the stuff they draw in like, Danny Phantom.You know, the circle-eyes, square heads....it's just another cruddy action cartoon. It's unique. Speaking of which, I do think that people need to think of something other than save-the-world-group-of-good guys type of show. There are just too many of those, and all the plot outlines are the same (now I'm not saying I have anything against all shows like that). But Code lyoko is different. There's actually a story to it, you know what I mean? and one main bad guy, not a hundred. I definitely think you should give this show a try. You just might like what you see!

What do you think the coolest cartoon these days? I think Avatar on Nick and Code Lyoko on Cartoon Network are the best. Even though the style of two shows is different, both of them have strong game aspect and interestingly show the fusion Asian martial art. Their fighting scenes are really cool! Especially, I got hooked by CL season 3 when Aelita was finding out whether her father is still alive. This show is getting better season after season. I am so exited CN started airing season 4. Also, I am noticing a Website has the episodes from the first season. http://www.kabillion.com/codelyoko/?refuser=kamki. Seems like they are putting some eps. on Comcast VOD, too.