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Coogan Auto (2013)
Autoplay
Created by Rob Riggle, directly between his 21 and 22 Jump Street appearances, Coogan showed potential during its 1st and only season. Costarring comedian J. B. Smoove and a handful of character actors you may recognize. Including a guest appearance from Jake Johnson only 2 years into his New Girl tenure. The 10 minute episodes stand out from other series released online at the time due to quality, but in retrospect, they still remained within the same boundaries associated with online content of the early 2010s.
Production value, professional acting, and character chemistry being the obvious highlights of the show's short run, the low points of the series come mostly at the expense of the writing. For every bit of improv that stems into an entertaining moment for a character, there are lines or even scenes that I feel the episode may be better without. The issue is that certain characters may not be included in episodes otherwise. Which is the most frustrating part of the show, having likeable characters with nothing to do and an inability to flesh out more than their one note traits.
The strongest episodes of the series are those that have an actual semblance of plot progression, rather than what often feels like a single set sketch comedy. It's no surprise that the most interesting episode is also the only one where any character is seen in another location aside from the dealership. A concept like this, given the budget or runtime of a series like The Office, My Name Is Earl, or even Party Down, would've had more of an opportunity to get the idea off the ground. Instead, it feels like high budget CollegeHumor at times. It's a mindless watch that you will enjoy if you're a fan of the talent. Unless you're a car salesman, there isn't much payoff or many unique moments not found elsewhere. This likely set the groundwork for a show like American Auto years later.
The production is great for a web series, especially in 2013. The unfiltered actions and dialogue of the characters capture the raunchy irresponsibility intended, but the 1st season just leaves you wanting more. For a show that only found more direction as it continued and peaked as it ended, the average viewer may forget about it after the 1st watch. Free on YouTube in full, worth your time if you like those involved!
The Far Cry Experience (2012)
The Definition of Insanity
It's no secret that a comedy starring Christopher Mintz-Plasse at his most popular, was guaranteed to get fans attention in 2012. Though without question, the true highlight of the show is Michael Mando's portrayal of Vaas. To see the future Better Call Saul actor, land an opportunity to set groundwork for performances he'd later become known for, is a real treat. Especially considering he was mainly a Canadian TV actor at that time.
Throughout a less than 30 minute total runtime, this series succeeds in being the found footage comedy it's aiming for. Unlike the varying quality of some productions in the same genre, FCE never suffers from feeling low budget. However, it feels like high level promotional material, that with some wishful thinking may have even served better as a film.
With a beautiful setting, decent supporting roles, and basic plot direction all separated into digestible 5 minute blocks, The Far Cry Experience is a must for any Far Cry fan. This flash in the pan for Michael Mando's career, only elevating the legacy of the game it's based on, and the villain he plays within it.
Mongo Wrestling Alliance (2011)
May Watch Again
Another outrageous series centered around absurdity and violence, created by Adult Swim.
Firstly, the animation is not low budget by any means, I've seen much worse. The 2D models are somewhere in-between the quality of Archer and Unsupervised, with the art style alternating between 2D and 3D. It can be jarring, but overall enhances the wrestling elements of the show.
The writing compared to some other one-note cartoons, is better than expected. Throughout 10 episodes there's an (albeit loose) overarching plot, dedicated character episodes, and at times visually interesting action. Casting and voice acting is on par with other Adult Swim animated projects at the time, with select characters I feel were genuinely voiced pretty well.
If you're a wrestling fan, with a taste for ridiculous gimmicks and video game violence, then you'll enjoy this. Possibly with a 20 minute runtime this series would have been more egregious, but it was an easy watch that has it's high points at the tail end of the season. Searching for a zany cartoon to only partially pay attention to may lead you to find this a bit overbearing, but no more than the likes of early Harvey Birdman in my opinion.
Give it a try, the pilot is personally my least favorite episode.