The formula is this: A none-too-bright wizard and his equally stupid aunt are bullied and pushed into casting spells on the city of Megalopolis by their supervisor, Maledictus Maggot, and their pets, Maurizio DiMauro, an eager cat with claims of noble lineage, and Jacob Scribble, a grouchy old raven with rheumatism and a heart of gold, are spies from the High Council of Animals who go behind their masters' backs and thwart their plans constantly. The wizards fail and bicker and Maggot shows up to punish them but it never sticks and they never learn their lesson anyway.
That said, the show has witty dialogue. I particularly enjoy Maurizio and Jacob's banter. The two are different as chalk and cheese but they deeply care for each other, even if Maurizio hadn't taken an oath to be Jacob's partner.
The series is based on a book by Michael Ende (The Neverending Story, Jim Button). The first episode is loosely based on the book, but the rest of the series is much lighter and wackier after that. It's a very funny show and the voice acting is terrific. Rick Jones does a variation of his Rotten Ralph voice as Maurizio, while Harry Hill lends gravity to stuffy but lovable old Jacob.
There's not a lot of tension in the series, even when Maurizio and Jacob's lives are threatened, but there's enough excitement to keep you watching.
Review of Wunschpunsch
Wunschpunsch
(2000–2002)
A very formulaic show, but with smart writing and funny characters.
30 June 2019