Dead End: Paranormal Park (2022) User Reviews

Great

[fletcherkate · 8/10 · 20 June 2022]

Like some people said it isn't comparable to shows like gravity falls but why would it be? It doesn't deserve to be compared like that.

To start with some of the episodes we're fantastic but some of them were just good. The ending was outstanding however, I loved it and everything came together. It's silly, goofy and fun with the added charm of being inclusive. Definitely worth a watch.

Not a bad show at all..

[pfne · 7/10 · 19 June 2022]

Creative and well written.

The voice work is fine and the music and sounds are all good.

It's nothing outstanding, it's not anywhere near the quality of Gravity Falls or Hilda, it's a did 7/10

I fear the LGBTQ+ content will see it score well with certain demographics who'll score it 10/10 without watching it first... But obviously there's those that'll score it 1/10 for the same reasons...

Phenomenal show with compelling characterization

[alicerutholson · 8/10 · 25 July 2022]

This show is definitely underrated, although I feel like the characterization may be missed by some audience members. The show will likely get a lot of love and hate for it's diversity, as it's not just a show to include a cast of diverse but otherwise bland characters but really speaks to many of the struggles trans, gay, and Neurodivergent people experience. Things like reluctantly supportive family members who don't stand up to unsupportive ones, the struggles of building friendships while Neurodivergent, fixations and special interest, and even just the difficulty of asking out a same gendered partner not knowing how they'll react.

Of course, diversity alone doesn't sell a show. I've seen abysmal shows with diverse casting, but this one is fun, with great musical scores in limited episodes, campy references, and a bit of mystery.

The show isn't perfect, and it's definitely aimed for a bit of a younger audience but can still definitely be enjoyable for adults. The show is at its strongest at the very beginning and the season finale, but the middle episodes dont feel like they hold the show terrible down. I feel like it's written in a similar style as late Steven universe, and will likely Garner many comparisons, but it doesn't have many of the major flaws that held SU had holding it back. It has more direction, more engaging plot progression, and doesn't try to redeem every monster.

Maybe it will be your cup of tea, maybe it won't, but the show is good enough in its own merits to be worth a watch.

Cute Gravity Falls-like show

[j-51304 · 9/10 · 18 June 2022]

Similar to Gravity Falls - would definitely recommend to fans of that show. The setting and plot (twists!) are unique and fun to follow. The cast is fun and cute, and even as an adult watching, the show is entertaining and can be funny at times. It's a good all-ages show and I hope it gets a second season!

Cute show with room for improvement

[onlyfortheparty · 7/10 · 29 June 2022]

I'm a big fan of cartoons and a trans man so I was really looking forward to checking out this show. The voice acting, animation and episode plots are all good but the overarching storyline of the season stumbled. It doesn't help that this show has similar themes to popular shows like Gravity Falls and The Owl House and will be judged in comparison to them. All in all it was a fun watch and I would like to see a second season because I see so much potential for this show to hit the mark.

Fantastic!

[huntingharps · 9/10 · 16 June 2022]

Fun show for all ages! I read the graphic novels the series was based on when they were first published and fell in love, not to mention watched the original short that started it all! So it's amazing to see how the story has developed over time. I'm in love with the animation style, and the world-building is fantastic. The characters are funny, lovable, and relatable, I guarantee everyone can find at least one character they see themselves in! I hope Netflix will keep this one around, it's so well done! Great story, great art, and great representation. It's well worth your time!

Such an amazing show!

[alilgoblin · 7/10 · 23 June 2022]

I LOVED it, I watched it in one sitting. Tho it could have done better with diving deep into the demons. I just think it would have been a lot more interesting. I love the art style and the diversity, really made me happy! But over all it was great (I CANT WAIT FOR A SEASON 2!!!!!!!)

Cute, creative, fun...and demons!

[squirrelmagic · 9/10 · 16 June 2022]

It feels a bit slow at first, but it picks up quick

It features a fabulously diverse cast of characters, a very creative premise, fantastic voice cast, fun and imaginative stories, and some laugh out loud jokes.

I love it!

It's lovely to see rep

[wbbakim · 7/10 · 21 June 2022]

The autistic community rarely gets a representation of us that isn't depicted as a stereotype.

Norma, as a 22 year old autistic person "you make me feel seen" and I hope this paves a path for better and canon representation for our community. I was delighted to finally see someone like me, and have the same problems as me, even if it's a kid it's great for young viewers to see that and learn from it.

