Tear Along the Dotted Line

I had no idea where this story was heading until the very last episode. And that's a really good thing.

No spoilers. So all I can say is that the film-maker is brilliant. Beats most recent anime hands down (and I love anime).

And I think choosing the animated format was the only way to go - makes the story all that much more impactful.

It's definitely not easy to talk about this show without many spoilers about the main twists of the last two episodes but I'll try anyway, because I don't want to ruin the experience. This show was made by Zerocalcare (if you were wondering, his real name is Michele Rech) , an italian comic book writer with a pretty peculiar style. His narratives are autobiographical but surreal streams of consciousness full of irony, cyinism and self-pity, but also handling some very serious issues at times in a very deep and personal way. This show is exactly what you would imagine a show based on his comics would look like. It's funny, clever and full of detours that don't add anything to the plot but they get so hilarious you can let that slide. Zero dubs almost every character and that may sound ridiculous, but don't worry, it will make sense in the end. And then, in the last two episodes, you break down crying, when some great plot twists make you realize what Zero is really talking about. I won't get specific, but this is a story of regret, sense of guilt and of being scared of the future. Also trigger warning: there is talking of depression and suicide, so be warned if that disturbs you. I hope for the success of this show and that it could actually revitalize the almost dead industry of italian animation.

Straight up, this show was a random find on netflix for me. The concept sounded interesting, so I wasn't sure what to expect...and thank god for that.

Going in blind for this show is honestly an amazing experience because to be honest? There isn't really many adult cartoons, or animated shows in general that flow the way this one does. Think of quite literally watching animated prose; it's not gonna be for everyone, but it does what does well and uses it to the fullest extent. That fact that most of the show is voiced by the same individual as well makes it more enticing to watch as well, and drew me in more than I'd expected. The show in general has a lot of charm and it's quite witty not just in its comedy-but what it discusses as well.

It's comedic, yet it also balances this sort of humanity with us, touching upon topics that are quite heavy, and the show has this lingering philosophy that's quite thoughtful as well. There we're even a few scenes, particularly one in the final episode, that had me tearing up; even had to take a minute and pause at one point simply because of it's impact (if you're curious, I watched the original Italian with English subtitles).

It's a strange, yet delightful mix of Bojack Horseman and the Midnight Gospel and it's spectacular. If you're someone who's constantly pondering about your purpose in life, or struggle with some form of anxiety disorder or mental illness like me, this show is gonna hut you in ways you don't expect. It's funny, and delightfully, painfully real. Don't sleep on this one, I'M BEGGING Y'ALL.

The show has relatable commentary on life and view it in a realistic manor. Plus a beautiful finale to end off season 1. Deserves another season & I would love to see what they'll talk about next.

Mini cartoon series that takes you and makes you laugh for its irony and for the criticism of an acute intelligence of the protagonist. The Roman accent is fun. The series suggests many things, especially the feelings of a typical asocial teenager. TV series to watch all in one breath, recommended!