Tarantula

Tarantula is an intriguing animated series that aired on TBS in 2017. It's a mixed bag of bizarre, raucous comedy, drama, and peculiar characters living in a universe that's unmistakably unique — revolving around the residents of the Tierra Chula Resident Hotel, or much fondly known as "The Tarantula." This television series is both a visual and creative innovation that not only caters to fans of animated series but also appeals to those who appreciate comedy blended with thought-provoking themes.

The artistic style of the animation is almost impressionistic, with a distinctive palette of purples, blues, and pinks that lend the series a dreamy quality. Although distinctive, the artwork complements the narrative perfectly, creating a visually appealing pallet that keeps viewers hooked. The use of vibrant colors and unique designs make each frame feel like its own canvas or urban mural, demonstrating a consistent degree of craft put in the animation design and execution.

The story of Tarantula is noticeably character-driven, where every character has a distinct personality and a tale to tell. The main character, Echo Johnson, is a respected but uncertified tattoo artist, who considers himself a “philosopher”. Echo's voice, provided by Carson Mell, is droopy and hypnotic that mesmerizes audience right from the start. He's a weird, thoughtful man, full of crazy stories from his life and probably one of the kookiest animated figures you'll encounter.

Other characters range from Lucas, the front desk clerk to Bess, a sexually adventurous resident, Paja, the laugh-provoking insect exterminator and many more. Each resident of the Tarantula shares their complex, entertaining stories, further presenting the depth of this show. It’s the weirdness and sincerity in these characters that make it a series worth watching. They aren’t just there for laughs; they’re meant to make us think while evoking different emotions.

In terms of humor, it's not your usual fare. Tarantula relies heavily on its quirky dialogue and strange circumstances for laughs. This makes the humor feel organic, even when it's mixed in with the absurd and outlandish elements of the stories. The humor tends to lean more towards adult themes and may not be to everyone’s taste, having elements of crudeness and dark comedy. However, it’s this difference from the usual, sitcom humor that sets Tarantula apart.

While each episode has its laughs, it also takes time to ponder over life's questions, making it drama and comedy mixed into one. The show is not afraid to dive deep into life's absurdities, inconsistencies, and the existential worries that many of us casually ponder over. It’s the surprising depth in some episodes that gives the show an extra edge over its contemporaries.

The unique use of music throughout the series is another admirable aspect of the show. Tarantula’s sound design and soundtrack is a mix of eclectic tracks that accompanies the narrative in a compelling way. The sound of the show perfectly fits its weird, dreamy, and ethereal quality, creating a weird yet comforting paradoxical vibe.

Tarantula is a surprising, character-driven discovery. Even though the show is animated, it cleverly integrates a sense of reality within its confines, treading a line between exaggerated tales and real-life scenarios. It’s not afraid to break the norms and delve deep which makes each episode a fun-filled exploration of eccentric characters and unusual situations. Simply put, it is a unique treat for those who like their animated shows mixed with eccentric humor, attention-grabbing characters, and the courage to go beyond the expected.

In its own strange and beautiful fashion, Tarantula is definitely worthy of a watch for its deviation from familiar cartoon tropes and its audacity to dance on the edge of poignant storytelling and comedy. It encourages viewers to peel back the layers of its narratives, allowing them to explore profound substance amid the artistic animation and laughs. It's a well-crafted series that pushes the boundaries of what an animated show can achieve.