I believe the writer of the show or comic is autistic and they wanted to showcase what it was like to be autistic and they hit the nail on the head. It made me tear up almost to have a character confirmed as autistic before the show started...because so many writers will claim a character is gay or disabled etc after the show is done... much like the off hand comment that dumbledore was supposed to be gay. If you're going to make a character, stick with what you want it to be...don't try to pander after the show is done. She was intended to be autistic, it wasn't an afterthought and it feels so good to not be tacked on after a show is done at the last minute to make people happy.

Strictly an okay show

[sashah-81779 · 5/10 · 19 June 2022]

Disregard all of the 9 or 10 star reviews from people who automatically like it because the show has a diverse and LGBTQ+ cast. And disregard all of the 1 or 2 star reviews from people who automatically hate it because the show has a diverse and LGBTQ+ cast. Just part of the weird times we live in where people fit into their own "teams" and blindly support or oppose based on their teams. I honestly don't care if this show has or doesn't have diverse and LGBTQ+ cast. I just wanted to watch a good paranormal, quirky show, but this show is not very good. Not terrible but also not great. It's just okay. The characters and voice acting is decent. But the plot, story elements, paranormal elements, and jokes are subpar. Also, they start with focus on a "wizard demon" in the beginning of the show and then shift hard right to a missing person storyline. Just didn't enjoy as much as I thought I would have.

100 percent Underrated.

[jacklynebetty · 10/10 · 22 June 2022]

There's an episode I rewatched 5 times in between actually watching it before I finally finished it.

It's just a really good show, and don't get me started on the graphics :'-)

Characters have solid storylines, almost too real/close to home, and that's what makes it incredible. I absolutely loved it.

It has potential

[lucasnascimentodesousasousa · 7/10 · 29 July 2022]

The cartoon is pretty cool. It makes you nostalgic for shows with Gravitty Falls, Hilda and Steven Universe (even if it's not as good as them), because of the mystery. I also really liked the issue of the character Norma having problems making friends due to her insecurities, which is very common and I identified a little, in addition to the representation of Barney, which was well done, since as much as many parents accept their LGBT children, just accepting is not enough, they need to defend them. What I didn't like was the fact that some episodes were very fillers (like the game show or the mascots), in addition to the romanticism and force of Barney's romance with another character.

Just not good

[izzacking · 4/10 · 19 June 2022]

I will start with the positives, the actors did a good job, it looks nice, it is inclusive and sometimes can be enjoyable, sometimes. That is unfortunately if for the positives

Now for the negatives. At the beginning with the show is very fast, the plot of each episode not only develops within seconds but is basically fed to you, the only thing to watch for is the overarching season plot/theme. On top of that the jokes go from setup to punchline and feels like the scene from space jam where the aliens prove they be can be looney. Not only that but unless it is a plot point characters will sort their emotions like they are trying to speedrun a therapist, the character development is so uneven that you feel like you have entered the mind of someone who is bipolar.

A lot of reviews will praise it only for its diversity, something I agree is important, but the show makes it feel unnecessary at times. Also I believe that if all you can say is "it was diverse" then it probably wasn't that good.

It has no clear audience as most jokes are for niche audiences or a thrown so fast that only a toddler with a 3 second attention span can enjoy them.

As an autistic female, this show means a lot to me!

[skrjessie · 10/10 · 18 June 2022]

One of the main characters, Norma, is an autistic girl. I love how well she's written because autistic girls rarely get representation. Autism is typically seen as a "male" condition, so people aren't aware of the ways it can manifest in females. I think she is a great step forward for positive, productive depictions of autism in media.

I also really enjoyed Barney's story. He is great representation as well because he is a gay trans guy. His baggage of having to deal with animosity from family members is relatable, even if you aren't trans. I love his growth in the series, as well as Norma's, Pugsly's, and Courtney's.

The mystery aspect of the show was a little hard for me to follow, as the characters would often quickly present a lot of information at once (with little time to process between clues), but I was able to understand by the end. I think it was an interesting plot overall. I loved the found family vibe of this show, and the musical episode was amazing!

Ignore the people whining in these reviews about the "trans agenda" or whatever. Just give it an honest shot.

Kinda mediocre honestly

[mediocrecreampuff · 6/10 · 17 June 2022]

It feels like a mashup of Steven Universe, Gravity Falls and Hilda. Granted I'm only halfway through the season but I feel no desire to continue. There are some fun episode concepts but none of the characters really hit.

