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This is just an incredible series. It deals with just about EVERYTHING! Not for the easily offended, though it doesn't go out of its way to offend. It's irreverent and pulls no punches. The series shows what it wants to how it wants to and makes no apologies. Sometimes it can be darkly humorous, but in these cases it usually has a valid point to make and does so quite well.

The best way to describe this series is as follows: Imagine if absolutely everyone and everything on the face of the planet were really as miserable, stupid, loud, obnoxious, belligerent, deceitful, crazy, lazy, greedy, unfair, ironic, annoying, etc., as one sometimes feels them to be. Put a bitter (but not unlikeable) retiree in the middle of this world as the protagonist. Now watch how he interacts with and reacts to the people, places and things in this world. Sometimes he's in the right, sometimes he's in the wrong. Sometimes he gets what he deserves, sometimes he gets what he doesn't deserve. Sometimes he gives others what they deserve, sometimes he gives them what they don't deserve. No matter where a particular episode goes, you will most likely bellow with laughter at some point, usually at many points. There are a few episodes that were created not so much for a laugh as they were for irony; some of that irony being quite bitter or just plain sad. In episodes such as these, one will at least feel something, even if it is not what was expected.

As of this writing, the first season is available in the UK on DVD and the second season will be released there soon. With absolutely every other Britcom available in the United States, it's unfortunate that this series isn't popular enough to be released here. I suppose the fact that public television didn't play it ad nauseum like "Are You Being Served," "Keeping Up Appearances," or "Red Dwarf" (not that they're bad shows) is why. Remember, it's not how good something is that makes it popular and available, it's how visible it is.

Actually, it's kind of fitting that "One Foot in the Grave" isn't receiving the recognition it deserves and is fading into obscurity while being surrounded by so many more popular yet inferior programs. It's exactly the sort of point that one of its own episodes might have made!

Forget about The Incredibles (SNORE!!!), this is what superhero parody is all about. I think The Tick animated series is even better than the comic book on which it is based.I cannot think of one episode that did not keep moving along rapid-fire with one gag after the other; from the outright absurd to the observational. While the live action series was decent, and is available on DVD, I really wish this version would make its way to us. Only a few videocassettes ever hit the market, and the ones I have are getting old. It's a shame that Fox doesn't seem to want to release this one. I find it especially strange since the live action version sold better than expected on DVD and Fox released the far more obscure Firefly to DVD(another outstanding show that ended prematurely).

This is one of the best animes(if not THE best)I have ever experienced! The visuals are astounding. Detail is sharp and beautiful. Realistic, true to life detail and color when appropriate, yet vibrant and fantastic when necessary. Run-down villages look dusty and gritty along with the people who inhabit them. Miraculous landscapes, skyscapes, palaces etc. are lush with color and striking in design. The story is very deep, and this may turn off some people. The political and social structure of the society of the Twelve Kingdoms is covered in minute detail. I personally enjoyed this level of description, but if it becomes too much for you, just sit back and let it wash over you because the series (45 episodes) provides so much to enjoy (there is even one episode that is dedicated solely to the workings of the government and society so people can get up to speed should they get lost in all of it). Character growth, development and resolution is at the heart of this story. Definitely a show for those who enjoy conflict of philosophies and ideologies and politics. No outrageously busty half-naked anime chicks here. No wildly unbelievable Dragon Ball Z-type fighting. No too ambiguous Serial Experiments Lain-style plot lines with questionable endings. You will get female characters who are strong and seem like(get this)real people!! You will get mostly realistic combat sequences with a touch of the fantastic from time to time. You will get plot lines that actually go somewhere that will make you angry, sad, happy and even feel vindicated at times. Music should not be ignored either. At moments it is hypnotically beautiful. Music is used subtly and the best way to enjoy it is to pick up the soundtrack CDs. Music is airy and dreamlike using mostly strings and wind instruments. It fits the series perfectly, fantasy music with a slight Eastern edge to it. This anime should be a lot more popular than it is. If you see the DVDs, pick them up now!!