Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends Vs Brandy and Mr. Whiskers.

**tucsoncoyote** · 08-23-2004, 04:10 AM

I've decided to post this here as this pertains to both disney and CN and since Rather then making multiple posts I decided to put it right here so as to get the best opinions on this..

So let's get started shall we?

First off In The Red Corner.. (or more like Orange..) We have a Team of Two Characters from the Disney Channel, One a Pampered Spoiled pooch and a Comedic Bunny, living their Lives out in the Amazonian Rain forest while facing the dangers and Perils of Being eaten and getting on each other's nerves.. here they are... Brandy and Mr. Whiskers...

and in the Blue Corner.. A group of Fun Loving Imaginary friends, and a Little boy called Max, and the stories that revolve around them. And yes that one character is Blue... and his name is Blue.. and they are all living at Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends.

The Rules of the Debate are simple.. which show is More Appealing to you in terms of quality of Animation, Writing, and humor.. and why.. and for added measure, there will be a poll.. so then in the Immortal words of The Ring Announcer

Let's GET READY to RUMMMMMMMBLE!

and

FIGHT!

**Invader Z** · 08-23-2004, 10:10 AM

Foster's is more likely win! No contest! They already WON! Foster's has more comedy, better characters, and good plots. The other show, has, two dudes named Brandy and Mr. Whiskers. I never saw a BaMW post. Ever. Go Foster's. They only have 1 ep (Or 4. Depends if you count the pilot as 3 eps, or 1 movie.), but it ALREADY has a large fan base!

**Killtacular** · 08-23-2004, 10:38 AM

Brandy and Mr. Whiskers is just more generic "buddy" comedy crap that I would expect more from Nickelodeon than from Disney. If anyone likes it, they should travel in a time machine back to 1995, watch Angry Beavers, and know what a GOOD buddy show is like.

**loyalheart** · 08-23-2004, 06:06 PM

why did you make this poll...to "prove" Brandy & Mr.Whisker's is a horrible show? Please.. If it aired on CN originally people would love it

**Dudley** · 08-24-2004, 04:55 AM

Though I've seen neither cartoons (except scenes from the commercials). I would pick Foster's mainly because it's a much cooler plot.

**Killtacular** · 08-24-2004, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by loyalheart

why did you make this poll...to "prove" Brandy & Mr.Whisker's is a horrible show? Please.. If it aired on CN originally people would love it

No they wouldn't. Ever hear of Time Squad? Most polarizing show on this forum.

People recognize crap when they see it, and it doesn't matter whose logo is in the corner. I choose not to watch idiotic "odd couple" shows with their extremely predictable plots, generic dialogue and jokes, and unappealing voice acting.

**tucsoncoyote** · 08-24-2004, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by Matt Wilson

No they wouldn't. Ever hear of Time Squad? Most polarizing show on this forum.

People recognize crap when they see it, and it doesn't matter logo is in the corner. I choose not to watch idiotic "odd couple" shows with their extremely predictable plots, generic dialogue and jokes, and unappealing voice acting.

now matt, that is a surprise.. even by me.. I know a lot of time's we've butted heads, but Like you said, this is perhaps the reason why I say that when you go looking for shows, you try to look for shows that are not only going to be appealing to just specific Age Groups, but also to familes...

Foster's is one such case.. In fact yesterday I actually finally convinced my own Roommate (who I might add is 61!) to take in a viewing of Foster's.. Now what does this say about Foster's? It has a lot better quality then the "Buddy Buddy" shows that you mention, especially Brandy and Mr. Whiskers. after all, I had to force myself to watch the latter show, while with Foster's I enjoy turning it on. and getting a great chuckle.

I mean Time Squad, I agree may have it's weaknesses, but if you really want a complete waste of Celluloid, what can I say? Brandy and Mr. Whiskers, is it..

(and to think that back in the 1970's The Oddball Couple was just as bad. I wouldn't be surprised if Disney producers looked at that as reference material.)