I'm glad a series as diverse as this got greenlit, but I would like the next one to be better.

Edit: I did finish it despite my earlier gripes with it. The second half is a little better. Pauline Phoenix is a cool concept for a villian but the execution is just kinda ok. Its enough for me to raise my score to a 5.5 or even 6. Still it doesn't matter to me whether or not this gets a season 2, probably won't watch it, or recommend this show to anyone. Pauline deserves better.

Great fun. My kids love it!

[kateebbutt · 10/10 · 18 June 2022]

Amazing to see representation in a brilliant kids Tv show. It's fun and silly and we binged the lot in one sitting. My kids are delighted that there is a trans character - they brought me in to watch with them. Well done Netflix!

Very meh

[Overseer-Penguin · 6/10 · 23 June 2022]

First of all, maybe this series isn't for me, but I do like the animated media so yeah...

Anyway, the story is kinda weird and rarely makes sense. Like, the demon lords weakness is a photo of him? That's it? How the heck are they a threat then? Literally everyone has a phone, also how are they so parallel with earth affairs when they can have spies there? Also what's the connection between Pauline and the Demon? He fake hired two people that were actual hired? Is Courtney like a manager? How tf did SHE get hired?

Also, the characters have traits that are not very consistent. One character has social anxiety but this is addressed in one episode and then never again. What? She only got that for one episode?

Barney the main character also displays bravery very situationally, he is always looking out for his brother, for the dog however it's 50/50.

The series would be very forgettable if not for a trans character (also the family tensions there seems forced as he just decides to leave home for some weak reason, it's addressed later, but not very satisfying for me). Anyway, if you like the series only for a trans character fine, whatever. If you hate it for the trans character just don't watch it and move along, it's not that good anyway.

Super Fun and Cute

[0Solace0 · 10/10 · 19 June 2022]

I absolutely love cartoons, and this cartoon is AMAZING, it has a fun plot and witty characters, positive representation that kids need today, and it also handles topics like social anxiety really well, with a character who's biggest fear is the real world

The show is humorous, at times emotional, and what's not to love about two kids in a mysterious, demonic theme park with a talking dog as their companion?

Could have been way better...

[maxdon-04322 · 7/10 · 23 June 2022]

So it started very solidly, and I was expecting it to easily hit 9/10, but as it went on it just kept getting slightly more boring every episode, but at the end it really picked up, so I would say that it is worth a watch! Even if the middle is kind of a slog.

== Major Spoilers == The conflict between Barney and his parents didn't really work for me... I don't know if I missed something but the whole thing felt hollow, I kept waiting for the reveal of them doing something that would be bad enough for him to run away, but it just didn't come.

They did keep saying that the Grandma was saying terrible things but we never do hear what she says, so unless you decide to do the heavy lifting with your imagination and make the grandma into something truly horrible than the whole conflict feels kind of empty.

They do kind of hint at what Grandma says in episode 2, so we do kind of have an idea of what she says that makes her so bad, but it doesn't feel like it reaches running away from home level, especially as she doesn't live with them and only visits occasionally!

The whole thing would have worked way better if it wasn't Barney reconciling with his parents but Barney reconciling the grandma.

Another thing that didn't really work for me was Norma feeling betrayed and starting to cry due to the reveal that Pauline Phoenix was a ghost, and was possessing her own impersonators to continue living!

I mean what exactly does that betray? That she isn't as immortal as she seems? That she isn't as perfect as she imagined her to be? I don't know and anything that I imagine feels like it isn't enough to cause such a reaction from a fan, feels very forced!

Would have worked way better if she had decided to spread the truth to make sure that her perfect reputation didn't survive, or something like that...

Additionally I didn't like that they really spent a whole episode showing Norma's anxiety issues and then just never brought them up again, especially when she had to preform/talk/sing in front of lots of people constantly... It felt very inconsistent, and could have been an interesting problem for her to overcome!

And final thing that comes to mind, is that it wasn't clear if all supernatural stuff was normal to literally everyone or if they were just supper accepting of it all, like what was the situation there? Because they constantly see Courtney and Pugsley doing magic, even if that is somehow explained away, Pugsley is a talking dog and basically no-one ever questioned that! So that should have been explained way better.

But other then that everything was pretty good, the animation was on-point, the music was good, the voice acting was good, the characters were good and even if the overarching story was kind of a stretch in places it was also good!

