The Completely Mental Misadventures of Ed Grimley

The Completely Mental Misadventures of Ed Grimley is an American-Canadian animated television series that aired for one season from September 10, 1988, to December 3, 1988. This quirky, unique show was inspired by Martin Short's character Ed Grimley from his sketch comedy television show, "Saturday Night Live" and "SCTV". Created by Hanna-Barbera Productions and produced by Martin Short, the series highlights Ed Grimley's eccentric life in a wonderfully absurd, surreal manner.

Ed Grimley is an ardent triangle player in a school orchestra and lives in a rented apartment in a high-rise building. His incessantly optimistic, cheery, and rarely relevant attitude towards life, coupled with his unyielding obliviousness to the world around him, provides the main humor source. These qualities are wonderfully complemented by his unique persona, replete with slicked-back hair rising to an alarming point and high-waist pants. Ed Grimley's enthusiasm for the most mundane things is matchless, whether it's watching television, playing his cherished triangle, or just doing chores.

The series boasts a well-rounded cast of characters who complement Ed's life and narratives beautifully. These include characters like the rational but grumpy Ms. Malone, his neighbor and love interest, and the similarly eccentric Aunt Elizabeth and Cousin Wendell. Moreover, there's Sheldon, his pet goldfish, who Ed believes to be highly intelligent and regularly confides in.

The Completely Mental Misadventures of Ed Grimley features a blend of diverse elements, including fictionalized versions of real-life situations and broad, fantastic caricatures that enhance the show's overall surreal quality. The series seamlessly blends humor and adventure, with storylines incorporating amusing elements like aliens, mad scientists, talking ants, and even time travel.

Martin Short's sharply observed performance as the voice of Ed Grimley provides much-needed actuality to the character’s unusual mannerisms and catchphrases. Apart from Short, the series employs the vocal talents of other prolific actors from both "Saturday Night Live" and "SCTV" like Joe Flaherty, Andrea Martin, and Catherine O'Hara.

Each episode roughly divides into two segments. The show's first half is centered on Ed Grimley's adventures, portrayed in a humorous and exciting manner. The second half regularly features a few recurring segments, including "The Amazing Gustav Brothers," concerning two bumbling, accident-prone magicians, and "Count Floyd's Scary Stories," which has the ghoulish (but not at all scary) character recounting ‘frightful’ tales that Ed Grimley fervently watches on his TV.

At first glance, the show might appear to target children, given its cartoon format and the oversimplification of certain concepts. Nevertheless, The Completely Mental Misadventures of Ed Grimley has an extraordinary way of conveying layered and nuanced humor that adults would appreciate. The series thrives on irony and caricature, utilizing it handsomely to generate laughs and alter viewers' traditional expectations of a 'normal' animated children's show.

While the show was short-lived, only producing a single season of thirteen episodes, it left an indelible mark on viewers for its eccentric humor and distinctive characters. The distinctive animation style, reminiscent of other Hanna-Barbera classics with a contemporary twist, reinforced the plotlines' surrealism.

Despite its brief lifespan, The Completely Mental Misadventures of Ed Grimley was widely regarded as a pioneering series of a different sort. It was viewed as a risky endeavor due to the character’s oddball persona being transported to the cartoon world. Nonetheless, the show triumphed, showcasing the limitless possibilities of animation while honoring the unique character from which it was born.

The Completely Mental Misadventures of Ed Grimley is sure to provide a chuckle a minute, no matter your age, with its unique blend of wit, humor, surreal plotlines and of course, its unusual, eccentric, and endearing central character, Ed Grimley. It infuses everyday life with a comedic, almost absurd twist that showcases the talents of its creators and cast and serves as an interesting take on situational comedy with an animated flare.