Rocky and Bullwinkle
The television show Rocky and Bullwinkle has been on television for over forty years, loved by countless adults and children around the United States. The show first aired as Rocky and His Friends in 1959 on the ABC network, but moved to NBC in 1961 and became the Bullwinkle Show. The syndicated packages are still played on television today. Originally, the episodes were played in three and a half minute segments. Story lines spanned lots of these short episodes and always ended with a cliff hanger. The main characters, Rocky (Rocket J. Squirrel) and Bullwinkle (Bullwinkle J. Moose) are best friends who find themselves placed in various adventures. Rocky was a character of the all-american boy and he was the mascot for the Air Force 319th Garbage Disposal and Sanitation Wing. Bullwinkle is a lovable, goofy moose who can always be counted on for loyalty and a good laugh.
The show was a success for its appeal to both children and adults. People have described it as a radio show that you watch because of the witty narration and well written dialogue. Some of the jokes that are made in the show are clearly targeted at adults, but it was still considered a children’s show. The writing would often poke fun of current events and celebrities. The choppy animation style was perfect for the show, but destained by the likes of Disney. Since not as much money was spent on television animation it was not as crisp at the Disney feature films. However, the style worked for this particular show because it did not detract from the narration or the story. It was also one of the first animations to be outsourced to Mexico for monetary purposes. In the end, 326 Rocky and Bullwinkle segments were aired on television.
The longest story arc was Jet Fuel Formula which ran for 40 three minute segments. In these episodes, Rocky and Bullwinkle make rocket fuel from Bullwinkle’s grandmother’s cake recipe and accidently end up on the moon. Villain, Boris, of course, wants the formula for himself and attempts to steal it, but Rocky and Bullwinkle don’t want that to happen. Boris plans to use the fuel to send a television transmitter to the moon that will only play Pottsylvania commercials on American television. Luckily they stop Boris and turn over the fuel to the US government for safe keeping. The cold war themes are clear in these episodes with Pottsylvania representing the Soviet Union. Another theme that is evident is the fact that all the characters are very aware that they are cartoons on television. It is an interesting concept that had never been done before and continues throughout the show.
Even though the first episodes aired over 40 years ago, Rocky and Bullwinkle still hold up as funny, witty, and interesting shows. It is nice to watch cartoons that are not specifically made for children and that take the writing seriously. Even though the animation is not conventionally incredible, it is perfect for this show and is rather engaging.
