The Nevada Sagebrush

I have been a fan of cartoons for most of my life. In my years of experience as a cartoon connoisseur, I have come to recognize Mike Judge’s creations as some of the best.

Judge is first and foremost the mastermind behind the generation-defining classic “Beavis and Butt-head.” This cartoon enabled the disenfranchised youth of the 1990s to sit on the couch and laugh while watching two teenagers sitting on their couch, laughing while watching their TV. I can’t be the first to call this genius, right?

However, “Beavis and Butt-head” is not only a thoroughly entertaining cartoon (once you grow accustomed to the title characters’ creepy laughter, voiced by Judge), it has also made a significant impact on the world of entertainment since its inception in 1993. Beavis and Butt-head became particularly well known for their critiques of music videos: bands knew they had made it if Beavis and Butt-head made fun of them, and especially if Beavis and Butt-head thought they were cool.

The show also served as a starting point for other pivotal adult-oriented cartoons. “Daria,” which quickly became gospel to every apathetic, artsy high school girl, originated from a recurring character on “Beavis and Butt-head.” And, after “Beavis and Butt-head” finished its television run in 1997, Judge created “King of the Hill,” basing Hank Hill loosely around the boys’ neighbor Tom Anderson. “King of the Hill” went on to become the second longest-running American animated series, following “The Simpsons,” and was just cancelled in September 2009.

Last year, Judge released his latest cartoon creation, “The Goode Family,” on ABC, but it was cancelled due to low ratings after only one season. However, Comedy Central is giving the show a second chance. It is currently being aired every Monday and will eventually be evaluated for new episodes.

“The Goode Family” also has roots in the “Beavis and Butt-head” world: Gerald Goode is based loosely on the boys’ high school teacher, David Van Driessen. Van Driessen is one of the most likeable characters on “Beavis and Butt-head,” as he genuinely cares about the boys’ well-being and is persistent in his attempts to help them make the most of themselves, despite the fact that his work often proves futile and occasionally disastrous and painful.

However, while Gerald maintains Van Driessen’s hippie characteristics and gentle demeanor, he and his family come across more like caricatures than any of the characters in Judge’s other cartoons. Although the Hill family may represent a specific “type” of family, each character has a distinct personality that goes beyond the superficial. Perhaps “The Goode Family” wasn’t given enough time to come into its own and fully develop its characters before its cancellation, but none of them seem to differ much from what is expected of their “type.”

“The Goode Family” actually reminds me a lot more of Seth MacFarlane’s cartoon, “American Dad!” The Goodes seem to be polar opposites of the Smith family as they are depicted in “American Dad!” and “Family Guy.” Where Stan Smith is an ultra-patriotic CIA agent, Gerald Goode is an “academic liberal” working at a community college and bicycling around town. Where Francine Smith is a pretty traditional housewife and mother, Helen Goode is an activist who strives for political correctness and fights to save the narwhals. The Smiths even sport the flag pins that make the Goodes so wary.

While “The Goode Family” didn’t impress me right off the bat, I have a lot of faith in Mike Judge, and I’m rooting for some additional episodes to further develop the Goodes’ storyline. He brought Beavis and Butt-head to the world; I just have to be on his side.

Casey O’Lear can be reached at colear@nevadasagebrush.com.

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