The Oblongs

The Oblongs is an eccentric, animated television show produced by Warner Bros. from 2001-2002. The series is based on a dark comedy premise, thriving off its offbeat characters, and unique representation of societal class distinction. The usual humor, saturated with sarcasm and irony, is stylized to appeal to a more mature audience. Aided by sharp wit, characteristic animation, and unusual settings, The Oblongs has successfully captured the attention of many, developing its dedicated fanbase.

Set in a bizarre, dystopian future, the show centers on the Oblongs, a family living in the deplorable and polluted valley of Hill Valley. The protagonist, Bob Oblong, is the loving head of this quirky family. Despite having no arms and legs, his spirit remains indestructible. Unlike conventional TV series, his adversity is often treated with a humorous, frontline approach, offering a unique and candid perspective on physical disabilities.

Peggy Oblong, Bob's chain-smoking, alcoholic wife, is a bizarrely cheerful woman who has a unique hairdo, which tends to surprise unsuspecting spectators. The couple has four children, each with their unique oddities stemming from the toxic environment they live in. Their twin sons, Biff and Chip, share three legs between them and are, oddly enough, budding jocks. Their daughter, named Milo, is considered emotionally unstable with a gamut of mental disorders. Lastly, there’s Beth, the youngest, who's a sweet, homely character, despite a massive growth on her head.

The family, despite their abnormalities and perpetual hardship, is a picture of resilience, optimism, and unwavering spirits. Their ability to find joy and humor in their circumstances alters the viewer's perception of their poverty-stricken and defective life. This strange mix of dark humor and positivity stands as the driving force behind the cult following of the show.

Beyond the family, the series is full of wildly imaginitive characters, like Pickles' old boyfriend who lives in his car but believes it's a house, or the hill-dwellers, who have evolved into wonderfully ironic parodies of the wealthy class, untouched by the pollution and constantly looking down on the valley inhabitants.

The animation style of The Oblongs is distinctive, defined by its exaggerated character physicalities and skewed scenery designs, reflecting the distorted reality of the characters' world. This unique presentation effectively illustrates the drastic contrast between the decaying valley community and the pristine hill residents who largely ignore their suffering counterparts.

The series skillfully employs the animated medium to raise and highlight issues about social class systems, environmental neglect, and societal norms in a digestible and humor-infused manner. The choice of connecting the Oblongs' physical deformities and peculiarities to the polluted environment is an explicit commentary on contemporary environmental issues and its potential consequences. These underlying themes and messages, embedded beneath the humor, lend the series depth and relevance.

The Oblongs exhibit an intellectual engagement rarely seen in adult animations, carrying the ability to spark conversations on deeper societal topics. The layered narrative ensures an experience that varies for different viewers, making it appealing to a diverse audience. Some fans laud the representation of the physically-challenged, humorously throwing light on their struggles while not reducing them to mere objects of pity. For others, its dry humor and satire are major interests drawing to the series.

Despite its relatively brief runtime, with only thirteen episodes aired, The Oblongs' societal commentary, distinctive art style, and unique humor helped it find a place of recognition within the genre. Its exploration into themes related to societal divide, environmental issues, and class distinction set it apart from many contemporaries. For anyone in search of humor laced with a good dose of social satire, The Oblongs can be an exceptional - albeit an offbeat - choice.