These days most television viewers are familiar with the concept of shows with a plot arc running over an entire season or series, but in the early 1990s, this was rarely done–and almost never done in animation. Just as Babylon 5 preceded the trend to longer, more complex story lines in live action drama, a little known series called Exo-Squad emerged as an ambitious science fiction cartoon with a plot more challenging than your average Saturday morning fare.
Exo-Squad premiered in September of 1993, just edging ahead of Disney’s Gargoyles a year later, and broke the norm of cartoons that “reset” at the end of a 22-minute episode. Following the Able Squad, a team of Terrans armed with exoskeletons fighting in a war against the genetically engineered Neosapiens, the show featured a continuing storyline and complex character development, and tackled a variety of issues and themes in ways only science fiction can. Touted as the “American anime” in a time where access to Japanese animation was somewhat limited, this was simply one of the best cartoons on television–so it’s no surprise that it was canceled after only two seasons.
Now, through the magic of Hulu, you can experience (most of) the first season of this nearly influential animated series for yourself.
1 • Andrew Kaye said:
September 1st, 2008 at 7:38 pm, permalink
Funny you should mention this show. I just found a bunch of old Exo-Squad toys at my parent’s house, and my wife didn’t even realize the show existed.
2 • Juan said:
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:50 pm, permalink
I remember loving that show. Still do in spite of a few problems with it.
And other than finding it amusing that Marsala from the show and Teal’C from Stargate SG-1 are almost wholly interchangeable, I still loathe that the series ended/was canceled on a cliffhanger.
3 • occasional fish » Various said:
September 10th, 2008 at 10:50 pm, permalink
[...] Fantasy Magazine describes Exo-Squad as “nearly influential,” which seems about right. It was never anything like a hit, and wasn’t perfect, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen an American cartoon show this ambitious or well plotted. Especially one that wasn’t a comedy. Most of the first season is available on Hulu, if you’ve never seen it. [...]