**shogunthethird** · 08-24-2004, 12:08 PM

I watched an Episode of Foster's out of curiousity and was midly amused (that and Foster's 22 year old granddaughter is kinda cute in that "I swear she reminds me of one of my friends" sort of way) Species Mismatch comedy number 63 (AKA Brandy and Mr. Whiskers) however I can't bring myself to watch, between the horrible art style, lame premise and my total and utter disgust with the whole "tweenager" premise (Kim and Ron they AIN'T)

**Prism** · 08-24-2004, 07:32 PM

Both are equally good but the 2 genres are apples and oranges. Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends seem to rely more on the cute,aww factor, while Brandy & Mr Whiskers have a zanier quality to it.
As to the animation quality, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends is primarily Flash. It's very well done Flash,however. The styles are obviously simplistic. It's slightly more realistic then Powerpuff Girls but not too much. Brandy & Mr Whiskers on the other hand has more of a classic toony style. The animation so far is fluid, but the black digital inking is jarring. The rest of the coloring is more like traditional cel however.

And for the interaction, both are well written and has good premises. And there is plenty of room for all types of animation not just one.

**loyalheart** · 08-24-2004, 09:15 PM

i still think more people would watch.. isnt Time Squad a late night thing to begin with? Since BAMW is for kids, and IF it were a CN series, more people would tune in just for that reason. I almost guarentee it.

There might be some families looking for a good show together but if they're already attached to one channel like CN they're more likely to watch whatever's on there. Unless it REALLY is horrid but this show wouldnt be..if it were on CN

**Invader Z** · 08-24-2004, 09:35 PM

Woah... I agreed with Matt Wilson... I never guessed that... he hates stuff I like, and vice verse, but we agreed that Foster's is better. I hated BaMW because I had to see a preview when my cousins watched Tarzan. That's what started my hate. Foster's I liked at square one. The tune hypnotizes. On then I saw the movie. Then Store Wars. It's sorta unfair to place a brilliant show like Foster's against BaMW. Sorry to all BaMW, but Foster's IS gonna win.

**tucsoncoyote** · 08-24-2004, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by Prism

Both are equally good but the 2 genres are apples and oranges. Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends seem to rely more on the cute,aww factor, while Brandy & Mr Whiskers have a zanier quality to it.
As to the animation quality, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends is primarily Flash. It's very well done Flash,however. The styles are obviously simplistic. It's slightly more realistic then Powerpuff Girls but not too much. Brandy & Mr Whiskers on the other hand has more of a classic toony style. The animation so far is fluid, but the black digital inking is jarring. The rest of the coloring is more like traditional cel however.

And for the interaction, both are well written and has good premises. And there is plenty of room for all types of animation not just one.

That's true Prism, but the thing I am making a point here is is the Comparison of 'Qaultiy' apples to 'Lack of Quality' Oranges..

Sure Maybe Brandy and Mr. Whiskers is a bit Zanier, but still I think Matt Wilson has brought up a valid Point.. "Buddy Comediy shows Do not work." Or did you read my blurb about "The Oddball Couple" from 30 years ago.. That show was a major flop, yet the animation was stellar, the characters were great.. The Dynamics were good, yet it flopped..)

so why did it flop? Well I think first off you were playing off the idea of The Odd Couple, plus the fact that the characters weren't human in nature.. They were animals..(A preen and Prissy Felix (Cat) , and a Down and Dirty slob of a Dog Named Oscar). The idea seems sound at first, but when you put these two characters together it was like mixing Trinitrotoulene and Nitro Glycerine..

Frankly that show (The Oddball Couple) lasted less then a season (only 12 shows) and in fact it was so horrendous an idea that ABC Vowed never to do it again (or at least not until the fall of 2004..With Brandy and Mr. Whiskers on ABC Kids..)

So I'm going with Matt on this one.. You have to look at "Buddy Buddy Comedies to see why things like this don't work.. it's as simple as that..

**tucsoncoyote** · 08-24-2004, 09:47 PM

Originally Posted by loyalheart

i still think more people would watch.. isnt Time Squad a late night thing to begin with? Since BAMW is for kids, and IF it were a CN series, more people would tune in just for that reason. I almost guarentee it.

