As an 80s/90s guy, I was ecstatic to hear the news that Disney was going to have almost all their shows/movies available in their new streaming service, Disney +. I wasn’t too enthusiastic about signing up for one more thing, but after a friend of mine showed me the list of shows that I could binge, I knew I had to have it. One in particular stood out to me: Gargoyles.
The Ultimate Cartoon Drama
For those that don’t know, Gargoyles is Disney’s first animated dramatic show. It did have some comedic elements, but the way the plot unfolded and the drama that occurred certainly made it darker than most of what you saw from Disney at the time. The story centered around a clan of gargoyles led by Goliath (perfectly voiced by Keith David) who lose their loved ones after the humans they protected betrayed them. Goliath and the remaining members of his clan are then placed under a spell that leaves them in stone until the castle they call home rises above the clouds.
Enter David Xanatos (Jonathan Frakes, one of many Star Trek actors that voice several characters), a billionaire that buys the castle and places it high above the New York sky. Once night falls, the Gargoyles wake up and find themselves in a new land and era that may not want them around.
The Plot Thickens
To say more would ruin the fun and genius of this show. Let’s just say that the writers were able to cleverly add plenty of mythology, Shakespeare, and a whole lot of other sci-fi and fantasy elements into what is an intricately plotted whole. The way the twists and turns come are so well done, you’ll wonder how this show didn’t last longer than it did.
I think what I like best about Gargoyles is the way that a lot of the characters are connected. No one is really who they appear to be (outside of the main Gargoyles), and some minor characters actually play bigger roles than they first appear.
I’d love to say more, but I think the best way you can experience it is to just watch the show yourself. If you do, let me know what you think in the comments. Plus, if you have seen it, do you think it still holds up?
Jake Martinez - Author 