It’s time for Animaniacs, and they’re zany to the max, so just sit back and relax, you’ll laugh til you collapse, with Animaniacs!
Do you know the nations of the world? Do you know who Princess Angelina Contessa Louisa Francesca Banana Fanna Fo Fesca the Third is? Do you randomly scream out Froinlavin! at the least opportune moments?
Then you, my friend, are an Animaniacs fan. If you’re not, no need to fear, because The Hub channel is now airing the Steven Spielberg animated series.
In honor of this, I am sharing with you some of our favorite Animaniacs segments. And they are (in no particular order):
Yakko’s World: Okay, this actually is in order because I’ve watched this probably a hundred times, I’ve seen Rob Paulsen (the voice of Yakko Warner) perform it live, and I love to sing the song. I saw it before the series aired, and I was hooked right away. It’s fun and educational! (and yes, some of the countries don’t exist anymore, but it’s still a fantastic song).
Woodstock Slappy: For some reason, I reference this episode anytime I hear any mention of the band The Who. It pays homage to the classic “Who’s on first?” routine, and I have always loved it.
Hearts of Twilight: Very loosely based on Apocalypse Now (which is based on Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness), this episode sends the Warner siblings deep into the heart of the studio to stop The Director from continuing to make his movie. But they are thwarted by a group of hippies who chant Froinlavin.
Les Miseranimals: a parody of Les Miserables, and Runt plays Runt Valrunt (Jean Valjean) and Rita is a Fantine-like character. Songs include versions of “Lovely Ladies” and “At the End of the Day,” and if you’re familiar with the new film or the original stage version, then you’ll enjoy this episode much more. Also recommended: the episode West Side Pigeons.
Ups and Downs: Wakko and Dr. Scratch n Sniff are stuck in an elevator, and this is hell for the doctor. And yes, if I ever get trapped in an elevator, I will turn in circles and sing “Chopsticks.” (Ok, I’ve done it even without getting trapped. It’s a thing I do.)
Hooked on a Ceiling: Michaelangelo nervously prepares for a visit from His Eminence. Unfortunately, the Warners pay a visit and stress him to the limit. After all, His Eminence is a Very Important Person. The Most Important. And who is this personage of import?
SPOILER ALERT!
None other than Steven Spielberg, who, when he sees the fingers of E.T. and Elliott stretched out in a parody of The Creation of Adam, smiles and says, “I like it!”
This is a very small selection of some of my favorite episodes, but be sure to watch Animaniacs on The Hub to determine which are your favorites. Mon-Thurs 7 PM EST/4 PM PST.
Oh, and if you fall in love with the series or already have the first three volumes on DVD, Volume 4 is now available for pre-order on Amazon. It will be released on February 5.