Video game adaptations have enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years, but tabletop games have yet to receive the same level of attention. However, the arrival of Exploding Kittens on Netflix, an adult animated series based on the popular card game, suggests a potential shift in that approach. Exploding Kittens shares its name with the game that inspired it, but it’s worth noting the cartoon is only loosely based on the original. Released on July 12, the animated show playfully explores what might happen if God were fired from his position and sent to Earth to reconnect with his creation, albeit in a cat’s body.
Spoilers for
Exploding Kittens
ahead.
In anticipation of Exploding Kittens‘ official release, Game Rant sat down with Tom Ellis, who voices Godcat, and Sasheer Zamata, the voice of Devilcat. The duo delved into the intricacies of this adult comedy and its unique characters, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the world of this feline-fueled frenzy. Despite its brief nine-episode run, this season effectively sets the stage for a potential second season while providing Godcat with a satisfying arc that stays true to his laidback persona.
Exploding Kittens is Light-Hearted Fun But It Has a Hidden Bite
Exploding Kittens’ Charm Is In Its Self-Aware Approach
Exploding Kittens establishes itself as an absurdist comedy from the get-go, with its light-hearted and self-aware approach obvious. Godcat’s crash landing on Earth with a rehabilitation mission sets the tone, though he’s incredibly disgruntled by it. When he starts talking to Abbie Higgins, a former Navy SEAL turned animal control expert, she’s completely unfazed. As the episode unfolds, Godcat makes it clear that he’ll only do the bare minimum to help the family and return to heaven. However, by the end of the first episode, he realizes he must also outsmart the troublemaking cat next door. This sparks the initial clash between Tom Ellis’s Godcat and Sasheer Zamata’s Devilcat, a clever dynamic that embodies the celestial battle between Heaven and Hell.
Over the course of the show, Godcat’s journey takes an unexpected turn. He slowly begins shedding his self-serving attitude and begins to connect with his human family, hinting that life on Earth might offer more than just a heavenly return ticket. Ellis revealed that his rich and imposing voice was inspired by British actor Charles Dance. He further explained,
“It’s a zany comedy with lots of punchlines in it and it lives in that world, but there is a progression of these characters that happens throughout the series. I hope that we surprise people along the way, in the same way that Godcat gets surprised himself because he starts to experience “feels.”
Exploding Kittens presents a chaotic mix of cute cats, slapstick humor, and witty one-liners. However, beneath the surface, viewers may be surprised to find moments of unexpected depth, subverted tropes, and moral lessons woven into the whimsical narrative. For instance, Sasheer Zamata discussed how Devilcat, despite a fervent commitment to evil, struggles to embody the true essence of villainy:
She wants to be evil, she tries her hardest, but never really gets there. I think it’s enjoyable to see this character’s version of chaos, where it’s like ripping up a teddy bear or spilling something. She’s like, “Ha! Got you!” Except, it’s apparent she’s still struggling. It’s a fun journey to watch in the show because you kind of want her to win and turn evil, but at the same time, evil isn’t necessarily something the audience should want.
In the end, Exploding Kittens adheres well to the raunchy adult cartoon formula, but it struggles with balancing focus between the human family members and Godcat’s own challenges. A tighter focus on either element could enhance the viewing experience in a potential second season. Nevertheless, the show shines when showcasing the tongue-in-cheek battle of good versus evil, particularly in episode 9. For fans of adult animation, adorable cats, and card game fanatics, Exploding Kittens may be worth a look.
Exploding Kittens is available now on Netflix.
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