There might be some families looking for a good show together but if they're already attached to one channel like CN they're more likely to watch whatever's on there. Unless it REALLY is horrid but this show wouldnt be..if it were on CN

Well let me ask you this loyalheart, If Spongebob Squarepants was on Disney would you watch it? Or for that matter Danny Phantom? Or All Grown up? See that's the point I'm Trying to make here, The logic may seem that Time Squad (which I might add runs at 5 AM in the morning right after Adult Swim) might be one of those types of shows that pokes fun at History, but what about Hist-er-ia? After all WB and CN comes across here with providing a wider variety of shows that could be redone or done in a way that could be considered way better then Brandy and Mr. Whiskers...(Samurai Jack anyone?)

But the reason why I chose Foster's to be up against Brandy and Mr. Whiskers is that they appeal to roughly the same age group.. I think that's the thing to point out here.. Both shows are targeted for the same age spread.. so then..the question is this? What is the better quality show that people would let their kids see? (that's the point I think that should be made here.. Quality programming does outweigh quantity with less quality each and every time.)

really it's just that simple:

**tucsoncoyote** · 08-24-2004, 09:53 PM

Originally Posted by Invader Z

Woah... I agreed with Matt Wilson... I never guessed that... he hates stuff I like, and vice verse, but we agreed that Foster's is better. I hated BaMW because I had to see a preview when my cousins watched Tarzan. That's what started my hate. Foster's I liked at square one. The tune hypnotizes. On then I saw the movie. Then Store Wars. It's sorta unfair to place a brilliant show like Foster's against BaMW. Sorry to all BaMW, but Foster's IS gonna win.

Can I ask a Question here Invader Z? I mean what was the logic behind the decision to choose Foster's over Brandy and Mr. Whiskers? What was the exact reasoning? was it because it made you laugh? Were the characters more appealing and cute? Was the idea of seeing Blue calling Store owners "Rip Off Artists" then kicking them in the shins funny? I mean what is exactly the reason for the appeal of Foster's? I actually sat through both Brandy and Mister whiskers and Foster's, and found both good, but Fosters has a unique style of humor, that you can laugh at.. I think if you take a look at most shows on CN (with a few exceptions. like those on Miguzi/Toonami/Adult Swim) you see that a cartoon like Foster's is supposed to poke fun.. Much like Hist-er-ia did with History.

that's at least how I see it.

**Killtacular** · 08-24-2004, 10:26 PM

I think the point I was trying to make was that, sans Angry Beavers, there is no funny buddy comedy in television animation existence. Brandy and Mr. Whiskers is poorly written, has the typical hack direction and boarding of any "I'm stuck in 1992" cartoon, and has incredibly painful voice acting. Foster's Home may have corny jokes but it is at least pleasant to look at and nicely timed.

**Fone Bone** · 08-24-2004, 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by Matt Wilson

I think the point I was trying to make was that, sans Angry Beavers, there is no funny buddy comedy in television animation existence. Brandy and Mr. Whiskers is poorly written, has the typical hack direction and boarding of any "I'm stuck in 1992" cartoon, and has incredibly painful voice acting. Foster's Home may have corny jokes but it is at least pleasant to look at and nicely timed.

How about Bullwinkle and Rocky? Sure, it's dated and the animation is kinda crappy and muddy but "Moose and Squirrel" always make me laugh.

**Wanted** · 08-25-2004, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by Matt Wilson

No they wouldn't. Ever hear of Time Squad? Most polarizing show on this forum.

Hey, Time Squad wasn't that bad, but then again, I wasn't around here when the show came up.

**Invader Z** · 08-25-2004, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by tucsoncoyote

Quote:
Originally Posted by Invader Z
Woah... I agreed with Matt Wilson... I never guessed that... he hates stuff I like, and vice verse, but we agreed that Foster's is better. I hated BaMW because I had to see a preview when my cousins watched Tarzan. That's what started my hate. Foster's I liked at square one. The tune hypnotizes. On then I saw the movie. Then Store Wars. It's sorta unfair to place a brilliant show like Foster's against BaMW. Sorry to all BaMW, but Foster's IS gonna win.

