Forgotten Childhood – Gargoyles
Initial Release (1994 -1996)
During the 90’s, there was a surge in animated tv series’ that seen a rise in darker tones, more complex story matter and more distinctive and flamboyant characters and ideas. Many remember fondly the days of Batman: The Animated Series, Animaniacs, Earthworm Jim and Ren & Stimpy,
amongst many others, each with their own unique ideas that seemed to grasp at previously unheard of ideals and were loved by audiences then and now for how good they were then, and how well they’ve aged. Within this sudden wave of more adult animation seeping out of American studios, there are a great many shows that simply don’t get the credit they deserve, finding themselves strewn into the ‘oh yeah, that WAS awesome!’ category. This is where we find Gargoyles.
Its not really surprising that Gargoyles has ended up here, being a Disney show that was very much an attempt to cash-in on the audience created by Batman’s 90’s animation, and spread more of that shadowy, gritty atmosphere in cartoon form. By all means a successful experiment, the show found love critically, but never sadly never found love where it mattered – on TV screens. Given Disney’s totally family friendly image of today, its no wonder these demons of the night are left out of the sunlight in case they should scare any of the children. After three seasons, which included a switch of castle from Disney to ABC, the show was cancelled, to live on in our shadows as a reminder of when cartoons were truly excellent.
My Full Experience
Watching it now, Gargoyles is at once both obviously Disney and obviously not. Upon first impression, there’s very little of the house of mouse to be found in the cold stone and pseudo-gothic influences at work, but when the character plays get going, it becomes very clear for whom Greg Weisman is playing to. Awakening, literally, with a four-part story about how the gargoyles ended up in modern day Manhattan, the strains that would provide the DNA for the entire series are established early. Goliath is an honor-bound leader who lives by a stone cold code of ethics that he enforces on both his brotherhood of winged creatures and his protected ones, the humans of the castle he was born in. His brotherhood, who would find names in Manhattan, share much of his empathy and enthusiasm for life, with an early exchange prickling at one’s feels in a very Disney fashion, “what’s your name?” “we 
don’t have names.” “what do you call each other?” “friend.” Then later, when they are all rejected by the royalty of the castle, Goliath remains steadfast, stating they will hold the castle grounds for as long as is needed.
The ‘fish out of water’ angle is played many times through-out the first season, indeed it is the crux of it. Time and time again, Goliath, Lexington, Hudson, Brooklyn, Broadway and Bronx find themselves at the other end of irrational hate to that which is alien, a more than subtle nod to racism and how even when there is no threat, that which is different must be vilified. But its against this the show shines, demonstrating a keen awareness in showing a better way, most often through Goliath and his worldly knowledge. For the first half of season one, he is presented with scenarios where his brethren find themselves on the other side of deception, ineptitude and cruelty, and Goliath is quick to remind them to exercise humility in the face of these challenges. He tells them ‘they need not apologize twice’ and that ‘they must be cautious of strangers, but still live in the world instead of hiding from it’. He is an un-yielding force against that of negativity and oppression, pushing good into the world around him and constantly aware of his position, even against unsavory odds.
And even against his own kind. One of the main antagonists is a female gargoyle gone bad, Demona. And early on, before she is proven to be the enemy, Goliath attempts to reign her in. They’re on a mission together for other main antagonist Xanatos, and when she attempts to kill an unconscious enemy soldier Goliath stops her, telling her that ‘killing in battle is one thing, but not like this!’ before she questions him and discards the body. In many ways, Goliath reminds me of Goku in Dragonball Z, a true hero who only serves good and only allows the negative pierce him when he needs the drive and energy to defeat the evil. They even share a mysterious past that seems to follow them wherever they go, bringing forth more demons to be slain.
Gargoyles is still a captivating watch, and one that reminds you of the power cartoons can have one a young mind. I wonder, had the lessons contained therein not been injected into me at a young age, would my mindset be what it is? The lessons of honor, and accepting the ones around you as friends, and protecting yourself and what you call home are timeless, and delivered in a fashion that feels less preachy and more like a gentle reminder. I found myself, several times, wishing for a Goliath or a Hudson or a Broadway to be real, specially since in recent events it feels like the world could use some watchful gargoyles to protect the good and innocent.
Unfortunately, no such luck as yet, but they remind us to be those watchful demons, unflinching, un-yielding, and unafraid to do what is right.