Can't really think of anything that they did perfectly that I will think back on later...

Very forgettable and sadly boring

[lastalba · 4/10 · 13 August 2022]

I wanted to watch a nice paranormal/mystery serie (gravity falls or stuff like that) but... It's soooo boring.

Animation is good, good backgrounds, nice characters design (maybe colours palettes aren't very inspired but... ok), good voices but still... Nothing against the characters and everything but it's just not special or interesting. I really wanted to like it. Watch Hilda, ten times better.

So Very Fun!

[emilymarieb · 10/10 · 18 June 2022]

A well written and creative show full of amazing representation. I'm loving all the diverse rep coming out of cartoons lately, and this is no different. A fun, spooky story too!

It's alright, not worth your time unless you're bored

[ffdshd · 11 March 2023]

I watched both seasons, and I have to say I like the show a lot more than I thought I would but it's not really good. I think the voice acting is great, the background art is nice, and the character designs of the non human characters are really well drawn. I like most of the characters, my favorite being Pauline.

What I don't like is the main character Barney. He's entitled, annoying, and 99% of his character is about him being trans. I think diversity and lgbt representation is great but that shouldn't be the only thing about a character. The thing is, he's the only character that's like this, the other characters are lgbt and from diverse backgrounds but they're not one dimensional like Barney is.

Norma is bisexual and autistic but there's more to her than that. She's passionate about working at the park, she's really into solving the mysteries at her workplace, etc. She's more than just being bi and autistic, she's got a personality, interests and struggles.

Barney's entire character is "I am trans, and because I am trans I felt like I didn't belong anywhere. But now I found a place where I can belong" He lashes out to his loved ones and is rewarded for his entitlement by everyone bending over backwards for him.

Because Barney is so one-dimensional, all the episodes about him are really boring. The show is much more interesting whenever he's not on screen, personally, the show would have been better if Norma was the protagonist.

With the episodes, I feel like the show would have been better if each episode was 11 minutes long instead over 20 minutes. The episodes aren't interesting enough to justify the length, this show was definitely more suited for the 11 minute format.

I don't like the character designs for the human characters (except for Pauline), they're ugly and bland. I suppose that's not a big deal but it definitely takes some time to get used to, especially the snowman noses all the characters have.

It's fine, but entertaining enough to watch.

[sarahnero · 7/10 · 22 June 2022]

This review has minor spoilers! Also it's probably going to be a bit long.

Yes, I know many reviews say this but it has great LGBTQ+ presentation. Also just because the show has LGBTQ+ presentation and demons doesn't mean it's not 'family friendly'.

Despite many reviews saying the show gives a real mysterious vibe. It kind of gets to the point what the whole mystery is pretty quickly, which ends the mystery trope pretty quickly.

Unless you count the last episode of season 1. That's where things start to get a bit more interesting.

The show is pretty predictable but it's still pretty entertaining to watch, along with some funny jokes. The show is pretty satire at some points which is kind of funny.

There is great character development in the series. Characters are fine, though there hasn't been a character I feel inclined or close to, yet.

It has some pretty nice scenes and the voice acting is great. Animation is also amazing and nice to watch.

Different phobias is represented on the characters and executes it well.

Alright, so now let's go on the bad things of the show.

It's too predictable at times that it's almost boring to stick through and watch it. There were too many episodes that were just a bore to watch just because you could already see what was going to go down.

Plot is kind of boring but it still works. Overall the plot is fine but it's a little too cliché for me.

An interesting villain goes down way too quickly that it's almost upsetting to watch.

Alright that's all for my review. I hope this helped you.

Creative concept. Boring execution.

[fidel-dallmeier · 3/10 · 20 June 2022]

It's too tame for how macabre the theme is. It almost feels like it wants to belong to another audience but the argument ended up made for 9 year olds.

I want to like it but it's actually boring.

Rollicking roller coaster ride of fun!

[purelyminimalist · 9/10 · 17 June 2022]

Absolutely loved this show! Mix of Steven Universe, Gravity Falls, and something unique onto its own.

Good characters, and while only the main characters truly develop, the others are not 2-dimensional! I especially loved Courtney, bless her demon heart!

Don't listen to the alt-right crowd touting the 1's (you know who you are). While there is a trans character, he is not shoved in your face, and is actually quite charming. No progressive agenda!

Great show, would watch it again, hope there is a season 2!