#MyTop5: Cartoon Network Shows, part 2
If you've read part one of this #MyTop5, this is a continuation of that post. Read it here.
Welcome to the continuation of #MyTop5 Cartoon Network shows. Believe me, this post was tougher than the first one.
Without further ado, let's get to it!
The Amazing World of Gumball
This series began while I was in high school, I believe. The series revolves around the lives of 12-year-old Gumball Watterson, a blue cat, and adoptive goldfish brother Darwin, who attend middle school in the fictional city of Elmore, California. They often find themselves in various misadventures around the city, during which they interact with fellow family members—younger sister Anais, mother Nicole, and father Richard—and an extended supporting cast of characters.
When I first saw this series, I was like "You can combine reality with animation?!" It was a shocker, but I did like the series. The funniest characters on the show are Nicole and Richard. Nicole is a very strict disciplinarian and Richard is more of the fun father with a sense of adventure.
Darwin can be a handful at times, but he's always there to help Gumball when needed. Each character goes through their own personal adventure. I found that Gumball got over his shyness in dating Penny.
Dexter's Laboratory
Ah, Dexter's Laboratory. This was one of the few science fiction shows I enjoyed in my childhood. This is where I got most of my science catchphrases from middle school from. The show focuses on Dexter, a boy genius with a hidden science laboratory in his room full of inventions, which he keeps secret from his parents, who are only referred to as "Mom" and "Dad". Dexter is at constant odds with his taller, older, and more extroverted sister Dee Dee, who always gains access to the lab and inadvertently foils his experiments.
It reminds me of Jimmy Neutron, but his parents already knew he was a genius. The only difference between Dexter's Laboratory and Jimmy Neutron is that Dexter's inventions didn't malfunction. Jimmy's inventions would always malfunction which would put his town at risk.
The rivalry between Dexter and a fellow student at his school used to always have me wondering, why don't they be friends? I mean they both are smart and can create inventions. But, I understand that every show needs a villain of some sort.
Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends
Ever had an imaginary friend in your childhood? When you grow up, they become too old for you. When that happens, they'll go to Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. The series focuses on the adventures of Mac (a young kid) who has an imaginary friend called "Bloo." (see the GIF). As you see, Bloo is very hyperactive with the thrill to have a fun time.
Throughout the series, we see the duo having fun with other characters such as Frankie (the granddaughter of Madame Foster), Madame Foster (the owner of the home), Will, CoCo, Eduardo, and occasionally Cheese.
Together, they learn the importance of friendship and taking risks. There are episodes that put their friendships to the test, but at the end of the day, they all love each other. One of my favorite episodes is when Bloo breaks Madame Foster's prized possession. Now, it is up to the team to fix it before Mr. Herriman (sorta like the boss) finds out.
This episode is funny because Mr. Herriman and Frankie go head-to-head. At the end of the episode, she tries to hit him with a broom after all the stuff he's put her through in the episode. The ending of the series was definitely full of mystery.
When Mac misses his daily visit with Bloo, which was part of an arrangement to keep his imaginary friend, Bloo thinks that he is moving away. But, it turns out that he is just moving to another apartment within the same building. It's a relief, however, Cheese must now live at Foster's because of a no-imaginary friend policy. At the end of the episode, it leaves a heartwarming message to the viewers, thanking them for watching the entire series.
The Flintstones
Last but certainly not least is Camp Lazlo. This show had a lot of potty humor, jokes, and slapstick comedy. It isn't quite your summer camp series. Lazlo is a monkey that loves to have fun and support his friends in every adventure.
He has two friends who are his bunkmates: Raj the elephant and Clam the albino rhino. Raj isn't too keen on taking risks and Clam is mainly quiet throughout the series. The trio is in a summer camp called "Camp Kidney" a Boy Scout-like camp in the fictional Pimpleback Mountains. Together, these three try to make the best of summer camp.
What I love about this series is the friendship they share. They may get into trouble, but they make the best of a bad situation. If they bring this show back, I'd be happy with it. Maybe we see the trio in their teen years in summer camp or something. Let me know what you think in the comments.
