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You know that I talked about the underrated cartoon The Cramp Twins before, quite frequently in fact. It seems like it's my duty to go into detail with this show if no one else will. But even then; they're still some aspects I've yet to touch upon; whether it be the characters, the setting or the production history. One of those things I'll be discussing relates to one of its supporting characters, Seth Parsons.
For those unfamiliar, Mr Seth Parsons is one of the remaining swamp folk of the fictional town of Soap City. He lives on the only patch of swampland in the city, with his wife Lilly and family of six kids. He works by farming the land but he's also skilled at wood carving, handling creatures, magic tricks, acrobatics, comedy, he even has his own plumbing business to support such a big family. But what he's best known for is sharing his infinite wisdom of the swamp with his son Tony and Lucien Cramp. He's an overall handyman who cares about the swamp and his family, and the best father anyone could ask for. But what if there is more to this man than he lets on? What is he hiding from the Soap Folks? Could someone who's such a great family man be so suspicious? Join in as we unravel the clues to what is the real deal with Mr Parsons?
The swamp people have this saying; which translates to 'the deeper you go, the more you know'. To better understand the deal with Mr Parsons, we're going to have to look at the episode 'The Bad Seed'. For those who aren't familiar, this episode talks about a masked outlaw who once terrorised Soap City. I've discussed this episode before in my list of the best Cramp Twins episodes, but I didn't go into detail about it so not to spoil the crucial plot points. But now I want to use this chance to put those plot points into perspective. Though I do encourage you to watch the episode before you could read this article. Anyway, the Bad Seed was a juvenile delinquent who wore a mask to hide his identity along with his accomplice Little Hat. They were a dynamic duo who caused trouble by disturbing the peace, that is until they were caught and unmasked. By the end of the episode, it was revealed that the bad seed turned out to be non-other than Lucien's ancestor who looked exactly like him. And Little Hat was Seth when he was young.
First of all, we see that Mr Parsons had a checkered past as one of Soap City's former criminals. It shows that even back then he had a connection with the Cramp family. We learn that Seth once had a rebellious side to his personality, back when he was young and did not know any better. Though if Seth and the Bad Seed were anything like Tony and Lucien, could it be possible Seth committed these felonies to stand up for the rights of the swamp people and revolt against the totalitarianism of the Soap people? Even though some of the crimes he committed have become tamed, could it be that the bad seed was a misunderstood anti-hero? Like a western version of Robin Hood, who knows? Seth even stole a page from the City's records which shows him being unmasked. Though he admits he took it because he likes how he looked in the picture, rather than keeping people from knowing about his past.
Which begs the question, how has Mr Parsons been alive for so long? You cannot say that it wasn't that long ago, because there's evidence that proves otherwise. As its shown, the Bad Seed was alive sometime during the old west. It's also indicated that he did this when Soap City outlawed wearing odd socks under penalty of hanging. So how could he have possibly survived all these years and not look so incredibly old? We have ourselves a conspiracy theory here people.
The swamp has had a fascinating echo-system, but who would guess that one of its inhabitants would be the most intriguing? I'm willing to believe that Seth's vast knowledge and wisdom comes from living for hundreds of years. Despite this, he appears to still be agile and was able to have children. Now The Cramp Twins was always grounded in reality, and yet Seth was one abnormality to be walking among the neighbourhood. Could it be possible that Mr Parsons was cryogenically frozen for many years, or maybe he has a special swamp herb that keeps him alive, or here's a crazy thought he might have used supernatural forces to gain immortality? Alas, we never got an answer, and fans of the show are still wondering to this day. I can't say for certain that my speculations are true, as I've yet to contact any of the crew members regarding this. But surely the people behind this show could have given us revelations for Pete sake.
