[7.0/10] Maybe I’m slow on the draw, but I’m finally detecting the theme for this post-Avalon jaunt for Goliath , Elisa, Angela, and Bronx. We’re doing a travelogue where the gang visits different locales and learns about the “creatures of legend” native to that area. I’m still not crazy about the “Where you need to be” conceit of Avalon, since it comes off a bit lazy. But I like the idea of expanding the franchise and considering other cultures’ myths and monsters in the process.
To that end, the bones of this one is good. Our heroes meeting the Golem of Prague gives the adventure a unique character. Normally Gargoyles is so very much of New York City. That’s a good thing! The show has a sense of place about its Empire State location that’s missing from a lot of other series set there. But that does make it fun to watch the animators and design team use their talents to depict a European city, and one that doesn’t get put in the movies very much either.
Likewise, as a Jewish person, it’s cool to see the show delve into Hebrew legends a little bit. I’ll admit, it’s a little weird that the show has the good guy friends-of-the-week wear tallit (prayer shawls) and read Hebrew, but never actually uses the word “Jews”, but it’s still neat to see. The show generalizes the Golem as a creature made to protect the innocent and oppressed, without getting specific about it. Again, a little odd, but fits with the “Gargoyles are protectors by nature” sense of finding common ground among all the cultures Goliath and company visit.
It’s also nice to see Renard again. He’s a good story engine here, desiring to transpose his soul into the Golem so as to stave off the ravages of age. The problem is that it all happens so fast. We go from “I don’t have time for integrity anymore” to “Look what a dynamo of a golem I am!” to “I have gone too far!” way too quickly for the arc to carry any weight. The bones are there, especially given that it’s Goliath who reminds Renard of his values, but there should be more to it than we get.
Also, the thief and baddie for the episode is totally forgettable, despite having Clancy Brown back to voice him, which is a difficult thing to pull off. Most of the conflict Is pretty meh, with the locals playing second fiddle to Renard and seeming like set dressing. It’s a good idea with an execution that isn't’ bad exactly, but which also doesn’t live up to the concept’s potential.
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParentSpoilers2021-07-27T22:52:57Z
[7.0/10] Maybe I’m slow on the draw, but I’m finally detecting the theme for this post-Avalon jaunt for Goliath , Elisa, Angela, and Bronx. We’re doing a travelogue where the gang visits different locales and learns about the “creatures of legend” native to that area. I’m still not crazy about the “Where you need to be” conceit of Avalon, since it comes off a bit lazy. But I like the idea of expanding the franchise and considering other cultures’ myths and monsters in the process.
To that end, the bones of this one is good. Our heroes meeting the Golem of Prague gives the adventure a unique character. Normally Gargoyles is so very much of New York City. That’s a good thing! The show has a sense of place about its Empire State location that’s missing from a lot of other series set there. But that does make it fun to watch the animators and design team use their talents to depict a European city, and one that doesn’t get put in the movies very much either.
Likewise, as a Jewish person, it’s cool to see the show delve into Hebrew legends a little bit. I’ll admit, it’s a little weird that the show has the good guy friends-of-the-week wear tallit (prayer shawls) and read Hebrew, but never actually uses the word “Jews”, but it’s still neat to see. The show generalizes the Golem as a creature made to protect the innocent and oppressed, without getting specific about it. Again, a little odd, but fits with the “Gargoyles are protectors by nature” sense of finding common ground among all the cultures Goliath and company visit.
It’s also nice to see Renard again. He’s a good story engine here, desiring to transpose his soul into the Golem so as to stave off the ravages of age. The problem is that it all happens so fast. We go from “I don’t have time for integrity anymore” to “Look what a dynamo of a golem I am!” to “I have gone too far!” way too quickly for the arc to carry any weight. The bones are there, especially given that it’s Goliath who reminds Renard of his values, but there should be more to it than we get.
Also, the thief and baddie for the episode is totally forgettable, despite having Clancy Brown back to voice him, which is a difficult thing to pull off. Most of the conflict Is pretty meh, with the locals playing second fiddle to Renard and seeming like set dressing. It’s a good idea with an execution that isn't’ bad exactly, but which also doesn’t live up to the concept’s potential.