Opossumsocks

I went into this with an open mind despite being strongly reminded of the show 'Happy' with a similar concept. First off, the cast is fantastic and the cop Ledroit steals the show. Really, the show is about him and his journey as a homosexual in a world that is not accepting of his world and the discrimination he and those around him face surrounding sexuality and race. Ledroit is likeable and you find yourself absorbed in this genuinely nice man's struggle with the hardships and unfairness he's faced with, and his battle to find two missing children.

On the other side of the story is Benedict Cumberbatch who suffers from me talking illness and addiction, spiralling deeper into self destruction when his son goes missing. He is an unlikeable character and immensely flawed.

However, this is where the issues arise. The parts with the puppet just feel unneeded. I'm sure they are there to enhance the sense that Cumberbatch is losing control of his sanity, but it just feels that it's been pigeon holes in to make a story of missing children, corrupt cops and discrimination stand out as something different and 'quirky'. I have no issue with he concept of adding 'weird elements' to a show (I enjoyed Happy!'), and it wasn't jarring enough to cause me to turn off. It just felt...pointless and added nothing to the pacing or depth of the program.

All in all, a fairly enjoyable watch with some pacing issues, some disjointed story elements and far too many characters that, in parts, were not explored in enough depth to warrant them having such large roles to play in the conclusion. Mckinley Belcher however was the surprise element and stole the show effortlessly.

So refreshing to see something new and creative on Netflix! The animation is gorgeous and the plot casual and wholesome. There's nothing too exciting or stressful here; no bad guys, battle of serious drama. It's just four short stories about cute Pokémon and their mediocre issues they experience that day. Would make a gorgeous game as it feel very reminiscent of animal crossing!

I'm sure it won't be everyone's cup of tea but as a life-long Pokémon fan, i sat there smiling throughout the whole thing and was left saddened that there were not more episodes. Really wanted to see that sad Houndour!

In short, watch it and support this beautiful addition to creative animation and thanks Pokémon company for daring to do something different. Eres hoping they take this same boldness with their ever deteriorating main series games.