Tangled: The Series may at first seem like a generic slice-of-life cartoon with mediocre animation, but give the show a chance and you will find a surprisingly compelling story waiting to be discovered.
Animation:
Probably one of the weaker aspects of the show. The animation is merely serviceable, but isn't ugly. I appreciate the choice to use 2D animation, but it doesn't seem like the show was given the budget to really take full advantage of the medium.
Characters:
At first, I was worried that the main character Rapunzel would turn out to be a Mary Sue, and her character can come off that way in earlier episodes. However, the writers thankfully decided to give her flaws such as irresponsibility, naivete, and being pushy. Not only that, Rapunzel must make difficult decisions, and reacts to tragedy and grows in an organic manner.
The two other main characters, action girl Cassandra and the dashing but vain rogue Eugene, are also delightful. Their enmity and repartee are a joy to watch, and they both come in handy to Rapunzel when she needs them. I like that Cassandra doesn't hate femininity like many warrior women in media, and also faces pressures from trying to live up to her father. Eugene also faces a tough road while trying move beyond his criminal past.
The supporting cast is serviceable. Rapunzel's father King Frederic is one of the highlights, as an overbearing yet ultimately loving man who constantly butts heads with the free spirited Rapunzel.
However, overshadowing even the main cast is the character of Varian. A brilliant young inventor whose impulsiveness often gets him into trouble, Varian is an adorkable character you can't help falling in love with. Varian's resourcefulness and the lengths he will go to help the one's he cares about make him the best thing about this show.
Music: The soundtrack is decent, and many of the songs that are included are a bit unmemorable. However, two songs in particular are stunning and practically cinematic. Jeremy Jordan, who plays Varian, stands out as an amazing singer who can really use song to help the audience relate to his character's struggles.
Story: The story of Tangled begins light and episodic, with a focus on comedy over drama. Sometimes the main characters will come off too one note in these early episodes, and in a few episodes Rapunzel comes off as a Mary Sue. However, once the show finds it's footing, it really gets good. Around Episode 16, the show shifts in a more dark direction and Rapunzel must make hard choices with lasting repercussions. From that episode onward, the show only gets better and better as twists and challenges culminate in an emotionally charged and powerful climax.
Verdict: I would like to give this show a higher score for its final episodes, however it is held back by a weak opening. Too often, children's entertainment is afraid to take risks. Tangled: The Series shows that when television trusts its audience to handle a more serious story, the result can be magical.
Animation:
Probably one of the weaker aspects of the show. The animation is merely serviceable, but isn't ugly. I appreciate the choice to use 2D animation, but it doesn't seem like the show was given the budget to really take full advantage of the medium.
Characters:
At first, I was worried that the main character Rapunzel would turn out to be a Mary Sue, and her character can come off that way in earlier episodes. However, the writers thankfully decided to give her flaws such as irresponsibility, naivete, and being pushy. Not only that, Rapunzel must make difficult decisions, and reacts to tragedy and grows in an organic manner.
The two other main characters, action girl Cassandra and the dashing but vain rogue Eugene, are also delightful. Their enmity and repartee are a joy to watch, and they both come in handy to Rapunzel when she needs them. I like that Cassandra doesn't hate femininity like many warrior women in media, and also faces pressures from trying to live up to her father. Eugene also faces a tough road while trying move beyond his criminal past.
The supporting cast is serviceable. Rapunzel's father King Frederic is one of the highlights, as an overbearing yet ultimately loving man who constantly butts heads with the free spirited Rapunzel.
However, overshadowing even the main cast is the character of Varian. A brilliant young inventor whose impulsiveness often gets him into trouble, Varian is an adorkable character you can't help falling in love with. Varian's resourcefulness and the lengths he will go to help the one's he cares about make him the best thing about this show.
Music: The soundtrack is decent, and many of the songs that are included are a bit unmemorable. However, two songs in particular are stunning and practically cinematic. Jeremy Jordan, who plays Varian, stands out as an amazing singer who can really use song to help the audience relate to his character's struggles.
Story: The story of Tangled begins light and episodic, with a focus on comedy over drama. Sometimes the main characters will come off too one note in these early episodes, and in a few episodes Rapunzel comes off as a Mary Sue. However, once the show finds it's footing, it really gets good. Around Episode 16, the show shifts in a more dark direction and Rapunzel must make hard choices with lasting repercussions. From that episode onward, the show only gets better and better as twists and challenges culminate in an emotionally charged and powerful climax.
Verdict: I would like to give this show a higher score for its final episodes, however it is held back by a weak opening. Too often, children's entertainment is afraid to take risks. Tangled: The Series shows that when television trusts its audience to handle a more serious story, the result can be magical.