My Pet Monster

My Pet Monster is an animated series from the late 80s, precisely 1987, aired on the ABC network. The show took inspiration from the American Greetings toy of the same name released in 1986. With its novel premise and delightful, light-hearted tone, the series captured the imaginations of children during its time.

The premise of the 'My Pet Monster' series is quite intriguing and unconventional. It revolves around a unique character named Max Smith, an ordinary boy who stumbles upon an extraordinary situation. The show begins when Max's visit to the museum with his sister, Melanie, takes an unexpected turn. Their innocent exploration of a museum exhibit leads Max to an encounter with a magical statue of the monster named 'Beastur.' This run-in culminates resulting in Max transforming into a blue-furred Monster whenever he gets significantly hungry. However, Max's situation gets a light-hearted spin, and he transforms back into a human once he consumes the food.

The transformation isn't his only problem – Max must deal with the antics brought on by his new form. He becomes a large and cuddly, yet somewhat clumsy creature with completely uncontrollable energy. Meanwhile, he also discovers that he possesses super-human strength and the surprise ability to defy gravity, adding an even more charmingly puzzling layer to his character.

An important object in the series is a pair of magical and unbreakable orange handcuffs that Max found at the statue's base. The handcuffs become a trademark feature throughout the series, as they stay attached to him after his initial transformation.

A unique touch is added to the series as Max's transformation remains a secret from the rest of the world, and he and his sister take constant measures to keep the secret intact. The tasks of steering clear of the suspicious neighbor, covering up the truth in embarrassing situations, and constantly searching for food to keep Max human add an adventurous twist to the usual kid-centric stories. Not only do Max and Melanie navigate school and neighborhood life, but they also fend off Mr. Hinkle, a neighbor who's suspiciously keen to uncover the truth.

On the flip side, Max doesn't always see his condition as a curse but often uses it to outsmart bullies, make everyday life more exciting, and sometimes even save the day. Beastur, the actual monster from the statue, features as the show's villain and occasionally escapes to cause mayhem and pursue Max, recognizing him as a fellow monster.

The relationships in the series, particularly Max's bond with his sibling, are also quite central and endearing. Melanie serves as Max's guiding light, helping him navigate the challenges that come with his unique situation, maintaining the tight-knit family dynamic that is another staple of the series. Max's pet dog, Wolfie, who adorably matches the blue color of Max's monstrous form, is another important and entertaining part of the show.

My Pet Monster spans only a single season but leaves a memorable mark on the audience. Its mix of humor, adventure, and drama creates a perfect blend that appeals to its young viewers. The animation style, typical of the 80s, is vibrant and eye-catchy, ensuring to captivate the kids of that age group.

Despite its short run, My Pet Monster proved to be a unique and engaging show for its time. It stood out in children's programming with its fusion of regular school and family life with extraordinary, magical elements. It redefined the monster genre, evoking empathetic emotions towards the so-called 'monstrous' characters and served an important message that not everything that looks scary is genuinely frightening.

In essence, My Pet Monster is a cult classic filled with joy, adventure, nostalgia, and the precious chaos of childhood friendships and familial support. It's this rich storytelling, fun characters, and unique premise that make it an unforgettable cartoon series of its time.