Cartoon History

I had a recent conversation with someone that sparked some thoughts on one of my favorite pastimes, watching good animated programs. One of the best, in my learned opinion, was that of the original Jonny Quest series from the sixties. Now, I admit that there have been many shows with superior animation, as technology has changed considerably since the airing of this aged series. Still, very, very few have come close to the style, storytelling or sheer voice talent lent to the characters. Why is it, that after all these years, the show continues to air in repeats, continues to spawn updated (and far inferior) versions, continues to resonate in ways unlike other cartoons of that or any era? Essentially, everyone that watches it, especially boys and the men they become, are captivated right from the first beatings of the kettle drum intro. The theme of Jonny Quest will always be one of the best themes in television history, mainly because it's an original score, whereas many shows of today are hoisted from existing tracks of music or even just licensed outright. The bizarre sci-fi meets espionage leanings add to the interest, the manly Race Bannon being our All-American, James Bond mockup, the brainy scientist Benton Quest making no bones about creating projects for the government, all the while shooting a few baddies to help out Race just icing on the cake.

Maybe not every kid watching wanted to be Jonny exactly, his extreme blond hair a bit much for some, I'm sure. I have no doubt many had no problems wanting to be in Jonny's shoes, though. Having a kooky Indian buddy that not only could laugh in the face of danger, he had tricks no one else could do -- that helped a lot. The dog? Maybe annoying, but not everyone could have a dog, so what's not to like about that? Dad took you and your plucky friend all over the bloody world, for crying out loud! Sure, what young boy wouldn't want to be Jonny, even for just one day?

The show had some failings, though they are quaint, in their way. The hokey ways the two intrepid boys got involved in their capers was sometimes a bit... taxing. The animation could be a little stiff in places and sometimes slightly off in others, but damn, did it look good being slightly off! The skewed moral code of some of the characters is certainly amusing (I didn't build the Parapower Ray as a weapon, but I'll use it as one with no issues or repercussions, thank you) and the lack of a completed feel to the show is sad but doesn't detract in any serious fashion.

I wish I could attach a file with the theme song but it seems most have been pulled from the net. You can pay for it, of course... but I'm a cheap bastard. So go watch on YouTube... or watch your neighbor's cable.