TARZAN, LORD OF THE JUNGLE

TARZAN, LORD OF THE JUNGLE is an American animated television series based on the beloved character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Premiering in 1976 and running until 1978, the series was produced by Filmation Associates and originally aired as a 30-minute standalone series on Saturday mornings on CBS.

The series offers a faithful and intelligent rendition of the original Tarzan stories, showcasing a protagonist who carries with him attributes of physical prowess bundled with deep-seated intelligence and emotion. Dispensing with the common portrayals of Tarzan as a simple, uneducated character, TARZAN, LORD OF THE JUNGLE presents a title role who is articulate and personally complex.

Giving life to the character of Tarzan is Robert Ridgely, who lends an expressive voice with a hint of underlying steel to imbue the character with just the right balance of strength and emotional depth. His voice became synonymous with the noble savage with a heart of gold, causing audiences of all ages to be enthralled by his portrayal.

The series is set in the dense forests of Africa, which is depicted with lush visual detailing. The animation style is beautiful and intricate, featuring plenty of thickly shaded linework and an aesthetic that borders on the surreal, underscoring the mysterious and dangerous qualities of the jungle.

The narrative of TARZAN, LORD OF THE JUNGLE has an episodic format where each episode tells a self-contained story that revolves around the adventures of Tarzan and his dealings with the various inhabitants of the jungle, both animal and human. These stories often incorporate elements of mystery, action, and suspense as Tarzan leverages his physical abilities and intelligence in each situation.

The series is rich in terms of character development; Tarzan is presented as a multi-dimensional and sophisticated character with clear moral standards and an unwavering commitment to justice. This is an enlightened, articulate Tarzan who communicates fluently in English, creates tools and weapons using the resources available in his environment, and often plays the role of peace mediator when necessary.

Aside from Tarzan himself, the series also introduces a variety of intriguing characters, from jungle wildlife like Tantor the elephant and N'kima the monkey to potential villains, explorers, lost civilizations, and the local African tribes. These frequent, rotating characters add depth to the narrative and grant a sense of dynamism to the entire series.

Action is an integral part of the series, and the animators gleefully depict Tarzan's impressive athleticism as he swings from vines, battles deadly creatures and confronts other hostile forces. Meanwhile, the series does not shy away from incorporating heartfelt moments to balance out the action, underscoring the emotional undertones of the plot and adding layers to Tarzan’s character.

An essential aspect of the series that sets it apart is its insistence on non-violence. Where conflict arises, Tarzan often seeks peaceful resolutions and instructs others in finding similar outcomes. This comes as a pleasant surprise in a genre often overtaken by bouts of violence, thus making Tarzan not just the physical hero but also a moral example.

The backdrop of a gigantic, untamed African wilderness is a consistent motif throughout the series – a place filled with fearsome animals, uncharted territories teeming with lost civilizations, hidden treasures, and secrets promising excitement for the viewers. The effective portrayal of this environment adds to the suspense and intrigue of the series, providing an atmospherically fitting backdrop for the hero's thrilling escapades.

The show’s use of sound pulls in audiences by creating an auditory expression of the jungle ambiance. The echoing Tarzan yell, the rustling foliage, the crashing waters, and the wild animal roars all come together to immerse viewers in this wild natural world.

TARZAN, LORD OF THE JUNGLE, with its profound character depiction, stunning visuals, compelling narratives, and underlying philosophies, set a benchmark in animated storytelling. It successfully captures the essence of Burroughs' novels and provides a mature character study that appeals to both children and adults. The show remains highly acclaimed for its unique blend of high-octane action, intelligent plots, and a markedly enlightened hero, ensuring its place in the annals of classic animated television series.