Animated: Over The Garden Wall
Over the Garden Wall is an American animated television miniseries created by Patrick McHale for Cartoon Network. The series centers on two half-brothers who travel across a mysterious forest to find their way home, encountering a variety of strange and fantastical things on their journey. The show is available to stream on Hulu and HBO Max. The show is a childrens show but expresses many lessons applicable to adult life, as well.
Elijah Wood and Collin Dean voice the protagonists Wirt and Greg, the two half brothers, and Melanie Lynskey voices Beatrice, a bluebird the encounter on their Journey. The show also contains a mash of multiple fantasy stories and elements drawing from Red Riding Hood, various Victorian England themes, as well as themes from The Brothers Grimm.
Over the Garden Wall is a beautifully crafted show. The animation is stunning, with a unique and captivating style that draws viewers in from the very first episode. The characters are all distinct and memorable, with intricate designs that reflect their personalities and backstories. The backgrounds are also incredibly detailed, creating a rich and immersive world that viewers can get lost in. The show's art direction and animation are often compared to classic fairy tales, with a dark and moody tone that is both eerie and enchanting.
The characters in Over the Garden Wall are also a major reason why the show is so beloved. Wirt and Greg are both incredibly relatable, with distinct personalities and flaws that make them feel like real people. They are both flawed and vulnerable, and their relationship is at the heart of the show. The other characters in the show are also memorable and well-developed, from the enigmatic woodsman to the cheerful but mysterious Beatrice. Every character in Over the Garden Wall feels like they have a purpose, and they all contribute to the larger story in meaningful ways.
The show draws on a lot of nostalgic themes from early children’s stories like peter rabbit and is animated in a way that compliments those early fantasy stories as well. CBR.com explains how the show's gradual reveal of mystery & character development is breathtaking. While Greg makes it through their ordeals, typically being the one to save the day, Wirt, the older brother, staggers behind with his anxieties and weaknesses. Wirt is too busy overthinking to be a good older brother and find his way, but as the mystery of the haunting beast of the woods is gradually revealed, Wirt simultaneously comes into his own as a hero and as a good brother. It's the perfectly paced balance of these two plot devices that keep the audience on edge and give way to an ending that beautifully wraps up every problem faced.
Another reason why Over the Garden Wall is so beloved is its storytelling. The show tells the story of two half-brothers, Wirt and Greg, who find themselves lost in a mysterious forest called The Unknown. Over the course of ten episodes, they encounter a variety of strange and whimsical characters, all while trying to find their way home. The storytelling in Over the Garden Wall is masterful, weaving together elements of horror, fantasy, and adventure to create a rich and engaging narrative. The show is also filled with hidden clues and references, which reward viewers who pay close attention to the details.
One of the standout elements of Over the Garden Wall is its music. The show features a number of original songs, which are all written and composed by The Blasting Company. The songs range from catchy and upbeat to haunting and melancholy, and all of them are expertly woven into the fabric of the story. The music in Over the Garden Wall is often used to heighten the emotional impact of key moments, and it adds an extra layer of depth and resonance to the show.
Another reason why Over the Garden Wall is considered to be one of the best children's shows in the world is its themes. The show touches on a variety of important topics, such as grief, loss, and the search for identity. The themes are often explored in subtle and nuanced ways, and the show doesn't shy away from complex or difficult emotions. Over the Garden Wall is a show that treats its young viewers with respect, and it trusts them to engage with mature themes in a thoughtful and reflective way.
Finally, Over the Garden Wall is a show that rewards repeat viewing. There are a number of hidden clues and Easter eggs throughout the show, and many viewers have discovered new details and connections upon rewatching. The show is also full of symbolism and metaphor, which add depth and meaning to the story. Over the Garden Wall is a show that invites viewers to engage with it on a deeper level, and it rewards those who take the time to do so.
