The Tick (2001–2002)

I'm still partial to the cartoon, but this was a scream! Yes, American Maid and Die Fledermaus had to be changed to Captain Liberty and Batmanuel, but dammit if this show wasn't just as screwy. So, of course, Fox cancels it and gives us high quality programming like Joe Millionaire. Somebody take Rupert Murdoch out to the woodshed and bring along the Fox executives, please!

The cast was great and were obviously having fun. Although I prefer Townsend Coleman's more excitable Tick, Patrick Warburton conveyed that loopy perspective that has always been the hallmark of the Tick. David Burke gives Arthur that repressed, but eager quality he had in the comics. Liz Vassey is sexy and funny as Captain Liberty, but I really would have loved to see her in that American Maid costume. But, it is Nestor Carbonell who steals the series. His look, attitude and delivery are all classic.

If ever a show deserved time to find its audience, this was the one. Monty Python ad Fawlty Towers weren't immediate hits and the Tick carried those sensibilities. Given an entire season, I think this would have caught on. Lord knows, it was better than Smallville or that aborted Birds of Prey show. The Tick has been great in every medium he has invaded, but he never quite gets a fair shot at glory. The only thing missing from this show was the cast of evildoers that the cartoon had. Oh well, at least this version is available on dvd; wish the cartoon was. Anyway, SPOON!!!!!!!!!!!!