[UNSOLVED]
One thing is for sure, that Seth Parsons is the character who drew us into the history behind Soap City, the swamp and the people who inhabit it. The fact that he has a dark past and the mystery around him make him a complex character. If only we had clarification on these backstories, as well as Seth's. Tell me in the comments below what you think is the reason Seth has been able to live for so long. With these entertainment companies exploiting people's nostalgia, I think The Cramp Twins needs to have a proper conclusion. If you're a fan of the show or you just want it to tie up the loose ends, please contact Cartoon Network Europe or m4e in demand for it to be revived. Go to social media sites and type the hashtag #bringbackthecramptwins. Or you could sign this petition here: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/bring-back-the-cramp-twins
With your help and support, then this speculation will be put to rest.
As you all know I'm a Cramp Twins fanboy, it seems like just yesterday I saw the first episode on Cartoon Network and from that moment on it has been one of my favourite animated programs. So imagine how I felt when it meet it's end in 2005, but that doesn't matter because Cartoon Network could still make cartoons I mean whats the worse that could happen.......................
ahh rats!!!
Yes like everyone else I have a grudge on the media for ending the Cramp Twins too soon, while I think it was all because of 4Kids I kind of blame CN for picking 4kid's side. Since then veteran cartoonist Brian Wood retired animation for reasons unknown, never to be heard of until I wrote my article "Whatever Happened to Brian Wood" (lets hope people saw that) The Cramp Twins have lived their afterlife in obsurity. But thanks to the internet, we the fans have managed to keep the memories of this show alive thus making it a cult hit along with Sheep in The Big City and Santo Bugito.
Now like every francise of production there has been propagander revolving around The Cramp Twins so you might have noticed there have rumors of a certain "lost episode" In my "Top 10 Shows Never Ended" list, I mentioned that there was something about a missing episode called "Goodbye to Lucien and Wayne" Now this has been on Wikipedia for ages and while I consider that website as "propagander" it makes me wonder. I mean were they really gonna end with a finale or is this another conspiracy? there were also recent rumors of a new series that was to suppose to come after this episode and prehaps a spin-off even.
Just imagine if Mari got her own show but I don't think a cartoon about a socially awkward girl who has to deal with her demented foster family would be "good ratings" material. Well at least it would be more interesting to watch than anything thats on Cartoon Network now.
Anyway I just want to ask what was this "lost episode" anyway and why would CN keep us from seeing it if it did existed. Well whatever the reason and whether it exists or not I for one would love to see it for myself, if it's the final curtainl to the terrible twins then I could only imagine how great it could have been. I'm so interested I even wrote to Cartoon Network asking if they can air it to celebrate the show's tenth aniversery (if they have it at least) Even if there's no animation they could at least tell me where I could find the actual recording so I could post it on YouTube.
Whats also intriguing about this rumor is the name of the episode "Goodbye to Lucien and Wayne" now you cant really tell if the name alone is real. I mean it sounds like someone made it up but if the Angry Beavers had a lost episode with the word "goodbye" then there must be a connection. After all both shows are about brothers and they both have missing episodes so maybe they were both cancelled for the same reason. Another thing about the name of this episode is "what did it actually mean?" Was it about the Cramp Twins moving away to a different city? or was it a metaphor for the show coming to a conclusion so there would no way of coming back. Or maybe, maybe they were gonna kill off both Lucien and Wayne. If that's true then it would have blown everyone's mind, to end a show with it's main protagonists dying would have been a dark and mature way and would've left an impact on children's animation. I mean think about it people.
Whatever ending this show was going for "Goodbye to Lucien and Wayne" would have been an epic conclusion to such an enjoyable program. I'm just sad it never aired or never made, either way I sure hope the producers will re-create this episode, with newer animation; I'm waiting! If you want to support my message to the world, just contact Cartoon Network (or whatever channel The Cramp Twins aired, depending on where you lived) ask them where to find the footage or audio. I repeat even if there's no footage then we can make our own and make it a viral hit.
Also if you do know where I could find some footage, recordings or storyboard work then leave your answer at the comment box below I would appreciate it.
Now as a tribute to the Cramp Twins I like to show you a picture I've done on PhotoShop, inspired by 2001 A Space Odyssey I created this for fun as well as a statement of what impact a cartoon or a piece of art has, after it's debut to the world. Give me your thought and we'll see you next time.