Can I ask a Question here Invader Z? I mean what was the logic behind the decision to choose Foster's over Brandy and Mr. Whiskers? What was the exact reasoning? was it because it made you laugh? Were the characters more appealing and cute? Was the idea of seeing Blue calling Store owners "Rip Off Artists" then kicking them in the shins funny? I mean what is exactly the reason for the appeal of Foster's? I actually sat through both Brandy and Mister whiskers and Foster's, and found both good, but Fosters has a unique style of humor, that you can laugh at.. I think if you take a look at most shows on CN (with a few exceptions. like those on Miguzi/Toonami/Adult Swim) you see that a cartoon like Foster's is supposed to poke fun.. Much like Hist-er-ia did with History.

that's at least how I see it.

Yes. Yes you may. I like Foster's because it's funny. Rip-off artists is a small joke that can go a long way. BaMW on the other hand, from the commercials, looked like crap because: The plot didn't appeal to me, the character design wasn't good, and they didn't sound good. Sorry for any inconviniences for any BaMW fans. ... Hey, I sound like Wilt!

Originally Posted by Toonmaster

Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Wilson
No they wouldn't. Ever hear of Time Squad? Most polarizing show on this forum.

Hey, Time Squad wasn't that bad, but then again, I wasn't around here when the show came up.

I agree!

**tucsoncoyote** · 08-25-2004, 12:16 PM

Originally Posted by Invader Z

Yes. Yes you may. I like Foster's because it's funny. Rip-off artists is a small joke that can go a long way. BaMW on the other hand, from the commercials, looked like crap because: The plot didn't appeal to me, the character design wasn't good, and they didn't sound good. Sorry for any inconviniences for any BaMW fans. ... Hey, I sound like Wilt!

Thanks for that Feedback there Invader Z, and this also prove a double barrelled point I say about Cartoons and Promoting them, Delivery (as in the Finished Product ) is just one half of the way a show can hit or miss. You could have a Great Advertising look to it, and yet your cartoon could be garbage, yet it will sell .

Now I'm not saying that Foster's is Garbage, (And it's not), but it's the way it's advertising is written is what it is that makes it appealing..and the waythat they promoted it, well it worked, so that is why it makes the show appealing.

but conversely, you could have a Great animated show, and if you don't promote it the correct way, well then you could be asking for trouble..

Now this goes out to the Brandy and Mr. Whiskers Fans (and even though i didn't like the show, and I still don't after seeing a couple of episodes), the reason why this failed to be a good show is what Invader Z said, the Show was promoted very badly. In fact the show was promoted so badly that the picture in the potential viewer's eye came across as less appealing, and thus in turn, causes the show to get a negative impact...

but what Invader Zim is saying is that what made him dislike the show wasn't the animation, or the story telling, or even the character dynamics. if a Show is Promoted (Advertised) Poorly, a show will hardly sell even if it has Great Animation, Great Storywriting or even great Character Dynamics).

(That's why it's important if you ever start up a Commercial Animation Studio, to promote your product in the best light possible, else you aren't going to sell any particular Product at all.)

So what are the formulas? Well it's quite simple

Good Advertising + Good Animation Delivery = Great show

Good Advertising + Bad Animation Delivery = Not so great show.

Bad Advertising + Good Animation Delivery = Mediocre show..or bad show

Bad Advertising + Bad Animation Delivery = A show you wouldn't want to touch.... ever...

and that's really all I need to say.

**Freedom Fighter** · 08-27-2004, 02:00 PM

Wow. I guess nobody saw those poll results coming. *sarcastic*

The only thing that "Brandy and Mr. Whiskers" may be anywhere close to on par with "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends" is animation. Otherwise, it's no contest. I love Foster's characters more, Foster's story plots more, and Foster's adaptation to draw adults and keep them around better. Seriously... I would probably watch both because I like anything that makes me laugh. But Foster's does it better and more often, and regardless of which channel the shows are on, quality is always the number one factor in determining if a show will suceed or not.

Craig McCracken is the genius who brought us "The Powerpuff Girls" and now he has another gem in "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends." He's one of the few people who are keeping people watching American cartoons these days. As for whomever created "Brandy and Mr. Whiskers," all I can say is... nice try, but you'll have to do better than that.

In short... Foster's > Brandy & Whiskers. As if ya'll didn't see that coming.