Adult Swim’s ‘Guide to History’ a riot
November 13, 2008
Last week, Adult Swim aired the conclusion of its two-part special “Young Person’s Guide to History.” It was a 15-minute, live-action show that followed the founding of America and its first few years.
This show only took the fundamental facts of the story, the Colonies fought the British in 1776, and made up the rest. A few examples: the British had jet packs, there was TV and cable available in the cabins the Founding Fathers stayed in, Benjamin Franklin created Aaron Burr to be Thomas Jefferson’s vice president and Jefferson moved to Atlantis to escape debt collectors.
Unlike Adult Swim’s previous ventures into the live-action genre, “Guide to History” is a complete riot. The insane story, bizarre situations and mix of impressive-and-cheap graphics gives the show that unique Adult Swim spin.
It’s similar to “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” and “Saul of the Mole Men” visually and contextually. The difference is that “Guide to History” isn’t as stupid. I’ve tried to get into “Tim and Eric,” but it’s too random for me and “Saul” is just too boring. “Guide to History” perfectly pulls off what all previous live action Adult Swim shows try to do.
And one of the coolest parts, besides watching two men wrestle/slap-fight in skin toned underwear, is you get to see Dana Snyder, the voice of Master Shake from “Aqua Teen Hunger Force.”
Speaking of which, there is going to be a live action episode of “Aqua Teen” in the near future. Hopefully Snyder took mental notes during his shoot and can transfer them over to “Aqua Teen.”