Monday, 24 September 2012
4 years ago I made a music video combining clips from the Cramp Twins and Daft Punk's One More Time. It wasn't till 2010 when I posted it on YouTube as one the first CT amv I ever made. Since then it has gained 1.000 views and I would make post videos like this which I will put on this blog.
What can I say about the Cramp Twins, it was a funny and interesting cartoon that was not only original with it's colourful character designs and brilliant voice-over work but it had crude jokes and plots that appealed to both kids and adults. It may of not been one of the most popular of cartoons, but by god was it enjoyable. Now despite that this show ended way before it's time it still had plenty of episodes; and trust me when they were good they were really good! With that being said it's time we asked ourselves "which episode was the funniest, the darkest, which one was worth talking about the most.
So sit back and enjoy a big box of sugar tarts, this is the top 10 Best Cramp Twins Episodes
10. 6th Senselessness
After a day at the swamp, Lucien realises that he has physic powers even though he doesn't believe in all that mumbo jumbo. However he uses his powers to impress his family and to do well in school, but soon has doubts that he doesn't have powers when he makes one mistake, that is until he believes to find himself stuck in Wayne's sub-conscious.
What's so interesting about this episode is that it goes where no kid show has ever gone before, sure there were shows that have used a similar plot but in this episode it goes to a darker place, I mean Lucien has all these powers and is proud at-first but they get him so warped up in such confusion; it adds a mature aspect to the story.
Another thing this episode is known for this particular scene, just watch
One of the most physiological episode you'll ever see in a kid's show, 6th Senselessness is an episode that will blow your mind!
9. Holesome
Now don't let the name fool you, this episode is far from 'wholesome' well almost.......Mrs Cramp makes a new cleaning detergent of her own which she hopes to be a success and not a sub-atomic disaster like her other cleaning experiments. But the rest of her family don't want to be her lab rats so she goes medieval on the boys, trying her best to test her formula but ends up failing every time. It isn't long before Mrs Cramp loses her patience and goes into utter complete insanity, which turns her own family against her.
All I can say folks is that this episode is just dark, I mean even for a kid's show it's dark, what starts off with Mrs Cramp trying to test out a detergent (that is more of a acetic) turns into a game of cat and mouse which turns into a horror flick I mean really. Just the way Mrs Cramp becomes this psycho makes the episode all the more chaotic and all the more creepy. We all know Mrs Cramp doesn't mean to create these toxic potions but in this, she just goes utterly over the top MY GOD!
So if you'll in the mood for some insane/dark material in an animated series than you better check out this; 'Holesome', it's anything but! MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
8. The Bad Seed
We all know how different Lucien is from his family and how he almost excepted the fact that they are indeed his family, but in this episode he draws the line on this one so he goes to find out if he was really adopted or not. When he reads a book of the city's history, he discovers a page missing leading to a dark secret which Lucien believes could be a link to his family tree and to ask the very question to why he's so different.
While investigating Lucien learns of the legend of 'The Bad Seed' who was a mysterious criminal in the old west or the mid 20s which becomes a clue to his family's roots. It isn't long before the bad seed returns to Soap City in the most likely of forms. What makes this episode great is how the mysteries drag you into the dilemma Lucien's facing and the city's dark history. Watch this episode again and you'll come to understand more and more of it. I wont give anything away here but if you haven't seen this episode, the ending of this is so surprisingly ironic, you wont believe your eyes!
Just another reason why Cramp Twins is best cartoon of the 2000s, if you haven't seen it, check it out for yourself. Despite being called "the bad seed" it's the seed to other great Cramp Twins episodes.
7. Swamp Curse
Now I know what you'll thinking, what's an episode from the later season doing in this countdown when the earlier episodes were much superior, look guys as much as I think the earlier episodes were the strongest I liked the later episodes too cause it's where I felt they were at their best as well all right, all right.....moving on. When Tony gets into an argument with Wendy and her mother he puts a swamp curse on them; at first they don't believe in it but it's not long till their luck and home goes down the toilet,
I mean literally because their entire bathroom is cursed with swamp goo.
