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The Slaughter, Part 2

© Enoch Allen

by Enoch Allen

Nickelodeon has made some serious slip-ups. By canceling two of their most popular shows-- Invader Zim and Spongebob Squarepants --they have effectively positioned themselves into the crapper. And to air a series like Butt-Ugly Martians in their places exhibits an ignorance among the Movers and the Shakers not seen since the cancellation of The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest (and that was Cartoon Network--which is run by an infinitely more intelligent group of businesspeople). But they are making some improvements, by picking up a full season’s worth of the remake of Speed Racer , which was actually produced and aired in Japan in 1997. Nevertheless, capitalizing on nostalgia and entertaining a new generation at the same time is an extremely effective business strategy that serves to enhance Nickelodeon’s appeal. But by saying that, I’m playing Devil’s Advocate.

Along with Speed Racer comes the SLAM block, Nickelodeon’s first foray into action-adventure entertainment aimed at the genre’s enthusiasts. And here, we notice that the folks at Nick have been paying heaps of attention to Cartoon Network’s Toonami block, and Kids’ WB, for SLAM strikingly resembles the logos created for Toonami and Adult Swim Action . But is SLAM enough to help Nick through the intense period of The Slaughter?

To determine that, we would have to examine Nickelodeon’s complimentary programming (meaning, SLAM v. all the other shows currently airing on Nick).

Rugrats -- It’s enough, but just barely. I’m saying this because Rugrats has a built-in audience. They ought to--the show’s been on for ten years! If the show wants to survive through this season, it has to introduce some original characters and plots.

The Wild Thornberrys -- This show will sustain The Slaughter because (and only because) of the Rugrats ’ involvement. The animated series is not all that good, and I’m sure that I’ll be getting death threats from Thornberrys’ fans just for saying that. But the main character of the show, Eliza, remains underdeveloped--not to mention physically incomplete. Thanks to the pic-‘n-save animation.

Pelswick -- I think that this animated series, about an interesting troublemaker with a handicap, is enormously appealing. But the plots, man, the plots. . .

As Told By Ginger -- This doesn’t deserve to be picked up after sweeps. Glaring plot holes, simplistic characterizations, and human beings not drawn to scale are the elements that will contribute to the show’s ultimate yet untimely demise. The charm of voice actress Melissa Disney as Ginger is not nearly enough to keep viewers away from MTV and Justice League .