In this day and age, we seem to be getting some noteworthy comebacks to several beloved cartoons of the 1990s decade, some of which come from Nickelodeon. Recently, they brought back Rocko's Modern Life for a brand new special handled by its creator Joe Murray, in addition to having the original cast and crew on board. Although it ended up being released on Netflix instead of the Nickelodeon network due to scheduling and upper management conflicts, I can safely say that it is worthy of being a successful comeback to the memorable goofy series, now with a modernized twist.
Set over twenty years after the original show, Rocko and friends return to their home of O-Town from outer space, which has now updated to keep with today's trends such as touchscreen phones, radioactive energy drinks, and non stop coffee shops. Rocko, who can't adapt to the 21st century, tries to bring back his favorite TV series The Fatheads for nostalgic closure; he does so by finding the cartoon's creator Ralph Bighead. Arguably, what the special embraces the most in its existence alone is how much O-Town has transitioned since the 1990s in order to stay relevant, and the film displays some pretty hysterical commentary on the changes in society and how people live through it all. Because Rocko isn't able to adjust himself to the major changes in his town, he demands closure from his favorite television show in order to remain at ease, which is a pretty funny take on how some people refuse to accept alterations in their lives at all costs. It's kind of ironic that a special based on a retro animated series told people in this current decade that change isn't always a bad thing.
In addition, part of why The Fatheads must be revived is because O-Town files for bankruptcy and needs the cartoon's presence to bring its economy back. Although not touched upon profoundly, there is a side arch relating to where Ralph Bighead is now 20 years later. Without giving away anything, it costs the father Ed Bighead his former beliefs to truly accept his son for who he is now. Since some people in the world cannot accept their loved ones for who they aspire to be even to this very day, this arch hits home some pretty emotional beats that anyone can resonate to. As for other small plots, they mostly involve Rocky's friends Heffer and Filbert accommodating themselves with the endless amount of crazy technologies that the new age has brought among them, from new O-phones, to selfie sticks, and even flying seat cushions. Their presence alone is mainly reserved for the gags, including many of the old side characters who are mainly just there to crack quips and old catchphrases, yet with slight adjustments in their growth over the past 20 years.
Now compared to the original series which was animated traditionally on paper and cels, this special seems to be animated and colored digitally, possibly in ToonBoom. It keeps the same overly cartoony and flat graphic style for both the characters and environments, which are elevated by several wacky facial expressions, wild takes, and even the occasional fluidity in their movements. O-Town itself displays many unique and stunning set pieces that would definitely fit the modern digitalized aesthetic we live in now. There's even a brilliant jab on cheapened factory produced CG animation that would even make non animation enthusiasts chuckle extensively. On another note, it's a really nice bonus to have the original cast voicing their characters, such as Carlos Alazraqui, Charlie Adler, Tom Kenny, Doug Lawrence, Linda Wallem and even Jill Talley. Even though they haven't voiced these characters for so long, their ranges are still as sharp as ever, and their contributions alone bring so much added charm to the special's goofy tone.
The best way to revive an old series years after its run is to mix in the old with the new, and this special embraced both of those pretty well to create a pleasant experience. Rocky's Modern Life: Static Cling marks an engagingly wholesome return to the timid wallaby's multiple misadventures by changing the environments for the benefit of progressing forward in new development. If there's anything to take away from this special, it's that even our cherished properties need to be altered if they are to come back years after their original release. Here's to combining nostalgia with fresh ideas for the better.