Tony becomes pleased with what he's done so he uses the swamp magic to his advantage. Eventually he goes from being the smallest person in the City to the biggest threat in the city; even Wayne's scared of him now. Like I said the later Cramp Twins episode were good and this one shows, it has everything from super natural phenomena to really funny gags, also we see a more dark side to Tony, for a midget he's quite a bada**, he's boss in this episode if he can make even Wayne scared of him. Don't mess with Tony because he's bad honestly!
6. Alien Glow
After watching a movie Wayne believes that aliens exist, of course no one believes him at first despite his efforts to prove them wrong. But things turn around when a strange glow is seen in the neighbour-hood which could be a possible UFO. So Lucien and Tony investigate this strange glow with no fortune, it isn't till an alien starts roaming the city streets bringing concerns to Lucien and the rest of town's people. But could this mean that Wayne was right for once?
Once again this show proves to be both entertaining and mysterious, not only do you have well formulated plot points but you also get to see Agent X again who has become a more developed character as well as a re-insurance for the plot. Theres so much to the episode which makes it all the more memorable, like the quotes, the animation and it shows the writer's talent; if it's any wonder so many fans of the show know about it. If you haven't seen Alien Glow, then do yourself a favour and check it out because it's out of this world.
5. Miss Kissy
Now we all know Miss Hissy as the strictest, most mean spirited teacher who is the utter bane of Wayne's life; if you looked up 'discipline' in the dictionary chances are that you would find her picture. This episode however shows quite a normal/subtle side to her as it shows us that she's not as bad a character as she is, in fact this episode is the main reason why I find my self laughing at her. When Wayne sees Miss Hissy getting a note from a mysterious person, Wayne assumes that the person is her boyfriend so he tells everyone that he'll investigate to learn who her mystery date is.
So Wayne gets himself in detention in order to go under-cover, later he finds himself out shopping with Miss Hissy, it isn't long before he is mistaken for Miss Hissy's boyfriend. Wayne is than ridiculed by his class-mates. So Wayne goes once again to find out who her boyfriend really is and to redeem his reputation. As a kid I loved this episode very much so it makes sense that I grew to appreciate it even more, it also tells a realistic story I mean some children do get accused of liking their teacher so you kind of feel for Wayne. Kids can be cruel thats all I can say! it also has one of the most hilarious scenes you'll ever see in this show just watch!
If I was a teacher and this episode was homework, it would deserve an A+
4. Swamp Fever
I think everyone knows this episode by now, when the city council decides to blow up the last remaining swamp in Soap City, it's now up to Lucien, Mari and Tony to protect the swamp with the legendary 'hairy marsh snail' which hasn't been seen for hundreds of years. But all hope is lost when they approve to build an amusement park instead. Lucien then goes in search for the snail but will he find it before Tony's home is no more.
Not only was this episode loosely based on the actual graphic novel but it also teach us an environmental message without rubbing it in our faces. They also emphasise why the swamp needs to be protected as well as the plot of the entire series. I mean this is the episode that began the "Mr Winkle Conspiracy" Overall Swamp Fever is a great episode that stays true to it's source material as well as a good message which makes it one of the most memorable episodes in the entire series.
3. Mari Mania
If you thought the last episode I've mentioned was good than you haven't seen this one. Soap City is known for being a peaceful clean surburban town next to one of the biggest soap factories in the world, that is until one day when the whole city turned upside down!
This is the one of strangest episodes of Cramp Twins ever, it starts with Mari being upset about her family but it cuts to Lucien finding a furry worm but thats not the weird part. Theres also a part where Wayne turns his bed into a racing car but thats not the weird part. Lucien and Tony than go into town to see that all the cars have stopped for a stuffed squirrel and everything goes weird from that point on!
