Saul of the Mole Men

Saul of the Mole Men is an American live-action comedy series that aired on Cartoon Network's late-night programming block, Adult Swim, in 2007. Created by Craig Lewis and brought to life by producer Tom Stern, it stars Josh Gardner, Arturo Gil, Gary Anthony Williams, Irina Voronina, and Paige Peterson, with Gardner doing double-duty as Saul Malone and Strata Operator Al B.

Designed as a spoof of Saturday morning children's shows from the 1970s, the series is a satire from the get-go, borrowing freely from popular culture archetypes, from kitschy sci-fi serials to bizarre geological adventures. Set to a backdrop of colorful, green-screen technology, the show’s creators have taken their retro inspiration and transformed it into a modern-day cinematic arc that speaks to Adult Swim's unique brand of humor.

Josh Gardner stars as the protagonist, Saul Malone, a geologist and a member of STRATA, an acronym for Special Team of Research And Tactical Applications. The team embarks on a mission exploring the deepest, uncharted part of the Earth, hoping to discover new elements and life. However, a tragic accident maroons Saul Malone deep within the Earth's crust, separating him from his team.

Saul of the Mole Men carves a path of humor and eccentricity. Here, Saul finds himself native to the subterranean Mole Men, an odd collection of humanoid-moles. Arturo Gil embodies the lead Mole Man, while Gary Anthony Williams voices Fallopia, a Mole Queen. Irina Voronina and Paige Peterson play the Evil Twins who prove integral to the narrative.

Saul, with his STRATA touch-screen watch and explorer's curiosity, must now navigate this society of Mole Men that has varying degrees of acceptance towards him. Adrift in this subterranean society, Saul attempts to apply his understanding of anthropology, diplomacy, and science to get by, resulting in various comedic scenarios and narrative threads.

One of the major draws of the show is its tone and style, remaining irresistibly authentic to the era it parodies. The result is a series laden with primitive special effects, melodramatic score, radical cuts, exaggerated acting, and an incredibly catchy theme song, “Going Underground,” that’s a loving tribute to retro TV shows. Writing, although often surreal and bizarre, is sharp and intelligent, interspersed with metafictional elements and social commentary, providing layers of entertainment for both casual viewers and hardcore fans.

Saul of the Mole Men showcases Adult Swim's unfettered creativity, where it balances its unusual premise with engaging storytelling, projecting high-concept humor that doesn’t shy away from thought-provoking subtexts. Show creator Lewis declared that he drew inspiration from '70s-era Sid and Marty Krofft productions (Land of the Lost, H.R. Pufnstuf), which is evident in the series' cheesy environments and puppetry.

The show’s creators don’t miss an opportunity to make every element part of the comedy, too. For instance, even the Mole Men speak in 'Middle English,' a hilarious throwback to ancient English texts. On top of that, the show turns Saul's lack of understanding of the Mole Men’s culture into both a recurring joke and a source of conflict. The series doesn't neglect its sci-fi roots either, with Saul often grappling with bizarre creatures, mysteries of the underground world, and the abiding need to reconnect with the surface world.

While maintaining a lens focused on absurdist comedy, Saul of the Mole Men occasionally ventures into more dramatic territory. Episodes often center around Saul’s efforts to become a part of the Mole Men community, evoking a sense of alienation and struggle for acceptance. These more serious moments are juxtaposed against the series' inherent goofiness to create a uniquely poignant blend.

Saul of the Mole Men is a wacky, twisty ride into an unknown world. At its heart, it’s a perfect exhibit of zeitgeist '70s TV show satire for a millennial audience. With a twenty-episode arch and each episode running approximately 11 minutes, it's an easily bingeable series that harkens back to yesteryear's television charm. It merges humor, imagination, social critique, and nostalgia, offering an unusual but unforgettable journey deep into the bizarre, cheesy, retro-inspired subterranean.