Few animated projects have successfully balanced the funny, the melancholy, and the eerie as well as Over the Garden Wall. The first miniseries ever created for the Cartoon Network, Patrick McHale's vision immediately set itself even further apart from other animated fare by delivering a thoughtful, imaginative, frequently funny and often scary adventure through the woods. Over ten brief episodes, brothers Wirt and Greg - along with an assortment of other companions along the way - journey through the Unknown, just trying to get back home...wherever that may be. The show features a lightheared whimsy that's excellently contrasted against a menacing darkness, not unlike the best fairy tales. Short songs pop up here and there (delightful), the voice cast is outstanding (and frequently recognizable), and the autumnal and Halloween vibes permeate everything. You can get through this quickly, but it might be best to savor it. Either way, you should add it to your seasonal rotation this October.
All library locations are closed Monday, Nov 11 in observance of Veterans Day.