My god is this episode amazing! from it's terrific plot and animation to it's dark mystery, this in my opinion is how the last episode should have been like, in fact this is how most cartoons today should be like. This episode is the inspiration for a Cramp Twins related product I want to work on called 'Cramp Twin Peaks' based on the show 'Twin Peaks' you know if I've known better I say this episode was inspired by Twin Peaks.
If you want to see the Cramp Twins at their finest then why not check out Mari Mania it's insania!
2. Home on the Range
When Wayne gets mad with Tony after ruining his dead squirrel scam he takes his anger on Lucien after Tony gets away. So Lucien knits an emergency rubber suit for protection and it works until Wayne finds out the suit can shrink when wet. So being the mean spirited brute he is Wayne gets the suit all wet Tony rushes to Mrs Cramp for help. After that Mrs Cramp gets the boys cleaned up for the Haz Cam Country and Western Barbecue. There is also a Hogs and Hens Dance at the barbecue which gives Wayne the opportunity to sign Lucien in for the sake of cruelty.
Out all the episodes in this countdown this is my most favourite, why because not only was it also based on the first Cramp Twins novel by Brian Wood but every second of it is filled with fun, I love the settings, the animation, the story and the quotes. Here's a section of dialogue from this episode to show why it's so funny.
Mr Cramp: He talked to me! the president and chief executive officer of the Haz Cam Soap Factory, The Grand Bubba of the Country and Western Club; he actually talked to me! Mrs Cramp: Yes I believe he said "get out of my way Norman" but your name's not Norman Mr Cramp: Well no; not exactly but my middle name is Nevel and thats pretty close, pretty darn close indeed!
Truly this is one of the Cramp Twins episode that put the entire show on the map.
Remember this is completely based on opinion, maybe there are better episodes that deserve to be at the #1 spot but I had this on my list for a long time now. Also I was gonna put 'Home on the Range' at #1 but there was one episode that has amazed me since childhood, it's so great it's like if every other episode in this countdown got put together it's that good, that is why the #1 Cramp Twins episode is.................................................
1. Little Big Man
Where can I begin, there are no words to describe how awesome this episode; it's up there with 'Mari Mania' there's a lot to talk about but I'm just gonna we'll begin with the story because thats where the good stuff is. When a new roller coaster is opened Mr Cramp takes Wayne, Lucien and Tony to the amusement park. When they get to the roller coaster Tony cant ride the roller coaster because of course he's too small, this brings Tony down so while Lucien tries to cheer him up they both go on an epic adventure to where no small boy hasn't gone before. Tony than realises one of the most important lessons of childhood, that size doesn't matter and that a small person can make a big difference no matter what shape or form.
4 words, THIS EPISODE KICKS A**! It's probably one of the best episodes in a cartoon no less, the amount of effort the producers have put into one episode still amazes me today. I mean it goes beyond anything that this show has offered us and that's saying a lot! The written's well done, the animation is top notch, the acting is great, it's a roller coaster of fun; did I forget to mention this is the only episode where you would see Wayne turn into Godzilla, I'm dead serious he turns into freaking Godzilla! Whether you like the Cramp Twins or not I guarantee you'll still enjoy this episode and if you have seen it just once just be thankful you did!
I'm just gonna wrapped up this episode just to keep it under a millennium long. Little Big Man it's bigger in more ways than one!......freaking GODZILLA!
So there's the top 10 episode that are worth looking at, I'm just grateful to see a series have so many great episodes despite it's short run. If only people would have seen more of this show I bet there would be even more great episodes, and if you don't like this show then why do you bother coming here? See you next time.
A year ago I posted this video on You Tube, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Cramp Twins, considering Cartoon Network wouldn't anyway. This video shows some background history on the show and how much it means to me and other CT fans. Let I said, it's also available to watch on my You Tube channel (check link below) hope you'll enjoy it.
