Metalocalypse - Season 1

Comparing this show to Brendon Small's first one, Home Movies, you wonder how the same guy could have created such wildly different things. But get past the surface, and they have a little more in common. The subject matter is completely different and Metalocalypse is much more violent, but they have similar styles of humor focusing on conversational dialogue, and Home Movies did have a heavy metal band that appeared once in a while. Metalocalypse is an interesting show because it never tries too hard to be funny, which can't be said for most comedies. It's often content to just tell a weird story about this band filled with idiots that still manages to control the thoughts of most of the world. Not to say it isn't usually humorous, because it is, they're just not constantly throwing out jokes hoping some will stick.

The five members of the band really are morons, with over half of them unable to even speak English properly. I have to admit a lot of the appeal comes from just listening to them talk and interact. Music is a heavy element of the show, as might be assumed. It's mostly metal, and actually pretty entertaining most of the time. Enjoyable riffs and funny lyrics if you can make out Nathan's growl. But besides that, one thing you can always count on is over-the-top violence. It seems like every episode ends with a bunch of people having their faces melted or getting blown up or something. It's actually a comfort that you can usually expect something bad to happen. The violence culminates in the surprisingly dramatic season finale, when the world leaders who have been trying to sabotage the band really get serious about it. The second season started late last year and took a break, but should be returning some time soon.