Writers Get Animated

How does a crazy idea break bad? Chris and Mackenzie explore some high concept shows that come from way, way out of left field to see how a crazy idea can be crazy good or go crazy bad! Joing them as they journey through the plot holes of Yogi's Space Race and as they traverse the wonders of Steven Universe. How is Steven Universe like Breaking Bad? Can you fall in space? Is "rock" a derogatory term for gems? Would someone actually spin a wheel to create a crazy show?

Chris and Mackenzie go through the shows that influenced them as writers. We run through the gamut of Gargoyles, the DCAU (DC Animated Universe), Looney Tunes, Wolf's Rain, Venture Bros., Darkwing Duck, Futurama, The Simpsons, Duck Tales, and Freakazoid. What makes a show "influencial" instead of simply "enjoyable?" What lessons can we learn from ducks? How many Shakespeare characters can exist in animated form?

Our fans ask: "Chris and Mackenzie, why don't you write cartoon shows?" Because no one is paying us to. However, with the help of our Wheel of Crossovers, we're bringing you three brilliant show concepts that don't exist yet. You can pay us now, Big Animation. The rules are simple: We spin the wheel to get two shows and one concept, then we have up to seven minutes to come up with a viable show. When we're done, one of those three prompts must be stricken from the wheel FOREVER. It's part improv, part animation nerdery. We prove that "It writes itself!" Or do we?

Today's episode is brought to you by the letter "J" for "Jack." Chris and Mackenzie get into children's shows chosen by Chris' 3-year-old son, Jack: Puffin Rock and Doc McStuffins. Why do pygmy shrews fart? Who tells Chris to stay on track with his playwriting? What kids' show is most like Eyes Wide Shut? What if the scientific method was a musical? What's the difference between stuffed lambs and plastic goats?

It's a very special episode of Writers Get Animated. Chris and Mackenzie open up about a very important (and complicated) topic: diversity/inclusivity in animation. The candid, personal conversation covers some large territory including Doc McStuffins, Speedy Gonzales, The Legend of Korra, Gargoyles, Star Vs. The Forces of Evil, The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Futurama.

What's up, Doc? Chris and Mackezie take a sharp right turn at Albuquerque and go deep, deep down the wabbit hole to study the Chuck Jones masterpiece "What's Opera, Doc?" What does Elmer Fudd really want in life? Does Bugs Bunny actually love Elmer Fudd? Where did Bugs get that horse?

If you think The Simpsons stopped being great after awhile, you’re right! BUT! It did not stop being good! Chris and Mackenzie are joined by resident Simpsons expert Dr. Rachael Riggs Leyva to compile a list 10 great Simpsons episodes after Maude Flanders died. What makes a great episode of The Simpsons? Is child abuse still funny? Just how wibbly wobbly timey wimey is time in Springfield? When did Homer and Marge meet again?

What's one way to bring back your favorite character in a "fun" or "new" way? Give them kids! Chris and Mackenzie go on a voyage with Popeye (and Son) and join Team Avatar with their first look at The Legend of Korra. What color hair does Popeye have? What does a sailor have to do with Cajun chicken? Was Avatar Aang a good father? Who wants to buy a ship full of stinking fish?

Chris and Mackenzie talk about the 88th Oscars! Not the Animated feature category, though. Their focus? The category everyone should care about more: Animated Shorts. The nominees: World of Tomorrow, Sanjay's Super Team, We Can't Live Without Cosmos, Bear Story, and Prologue. This year's group of nominees only includes two films animated with computer graphics. Is this a return to traditional animation? How much dialogue do you need for a short film? Can anyone ever beat Pixar?

Video games and cartoons. The two often go hand-in-hand. If someone likes cartoons, they often like video games. But should we really like video games AND cartoons? Is their union an unholy matrimony, or is there potential for cartoons based on games to be the biggest thing since Marvel comics went cinematic? Their victims for the day: Sonic the Hedgehog and The Legend of Zelda. Bonus mentions of The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Boom, and Futurama: The Lost Episode.