Watch The Oblongs

The Oblongs is a dark comedy animated series that aired from 2001 to 2002. The show is based on a book of the same name written by Angus Oblong, who also served as the art director for the series. The series was produced by Warner Bros. Television and it ran for 13 episodes.

The show takes place in the fictional town of Hill Valley, which is located downwind from a chemical plant. The pollution from the plant has caused the town’s inhabitants to develop various deformities and abnormalities. The show follows the lives of the Oblong family, who have been affected by the pollution more than most.

Bob Oblong (played by Will Ferrell) is the father of the family. He has no arms or legs and gets around by rolling on his stomach. Despite his physical limitations, he is a devoted father and husband. His wife, Pickles (played by Jean Smart), is an alcoholic who spends most of her time watching TV and neglecting her family. The couple has two children, Biff (played by Randy Sklar) and Chip (played by Jason Sklar). Biff is a jock who spends his time playing sports and tormenting his younger brother. Chip, on the other hand, is a genius who spends his time inventing things.

The Oblongs’ extended family includes Pickles’ mother, Sylvia (played by Laraine Newman), who is a chain-smoking paranoid schizophrenic. Then, there is Mikey (played by Pamela Adlon), the Oblongs' adopted son. Mikey is a mutant who is missing one eye and has a conjoined twin named Dickie. Lastly, there’s Helga (played by Lea DeLaria), the family’s conjoined twin cat.

Throughout the series, the Oblongs deal with a variety of issues, such as school bullies, drug addiction, and family dysfunction. The show is notable for its satirical humor, and it often tackles sensitive issues with dark humor. For example, in one episode, a character’s drug addiction is played for laughs, with the character becoming increasingly absurd as he spirals into addiction.

Despite its dark humor, the show has a heart. The Oblongs are a dysfunctional family, but they love and support each other. Bob is a devoted father who will do anything for his family. Pickles is a flawed character, but she loves her family and wants to be a better mother. Even Biff, who is a bully, has moments of kindness toward his family.

The animation style of the show is distinctive. The characters are drawn with exaggerated deformities, such as Bob's lack of arms and legs or Sylvia's oversized head. The backgrounds are often bleak, with a gray and polluted sky over the town of Hill Valley. The animation style adds to the tone of the show, which is simultaneously humorous and grotesque.

The voice acting for the show is superb. Jean Smart plays Pickles with just the right amount of slurred speech and self-pity. Will Ferrell gives Bob a gentle, kind-hearted tone that makes him a lovable character. Pamela Adlon plays Mikey with a childlike innocence that contrasts with his mutant appearance.

Overall, The Oblongs is a unique show that blends dark humor with a heart. It is a quirky and offbeat series that does not shy away from sensitive topics. The animation style, voice acting, and writing all contribute to a show that is both funny and poignant. If you are a fan of dark comedies, The Oblongs is a must-watch.

The Oblongs is a series that ran for 1 seasons (13 episodes) between April 1, 2001 and on Warner Bros.