Spaceballs: The Animated Series

Spaceballs: The Animated Series is an animated television series that was first aired on G4 channel from the years 2008 to 2009. The series is based on the iconic 1987 science fiction parody film, "Spaceballs," directed by legendary comedian and filmmaker Mel Brooks. Brooks is well known for his hilarious spins on genres like history (History of the World), the western genre (Blazing Saddles) and even horror (Young Frankenstein). With Spaceballs: The Animated Series, Brooks continues to lampoon the science fiction genre with his trademark brand of irreverent, slapstick humor.

With any series adaptation, especially of such a cult classic, expectations run high. Spaceballs: The Animated Series seeks to meet these expectations, serving up a mixture of nostalgic nods to the original and a fresh batch of hilarity for new viewers. The series, which consists of 13 episodes, largely preserves the bowel-bursting humor and outrageous comedic sense from the film. It sprays its humor into genre standards, pop culture, politics, world events, and even gives nods to Paradise City and Brooks' previous works, sinking its satiric teeth deeper and having fun while doing so.

An intriguing aspect of this series is the return of Mel Brooks himself as the voice of two of its main characters - President Skroob and Yogurt. In addition, other original cast members, including Daphne Zuniga reprising her role as Princess Vespa, and Joan Rivers as the voice of Dot Matrix, further serving to keep the spirit of the original intact. The talented cast helps to keep the comedic timing and sardonic tone that made the original so special. The exploits of Lafayette 'Lone Starr' (Rino Romano) – our Han Solo stand-in - along with his half-man, half-dog partner Barf, add to the hilarity of the proceedings.

The show takes a 'sequel' sort of stance, continuing from where the film left off but in an episodic format. The Dark Helmet, played by an equally brilliant Rick Moranis in the film, continues with his comical menacing schemes to destroy planet Druidia aided by the incompetent President Skroob. Yet, every plan he hatches is destined to stumble into comedic failure, often due to their own buffoonery.

In terms of animation, the series boasts a simple yet lively style that suits its humorous narratives perfectly. The 2D style, though not graphically intricate, manages to keep its characters and elements expressive and colorful. It respects its roots from the 80s movie yet consciously adopts an art style that’s in line with the cartoons of its airing era. Thus, the series manages to capture a unique balance of nostalgic and contemporary animation feels.

Spaceballs: The Animated Series is no doubt a goofy, irreverent series, showcasing a brand of humor that is distinctly Mel Brooks. It's filled with absurd characters, ludicrous situations, and parodies that go from subtle to over-the-top. Fans of the original film will be pleased to see their beloved characters once again in new adventures, and new viewers can enjoy the humor, wit and spirit of the film in this slightly different form.

The show does not shy away from its parody pretext, openly skewering Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, and other pop-culture staples - all in good fun, making it an animated space comedy that ventures where no laughs have gone before. Moreover, the show offers multilayered amusement – tongue-in-cheek humor for adults along with visual silliness readily digestible by kids.

As a continuation of a classic film, Spaceballs: The Animated Series brings with it the dynamism and energy of the original while also embracing the flexibility of its new format. It is a must-see for fans of the original Spaceballs film and for anyone who enjoys parodical, pop culture-referencing comedy. Above all, it's a series designed to make you laugh and entertain, and it does that in spades, proving once again that in Mel Brooks’ universe, may the farce be with you.