TV Eye
Not Another Law Drama
By Belinda Acosta, Fri., July 5, 2002
I would probably watch more legal series if I knew the clients would be Jabberjaw, Boo-Boo Bear, Scooby-Doo, and Shaggy. Thank goodness I get my wish when the Cartoon Network launches new episodes of Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law. Originally included in Adult Swim, the twice-weekly block of adult-oriented cartoons that premiered last year, Harvey Birdman quickly gained a special following.
Who is Harvey Birdman? He's an "aging superhero hired as the token cartoon lawyer at a top firm." Although he's dying for some respect, he's stuck with all the firm's cartoon litigation -- like that nasty custody battle between Dr. Benton Quest and Race Bannon over custody of Jonny and Hadji (Jonny Quest).
Granted, it probably helps to be familiar with old, second-rate cartoons like Jonny Quest and Scooby-Doo, but even if you're not, you can't help but be amused. The very adult humor adds to the pleasure. Here's what's on Harvey Birdman's docket in July:
Repeats of the hilarious "Bannon Custody Trial" (described above) and "Very Personal Injury," in which Harvey Birdman comes to the rescue when obscure superhero Apache Chief spills hot coffee from a well-known java chain on his lap, diminishing his power to "enlarge."
New episodes include:
"Shaggy Busted." Fred, Velma, and Daphne call on Harvey Birdman when Scooby and Shaggy are pulled over in the Mystery Machine, weaving down a spooky country road, laughing like doofs and charged with possession. Premieres July 7.
"Death by Chocolate." Yogi Bear's sidekick, Boo-Boo Bear, is charged with eco-terrorism. Premieres July 14.
"Shoyu Weenie." Japanese pop band Shoyu Weenie charge Jabberjaw and the Neptunes with stealing their hit single. Citing copyright infringement, they seek the best intellectual property attorney -- but settle for Harvey Birdman. Premieres July 21.
"The Dabba Don." Fred Flintstone: Good husband, good father, and honest working man -- or is he? When Fred seeks Harvey Birdman's advice in expanding his construction business, Harvey is happy to oblige, until he suspects that Fred has ties to the Mob.
Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law airs as part of the Cartoon Network's Adult Swim package, Sunday nights at 10pm. Other Adult Swim 'toons offered in rotation include: Space Ghost Coast to Coast, Baby Blues, Mission Hill, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Sealab 2021, The Brak Show, and Home Movies. Adult Swim also airs Saturdays from 10pm to 1pm, featuring Japanese animé series: Pilot Candidate, Gundam 0083, Yu Yu Hakusho, and Outlaw Star.
That's Life
No, not the onetime CBS series (which I liked, but no one else did), but the return of Life 360. Entering its second season, this little gem of a show features meditations on a variety of simple, yet thought-provoking subjects. After the hour of examining the subject in 360 degrees, don't be surprised if you feel just a little more enlightened. Not the typical blow 'em up, gross 'em out summer fare, but that's what makes it a welcome relief from the drivel on summer TV.
Life 360 airs Thursdays, 10pm, on PBS. There's no episode on the Fourth of July, but the show resumes its regular schedule July 11 with the theme "Redemption." Segments include a profile of airline pilot Lyle Prouse, convicted for flying drunk in 1990; an animated segment on redemption in the wrestling ring; and comic Jake Johannsen's words on "owning up." On July 18 the theme is "Neighbors"; on July 25, "Family Secrets."
Since I'm singing the praises of PBS, here's a heads up not to miss Hybrid, the second film in the POV series, July 9 at 9pm. It's my favorite of the July films in the series. A special edition of Now, titled "Islam vs. Islam" takes a look at the complex history and religious beliefs of nations regarded as Islam. Bill Moyers hosts the show, which airs Fridays at 9pm. "Islam vs. Islam" airs on July 12.
