I got into this through the movie (which I didn't really get at the time).
Since then I have gradually worked my way through the classic series since it makes a great first thing in the morning cartoon.
I suppose maybe half of it went over my head but I was fascinated by its identity as a frickin' Saudi Arabian cartoon and for its distinct tone and rhythm. Sometimes the message comes through clear as day. I especially liked a groom seeing his bride's face for the first time behind her veil and it functions like a slot machine. It makes sense in context.
But other times I had to scratch my head but indeed, they do always make sure that no matter what they do, they do it with panache.
The free-wilding style with its cast of caricatures has an acerbic vibe but is rarely trite or sanctimonious about it. It is to the point and rarely simplistic (though sometimes it is) and the frequent leaps into the surreal are a delight.
Also, you never forget that this is indeed Saudi Arabia, not for any kind of Gimmick but because that's just where they are. They paint this vivid picture of a place with so much history and tradition wrapping itself snuggly around the emblems of modernity (smartphones are ubiquotous).
They even make their product placement feel pretty funny.
I love SaltouH's voice. I just generally like him.
Very few women which I suppose is unavoidable. You get the impression that women are just sort...furniture in Saudi Arabia. The nurses recall how South Park depicted Canadians.
Eventually is phases into a more sitcom style thing but the concluding episode was quite something.
The cast includes little square guys as mascots which apparently are pixels. In the beginning they had this distinctive looking white color guy which I assume was a way of the writers ranting to us directly before they wisely moved to a more story and comedy driven form (though I liked that character).
It's more or less all from a liberal bias but...MUSLIM liberal.
In conclusion, though you may not get all of it, this is quite an artistic experience where the high-brow and low-brow merge harmoniously. They called this the "Saudi Arabian South Park". Personally, I think Masameer can hold its head high as it succeeds in its goals so much better than Parker or Stone did, never forgetting the humor in the satire and a superb efficiency in everything.