(http://www.youtube.com/user/cmtvable1?feature=mhee)
Animators they have really seem to have become a part of the art community, they really have the integrity to bring their artwork to life. Animation has touch the hearts of children and adults alike and we owe it to these masters to have made us laugh and cry with these revolutionary flicks. Out of all the animators in the world there is one who has been on my mind for so long; that persons name is Brian Wood.
For those who are unfamilar with this fellow Brian Wood was known for his creation The Cramp Twins. It was a well done cartoon based on a graphic novel it had original character designs, interesting stories, great characters and it's catchy theme song. Telling the story of 10 year old twins Wayne and Lucien Cramp who make it through the modern world with their constant sibling rivalry it has proved it's self to a hit among young children and teens and I also like to consider it as one of my all time favourite program. (As you can see I've added it to my top 10 animated shows list)
One thing that has bothered me since the show's cancellation is what the dickens has happened to him over the years, I mean I have searched his name over the web and have found barly anything to do with him. There is no profile of him on Wikipedia and I've seen no website of his not even a blog. The only images I've found of his work (that are not Cramp Twins related) were these (below)
Things like this makes me wonder why Brian Wood never went on to make another great cartoon like cramp twins or even another childrens book. Also how come no one has written about him on Wikipedia didn't he have any friends or colleagues that could have written a profile for him. Where the hell has he been all these year!
If I knew better I say that the people at 4Kids abducted him and left him on an desserted island at the edge of the earth to die. Or maybe they threw him into a space shuttle and blasted him into space where he got sucked into a black hole. Well even so it's a shame that people will never see another new product by Wood, it's also a shame that I've never have been able to find Wood's website infact I don't understand why he hasn't made a website, and even if he did how come we have not been able to find it .
But despite this I have been so lucky enough to find two animated short films made by Wood himself "Mr Jessop" and "School Disco"
Mr Jessop
Made during Wood's college days, Mr Jessop is a simplictic tale about a man who goes to the train station with dark, graphic occurances that make this a unique combination of surreal twisted doodles with the mature conflict that occures in real life. It's the same equavilant of a childhood crayon drawings on acid.
School Disco
Wood's next animated short was School Disco, which illustrates different points of views of high school students. This short is definately one of Wood's more mature pieces, it shows his ability to adapt slice of life events to animation. It even feels rememisent of those nights of attending such school discos as well the club scene of the 90s. This was probably the influence behind the Cramp Twins episode "Dance Pants"; infact you'll find alot of resemblance to that show in the character design.
Overall as well as creating the cult classic The Cramp Twins, Brian Wood has made some strange mature expressionist toons in his lifetime.Although it really sucks when theres not much about him on the web and that he just disapered from the world of animation. I don't understand why someone who could have made a great cartoon like The Cramp Twins fade into such bitter obscurity for so long that it feels like he left the face of the earth. His work is alot better than anything that Dreamworks Animation have made in the past 7 years and way way way way way better than anthing and mean anything that the producers of that Problem Solverz show could make (BTW that show is gonna suck) But I digress it was great to find his early shorts, as a fan of the Cramp Twins i really think it would do justice to see this man return to animation.
If you know what happened to Brian Wood for the past 6 six years, where he is and why he never made another product ever again or if you know the proper web address of where you can see his work for real than tell me at the comment box below. I would really appreciate it.
......................and Brian Wood where ever you are we just want you to know; we really miss you u_u
The swamp has had a fascinating echo-system, but who would guess that one of its inhabitants would be the most intriguing? I'm willing to believe that Seth's vast knowledge and wisdom comes from living for hundreds of years. Despite this, he appears to still be agile and was able to have children. Now The Cramp Twins was always grounded in reality, and yet Seth was one abnormality to be walking among the neighbourhood. Could it be possible that Mr Parsons was cryogenically frozen for many years, or maybe he has a special swamp herb that keeps him alive, or here's a crazy thought he might have used supernatural forces to gain immortality? Alas, we never got an answer, and fans of the show are still wondering to this day. I can't say for certain that my speculations are true, as I've yet to contact any of the crew members regarding this. But surely the people behind this show could have given us revelations for Pete sake.
