Grimsburg, a new animated comedy series on Fox, features Jon Hamm providing an overt imitation of Will Arnett’s distinctive voice. The show, created by Catlan McClelland and Matthew Schlissel, is a send-up of detective-drama tropes and follows the adventures of self-loathing detective Marvin Flute. Flute, voiced by Hamm, is a character that combines elements of Arnett’s most iconic roles. The series exhibits a mix of bizarre and predictable creative choices as it explores familiar crime-drama themes.
The first three episodes of Grimsburg take Flute and his colleagues on various crime-solving escapades, including a visit to a true-crime drama set, a murder mystery party gone wrong, and a slasher on the loose at a sleepaway camp. While the show’s jokes range from mildly amusing to annoying, it manages to maintain a decent batting average for a pop-culture parody. Some of the humor feels overdone, borrowing heavily from past horror movies, while other moments offer clever commentary or unexpected twists.
Grimsburg’s true potential lies in its willingness to get weird. The show introduces a colorful ensemble cast, featuring a wife raised by bears, a cape-wearing nerd with an imaginary evil skeleton friend, a cyborg partner, and a conspiracy-theorist police chief who happens to be part-Sasquatch. These eccentric characters have the potential to push the series towards greater zaniness and originality.
As the show progresses, it has the opportunity to deepen its cast chemistry and expand its mythology. Although the current episodes only scratch the surface, Grimsburg has already been renewed for two seasons, indicating confidence in its future. However, for now, some subplots fail to develop beyond their initial absurdity, missing the chance to deliver stronger punchlines or explore darker and stranger territory.
Overall, Grimsburg showcases a mix of hit-or-miss humor and an ensemble of quirky characters. While it has the potential to find its own unique voice, the show’s reliance on imitation and missed opportunities for more imaginative storytelling hinder its progress. Time will tell if Grimsburg can fully embrace its eccentricities and deliver a more confident and distinctive viewing experience.
Grimsburg airs on Fox and stars Jon Hamm, along with a talented cast that includes Erinn Hayes, Rachel Dratch, Alan Tudyk, Kevin Michael Richardson, Greg Chun, Wendi McLendon-Covey, and Kaniehtiio Horn. As the series continues, viewers can look forward to further adventures in the offbeat town of Grimsburg and the detective work of Marvin Flute portrayed by Hamm.