| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that this devious, darkly funny animated series is part of Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim" lineup for good reason. Like many of its fellow AS shows, it seems designed to shock as many viewers as possible in as little time as possible: Sex (non-explicit), drugs, and rock and roll all abound, as do abrupt violence (don't be surprised to see gouts of animated blood), salty language (the strongest words are bleeped), religious irreverence, ironic social commentary, and rapid-fire pop culture references. (In other words, teens are probably going to love it...)
Airing as part of the Cartoon Network's Adult Swim line up and clocking in at just under 15 minutes per episode, LUCY, DAUGHTER OF THE DEVIL centers on the idea that Satan (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin), in his bid to spread evil in the most efficient way possible, buys the Tequila Sally's restaurant chain. Satan's 21-year old daughter, Lucy (Jessi Klein), tends bar and her suave boyfriend, Jesus (Jon Glaser) is DJ. The casual setting mellows Satan. He favors Cosby-style sweaters and fiddles with marketing ideas for his new restaurant. Assistant Becky (Melissa Bardin Galsky) helps out at Tequila Sally's and manages Satan's ever-present agenda of destruction, and Jesus' friend, Judas, works as promoter.
This series is sure to outrage some viewers -- particularly those who take offense at a spectacle like Jesus and Satan singing a karaoke duet of Pat Benatar's "Shadows of the Night. The tone of the cartoon, which was created by Loren Bouchard, will be familiar to fans of Bouchard's past work on Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist and Home Movies. Characters speak in monotone voices and interact with each other in decidedly non-cartoon-like ways. While clearly not a title for everyone, this smart, funny cartoon may appeal to older teens (and some parents).
Families can talk about how the media typically treats religion. Can you think of other TV shows and movies that take an irreverent approach to faith and dogma? What message does that angle send to viewers? Is it one you agree with? Why or why not? What's the purpose of intentionally trying to offend certain groups of people? Parents and teens who watch this show together might find that it could be a springboard for discussions about religious sensitivity.
| TV rating: | TV-MA |
| Network: | Cartoon Network |
| Cast: | H. Jon Benjamin, Jessi Klein, Melissa Bardin Galsky |
| Genre: | Comedy |